After performing everywhere from Madagascar to the White House, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has evolved into a unique phenomenon since its humble beginnings in 1958. The internationally acclaimed company has achieved legendary status through its provocative surveys of African-American culture and progressively modern yet lyrical choreography. This particular tour—which is making a six-day stop at UC Berkeley’s Cal Performances—marks the farewell of Ailey’s successor and artistic director, Judith Jamison, after leading the troupe to unparalleled praise for more than 20 years. The tour also marks the 50-year anniversary of Ailey’s own masterwork, Revelations, performed as the hauntingly cathartic final piece each night.

March 29–April 3; Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way and Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, 510-642-9988, calperfs.berkeley.edu