If you’ve seen Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece, Revelations, you know why it’s so popular—it’s a powerful piece of dance that reflects African-American heritage and culture and takes the viewer on an emotional journey, from sorrow to elation to hope. (That Ailey choreographed this piece when he was only 29 years old makes it that much more incredible, to me.) Getting to hear what it’s like to dance such a watershed piece from the performers themselves is a special treat. After all, they’re the ones inside the piece, bringing it to life. Watch this short video to hear from company stars and guest artists about what makes Revelations special:

This week, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is performing at Lincoln Center, and Revelations is, of course, on the performance roster. There are plenty of other program highlights to get you there—premieres by artistic director Robert Battle, works by longtime company member Hope Boykin and choreographer Kyle Abraham—but Revelations is definitely the cherry on top of the repertory sundae.

Plus, the performance schedule coincides with New York City’s Dance Week, which means the Ailey Extension is offering free classes—like last night’s jazz class in the Lincoln Center plaza. DT was there—did you see?