Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Northrop with more dance The New York Times calls “transfixing, pulsating, and galvanizing.” Embarking on its next era under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, the company remains guided as ever by Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy. Audiences will be treated to classic works from the Ailey repertory that have inspired and uplifted fans for decades, with slightly different programming each night. Both performances will include the touchstone of inspiration "Revelations," the ultimate anthem to resilience and joy. Ailey will continue to break ground with new works by contemporary choreographers that promise to propel dance in exciting new directions — pushing the bounds of what the human body can do and what the human spirit can achieve.

"Revelations": A Modern ClassicMore than just a popular dance work, "Revelations" has become a cultural treasure. Performed to 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. This enduring classic is born out of the choreographer's "blood memories" of his childhood in rural Texas and the Baptist Church. Since its premiere in 1960, the ballet has been performed continuously around the globe, crossing barriers of faith and nationality, making it the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world.