Skip to main content

Revelation of revelations, 2009

View
@ Clark Atlanta University

Freeman, Raynix D

Description

Degree Type: thesisDegree Name: Master of Arts (MA)Date of Degree: 2009Granting Institution: Clark Atlanta UniversityDepartment/ School: School of Arts and Sciences, African-American StudiesDance pioneer, Alvin Ailey, created a dance legacy when he choreographed Revelations in 1960. By using Revelations as the foundation for this study, this thesis reveals ways in which Ailey uses the human body to communicate expressions of the Black aesthetic. African-American dance has always been viewed as a form of entertainment. The research gathered presents African-American dance as an art form that suggests the cultural beauty of African Americans. This thesis details the life and achievements of Ailey. It explains what influenced Ailey to choreograph Revelations. This research also analyzes the emphasis of the dancing body in relation to African- American experiences. The African Dance theory and ten characteristics of African Dance are utilized to present expressive behaviors that display the Black aesthetic. The expressive behaviors presented are body gestures/movements, music, and costuming. From these cultural expressions and the African Dance theory, the researcher determines what makes Ailey unique in the modem dance tradition. This thesis allows for future research of other African-American choreographers and how their choreographic pieces give insight into the African-American experience.
Type:
Text
Contributors:
Black, Daniel OTwining, Mary A
View Original At:

Record Contributed By

Clark Atlanta University

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia