Beyond the Stage: Sacred Songs | Episode Three: The People

Alvin Ailey believed that dance has a unique power to speak to everyone, not just an elite minority. That philosophy is at the heart of Matthew Rushing’s ‘Sacred Songs.’ Before the ballet was fully realized and set on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for its World Premiere at New York City Center in 2024, Mr. Rushing developed a special iteration with Ailey Extension students. This version, titled ‘Sacred Songs: A Journey of the Spiritual’ was performed at The Whitney Museum of American Art as part of the exhibition ‘Edges of Ailey’.

Creating a work across different divisions of the organization and inviting Extension dancers to be a part of the process had never been done before. "It’s a beautiful picture of what the organization stands for," Mr. Rushing said, "this idea of unity that we’re trying to create."

You can experience AILEY at Jacob’s Pillow, August 20–24, 2025 with the Company performing ballets from their current repertory and a two performance of ‘Sacred Songs: A Journey of the Spiritual’.

"Sacred Songs Suite", the album, is now available to purchase digitally everywhere and is also available on all streaming platforms for free!

Choreographer: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Interim Artistic Director, Matthew Rushing
Creative Associate and Composer: Du'Bois A'keen
Filmed and Edited: Coal Rietenbach

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