Alvin Ailey Revelations Sections

Using 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.

Alvin ailey revelations sections. Revelations is divided into three sections. Alvin ailey s signature masterpiece pays homage to and reflects the cultural heritage of the african american which ailey considered one of america s richest treasures sometimes sorrowful sometimes jubilant but always. Ailey did not dance in the world premiere but as early company personnel shifted he performed some of its group sections as solos.

Classical ballet by 1975 ailey s preferred dancer training veered heavily toward technique. Revelations created in 1960 is the signature work of jazz dance choreographer alvin ailey. With revelations dancer choreographer alvin ailey 1931 1989 revolutionized the role of african americans in modern dance and created an enormously successful fusion of widely accessible style and themes and artistic quality.

Pilgrim of sorrow in which the dancers portray people who hope for salvation in spite of life s difficulties. Watch for the movements that suggest reaching toward heaven and being pulled back to earth. Pilgrim of sorrow in which the dancers portray people who hope for salvation in spite of life s difficulties.

Revelations had attainted its most extravagant proportions during the mid 1970s when ailey staged the dance to include a complement of dancers. Revelations is divided into three sections pilgrim of sorrow take me to the water and move members move section 1 pilgrim of sorrow. Since its creation in 1960 revelations has consistently enraptured audiences all over the world with its perfect blend of reverent grace and spiritual elation.

Alvin ailey revelations 1960 a complete performance of revelations from 1986 is viewable on youtube here 28 minutes into the video. Influenced by the southern spiritual experiences of ailey the production explores african american experience from a christianity inspired perspective following a story of struggle salvation and celebration through 3 sections pilgrim of sorrow. Revelations is divided into three sections.