AADT Celebrates 50 years of REVELATIONS, 12/1-1/2

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will begin a celebration of 50 years of Alvin Ailey's Revelations, an American classic called a must-see for all people, with special performances, singular events and guest appearances at New York City Center from December 1, 2010 - January 2, 2010.  Other related initiatives throughout the year will offer new perspectives on this masterpiece that has been seen by more people around the world than any other modern dance work, and that is a tribute to the resolve and determination of a people and the human spirit.
 
According to Alvin Ailey, Revelations began with the music.  Set to a suite of traditional spirituals, Revelations explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition, from the deepest of grief, to the purest of joy. This season will pay homage to its musical roots with distinctive live music performances.  The Grammy Award-Winning Sweet Honey In The Rock will bring their soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms to Revelations at the December 1st Opening Night Gala and New Year's Eve performances.  Artistic Director Judith Jamison will have the conductors baton dancing while directing live musicians and a full choir, featuring the incomparable soloist Ella Mitchell, at not-to-be-missed performances on Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th at 8pm.
 
In a joyful nod to each year of Revelations' life, audiences will witness the ballet with a cast of 50 for the first-time ever!  Dancers will fill the stage and spill into the aisles as promising students from The Ailey School and talented young dancers from Ailey II enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance alongside members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during four performances (Dec. 3, 11 mat, 12 mat, 18 mat).  Also, Target will sponsor Target 1960 Night, a performance with all tickets at a special price to help extend the accessibility and reach of this inspiring work to all audiences (Dec. 2).
 
 
A documentary short film will set the stage this year, beginning each performance with an introduction to the history, meaning and significance of Revelations over the last half century.  Directed by Judy Kinberg, winner of seven primetime Emmy Awards, it will include exclusive footage of Alvin Ailey and interviews with Judith Jamison and others. 
 
Alvin Ailey was only 29 years old when he was inspired to create this landmark ballet based on what he called his "blood memories," and the work of African-American writers James Baldwin and Langston Hughes. To further explore the journey of Revelations, a Celebrating Revelations at 50 roundtable panel discussion and AileyConnect, an innovative on demand cell phone service, will offer unique opportunities for Judith Jamison, Ailey dancers, and other luminaries to share their insight. 
 
Audience members can join in the exchange too, sharing their memories through My Revelations Story, via the blog of the AlvinAiley.org website that will also feature Rediscovering Revelations, a dedicated section with historical context, background, and interactive features.  Also, a commemorative souvenir program, that includes historic Revelations photos and more, will be on sale for those interested in a keepsake to bring the enduring artistry home from the theater. 
Throughout the year, Revelations will continue to influence younger generations, as an introduction to modern dance and as a catalyst to encourage them to reach their full potential on and off the stage.  Inspired by the ballet and the life of Alvin Ailey, the innovative Revelations Residency program will offer public schools cross-curricular lessons in language, arts and history through dance, giving students tools to write their own stories.  During Revelations Day at The Ailey School, students will study sections of Revelations and learn about the significance of this masterwork and the African-American cultural traditions featured in the piece. 
 
First premiered in 1960, Revelations has been performed countless times across the world, was part of Opening Ceremonies of the 1968 Olympics, and has been presented on five separate occasions at the White House, including at the inaugurations of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and, most recently, The White House Dance Series: A Tribute to Judith Jamison presented by First Lady Michelle Obama.  Hailed by The New York Times as "modern dance's unquestionable greatest hit," Revelations has brought audiences around the globe to their feet year after year.  Tickets are now on sale for the New York City Center season from December 1, 2010 - January 2, 2010, where the extraordinary artists of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will welcome audiences to experience Alvin Ailey's genius at one of 28 performances of his beloved classic work, before they embark on a 24-city U.S. tour that continues Celebrating Revelations at 50.  For further information, visit www.alvinailey.org.