Bass Concert Hall (
Event Information Page
Sat, Mar 2 at 7:30 p.m. Program A
Sun, Mar 3 at 2:00 p.m. Program B
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was the first company to perform in Bass Concert Hall when it opened in 1981. The renowned company returns to Texas Performing Arts on its 2024 North American Tour to perform new works and Ailey’s iconic ballet Revelations.
Designated “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world” by U.S. Congressional resolution, Ailey’s artists have performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents since the company’s founding in 1958. Led by Robert Battle, Ailey’s performances celebrate the human spirit through the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition.
When Alvin Ailey, a Texas native, began creating dances, he drew upon his "blood memories" of Texas, the blues, spirituals, and gospel as inspiration, which resulted in the creation of his most popular and critically acclaimed work, Revelations. Although he created 79 ballets over his lifetime, Ailey maintained that his company was not exclusively a repository for his own work. Today, the company continues his mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones. In all, more than 235 works by over 90 choreographers have been part of the Ailey company’s repertory.
Latecomers may be subject to the show’s late seating policy.
Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m.
Location: Lot Behind the Ballet Afrique Studio | 1050 E 11th Steet | Austin, Texas 78702
Alvin Ailey’s Revelations is the world’s most popular work of modern dance. Learn excerpts from this masterpiece conducted by former Ailey company member Nasha Thomas, with live music by an Ailey percussionist, and selected props. Join your friends and family—all ages are welcome! Dance for a moment, remember it for a lifetime.
Pre-Show Discussion and Q&A
Saturday March 2 at 6:30 p.m. on Level 6 of Bass Concert Hall
Featuring Ms. Ronni Favors, Rehearsal Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Moderated by Dr. Raquel Monroe, Associate Dean of Graduate Education & Academic Affairs for the College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin
Pre-Show Discussion and Q&A
Sunday March 3 at 1:00 p.m. on Level 6 of Bass Concert Hall
Featuring Ms. Ronni Favors, Rehearsal Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Moderated by Dr. Raquel Monroe, Associate Dean of Graduate Education & Academic Affairs for the College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin
Pre-Show Activities For All Ages
Sunday March 3 at 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Level 4 of Bass Concert Hall
Join us on the 4th floor of Bass for free hands-on activities for all ages inspired by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Create your own dance figurine, enjoy picture books about dance, learn about Alvin Ailey’s legacy, and more!
For planning purposes, please sign up here, but walk-ins are welcome!
Alvin Ailey Pre-Show Activity Sign-Up
View the cast for the Austin performances.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2 at 7:30 p.m.
PROGRAM A
FOLLOWING THE SUBTLE CURRENT UPSTREAM (2000)
Choreography by Alonzo King
Music by Zakir Hussain, Miguel Frasconi, and Miriam Makeba
— INTERMISSION —
DANCING SPIRIT (2009, new production 2023)
Choreography by Ronald K. Brown
Music by Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis, Radiohead, War
— INTERMISSION —
REVELATIONS (1960)
Choreography by Alvin Ailey
Music: Traditional
SUNDAY, MARCH 3 at 2 p.m.
PROGRAM B
AILEY CLASSICS
Choreography by Alvin Ailey
Featuring Reflections in D and excerpts from Memoria, Night Creature, Pas de Duke, Masekela Langage, Opus McShann, Love Songs, and For ‘Bird’ – With Love
All ballets in “Ailey Classics” have been restaged by Masazumi Chaya
— INTERMISSION —
REVELATIONS (1960)
Choreography by Alvin Ailey
Music: Traditional
Phillip Auth Endowed Dance Fund for Texas Performing Arts
The Sunday family matinee is made possible in part by Abbey & Mike Herman, Kristen & Josh Alexander, and the Carolyn Bartlett Charitable Foundation.
Media Sponsor: Austin PBS // KMFA-FM
Nothing prepares you for the totality of Alvin Ailey: the aural, visual, physical, spiritual beauty...Heaven...Everywhere you looked: sensory pleasure...–
– The New York Times, Zadie Smith