Review of Alvin Ailey's Revelations Dance
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Review of Alvin Ailey's Revelations Dance

A sensational work that encapsulates African American tenacity and the human spirit.

1196
Review of Alvin Ailey's Revelations Dance

With the lockdowns that resulted from COVID-19 came online releases of performances from art institutions. Throughout quarantine I was able to watch some works from the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway, and more! I recently watched Relevations by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and as someone who has never appreciated modern dance, I was pleasantly surprised and loved the performance. Start from 1:17:41 of this video to watch it!

Revelations, created in 1960, is the signature work of jazz-dance choreographer Alvin Ailey. Influenced by the Southern spiritual experiences of Ailey, the production explores African American experience from a Christianity-inspired perspective, following a story of struggle, salvation, and celebration through 3 sections, "Pilgrim of Sorrow," "Take Me To The Water," and "Move Members Move," respectively. The production showcases dancers who demonstrate their prowess in athleticism and emotional expression, costume designs that reflect overarching themes, and music from spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs, and blues. A celebration of the past, present, and future, Revelations is a sensational work that encapsulates Black tenacity and human spirit.

The first section, "Pilgrim of Sorrow," introduces struggle that begins a journey towards freedom. Solemn, choral music guides a cluster of dancers who demonstrate a community that yearns for a common goal. Hands outstretched upwards, they reach together, hoping. With a strong emphasis on floorwork and earth-toned costumes, this section represents efforts to rise from the ground.

Next, "Take Me To The Water" features the turning point of religious enlightenment. Illuminated by blue lighting, the dancers wear white and pale blue, which symbolize a new purification, and used ribbons to represent flowing water in a baptism. I marveled at the uplifting dance motions, use of props, and minimal acapella singing, which all contribute to the theme of newness.

The conclusion, "Move Members Move," uses upbeat gospel music. Its celebratory tone contrasts from the prior tellings of struggle. From the quick dashes of the men dancing to Sinner Man, to the spunky fan-waving of the women in the "Yellow" section, there is an energetic confidence in the dancers. They stand upright, a contrast to the hunched postures at the introduction. They sport yellow clothes, influenced by 20th century fashion, and this bright color represents the joy they have long yearned for.

I had worried that I would not understand modern dance as a medium, since it is often abstract. However, the lack of a hyper-specific narrative in Revelations makes it strongly applicable to multiple progressions in Black history, from the initial struggles in slavery, to Civil Rights movement, to modern activism. I was able to feel the emotions, from melancholy to joyful, conveyed in the show. Ailey's emphasis on the universality of hope is conveyed through choreography, which transcends barriers in time or culture. I would recommend this performance to watch for anyone wanting to understand dance and African American culture more!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51352
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32954
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955979
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180946
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments