“Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” Excerpt

Using African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.” 

Ailey said that one of America’s richest treasures was the African American cultural heritage —“sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful.” This enduring classic is a tribute to that tradition, born out of the choreographer’s “blood memories” of his childhood in rural Texas and the Baptist Church. But since its premiere in 1960, the ballet has been performed continuously around the globe, transcending barriers of faith and nationality, and appealing to universal emotions, making it the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world.

“Rocka My Soul” Excerpt

Using African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.” 

Ailey said that one of America’s richest treasures was the African American cultural heritage —“sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful.” This enduring classic is a tribute to that tradition, born out of the choreographer’s “blood memories” of his childhood in rural Texas and the Baptist Church. But since its premiere in 1960, the ballet has been performed continuously around the globe, transcending barriers of faith and nationality, and appealing to universal emotions, making it the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world.

“Wade In the Water” Excerpt

Using African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.” 

Ailey said that one of America’s richest treasures was the African American cultural heritage —“sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful.” This enduring classic is a tribute to that tradition, born out of the choreographer’s “blood memories” of his childhood in rural Texas and the Baptist Church. But since its premiere in 1960, the ballet has been performed continuously around the globe, transcending barriers of faith and nationality, and appealing to universal emotions, making it the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world.

In Carney’s jazz dance class, dancers warm up with isolations, dynamic stretches and exercises that emphasize flexibility and strength. The instructor encourages everyone to engage their core, emphasizing the importance of body control and expression.

Once warmed up, the dancers move across the floor, practicing a series of exciting progressions. Starting with a basic walk, they glide smoothly from one side of the studio to the other, arms fluidly moving in sync with their steps. The progression then shifts to a series of jazz chasse, pivot, pas de bourrée, and pirouettes where dancers showcase their personality and style, adding sharp turns and playful accents.

Next, the class incorporates jumps, transitioning into grand jetés, where each dancer soars through the air, embodying the essence of jazz – powerful yet graceful. The instructor emphasizes the importance of landing softly and maintaining a strong posture.

This class will dive into foundational elements of the Jazz Dance techniques and qualities while utilizing elements of stage choreography. This class will encompass a traditional jazz dance warm up, choreography that can be used on stage or on camera with Commercial Jazz Dance Styles elements. The class will allow young dancers ages 14-18 to train with a mindset of stage performance qualities while being able to move and dance as a group. The objective of this class is to highlight and utilize traditional Jazz Dance elements while embracing Commercial Jazz styles.

This class will start with Brother Jerome teaching traditional African dance movements as well as LaRocque Bey Dance techniques that were used in the 1960’s when the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and the LaRocque Bey school of dance were in their beginning stages. 

Finish class with Mr. Derrick who will lead a workshop introducing young children to Hip Hop fundamentals using imagery and radical positivity to invite students to express themselves to their favorite pop music. Mr. Derrick is a self-taught artist with a dedication to inclusion and a mission to bring the health-positive practice of dancing to all children. This fun and engaging workshop invites children to have fun and bring the swag to their favorite pop music.

The Power & Poetry of Horton Technique

(Advanced Beginner/Intermediate)

Step into the lineage of modern dance excellence with Sculpting Spirit: The Power & Poetry of Horton Technique, a transformative workshop that honors the commanding physicality and expressive storytelling that define the Horton vocabulary. Grounded in Alvin Ailey’s legacy of cultural pride and technical brilliance, this experience blends precision and passion, guiding dancers through Horton’s iconic studies, expansive shapes, and dynamic spatial designs.

Participants will discover how Horton technique not only sculpts the body into lines of power and elegance, but also unlocks the artist’s inner voice, inviting dancers to inhabit space with authenticity, presence, and emotional truth. More than just mastering exercises, dancers will learn to embody the technique’s rhythmic vitality and architectural clarity—transforming technical practice into personal poetry. The workshop will culminate in a short choreographic phrase, empowering each participant to weave their unique artistry into Horton’s timeless framework.

This class will explore creative expression at a level that is comfortable for those with limited movement. For individuals with developmental disabilities, Jersey Club dancing can positively impact attention span, memory, ability to follow instructions, and physical strength and coordination. Dance is a powerful therapy because of its sensorimotor integration. It highlights expressing emotions and ideas through individual movements and requires participants to control their bodies while simultaneously participating in group movement.

Take a moment to re-energize during a panel discussion and Q&A with Alvin Ailey Alumni and instructors. Feel free to listen to bring in your snacks and drinks.

Join the Newark Public Library for a story time session of Alvin Ailey by Andrea Davis Pinkney.