NEW YORK, NY March 31, 2008 —It was 50 years ago yesterday that a group of dancers who eventually became the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater took the stage for the first time.

Yesterday morning, Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church honored the anniversary. The choir sang as dancers from the congregation performed a selection from Ailey, titled “Revelations.”

Judith Jamison is the artistic director for the Ailey.

JAMISON: This was a seed that was planted 50 years ago and my goodness, Alvin’s the root and we are the branches and this has blossomed into something spectacular. We don’t believe we’re here for 50 years, but then we know it isn’t an accident that we’re here for 50 years.

REPORTER: Yesterday’s events kicked off a year-long, national celebration. "Revelations" was performed at churches around the US, including in Ailey’s hometown of Rogers, Texas.

Here in New York, West 55th Street from Ninth to Tenth avenues will be renamed Alvin Ailey Place.