Revelations Still Captivates Audiences 50 Years After Atlanta Debut

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's signature work continues to move and inspire audiences decades later.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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When Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta from February 11-15, 2026, they will once again close each performance with their iconic work "Revelations", which has been a part of their repertoire since the company first performed in the city in 1976. The ballet, choreographed by Ailey and inspired by his memories of growing up in the Baptist church in Texas, has become synonymous with the modern dance company's powerful and emotional performances.

Why it matters

Revelations has become one of the most celebrated and recognizable works of modern dance, transcending the stage to be performed at major events like the Olympics and the White House. Its enduring popularity speaks to Ailey's ability to capture the human experience through movement and the company's commitment to honoring his legacy.

The details

The ballet is divided into three sections, with company member Constance Stamatiou describing the significance of each. The first, "Wade in the Water Processional," reflects Ailey's memories of witnessing baptisms in a creek. The second, the "Umbrella Lady" section, features a dancer representing the "mother of the church" providing shade for the baptismal couple. The final section, "Troubling the Water," uses moving fabric to create the visual effect of rising waves. Stamatiou notes that the casting for Revelations is constantly changing, allowing different dancers to take on iconic roles like the "Wade Girl" and "Umbrella Lady" over the course of the company's tours.

  • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been performing Revelations at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta since 1976.
  • The company will return to the Fox Theatre from February 11-15, 2026 to present Revelations.

The players

Alvin Ailey

The founder and original choreographer of Revelations, which was inspired by his memories of growing up in the Baptist church in Texas.

Constance Stamatiou

A company member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater who describes the meaning and creation of the different sections of Revelations.

Judith Jamison

The legendary dancer who was famous for performing the role of the "Wade Girl" in Revelations, and later served as the company's artistic director.

Renee Robinson

Another dancer known for her iconic performances in the role of the "Umbrella Lady" in Revelations.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

The modern dance company that has been performing Revelations, Ailey's signature work, for over 50 years.

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What they’re saying

“Revelations has been performed countless times all over the world. It's been a part of the Olympics opening ceremony; it's been performed at the White House. I remember seeing a CBS special about Revelations when I was a little girl. This section reflects Ailey's memories of hearing 'Wade in the Water' sung while people were being baptized in a creek in the woods. He wanted the piece to resemble what he saw.”

— Constance Stamatiou, Company member (atlantamagazine.com)

“We call this part the 'Umbrella Lady'— I think of her as the mother of the church. Her job is to hold the umbrella to provide shade for the couple who is getting baptized. Everyone is in white for this part; the colors were Ailey's vision, and then the decor and costumes were originally designed by Ves Harper for the first production of Revelations, in 1960. Your arms are definitely in shape from holding that umbrella!”

— Constance Stamatiou, Company member (atlantamagazine.com)

“The pale-blue background represents the sky, and then you have the two pieces of cloth representing the water. Offstage, dancers are holding the edges of the cloth and shaking the water to make it move. Over the course of the piece, the waters start to rise, and you'll start to see bigger waves. It's really quite beautiful.”

— Constance Stamatiou, Company member (atlantamagazine.com)

“Revelations is close to a full group piece, but the casting is constantly changing. We have a book—it's like our Bible—that has the casting assignments for each performance of the multiweek tour. I used to perform a lot as the Wade Girl who is getting baptized, but I moved up to Umbrella Lady after having my kids. I still dance other parts in Revelations, too, and Wade Girl maybe once a year to satisfy my need!”

— Constance Stamatiou, Company member (atlantamagazine.com)

“The original dancer in this role was Judith Jamison [the legendary dancer who also served as the company's second artistic director after Alvin Ailey died]. When I dance in it, I'm definitely trying to channel Ms. Jamison, and Renee Robinson, who is also famous for this role. I'm embodying all the mothers in the church that I would see growing up—my grandma, my aunts. And I'm thinking of the shoulders I stand on, trying to honor Mr. Ailey's choreography, trying to give gratitude to be a part of this company.”

— Constance Stamatiou, Company member (atlantamagazine.com)

What’s next

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will continue their annual tradition of closing each performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta with Revelations from February 11-15, 2026.

The takeaway

Revelations has endured as one of the most iconic and beloved works of modern dance, transcending the stage to become a cultural touchstone. Alvin Ailey's ability to capture the human experience through movement, combined with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's commitment to honoring his legacy, has ensured that this powerful work continues to move and inspire audiences decades after its creation.