Ailey at Wheaton
The troupe's performance on campus lasted mere hours, but the artistic gifts they left behind will endure for years.
In the first weeklong residency of the Evelyn Danzig Haas '39 Visiting Artists Program, the renowned Alvin Ailey II dance company left Wheaton students and regional arts enthusiasts breathless-literally and figuratively-as they taught master classes, choreographed a piece for the Wheaton Dance Company, and performed on campus in late September.
"This has been such a shot in the arm to the visibility of dance programs on campus," said Cheryl Mrozowski, assistant professor of theatre and director of the Wheaton Dance Company. "The Ailey dancers brought different ideas about dance to our students. It was a heady experience."
The highlight of the week for many people on and off campus was the soldout Ailey II performance on Sept. 20. Introduced by Ailey School Director Denise Jefferson '65, the company performed "The Tyner Project," selections from the well-known "Revelations" work by Alvin Ailey, and "Prayer in Discord," a new work that was premiered at Wheaton. Jefferson spoke warmly of her time at Wheaton.
"My heart is pounding because I danced on this stage," Jefferson said. "If you have a dream, follow it. I never dreamed that all these wonderful things would happen to me. I just kept moving forward in dance. And it all started at Wheaton."
As artists in residence, the company spent the bulk of their time at Wheaton working with students. Several dancers took turns leading master classes throughout the week, and Ailey II resident choreographer Troy Powell worked with the dance company for four days to help them better understand the "Horton" method of dance embraced by Ailey and to teach them an original dance piece choreographed for the Wheaton company. Education, Powell said, is central to Alvin Ailey's mission.
"We are continuing a legacy in the Ailey style," Powell explained. "Alvin Ailey wanted all his dancers to be teachers. That's the bond we had with him, and it's the bond we encourage when we teach."
"Lambarena: Bach to Africa" is the dance piece Powell choreographed for the Wheaton Dance Company and taught to them during the residency. Inspired by the music of Bach and by the flight of eagles in Alaska, the highenergy piece calls on Wheaton dancers to stretch their talent and imagination as so much of their movement must mimic an eagle's flight. Although some dancers said they were at first intimidated by Powell because of his stature in the dance community, they ended the week tired and ecstatic.
"Troy helped us to relax by reminding us that we're doing what we love," said Julie Kapur '05. "He was encouraging."
"We love working with students who have emotion, energy and passion for this art," Powell said of his Wheaton students.
