Ailey II dancers perform at CLC on Oct. 21
As part of a 25-city U.S. tour, the Ailey II dance company will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County in Grayslake.
Artistic Director Troy Powell has commissioned four world premieres for the tour by Ray Mercer, Jean Emile, Kyle "JustSole" Clark and Ailey dancer Jamar Roberts.
Founded in 1974, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey's pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people.
After the tour, Ailey II will return home to New York for its annual two-week season at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, March 30 to April 10, 2016.
Ailey II is one of the most popular dance companies in the country, combining a rigorous touring schedule with community outreach programs. After three record-breaking seasons as artistic director, Troy Powell announced four diverse new commissions in his fourth year at the helm of the company.
"This is the first time in over two decades that Ailey II has presented four world premieres during a performance season. The premieres are richly diverse and they perfectly complement the 11 returning favorites that make up our repertoire," Powell said.
"Audiences are in for a treat on this tour. Our young professional dance artists and rising choreographers have come together to create a special experience for one and all. Ailey II is at the forefront of cutting edge and exciting dance, and we look forward to bringing our distinctive vibrancy and energy to theaters around the country."
Choreographer and Ailey School alumnus Jean Emile's "In & Out" is a poignant work for eight dancers, giving an honest view of the ups and downs of contemporary life. Drawing on a mix of dance techniques, Emile brings a fresh approach, which is amplified by a varied score that includes music by Alva Noto, Alberto Iglesias and Jun Miyake.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Jamar Roberts makes his Ailey II choreographic debut with "Gêmeos" (Portuguese for "twins"). Loosely based on the relationship of Roberts and his brother growing up as children - one a dancer, the other an athlete - Roberts illustrates the dynamic between contrasting personalities and how they evolve from hostility to harmony. Using music with heavy percussion, brassy horns, bass guitar and the commanding singing style of Afrobeat star Fela Kuti, Roberts captures the energy of youth.
In "Something Tangible," choreographer Ray Mercer leads the ensemble cast into a series of vignettes that reflect sensations of love, passion, fear and self-doubt. The work features a range of musical styles that include artists Max Richter, Ólafur Arnalds and Geoff Bennett and an original score by Bongi Duma.
In the ensemble work "I Am The Road," hip-hop choreographer Kyle "JustSole" Clark treats audiences to a glimpse into his life as a dancer. Capturing the struggles and triumphs of a young artist finding his place in the world, Clark presents his personal journal in dance form. House dance music by Vikter Duplaix, Jeff Samuel, Nuyorican Soul and Markus Enochson illuminate Clark's depictions of risk taking, falling in love, and remaining true to one's self.
This season, six new dancers (Lloyd Boyd, Gabriel Hyman, Jacob Lewis, Jacoby Pruitt, Courtney Celeste Spears and Terri Ayanna Wright) join the six returning members. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.
Tickets are $32-$40 for regular admission; $31-$39 for seniors and CLC staff and alumni; $15 for CLC students and teens; and $12 for children (prices do not include a $2 JLC facility fee). For information, call the Box Office, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at (847) 543-2300.
The College of Lake County is at 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.