Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations, Ailey Spirit Gala 2022

Repertory

Revelations

CHOREOGRAPHER

WORLD PREMIERE

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: 92nd Street YM-YWHM, 1960

AILEY II PREMIERE

Myer Hall Auditorium, Fort Monmouth, 1975

MUSIC

Various Artists

MUSICAL STYLE

Traditional Spirituals

ORIGINAL DÉCOR & COSTUMES

Ves Harper

COSTUMES

Costumes for “Rocka My Soul” redesigned by Barbara Forbes

LIGHTING

Nicola Cernovitch

RUN TIME

36 Minutes

Performed to African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs, and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences cheering, singing along, and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.”

Mr. Ailey said that one of America’s richest treasures was the African American cultural heritage—“sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful.” This enduring classic is a tribute to that tradition, born out of the choreographer’s “blood memories” of his childhood in rural Texas and the Baptist Church. Since its premiere in 1960, the ballet has been performed continuously around the globe, transcending barriers of faith and nationality, and appealing to universal emotions, making it the most widely seen modern dance work in the world. 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Every American owes it to him or herself to see the Ailey [company] perform 'Revelations'. It is an American phenomenon. I’ve probably seen it countless times and every time it’s magical and spiritual and hopeful - everything that we want ourselves to be and hope that our country will be.

Oprah Winfrey, Entertainment Tonight

Ailey II

See it Live

Music

PILGRIM OF SORROW I Been 'Buked - Music arranged by Hall Johnson** Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel - Music arranged by James Miller+ Fix Me, Jesus - Music arranged by Hall Johnson** TAKE ME TO THE WATER Processional/Honor, Honor - Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts Wade in the Water - Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts "Wade in the Water" sequence by Ella Jenkins /"A Man Went Down to the River" is an original composition by Ella Jenkins I Wanna Be Ready - Music arranged by James Miller+ MOVE, MEMBERS, MOVE Sinner Man - Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts The Day is Past and Gone - Music arranged by Howard A. Roberts and Brother John Sellers You May Run On - Music arranged by Howard A. Roberts and Brother John Sellers Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham - Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts ** Used by arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. + Used by special arrangement with Galaxy Music Corporation, New York City.

FUNDERS

All performances of Revelations are permanently endowed by a generous gift from Donald L. Jonas in celebration of the birthday of his wife, Barbara, and her deep commitment to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Hero Credit: Photo by Donna Ward

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