Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Matthew Rushing's 'Sacred Songs.' Photo by Danica Paulos.

POSTED February 23, 2025

Beyond the Stage - Sacred Songs

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing’s world premiere Sacred Songs, now on tour around the country, in this new video series, Beyond the Stage. 

Hear from Mr. Rushing about the initial concept at the root of Sacred Songs, and how reviving and renewing some of the original spirituals from Alvin Ailey’s 1960 Revelations inspired the new work. Other videos in the series reveal the creative process behind the music, costumes, and collaboration with the dancers for this historic and momentous work. 

Composer, creative associate, and musical director Du’Bois A’Keen also released an expanded version of the score, Sacred Songs Suite, as a live album including never-before-heard tracks and moments that did not make it into the dance. Listen wherever you stream music. 

Watch Beyond the Stage now! 


Hero Credit: Photo by Danica Paulos