Ailey Community Celebration Impact Report

When Dance St. Louis presented the world-renowned Ailey II on March 1 and 2, 2024 at the two-night sold out Touhill Performing Arts Center, the weekend was filled with unforgettable artistry that captured the spirit of ONE community. This Impact Report shares the experience of more than 3,200 who gathered to take a journey together and discover (or rediscover again) a cultural treasure beloved by generations of fans.

In collaboration with

CHOCOLATE GIRLS COOKIES

Two young entrepreneurs, sisters Nadia and Maya of Chocolate Girls’ Cookies LLC, distributed delicious baked cookies to our audience. Profits from their cookie business will contribute to the success of funding their

The Ailey II Community Celebration weekend began with Speaking of Dance, a pre-show in-depth discussion followed by an audience Q & A. Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Dance St. Louis Artistic Director Michael Utho o ered entertaining stories and thought-provoking insights into dance and the Ailey II company.

The evening continued with the thunderous performance from The Phil Woodmore Singers. Led by Dr. Phil Woodmore, a nationally recognized music educator, composer, and director, 27 voices and musicians, ranging in ages of 8 to 19, gave an uplifting concert of gospel, jazz and spirituals.

BY MALCOLM WILLIAMS

"Shine On Me"

CHORAL ARRANGEMENT BY ROLLO DILWORTH

"Summertime" FROM PORGY AND BESS

CHORAL ARRANGEMENT BY MARK HAYES

"What a Wonderful World"

CHORAL ARRANGEMENT BY MARK BRYMER

"We Shall Overcome"

GOSPEL STANDARD

As part of the Bayer Fund Dance Education Residency, Dance St. Louis engaged visiting teaching artists, Theara J. Ward and Youthen Joseph, from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. More than 400 students were reached, January to February 2024, inspiring them to reach their creative potential and believe in themselves.

DANCE EDUCATION RESIDENCY

PROGRAM TITLE SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSORS

MAJOR SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Growing diverse audiences and o ering ticket accessibility is a driving force behind season strategies. Dance St. Louis welcomed community groups from schools and universities, civic and cultural, as well as faith and social service organizations.

(2023)

Choreography: Francesca Harper

THE COMPANY

(1960)

Choreography: Alvin Ailey

I Been ‘Buked

(1984)

Choreography: Judith Jamison

MAGGY VAN DEN HEUVEL

THE COMPANY

Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel JARYD FARCON, MAGGY VAN DEN HEUVEL, KAYLA MEI-WAN THOMAS

Fix Me, Jesus

(2023)

Choreography: Baye & Asa

JARYD FARCON, MAYA FINMAN-PALMER, PATRICK GAMBLE, ALFRED L. JORDAN II, KALI MARIE OLIVER, XHOSA SCOTT

MAYA FINMAN-PALMER, CORINTH MOULTERIE

Professional/Honor, Honor

PATRICK GAMBLE, KAYLA MEI-WAN THOMAS, JARYD FARCON, XHOSA SCOTT

Wade in the Water

I Wanna Be Ready.

KIRI MOORE, ALFRED L. JORDAN II, KALI MARIE OLIVER

ANDREW BRYANT Sinner Man.

CORINTH MOULTERIE, PATRICK GAMBLE, XHOSA SCOTT

The Day is Past and Gone

You May Run On

THE COMPANY

THE COMPANY

Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham THE COMPANY

AILEY

II COMMUNITY CELEBRATION PRESENTING SPONSOR

SEASON SPONSORS

WHITAKER FOUNDATION

Dance St. Louis has been a trailblazer in the Midwest Region presenting professional dance from across the globe that has embodied the St. Louis arts and cultural experience for nearly six decades. Whether in the role as dance presenter, producer, collaborative partner or educator, Dance St. Louis exemplifies artistic excellence. As of one of only four dance-only presenters in America, Dance St. Louis is recognized as a national and international dance leader. Our historical partnerships with world-renowned artists have brought dance to life for our city and region and has catapulted Dance St. Louis as Your Gateway to World Dance.

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