Ailey II Brings New Dance Composition to Radford University Stage
On Monday, Nov. 4, the University Performance Series is proud to present an inspiring evening of professional dance on the Bondurant Auditorium Stage in Preston Hall.
The show at Radford University is part of Ailey II’s 31-city world tour.
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. Ailey II is one of the most popular dance companies in the country, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs.
After a record breaking inaugural year as artistic director, Troy Powell announces four richly diverse new commissions in his second year at the helm of Ailey II. One of these will be performed at Radford.
"I couldn’t be more thrilled to tour the world with these 12 exceptional dancers this season. I always aim to commission ballets that challenge the dancers and help them grow and develop as young artists. I am excited to offer this year’s choreographers the opportunity to have their work seen by audiences near and far," Troy Powell said.
Members of Ailey II
The company premiere of "We," a charming duet by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle, depicts a seasoned relationship between a couple. Capturing the spirit of familiarity and vulnerability that is as endearing as reaching for a hand and knowing the other's will always be there, Battle set this work to composer Sean Jones' tender "Love's Lullaby."
Mr. Battle has a long-standing association with the Ailey organization. A frequent choreographer and artist-in-residence at Ailey since 1999, he has set many of his works on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and on students from The Ailey School.
Upon his appointment as Artistic Director in 2011, Battle instituted the New Directions Choreography Lab to help develop the next generation of choreographers. Assisting choreographers in developing their craft, the program grants resident fellowships to four emerging and mid-career artists, offering a stipend, the use of gifted dancers from The Ailey School, creative mentorships, and rehearsal time at The Joan Weill Center for Dance.
Unlike other programs that require the production and presentation of a final performance or commission, Ailey's lab enables choreographers to focus solely on the process of choreography as a creative experience, free from all restricting expectations or deadlines.
This season, six new dancers: Riccardo Battaglia, Shay Bland, Aubree Brown, Jacquelin Harris, Danica Paulos, and Jamal White, join the six returning members. In addition to Powell's new commission, Ailey II's touring repertory will include favorites such as "Echoes," "Rusty" and "Virtues."
Ailey II is the second program in the 2013-14 University Performance Series.
"We are thrilled to bring Ailey II to the RU campus. They are exquisite world-class performers who will provide an extraordinary experience that is not usually available in this region." Joe Scartelli, dean of Radford's College of Visual and Performing Arts said.
The dance performance is on Nov. 4 at the Bondurant Auditorium at Preston Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children and free with an RU ID. They can be purchased at the Hurlburt Student Center information desk or by calling (540) 831-5420. They may be also ordered online.