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American Masters

Ailey's "Revelations" draws on African American spirituals

Ailey's "Revelations" performance depicted the "Black experience."

Aired 01/11/2022

American Masters

Ailey's "Revelations" draws on African American spirituals

Clip: 1/11/2022 | 2m 24sVideo has Closed Captions

Ailey's "Revelations" performance depicted the "Black experience."

Ailey described "Revelations" as "an evening-long saga about the Black experience," and the performance had a huge impact on Black dancers when it premiered in 1960. "I was moved to tears seeing 'Revelations,'" said Mary Barnett, Ailey's rehearsal director from 1975 to 1979.

Aired 01/11/2022

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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

Ailey

Video has Closed Captions

The story of a visionary artist who found salvation through dance. (1m 1s)

Ailey dancers reflect on company's scrappy beginnings

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Former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company. (1m 51s)

Alvin Ailey on Chauncey Green, the friend who saved his life

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Ailey describes his "blood memories" and an impactful friendship. (2m 56s)

Bill T. Jones remembers the first time he met Alvin Ailey

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"I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color," said Jones upon meeting Ailey. (2m 11s)

Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey

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Rennie Harris choreographed a piece about Ailey for the 60th anniversary of the company. (1m 51s)

Rennie Harris on the power of the choreographer

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Rennie Harris describes how choreographers are responsible for their dancers. (57s)

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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

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