Ailey performance brings national talent to TU stage
Towson University hosts an exclusive performance of a traveling national dance company, including some from Baltimore.
Sept. 13, 2018
The Towson University community has a front row seat to a traveling national dance group this weekend at Stephens Hall.
Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974, 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.
Ailey II performs across the U.S. and internationally. Saturday's performance is the first on an upcoming nationwide tour, said Artistic Director Troy Powell.
"This is our eighth time at Towson University," Powell said. "This is a good way to get our feet wet. We do a series of events and performances. So the dancers get their feet wet before our big tour. It's a great place to start, a great audience, great theatre and great people."
On Friday morning, the group held a mini performance for high school students from Baltimore City and Baltimore County Public Schools.
"Those are my favorite types of performances," Powell said. "Alvin Ailey was all about outreach. It's a way to get people to understand dance. A lot of people don't understand the work that goes into a production. And they get to participate."
Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the county under the leadership of Sylvia Waters (1974-2012), combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs.
Under the artistic direction of Powell, the Ailey spirit shines in a performance that includes Alvin Ailey’s timeless classics and thrilling new works by today’s outstanding emerging choreographers.
The troupe includes 12 dancers — three with local ties: Corrin Rachel Mitchell and Amarachi Valentina Korie (both from Baltimore) and Alisha Rena Peek (from Upper Marlboro).
There are two performances Saturday — 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. — at the Stephens Hall Theatre. Powell says the audience is in for a treat.
"They're going to see dancers that are really, really passionate. They love to perform and make that connection with audiences. They get on that stage and really move one another. They'll see a less-than-two-hour concert that is high in energy, with a diverse rep — different music, different styles, different choreography," Powell said. "It'll definitely be very energetic, very passionate. You'll also see 12 of the most promising dancers around get on that stage and just wow the audience."
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland, Diverse and Inclusive Campus and Culture of Philanthropy.