Ailey II to perform and conduct master classes at Wheaton
July 31, 2003
Ailey® II, the dynamic young touring ensemble created by Alvin Ailey in 1974 to showcase the talents of young dancers, will perform at Wheaton on Saturday, September 20. The ensemble, which emphasizes a balance of repertoire, technique and performance, is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed dance companies in the United States.
The dance ensemble opens the 2003-2004 program of visiting artists at Wheaton as part of a new initiative, the Evelyn Danzig Haas '39 Visiting Artists Program & Arts in the City. This program expands Wheaton's arts and cultural programs for students, alumni and residents of Greater Boston. The visiting artists deliver public lectures, mount gallery exhibitions, collaborate on installations or perform for students, faculty and the region's arts lovers during intensive, short-term engagements in which they also work with students and faculty on a variety of master classes and private consultations.
Wheaton launched the program with initial funding from the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, which also has issued a $1 million challenge grant to inspire other donors to support this initiative. The college seeks an endowment of at least $4 million including the Haas Fund's gift to sustain a series of high-quality offerings in the arts that inspire students and nourish the community.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Sylvia Waters, Ailey® II members, all exceptionally talented dancers who have completed advanced programs at The Ailey School, refine their technique while gaining invaluable performing and teaching experience during their tenure with the ensemble. Wheaton alumna Denise Jefferson '65 is director of The Ailey School.
While on campus, the members of Ailey® II will conduct master classes for students studying dance and movement, and for members of the Wheaton Dance Company. The classes will be coordinated by Professor Cheryl Mrozowski, who directs the college's dance troupe.
In recent years Ailey® II's distinctive repertory has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Judith Jamison and such innovative choreographers as Donald Byrd, Shapiro & Smith, Avila/Weeks, Lar Lubovitch, Kevin Wynn and Ulysses Dove. Ailey® II's 2003-2004 national tour is sponsored by the MetLife Foundation.
This page is maintained by Mike Graca. Last updated on 7/31/03.
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