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

Repertory

Revelations

COMPANIES

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

ORIGIANL 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. 

A group of dancers perform a dramatic routine on stage, illuminated by warm, reddish lighting. One dancer lies on the floor while others strike expressive poses, showcasing fluid and synchronized movements against a dark background.

Ailey II in Alvin Ailey's Revelations Photo by Nir Arieli

Two dancers are holding a sheet. Behind the sheet are 3 other dancers with their arms raised up to an umbrella.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations Photo © Tony Powell

A man in white sits on the floor with his arms and legs reaching up to the sky.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Vernard Gilmore in Alvin Ailey's Revelations Photo by Paul Kolnik

Three male dancers perform on stage against a red backdrop with abstract shadows. The dancers are shirtless, wearing black pants, and are posed dynamically with one dancer on the floor, one mid-air, and another extending an arm. The stage is lit with green and red lighting.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Chalvar Monteiro, Patrick Coker, and James Gilmer in Alvin Ailey's Revelations Photo by Dario Calmese

A group of dancers perform on stage in front of a large red sun backdrop. The dancers are dressed in red costumes, some holding fans, and are positioned behind stools with one arm raised. The stage is illuminated with intense red lighting.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's in Alvin Ailey's Revelations Photo by Tony Powell

A group of dancers perform on stage in front of a large orange sun backdrop. The dancers are dressed in yellow and white costumes, some holding fans, and are mid-dance with expressive poses. The stage is bathed in warm orange and purple lighting.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's in Alvin Ailey's Revelations Photo by Tony Powell

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.