Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Whether you go to the Friday or Saturday performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the show will close with the same piece — a performance of the founding choreographer’s masterwork “Revelations.” Ailey was 29 years old when he choreographed and produced “Revelations” in 1960. Ever since its world premiere that year at Manhattan’s 92nd Street Y, the dance has endured as a singular classic in the modern dance canon, seen over six decades by 25 million people in 70 countries. Inspired by the choreographer’s Christian upbringing in the Depression-era South, the 36-minute performance is Ailey’s vision of the black experience in America, set to gospel and blues spirituals. In three parts, the work explores the oppression and suffering of African Americans under slavery, the joy of baptismal redemption and the raucous elation that comes with true freedom. The dancers’ staggering physicality and precision match the piece’s emotional poignancy as a whole, making it one of those rare works that is as aesthetically affecting as it is spiritually moving. You can see the essential “Revelations” on both nights. Friday will feature the Nashville premieres of the Jessica Lang-choreographed “EN” and Ronald K. Brown’s “The Call,” along with Ailey’s signature solo work “Cry.” Acclaimed hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris’ trilogy of works, “Lazarus,” will be performed on Saturday. 8 p.m. Feb. 28-29 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall, 505 Deaderick St. JACQUELINE ZEISLOFT