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
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
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 (2023)
Choreography: Baye & Asa
JARYD FARCON, MAYA FINMAN-PALMER, PATRICK GAMBLE, ALFRED L. JORDAN II, KALI MARIE OLIVER, XHOSA SCOTT
. THE COMPANY
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel JARYD FARCON, MAGGY VAN DEN HEUVEL, KAYLA MEI-WAN THOMAS
Fix Me, Jesus
. 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
Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham THE COMPANY
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AILEY II COMMUNITY CELEBRATION PRESENTING SPONSOR SEASON SPONSORS
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.