Hundreds of Bostonians Will Dance Alvin Ailey’s Iconic “Revelations” Later This Month

Celebrity Series of Boston will expand its popular annual event that brings Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater artists to Boston to teach community members of all backgrounds and abilities the uplifting dance “Revelations.” Celebrity Series will produce these “Ailey Revelations Celebration” in four local neighborhoods – Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roxbury and Dorchester – on March 22 and 23.

Up to 1,000 Bostonians are expected. Each location offers an opening dance or music act from the surrounding neighborhood. Ailey teaching artists and former company dancers Renee Robinson and Amos Machanic, Jr., and percussionist Roderick Jackson lead sessions that include warm-up stretches, music and movement from Alvin Ailey’s iconic dance – all interspersed with history about the legendary choreographer and the company that bears his name. 

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing (rubber-soled shoes or dance shoes are recommended). Information about discount tickets for Ailey performances (April 14-17) will be available onsite. Photo opportunities and post-event refreshments will be offered at each site. Event schedule and details are as follows.

Saturday, March 22 will have three separate events. First, at Boston Renaissance Charter School at 10:30 AM (doors open at 10 AM), emcee Shaumba Yandje-Dibinga welcomes participants and introduces singers from the school’s Voices of Renaissance Choir who will open the program. Ailey artists Roberts, Machanic and Jackson lead the crowd through a 60-minute event followed by refreshments.

Then, at Brooke Charter High School at 2:00 PM (doors open at 1:30 PM), emcee Ms. 5678 (Chanel Thompson) welcomes participants and introduces dancers from the school’s troupe, The Soarin’ Steppaz, who will open the program. Ailey artists Roberts, Machanic and Jackson lead the crowd through a 60-minute event followed by refreshments.

Finally at Roxbury YMCA at 5:00 PM (doors open at 4:30 PM), emcee Angie Dickerson welcomes participants and introduces performers from the line-dance troupe Boston Rhythm Riders and Seniors on the Move who will open the program. Ailey artists Roberts, Machanic and Jackson lead the crowd through a 60-minute event followed by refreshments.

There will be one final event on Sunday, March 23 at Chez-Vous Roller Skating Rink beginning at 12:00 PM (doors open at 11:30 AM). Emcee Courtney Boston will welcome participants and performers from the Boston chapter of 40+ Double Dutch Crew and members of the OrigiNation Junior Dance Teams who will open the event with short performances. Ailey artists Roberts, Machanic and Jackson lead the crowd through a 60-minute event followed by a short reception.

All events are free, however RSVPs are encouraged at celebrityseries.org.

Photo by Robert Torres for Celebrity Series