Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Graces Brooklyn Academy of Music, June 4-9, 2024

Dance is expression. Dance is spiritual. Dance is activism. Dance is life.

I feel most alive when I am listening to music and dancing. As a spectator and fan, some of my fondest moments of watching dance performances have been witnessing the dignity and grace of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Every time I see the Ailey company, I am inspired, moved, and grounded in the beauty and complexity of the African American experience.

Photo by Paul Kolnik

For me, the highlight is always "Revelations," Mr. Ailey's three-part ode to his upbringing in the Black Baptist church. The three sections -- "Pilgrim of Sorrow"; "Take Me to the Water"; and "Move, Members, Move" -- tell the story of African American faith and persistence from slavery to freedom. Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of taking an outdoor Community Workshop in downtown Brooklyn, where we learned some of the choreography for "Revelations." I beamed from ear to ear while doing the steps I've seen performed by the company numerous times and I was thrilled when a Black woman who was watching told me, "You dance so well."

If you want to feel to the Spirit, too, don't miss your chance to catch the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in motion at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House (30 Lafayette Avenue) in Brooklyn, June 4-9. Tickets start at $35 and there are two programs to choose from (or see them both).

Program A presents works by visionary choreographers like Jamar Roberts and Alonzo King. Program B is an "All Ailey" program and features acclaimed Ailey works, including "Cry" and "Revelations."

Here's the full lineup for both programs.

Photo by Paul Kolnik

Program A

“Contemporary Visions”

Jun 4, 6, & 7 at 7:30pm

Jun 8 at 2pm

Ode (2019, new production 2023) by Jamar Roberts

Solo (1997, new production 2023) by Hans van Manen

Following the Subtle Current Upstream (2000, new production 2023) by Alonzo King

Photo by Christopher Duggan

Program B

“All Ailey”

Jun 5 & 8 at 7:30pm

Jun 9 at 3pm

Memoria (1979) by Alvin Ailey

A Song For You (1972) by Alvin Ailey

Cry (1971) by Alvin Ailey

Revelations (1960) by Alvin Ailey

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