Revelations for Everyone
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company dancers lead you through excerpts from Mr. Ailey's iconic Revelations and Night Creature at this free movement workshop at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Boch Center Wang Theatre
An Ailey performance is always a special experience. From the moment the house lights dim until the jubilant curtain calls at the end of Revelations, a performance by the “phenomenal” and “electrifying” (TV host Tamron Hall) dancers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will excite you, inspire you, and uplift you.
Dance Magazine wrote, “the Ailey brand has remained synonymous with authenticity, artistic integrity, inclusive storytelling and culture of the highest quality” for decades.
In what has become a beloved spring tradition, the company returns to Boston with classic works by Mr. Ailey, notable selections by other modern and contemporary choreographers, and new commissions that carry forward the founder’s and the company’s legacy and depict the many facets of Black American life, culture, and history.
Performance Programs
Explore the programs that Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform in May 2024: new works, an Ailey Classics matinee, and Revelations every performance!
CENTURY by Amy Hall Garner (2023)
Intermission
Ode by Jamar Roberts (2019)
Intermission
Revelations by Alvin Ailey (1960)
CENTURY
Amy Hall Garner created this dance as a gift for her grandfather, Henry Spooner, for his 100th birthday. The work is a birthday party: a celebration. It’s glittery, colorful, fast, and joyful.
The music is based on Mr. Spooner's favorites: big bands like Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans. We hear from the honoree himself with recorded voiceover reflecting on his longevity.
Ode
Former company dancer Jamar Roberts (who retired from the stage in 2021) created Ode as a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life in a time of gun violence. The piece is powerful, mournful, and meditative, and set to avant-garde jazz piano music by Don Pullen: “Suite (Sweet) Malcolm (Part 1 Memories and Gunshots)” (1975).
Revelations
The must-see, company-defining work that audiences love! Alvin Ailey’s signature work is a tribute to his African American heritage and his upbringing in small-town Texas. Revelations fervently explores the deepest grief and holiest joy.
CENTURY by Amy Hall Garner (2023)
Intermission
Ode by Jamar Roberts (2019)
Intermission
Revelations by Alvin Ailey (1960)
CENTURY
Amy Hall Garner created this dance as a gift for her grandfather, Henry Spooner, for his 100th birthday. The work is a birthday party: a celebration. It’s glittery, colorful, fast, and joyful.
The music is based on Mr. Spooner's favorites: big bands like Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans. We hear from the honoree himself with recorded voiceover reflecting on his longevity.
Ode
Former company dancer Jamar Roberts (who retired from the stage in 2021) created Ode as a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life in a time of gun violence. The piece is powerful, mournful, and meditative, and set to avant-garde jazz piano music by Don Pullen: “Suite (Sweet) Malcolm (Part 1 Memories and Gunshots)” (1975).
Revelations
The must-see, company-defining work that audiences love! Alvin Ailey’s signature work is a tribute to his African American heritage and his upbringing in small-town Texas. Revelations fervently explores the deepest grief and holiest joy.
Following the Subtle Current Upstream by Alonzo King (2000, new production 2023)
Intermission
Dancing Spirit by Ronald K. Brown (2009, new production 2023)
Intermission
Revelations by Alvin Ailey (1960)
Following the Subtle Current Upstream
Alonzo King’s work investigates deeply rooted affinities between Western and Eastern classical forms, elemental materials, the natural world, and the human spirit. Described by King as “a piece about how to return to joy,” Following the Subtle Current Upstream reminds us that everything in nature seeks to return to its source. Abstract but steeped in meaning, King’s movement sets the dancers in constant flow to an eclectic score by Zakir Hussain, Miriam Makeba, and Miguel Frasconi.
Dancing Spirit
This is a must-see work for longtime Ailey company fans: it’s a tribute to Artistic Director Emerita and longtime Ailey prima donna Judith Jamison. The title references Miss Jamison’s autobiography of the same name. Brown’s choreography evokes movement styles from Cuba, Brazil, and the United States, and the music features selections by Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington, War, and string orchestration of a Radiohead selection.
Revelations
The must-see, company-defining work that audiences love! Alvin Ailey’s signature work is a tribute to his African American heritage and his upbringing in small-town Texas. Revelations fervently explores the deepest grief and holiest joy.
Following the Subtle Current Upstream by Alonzo King (2000, new production 2023)
Intermission
Dancing Spirit by Ronald K. Brown (2009, new production 2023)
Intermission
Revelations by Alvin Ailey (1960)
Following the Subtle Current Upstream
Alonzo King’s work investigates deeply rooted affinities between Western and Eastern classical forms, elemental materials, the natural world, and the human spirit. Described by King as “a piece about how to return to joy,” Following the Subtle Current Upstream reminds us that everything in nature seeks to return to its source. Abstract but steeped in meaning, King’s movement sets the dancers in constant flow to an eclectic score by Zakir Hussain, Miriam Makeba, and Miguel Frasconi.
Dancing Spirit
This is a must-see work for longtime Ailey company fans: it’s a tribute to Artistic Director Emerita and longtime Ailey prima donna Judith Jamison. The title references Miss Jamison’s autobiography of the same name. Brown’s choreography evokes movement styles from Cuba, Brazil, and the United States, and the music features selections by Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington, War, and string orchestration of a Radiohead selection.
Revelations
The must-see, company-defining work that audiences love! Alvin Ailey’s signature work is a tribute to his African American heritage and his upbringing in small-town Texas. Revelations fervently explores the deepest grief and holiest joy.
All choreography by Alvin Ailey.
Memoria, excerpts (1979)
Night Creature, excerpts (1974)
Intermission
Pas de Duke, excerpt (1976)
Masekela Langage, excerpt (1969)
Opus McShann, excerpt (1988)
Love Songs, excerpt (1972)
For 'Bird' - With Love, excerpt 1 (1984)
Reflections In D (1963)
For 'Bird' - With Love, excerpt 2 (1984)
Intermission
Revelations (1960)
Ailey Classics, Acts I and II
This two-act journey through highlights of Mr. Ailey's extensive catalogue is theatrical, jazzy, colorful, and accessible. It's a great choice for music lovers as well: the score features selections by Duke Ellington, Keith Jarret, Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone, and more.
Revelations
The must-see, company-defining work that audiences love! Alvin Ailey’s signature work is a tribute to his African American heritage and his upbringing in small-town Texas. Revelations fervently explores the deepest grief and holiest joy.
All choreography by Alvin Ailey.
Memoria, excerpts (1979)
Night Creature, excerpts (1974)
Intermission
Pas de Duke, excerpt (1976)
Masekela Langage, excerpt (1969)
Opus McShann, excerpt (1988)
Love Songs, excerpt (1972)
For 'Bird' - With Love, excerpt 1 (1984)
Reflections In D (1963)
For 'Bird' - With Love, excerpt 2 (1984)
Intermission
Revelations (1960)
Ailey Classics, Acts I and II
This two-act journey through highlights of Mr. Ailey's extensive catalogue is theatrical, jazzy, colorful, and accessible. It's a great choice for music lovers as well: the score features selections by Duke Ellington, Keith Jarret, Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone, and more.
Revelations
The must-see, company-defining work that audiences love! Alvin Ailey’s signature work is a tribute to his African American heritage and his upbringing in small-town Texas. Revelations fervently explores the deepest grief and holiest joy.
Ways to Save
Discount ticketing programs for students, first-time attendees, audience members receiving WIC/EBT benefits, and groups of 4.
Audience members under 35 can save on tickets to these shows, or any event in the season!
This offer has reached capacity. We do still have regular priced tickets available starting at just $39.
We're holding great seats for you. Learn more about $35 Under 35 and sign up for announcements about ticket offers.
Audience members under 35 can save on tickets to these shows, or any event in the season!
This offer has reached capacity. We do still have regular priced tickets available starting at just $39.
We're holding great seats for you. Learn more about $35 Under 35 and sign up for announcements about ticket offers.
EBT and WIC card holders are invited to purchase $20 tickets for these performances, and many others this season:
This offer has reached capacity. We do still have regular priced tickets available starting at just $39.
About Card to Culture
Card to Culture—an initiative between Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), Massachusetts Health Connector, and WIC Nutrition Program—offers accessible, low-cost arts and culture programming to low-income and working families across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
EBT and WIC card holders are invited to purchase $20 tickets for these performances, and many others this season:
This offer has reached capacity. We do still have regular priced tickets available starting at just $39.
About Card to Culture
Card to Culture—an initiative between Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), Massachusetts Health Connector, and WIC Nutrition Program—offers accessible, low-cost arts and culture programming to low-income and working families across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Welcome to Celebrity Series! If this is your first-ever event with us, we invite you to choose $20 seats for any of our evening Ailey performances.
This offer has reached capacity. We do still have regular priced tickets available starting at just $39.
The Fine Print, Welcome Offer
This offer is for one-time use by first-time buyers only, with new accounts created in September 2023 and later. Limit six tickets for any one performance on the list above, and select your own seats from a limited (but high-quality!) allocation. For accessible seating available with these offer terms, please contact the box office.
Welcome to Celebrity Series! If this is your first-ever event with us, we invite you to choose $20 seats for any of our evening Ailey performances.
This offer has reached capacity. We do still have regular priced tickets available starting at just $39.
The Fine Print, Welcome Offer
This offer is for one-time use by first-time buyers only, with new accounts created in September 2023 and later. Limit six tickets for any one performance on the list above, and select your own seats from a limited (but high-quality!) allocation. For accessible seating available with these offer terms, please contact the box office.
Use code ADVSTU on the seat selection page for your chosen date to unlock best-available seating for $20 per ticket plus fees. Limit 2 tickets per order.
This offer has ended. Student Rush Tickets will be available at the door for $20 cash only starting 2 hours before each performance.
Use code ADVSTU on the seat selection page for your chosen date to unlock best-available seating for $20 per ticket plus fees. Limit 2 tickets per order.
This offer has ended. Student Rush Tickets will be available at the door for $20 cash only starting 2 hours before each performance.
Groups of 10 or more can save! Contact the Boch Center's Group Sales Office for more information.
Groups of 10 or more can save! Contact the Boch Center's Group Sales Office for more information.
“Nothing prepares you for the totality of Alvin Ailey: the aural, visual, physical, spiritual beauty…Heaven…Everywhere you looked: sensory pleasure… ”
Author Zadie Smith, in The New York Times
“Ailey’s choreography feels so contemporary that Revelations continues to grip audiences 60 years on. ”
The Boston Globe
Featured Artists
01
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Ronald K. Brown's Dancing Spirit. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
02
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Jamar Roberts' Ode. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
03
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin AIley's Revelations. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
04
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
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Patrick Coker and Jacquelin Harris in Alvin Ailey's Pas de Duke (Ailey Classics). Photo by Paul Kolnik.
01
05
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Ronald K. Brown's Dancing Spirit. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
02
05
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Jamar Roberts' Ode. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
03
05
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin AIley's Revelations. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
04
05
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
05
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Patrick Coker and Jacquelin Harris in Alvin Ailey's Pas de Duke (Ailey Classics). Photo by Paul Kolnik.
Videos
Boch Center Wang Theatre Venue Information
The 2023/24 Dance Series is generously supported by
Leslie & Howard Appleby, Stephanie L. Brown Foundation, and Royal Little Family Foundation, with additional support provided by Cynthia & John S. Reed Foundation.
Related Event
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