Acclaimed dance troupe Ailey II performs “In Revelations” at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (Jason Jiang/The Daily Campus)
The world-renowned Ailey II Dance Troupe took center stage at The Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday night to exhibit their astounding performance.
Ailey II is well known for merging the spirit and energy of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey with the passion and creative vision of today’s talent.
The first act started with a very somber instrumental tune that accompanied the dancers with their elegant yet aggressive dance moves. Each step was captivating, causing a hypnotic effect where the audience couldn’t look away. The dancers were dressed in simple outfits (gray tank tops and dark gray shorts) that helped to emphasize the simplicity of the performance.
The second act opened with an electric-pop number that was fast paced and even edgier than the proceeding act, but it kept the same elegance. Neon lights flashed on the stage to convey a fast-paced setting and it then closed with a high-powered performance that was reflective of humanity and mechanics of everyday life.
The third and final act opened with a collection of energetic southern hymnals that added life to the performance. It took the audience to a different atmosphere because the stage lights changed to warm colors emphasizing the soulful tempo change. The performers were dressed in flowing outfits that highlighted their upbeat dance moves. This act differed from the other two acts because the music utilized included vocals while the first two acts had instrumental soundtracks.
The performance was well received from the audience. Third-semester political science and journalism major Felicia Moore said she thought the Ailey II dancers told a vibrant story.
“Dance performances are difficult to understand because of the lack of vocalization from the performers yet they were successful in telling a story.”
Third-semester Bio-medical Engineering major Paige Woods said, “I really liked the performance- it was creative.”
Even a long-term Jorgensen attendee, Anne-Marie Campbell, said this performance was impressive.
“I’ve been in town for 30 years and I’ve seen many dances, this was stupendous.”
Imani Jean-Gilles is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. She can be reached by email at imani-marie.jean-gilles@uconn.edu.