PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - “Culture Ambassador to the World” Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues the celebration of the 50-year anniversary of Alvin Ailey’s classic Revelations with performances at The Academy of Music February 26th and 27th.

This performance also marks the homecoming of Philadelphia native Judith Jamison who leads the dance group through her final season as artistic director.

Matt Wolf is vice president of programming at the Kimmel:

“Alvin Ailey said that one of America’s richest treasures was the cultural heritage of the African American; sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant but always hopeful. He uses African American spirituals as sort of the music for this piece. So I think when you combine the beautiful choreography, lighting, costumes and the emotional impact and meaning that these pieces have, it is a quite wonderful celebration of the African American tradition.”

Listen to extended interview:

For more information, go to KimmelCenter.org.

Reported By Stasia DeMarco, KYW Newsradio