The Music Center's Artsource® Curriculum Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey Artsource Unit

Revelations

Performed by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Revelations, the 'Signature Work' of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, celebrates the human spirit and the ability of people to overcome adversity. This suite of dances captures the essence of Ailey's black experience in America and expresses themes of his African-American cultural heritage. The lessons focus on such concepts as reach and withdraw, creating a personal signature dance based on one's name and exploring a Langston Hughes poem to find ways to express concepts and feelings through dance. The Human Family theme is woven throughout.

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  • Excerpt of 'Revelations' by Alvin Ailey

    More repertory information is available at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's website
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  • AileyCamp

    AileyCamp is an innovative program designed to serve inner-city children in grades six through eight, ages 11-14. It does not serve as a training ground for professional dancers, but rather uses dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, self-discipline, creative expression and critical thinking skills.
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Listen

Listen to the audio of the poem, "A Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes performed by actor Wayne Cook and violinist Vince Gomez (may take a few seconds to load, depending on your internet speed).

Credits

Audio recording courtesy of Wayne Cook, Vince Gomez, and Harold Ober Associates.

 

All videos, audio tracks, and artwork on this page are for educational use only and is not to be reproduced.

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