Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater at The Music Center

Designated by Congressional resolution as a vital American cultural ambassador to the world, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to The Music Center, performing a mix of new works and fan favorites, including RevelationsAileys most popular and critically acclaimed work that explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul through African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues. Choreographed when Ailey was only 29 years old, Revelations is an intimate reflection inspired by his childhood memories of attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas, and by the work of writers James Baldwin and Langston Hughes.With a single performance in 1958 in New York City, Alvin Ailey and a group of young African American modern dancers changed forever the perception of American dance. Today, under the leadership of Robert Battle, who is celebrating his 10th anniversary as artistic director this season, the company continues Ailey's mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones that ignite rapturous responses and rouse the public to its feet out of sheer joy (Washington Post). Additional repertoire and public events will be announced at a later date.