Written By: Selena Zhang

In keeping with the tradition of inviting incredible dancers and contemporary companies, this year’s Strong Family Concert featured Ailey II. This renowned dance company, founded by the trailblazing Alvin Ailey, is known for nurturing the next generation of modern dancers and celebrated for its dynamic blend of technical mastery and emotional depth. As rehearsal director Shay Bland introduced to the audience, the works performed were varied in both theme and style, showcasing the company’s range of repertoire. The performance opened with “Divining,” a solo piece set to various percussive rhythms which evoked a sense of mystery. “Down the Rabbit Hole” followed, examining the intersection of technology and human identity of today, challenging viewers to reflect on their own lives. Finally, the program concluded with Alvin Ailey’s classic “Streams,” a mesmerizing piece with fluid patterns which evoked water’s power to mirror shifting emotions. 

Their mission statement of building a company that “strives to further the pioneering vision of the choreographer, dancer, and cultural leader Alvin Ailey by building an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all” and “sharing the art of dance with people of all races, ages, and backgrounds” reflects the core values of celebrating diversity through movement and purpose. 

Ms. Ciaccia, the Middle and Upper School Dance Teacher and coordinator for this event, explains that the company’s artistic mission reflected the goals of the Strong Family Dance Concert, an annual gathering to appreciate art that “will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our community. The Strong Family Dance Concert is a unique opportunity for our community to experience and engage with professional dance in an educational setting.” However, finding a company is not easy; Ms. Ciaccia explained, “I usually begin the search process by reaching out to different dance companies that I believe are producing innovative and culturally relevant work. I often contact two to three different companies and then present the options to a committee of RCDS colleagues and the Strong Family. Once we have agreed on a company to invite to campus, we see what type of educational programming they can offer our community.” Exposure to different forms of dance expands the horizons of what forms of artistic expression exist, and hands-on experience can be even more valuable, she added. “One of the highlights of the Strong Family Dance Concert is that we schedule a master class open to the Upper School Cedar Street Dance Company and other dedicated dance students on campus. The master class is a meaningful way for students to learn new techniques and engage with historic and world-renowned repertoire from notable dancers and teachers.”

As a whole, Ailey II’s performance was an unforgettable display of innovation and strength that not only highlighted the beauty of extraordinary artistry, but also the power of art in evoking emotion. Thank you, Ms. Ciaccia and the Strong Family, for the incredible concert!