Ailey, Alvin - Ailey, Alvin

Not in a locale anymore where Alvin Ailey Dance Company would perform, so having the gift of 'Revelations' one of our most favorite dances of all time is a blessing.

Since their beginnings at the YMHA on upper Fifth Avenue at the edge of Harlem, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre has managed to renew itself countless times, blending aspects of American cultural heritage with the disciplined work of classical ballet and modern dance. Judith Jamison, alas, was not to be seen in this DVD, but is interviewed and gives commentary along with Mr. Ailey about the magnificent and often brilliant joy of dancing thematically, weaving the story common to program music, but taking the viewer to quite another place through the aesthetic and emotional experience that raises human endeavor to its highest form. The dancers are uncanny in their moves, the apparent joy in bringing a rich tapestry of Americana that for too long was hidden because of fear and condemnation as racial attitudes evolved in the United States. Watching the signature piece, "Revelations" with a gospel chorus in the orchestral pit, must be seen in person and will never ever be forgotten. I've seen the company six or seven times in 40 years and their brilliance illuminates one's soul, the dancers still able to dance out of the auditorium and take you indeed to another place where joy lives, breathes and laughs.

Alvin Ailey, like filmmaker Spike Lee, was a pure genius who managed to capture the African-American expression in its highest most spiritual form. A Christmas present to myself, I am so glad I purchased this DVD! Being a lover of dance and music, I have watched this work at least five times thus far. I love what Ailey said about "blood memory" I got that immediately! What a perfect way to self-explain the deep, psychic feelings and stirring emotions that arose within me while watching the innate African movements of the lovely dancers, their perfect poses and costumes, and, of course, hearing the very familiar gospel music of my roots. Every lover of the arts should see this work, particularly "Revelations," at least once! And every African American should see Ailey's Revelations, his signature piece, over and over, truly a great spiritual journey back to the beginning, yet minus all the psychic pain and shame of the Middle Passage. Do buy this DVD, you will cherish it.

I had this DVD on a videotape; I'm dating myself, but since videotapes have gone by the wayside, I needed to find it on DVD. I love the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater! I love the prologue before the dance program and I love the ability to skip them as I have seen them all. Alvin Ailey Dance Theater was and is always beautiful to see; Revelations was my mom's and will always be my favorite program and I love having it on DVD!

I bought this for a friend in a country where the Ailey used to come and do not anymore.I have been a constant supporter ot the Ailey company and am very happy that Judith Jamison did take over after the death of Alvin and made of this company a magnificent success.The dancers are glorious and the school produces some of the most beautiful dancers in the USA..

These performances are essential viewing for anyone who is a fan of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and probably for amy person who is a fan of dance in general. Ailey's training, and that of his company, comprise a combination of jazz, ballet, modern and theater dance. Requires very well trained and gifted performers.

I purchased the DVD in order to get a copy of the dance "Rocka my soul" which is in the Revelations suite. There was no clarification of WHICH dances of Revelations were on the DVD - and of course the one I wanted wasn't there. SO, I bought it for nothing.... :(

I love Alvin Ailey's Dance Theater, but their best work, in my opinion, is Revelations, which was choreographed by Mr. Ailey. What a joy to see its interpretion of classic spirituals, set to a rockin' soundtrack. I highly recommend this DVD.

I would totally agree with earlier reviews that to see Revelations is a must. Both of his choreographed pieces on this disc show that Alvin Ailey is a dance genius whose works display excellent musicality with unique dance movements. The two other pieces, Divining and The Stack-up are also very good and display Alvin Ailey's eye in his appreciation of other choreographers. All pieces are well filmed so that the formations and the movements are shown to good effect. The music is well selected and the whole production is entertaining and memorable. I recommend this disc to all lovers of dance since you won't be disappointed..

I thought this would be purely dance. but includes talks by Ailey and others. Although this is interesting I wouldn't want to keep playing it. I subsequently found the same dances on YouTube, much more enjoyable to watch and cheaper...

If you haven't seen Alvin Aileys Revelation, you need to buy this DVD. With 3 beautifully choreographed pieces, it is wonderful to be able to enjoy them in the comfort of your own home.WARNING: this is a DANCE dvd, if you are expecting a musical or drama do not buy this DVD.

If you love contemporary dance, and Alvin Ailey in particular, this is the DVD for you! The original program was made in the 1980s, before Ailey's departure; in fact the plus value of this dvd is that he introduces and explains each dance piece, plus tell his story, from the beginning. Inside are the two most famous/important pieces: Revelation (a sort of description of the Afro-American experience in US..), and Cry (dedicated to all Black women..). A must!

Beautiful