A popular Atlanta museum will offer a free opportunity to learn one of the most popular pieces in modern dance.
The High Museum is hosting two free events this weekend that will give participants an opportunity to learn an excerpt from Alvin Ailey's "Revelations" from one of the company's former dancers. "Revelations" explores integral aspects of African American history, incorporating spirituals, gospel and blues.
Nasha Thomas will appear at the "'Revelations' Celebration Community Workshop" at the High Museum on May 13 and 14. The former Ailey dancer still works for the company as the national director of AileyCamp, spokesperson, and master teacher for the company's arts and education, and community programming.
Thomas said Atlanta has always been a popular market for Ailey's work, so it has been a goal for the company to increase it's presence within the city. The initiatives are a part of the company's local Destination Dance program, which launched in January.
Earlier this year, the company hosted a Master Class and panel discussion with popular Ailey dancer and choreographer Hope Boykin. This summer AileyCamp will use dance as a vehicle to teach middle school students important life skills.
“We really want to develop stronger partnerships [within Atlanta], and continue to work and develop the young people in the city and dance community," Thomas said.
Thomas said she hopes the people who attend this workshop will feel more connected to "Revelations" the next time they see it performed. Events such as the upcoming ones at the High Museum allows the dance company to continue to honor the vision Ailey had for the dance group when he founded it nearly 60 years ago, she said.
“It’s one thing to be sitting in the audience and seeing the beautiful performers," Thomas said. "It’s another thing to move and learn the choreography.”
The weekend's events will also allow attendees a chance to examine the museum's current exhibit on author and illustrator Ashley Bryan. "Painter and Poet: The Wonderful World of Ashley Bryan" is open through January 2018. Bryan has published about 50 children's books since the 1960s.
2 p.m. May 13-14. Free. Sifly Piazza at High Museum, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. High.org.
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