A dozen young, top dancers bring dynamic beauty to the stage when the dance company Ailey II performs at the Perot Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 9.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., this New York City-based troupe presents a selection of contemporary dance works, including several new commissions. Artistic director Troy Powell's work "Ebb and Flow" is among them.
The company is known for its demanding tours and reaching out to communities. They've built a legacy of fine artistry, maintaining the traditions of Texas-born founder Alvin Ailey and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
We caught up with Powell via email to discuss the company and what local dance enthusiasts will see at their performance, which is part of the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council's Perot Theatre Series. Lightly edited for space, here's what he had to say:
1. For those local dance fans who may be unfamiliar with Ailey II and its dance vision, can you remark on where the company sees itself within the realm of contemporary dance? What space does the company try to fill with its mission that makes it unique?
A: "Ailey II is the second company to the world-renowned Ailey Ailey American Dance Theater. We are a modern dance company that is continuing to celebrate a profound, unstoppable legacy. I always express to Ailey II that they are put in a very challenging but unique situation. What makes Ailey unique is the mission. These artists get the opportunity at a very young age to experience what it's like to work with emerging choreographers, to work six hours a day, five days a week in a professional environment, to travel all over the world, and to perform for thousands of people while telling their stories."
2. How did Ailey II grow as an extension of the Ailey School into the professional dance world?
A: "Ailey II has definitely grown in the past 45 years as an extension of The Ailey School because of its leadership. Sylvia Waters, who ran the second company for 38 years, has really nurtured young artists not only technically but most importantly mentally. She always taught us what Mr. Ailey taught for many years, and that's humanity. Each and every time we step on the stage our responsibility is to give back in the most honest way possible, with passion, hunger, respect and most of all honesty. I'm continuing that exact same mission today by holding on to the integrity of this very revolutionary legacy. Also, the dancers are getting better and better. It's continuously evolving with the times."
3. "Adagio for Strings," it's such an iconic piece of music. What was Troy Powell's specific inspiration to use this piece in "Ebb and Flow" and how does the dance draw out the emotion of this music?
A: "I love classical music, it's my favorite. I grew up listening to all types of music but for some reason classical music hit home for me. It's so soothing. I'm also amazed by water, especially going to the beach and watching the tide drain away from the shore, which is the ebb, and the flow is the incoming phase when the water rises. The combination of two bodies being able to accomplish that in an eight-minute duet is mesmerizing. I didn't want to create a typical love duet. I wanted to use these beautiful young bodies in a unique way."
4. What are some of the joys of having new commissions as a part of this celebratory tour, which helps to mark the company's 60th anniversary? Also, the joys of having a company so dedicated to young dancers?
A: "The room is filled with joy, and most importantly, a relationship is forged where not only are the dancers learning from the choreographers, but the choreographers are learning from the dancers as well. It's so magical. I love observing the process."
5. If someone who's never seen or heard of Ailey II comes to the Perot Theatre to see them dance, what would you hope they experience from attending this show?
A: "I hope people will come to the theater with an open mind and leave the theater after two hours with not only a different perspective on dance and Ailey but their own lives. We hope to touch people with our instruments in a way where they can see themselves in our stories. We hope when they go back home they can remember what they've experienced for the rest of their lives."
6. Anything else you'd like to specifically say to folks considering attending?
A: "I would definitely tell people who are attending the performance to fasten their seat belts. It's going to take you on a journey you'll never forget."
(Tickets: $43-$24. Discounts available. Purchase tickets online at TRAHC.org or call the Perot Theatre Box Office at 903-792-4992.)