On March 22, at 8 p.m., Ailey II will perform new works at the Clayton Center for the Arts Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by call the Box Office at 865-981-8590 or online at www.claytonartscenter.com. Tickets are $20-$45.
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.
Ailey II has a Tennessee connection through rehearsal director, Alia Kache who received her early dance training at Center for Creative Arts and Chattanooga Ballet.
“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.
In the world premiere work Alchemies, up and coming choreographer Adam Barruch transforms everyday gestures – a reach, an embrace, a finger pointed skyward – into a reverie of human interactions.
In Polish choreographer Katarzyna Skarpetwoska’s Cuore Sott’Olio (“heart submerged in oil”), a female figure tumbles through the memories of past relationships using a fusion of folk dance and contemporary movement.
Rising choreographer Jennifer Archibald, a 2012 – 2013 New Directions Choreography Lab Fellow, explores the intriguing possibility of angels moving among us on earth in her new work, Wings – an unabashedly emotional portrayal of interactions between angels and humans.