Performed more than any other work in the history of contemporary dance, Revelations was first seen in its final version at Jacob’s Pillow in 1961. The original production lasted more than an hour and was only performed a few times, while the classic version we know today was edited and reshaped by Alvin Ailey for its first Pillow performances. Also for the Pillow, Ailey asked company member James Truitte to develop a new solo based on the teachings of their mentor, Lester Horton, and that solo was “I Wanna Be Ready.” Although these early performances (which also featured Carmen de Lavallade) were not filmed, a presentation of Revelations by Ailey II was recorded on the the occasion of Mr. Ailey’s final Pillow visit. Matthew Rushing has performed leading roles with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater since 1992, and he now serves as the company’s associate artistic director.
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