The dance company Ailey II brought fresh and young dancers to Elon University’s McCrary Theatre Thursday, March 7.
“Ailey II is renowned for merging the passion of the country’s best young dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding emerging choreographers,” said Jeffrey Clark, executive director in the Office of Cultural and Special Programs. “The company embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people.”
Alvin Ailey founded the show in 1974 with Sylvia Walters as director. In 2012, Troy Powell became Ailey II’s newest artistic director.
“It was just amazing being in a company that I dreamed to be in one day,” said first-year dancer Tyler Brown. “So it was all surreal for me at first. Now it’s the feeling I get out of it, being inspired by my co-workers. “
Brown danced in the Divining and Revelations pieces of Ailey II. In Revelations, she performed a section called Wade of the Water while holding an umbrella. With its prestigious reputation, spots in this touring show are highly sought by dancers all over the country.
“At first it was a lot of getting used to,” Brown said on her experience with the show, “I was … overwhelmed with all the material I had to learn. But still at the same time really excited. It was kind of a reality check.”
With the help of modern choreographers, the creative vision and energy of the show allowed the audience to enjoy the talents present. Its popularity was evident – Ailey II was sold out days before the show.
Each piece was wholly different from the previous one. Whether the music was based on African drums, opera or aggressive rock, the dances distinctly stood out in their own way.
The audience did not have time to grow bored with any of the performance. With a different lead choreographer for each section, the constantly changing costumes always complimented the dance style.
In one piece, The Calling, the curtain opened to only one dancer, Aqura Lacey, in a white dress. Saying this dress was floor length would be an under statement – the bottom covered about half the stage. Lacey moved gracefully with the dress, slowly getting herself more and more wrapped in it.
“This show is for everyone,” Clark said. “We have audience members coming from around the region and from the local community but the audience for this show is largely from the campus community: students, faculty and staff.”
Every seat had a person in it. Even some of the upper staircases became extra seats for the audience.
“We brought Ailey II to Elon because they are one of the world’s most popular dance companies,” Clark said. “The group also represents the cultural diversity that is an integral part of the Elon Commitment. And they represent the variety of cultural events that Elon brings which appeal across demographic groups as well as enhance the liberal arts education of its students.”