Towson University’s College of Fine Arts & Communication and Department of Dance presents Ailey II, Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theatre, for two performances, Saturday, September 20, 2014, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Stephens Hall Theatre located at 8000 York Road on the campus of Towson University. 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. Two members of Ailey II, Terrell Spence and Aubree Brown, have a Baltimore connection.
(Courtesy Photo)
Baltimore native, Aubree Brown performs with Ailey II at Towson University.
The talented dancers of Ailey II are renowned for captivating audiences and translating their strength and agility into powerful performances. Under the artistic direction of Troy Powell, this critically acclaimed company presents vibrant performances and innovative community programs across the country and internationally. The Ailey spirit shines as these artists perform an exhilarating and diverse repertory that includes Alvin Ailey’s timeless classics and thrilling new works by today’s outstanding emerging choreographers.
Baltimore native Terrell Spence began his dance career at the age of fifteen at Savage Dance Company. He continued his training and later graduated from Carver Center for Arts and Technology with a concentration in dance. Spence has attended summer intensives at Bates Dance Festival, The School of Nashville Ballet and Jacobs Pillow. He has performed works by Judith Jamison; Hope Boykin; Matthew Rushing; Ohad
Naharin; Alexandre Proia; and Nicholas Villeneuve. Currently a senior in the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance, this is his first season with Ailey II.
Aubree Brown, also a Baltimore native, began her dance training at Baltimore School for the Arts under the guidance of Norma Pera; Anton Wilson; Deborah Robinson; and Linda-Denise Fischer-Harrell. She also trained at summer intensives including the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and at The Ailey School as a scholarship student. Brown has worked with choreographers including Jessica Lang, Ray Mercer, Bettijane Sills, Kirven James Boyd, Nathan Trice, and Amber Lee Parker and performed works by George Balanchine. In May 2013, she graduated with a B.F.A. from the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase College. This is her second year with Ailey II.
On July 1, 2012, Troy Powell became only the second person to lead Ailey II since its inception in 1974. A native New Yorker, Powell began his dance training at the age of nine as a scholarship student at The Ailey School. Following his graduation from The High School of Performing Arts, he became a member of Ailey II and then joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1991.
As part of Ailey II and Towson University’s community outreach and commitment to providing access for all, Ailey II will present two mini-performances at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for Baltimore City and County schools on Friday, September 19, 2014. Each of the free concerts is 45-minutes.
The Ailey II Dance Company includes Samantha Barriento; Riccardo Battaglia; Shay Bland; Aubree Brown; David Adrian Freeland, Jr.; Nathaniel Hunt; Chalvar Monteiro; Annellyse Munroe; Danica Poulos; Deidre Rogan; Courtney Ross; Terrell Spance; and and Jamal White.