Exclusive Behind the Scenes Photos with Ailvin Ailey Dancers

<p>Take A Jaw-Dropping, Behind The Scenes Look At These Alvin Ailey Dancers Rehearsing</p>

"r-Evolution, A Dream", an Alivn Ailey piece created by veteran company member Hope Boykin, transports the audience as most Ailey productions do. Inspired by the sermons and speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Boykin took to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta during Ailey’s annual U.S. tour. From there birthed a magnificent large ensemble of Ailey dancers and Ailey II members, and melds creative storytelling, new music composed by Ali Jackson (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and historic and original writings narrated by Tony Award winner and Hamilton's own Leslie Odom, Jr. Take a sneak peak in these exclusive to ESSENCE pics!

By Joslyn Winkfield · Updated October 26, 2020

r-Evolution, Dream.

AAADT’s Hope Boykin taking a break backstage before rehearsal.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

Hope Boykin chats with a dancer Rachael McLaren backstage during rehearsals for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

AAADT’s Hope Boykin showing the beautiful white costume she designed for her work.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

Megan Jakel and Hope Boykin prepare backstage during rehearsals for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

Dancers rehearse for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

AAADT’s Akua Noni Parker and Ailey II’s Jessica Amber Pinkett fly across the stage during rehearsals for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

Dancers leap high during rehearsals for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

Dancers full of poise and grace during rehearsals for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

Linda Celeste Sims and Vernard Gilmore during rehearsals for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.

Kathryn Wirsing

r-Evolution, Dream.

AAADT’s Jamar Roberts during rehearsals for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.

https://www.essence.com/celebrity/john-legend-chrissy-teigen-fertility-struggles

r-Evolution, Dream.

Ailey II’s Jacoby Pruit, AAADT’s Daniel Harder, Ailey II’s Lloyd Boyd III, and AAADT’s Renaldo Maurice during rehearsals for Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.