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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Ailey All Access

Apr 2, 2020 – Dec 31, 2021
405 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, United States

The Ailey company, keeping with its founder’s mission of bringing dance to the people, has launched a new, free, online initiative: Ailey All Access. Its first offering was the Ailey masterpiece Revelations, choreographed in 1960 to gospel, spirituals, and blues. I’ve been seeing this dance every few years since the early 70s and it never gets old, never looks dated, and never loses its power to uplift. By the time the dancers get to “Rocka My Soul,” viewers are practically jumping out of their seats (the site offers a “Revelations” Workshop that teaches you to dance along). Every week brings a new offering performed by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Ailey II, too. —L.J.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Donald Byrd’s “Greenwood.” Photo by Paul Kolnik.