[8] During the duet part of this section, the lyrics “fix me Jesus” are repeatedly sung, showing that these dancers are asking for help. The dance then solidified into the three-part format seen today with a duration of 36 minutes. This movement is grounded but not floor work, exemplifying the middle stage between grief and joy. + Used by special arrangement with Galaxy Music Corporation, New York City. WATCH a short film celebrating Revelations at 50, LISTEN to the songs featured in Alvin Ailey's Revelations, WATCH Robert Battle and dancers discuss what Revelations means to them. Aside from falling to the knees, this section of dance has the most floor work and grounded movement, symbolising the low state of mind that the characters have. The world premiere of A Jam Session for Troubling Times by … Upon finding his place in California at the Thomas Jefferson High School, Ailey became involved with glee club, poetry, and language. "Revelations has a way of breaking through spiritual and language barriers." As a result, Ailey spent the first twelve years of his life in various Texas small towns with only his mother to provide for the family. To describe his childhood, Ailey said, "I was miserable then and felt very alone". Revelations illustrates the history, traditions, faith, and beliefs of the African American culture while telling the story of African-American faith and tenacity from slavery to freedom through a suite of dances set to spirituals, gospels, and blues music. (Hubbard et al, 1998) Performance as a whole yields insight into political activity in the way it focuses … At its premiere, the piece initially had 10 sections, a live vocal chorus, and was an over an hour in duration, and included 2 soloists. According to Alvin Ailey, Revelations began with the music. The three sections of the final 36-minute revis… It is also the signature work of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which premiered an extended version of the work (lasting over an hour) in 1960, when Ailey was 29 years old. Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham - Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts. Alvin Ailey's "Take Me to the Water" section from Revelations, and Donald McKayle's Games are representative works that inspired the creation of lessons. The piece was expanded to include parts for keyboards, drums and electric bass. Revelations is a contemporary style dance that tells the story of African-American faith and tenacity from slavery to freedom through a suite of dances set to spirituals and blues music.This choreographic work was first performed in New York City on January 31,1960 at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and later recognized to be a signature piece for the theater. “Take Me to the Water” is an enactment of Ailey’s own baptism, which took place in a pond behind his church. [3], Revelations has been presented at the White House on many occasions, including the presidential inaugurations of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, and it also formed part of the Opening Ceremonies for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.[4]. I Been 'Buked - Music arranged by Hall Johnson* Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Closing every show is Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece “Revelations,” which, coincidentally, premiered 47 years ago too. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from the now-fabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in 1958 by dancer, choreographer, and visionary Alvin Ailey, to bring African-American Dance to all audiences. [8]  To the strains of "Wade in the Water" a devotional leader bearing a large umbrella baptizes a young couple at a river, represented by yards of billowing blue silk stretched across the stage. © 2021 Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. Created by Ailey in collaborations with its original dancer James Trite, the solo builds on exercises derived from the Horton modern dance technique. Since its premiere in 1960, Alvin Ailey’s "Revelations" has been a lasting cultural treasure beloved by people from around the world. 1. Credit: Pierre Wachholder. The motions of these dancers also add to the portrayal of rising. 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