American Masters

Ailey's "Revelations" draws on African American spirituals

Clip: 01/11/2022 | 2m 24s  | Video has closed captioning.

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: 01/11/22

Rating: NR

Problems Playing Video? | Closed Captioning

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