Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Founded by Alvin Ailey on March 30, 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world. With a repertory that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers, it has performed in more than 70 countries on six continents and has been designated a "vital American Cultural Ambassador to the world” by a US Congressional resolution.

Forged during a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was established to uplift the African American experience while transcending boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. Ailey invited dancers of all backgrounds to be a part of his vision while reimagining his company as a “library of dance,” a home for a wide range of choreographers’ works that might otherwise be lost.

Before his untimely death in 1989, Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor, and for 21 years she brought the company to unprecedented success before appointing Robert Battle to steward the company from 2011–2023. In 2025 Alicia Graf Mack became the organization's fourth artistic director. A former Ailey dancer under both Jamison and Battle and a former dean and director of the Dance Division at the Juilliard School, Graf Mack brings her passion for dance and dance education to the continuation of the AILEY tradition.

Today, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to bring joy to audiences around the globe, while expanding its repertory with works by new choreographers and upholding Ailey’s legacy for future generations.

Since its creation in 1960, Revelations has consistently enraptured audiences all over the world with its perfect blend of reverent grace and spiritual elation. Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece pays homage to and reflects the cultural heritage of the African American, which Ailey considered one of America’s richest treasures — “sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful.” 

Choreographed when he was only 29 years old, Revelations is an intimate reflection inspired by childhood memories of attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas and by the work of writers James Baldwin and Langston Hughes. Set to a suite of traditional spirituals, Revelations explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition, from the deepest of grief to the holiest joy. A classic tribute to the resolve and determination of a people, the ballet has been seen by more people around the world than any other modern work. 

Of its creation, Ailey once recalled, “I did it chronologically, leading off with the opening part of Revelations, which was...about trying to get up out of the ground. The costumes and the set would be colored brown, an earth color, for coming out of the earth, for going into the earth. The second part was something that was very close to me — the baptismal, the purification rite. Its colors would be white and pale blue. Then there would be the section surrounding the gospel church, the holy rollers and all the church happiness. Its colors would be earth tones, yellow and black.” 

The ballet premiered at the 92nd Street YM-YWHA on January 31, 1960 and has since been performed a countless number of times all over the world. It was part of Opening Ceremonies of the 1968 Olympics and has been presented at the White House on numerous occasions, including at the inaugurations of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. 

The piece has had many film and television broadcasts — its first, the 1962 CBS special Lamp Under My Feet. It is also the framework for Revelations: An Interdisciplinary Approach, a residency program that has been implemented in public schools around the country and uses Ailey’s signature work as an organizing theme for a comprehensive, in-depth study of language arts, social studies, and dance.

Ailey combined Horton technique with his own astounding choreographic vision to create a series of movement that intertwines impossible strength and ethereal grace. After six decades, this American classic has proven to be a cultural landmark in the world of dance, maintaining its astonishing originality and powerful elegance while continuing to inspire and enthrall audiences everywhere.

Not at all. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is celebrated for its athleticism, artistry, and emotional storytelling. Whether you're a lifelong dance fan or attending your first performance, the company's work is widely recognized for its ability to connect with audiences through movement and music. 

Revelations is choreographer Alvin Ailey's signature masterpiece and one of the most celebrated works in modern dance. Created in 1960 and inspired by Ailey's childhood memories of the Black church and the African American experience, it is set to spirituals, gospel songs, and blues. These two distinct programs each culminate with this iconic work.

No. Each evening features a different program of works by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, but both performances conclude with Alvin Ailey's iconic Revelations.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs modern dance, blending techniques from ballet with influences from jazz, African diasporic dance traditions, and contemporary movement. The result is a style that is both technically demanding and deeply expressive. 

No. The performance is presented with recorded music, carefully selected to accompany each work. Revelations is set to a powerful collection of traditional spirituals, gospel songs, and blues.

Yes. The performance is appropriate for a wide range of ages. While younger children may be more engaged if they enjoy dance and live performance, the company's extraordinary athleticism, expressive movement, and vibrant music make it an inspiring experience for many families. 

Founded in 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the world's most acclaimed dance companies, having performed in more than 70 countries and recognized as a “vital American Cultural Ambassador to the world.” Its repertory celebrates the richness of the African American experience while exploring themes that resonate across cultures and generations.

Yes. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater made its Blacksburg debut at the Center for the Arts in 2023. This 2027 return marks the company's second visit to the region.

The most important thing is that you're comfortable. There is no dress code, so do what feels right for you. Do you want to get dressed to the nines for a special night out? You won't be the only one. Do you feel like keeping things casual? You won't be alone there, either.  

All campus parking, including along Alumni Mall, requires a parking permit from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted by signage. 

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street at 300 Turner Street NW.

• For many Center for the Arts performances and large events, this garage will be staffed by an attendant and payment ($10, cash only) must be made at the time of entry. This event parking price is $2 higher than the garage’s daily rate to allow us to provide staffing to make both entering and exiting the garage more efficient for larger numbers of cars. You may exit at the Turner Street gate.
• All other times, visitors can take a ticket upon entrance and pay the $8 daily rate using Visa or Mastercard when exiting.

Convenient parking is also located in downtown Blacksburg. Town parking is free every day after 5:00 p.m.

Patrons are always welcome to drop off and pick up guests directly at the main doors of the Center for the Arts on Alumni Mall and Turner Street.

Allowing yourself extra time improves the experience for everyone! We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance so you have plenty of time for the safety screening and to get settled in your seats. Our lobbies and galleries open 90 minutes before performances, and the theatre doors open 30 minutes before the performance start time. Ushers will direct you to your seat and are happy to answer any questions.

For the safety of our guests and performers, all patrons may be required to pass through a walk-through metal detector before entering the theatre. The process is quick and touchless, and you may keep your personal belongings with you. If you need an alternate screening method, please speak with a member of our security team.

A small or clutch-size purse or clear bag is recommended. Oversized bags, luggage, and backpacks will not be permitted inside the theatre. Coat check will be available to check these items.

Concessions from Blacksburg Wine Lab are available for most performances. Concessions availability and locations will be included in the What to Know email for ticket holders. Concessions are available beginning an hour before the performance, so arrive early to avoid the lines and enjoy a drink before the show.

Cameras and recording equipment are not permitted inside the theatre during performances. To avoid distracting the artists and those around you, please turn off or silence your cell phone and put away all electronic devices before the performance begins. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are not permitted unless otherwise announced.

If you’re late, you may hear the beginning of the performance from the lobby while you wait to take your seat — either until intermission or an appropriate break in the program as requested and advised by the artists. Admitting late arrivals into the theatre is timed to cause as little disruption as possible to other guests and the performers on stage. In some cases, you may be seated in an alternate location in the theatre.

You will receive a “What to Know” email approximately 48 hours before the performance with helpful information on approximate runtimes, pre- and post-show activities, and any other information you will need to know before you head out the door. 

We are committed to being fully accessible to all patrons and their companions and strive to make our patrons’ experiences convenient and comfortable. In addition to our venue’s universal design features, we offer services and accommodations for parking, seating, listening, sensory support, courtesy wheelchair, elevators, restrooms, service animals, sign language, and visual aids. Find out more. 

No. Mobile tickets displayed on your smartphone are welcome, though printed tickets are also accepted.

While all sales are final, tickets to most events may be exchanged for another Center for the Arts performance within the current season. Please contact the box office at artscenter@vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-5300 at least one hour in advance of the scheduled performance to request an exchange. Refunds may be offered in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the box office manager.