Alvin Ailey Celebrates 50 years of Revelations

Alvin Ailey American Dance Center celebrates their 50th anniversary of Revelations. This classic repertoire was choreographed by Ailey himself in the 1960's. During this time his artistic vision marked the beginning of a new era of dance devoted to African Americans. Revelations became the company's signature ballet encompassing a series of spirtuals and gospel selections. Revelations cultivates black religious worship. The selections includes: A group prayer (I've Been Buked), a ceremony of ritual baptisms (Wade in the Water), a solitude moment of communion (I wanna Be Ready), a duet (Fix Me, Jesus) and lastly, the finale piece and gospel exclamation (Rocka My Soul). This piece along with many others established a precedents for American Dance. 


In 1969 Ailey founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center School to educate dance students in the history and art of ballet and modern dance. Courses have been offered in dance technique and history, music for dancers, dance composition, and theatrical design.


Ailey stopped dancing in 1965 and slowed his choreographic assignments in the 1970s to attend to the administrative and fund-raising operations associated with his ever expanding company. Upon Ailey's death, Judith Jamison was appointed artistic director. Today, Ailey travels the world and is renowned for one of the most popular dance companies in the country. 


Check out their 2011 North American Tour coming to a city near you. 
http://www.alvinailey.org/calendar/2011-W21#performances=nid-1291,nid-1292,nid-1294,nid-1957,nid-1297,nid-1300


Chicago Auditorium Theater
50 E Congress Pkwy
May 18-22
Prices $30-$87