When Alvin Ailey made Revelations 50 years ago, he was near to the beginning of his career; and the dance reflected that lean and edgy time. But the choreographer and his work both found their equilibrium quickly; Ailey became the closest thing to a household name that American modern dance has produced. When he died in 1989, he left behind the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, an institution reflecting his belief in the power of dance to tell human stories. With its gospel roots and emotional arc from rejection to transcendence, Revelations is still the crown jewel in the company repertory—usually the finale at every performance. Also on the bill for this visit are works including Uptown (a Seattle premiere), The Hunt, and The Evolution of a Secured Feminine. SANDRA KURTZ

Fri., March 25, 8 p.m.; Sat., March 26, 8 p.m.; Sun., March 27, 2 p.m., 2011