Paying It ForwardBuilding on Alvin Ailey's legacy, Robert Battle created New Directions Choreography Lab as a safe space for emerging choreographers to explore new ideas with The Ailey School student dancers.
Quilan "Cue" Arnold
E2
Quilan "Cue" ArnoldRecounting his artistic evolution, including the experiences and people who got him to this point, Quilan "Cue" Arnold focuses on himself while preparing for the lab, focused on the idea that "I don't need to shift."
Maria Bauman
E3
Maria BaumanTraveling to The Ailey School from her home in NYC, dance artist Maria Bauman focuses on the idea of mentorship - with special gratitude for the queer and Black mentors who supported her work to create empowering artistic spaces.
Searching for a True Move
E4
Searching for a True MoveOpening the studio to a camera crew creates an opportunity and a challenge for choreographer Quilan "'Cue" Arnold, sparking a new exploration of who to be and how to perform while maintaining community and truthfulness.
Sweating Your Truth
E5
Sweating Your TruthSetting out to add new techniques to skills the dancers already have, Maria Bauman introduces text-based dancing, speaking and singing, challenging Ailey School students to improvise by drawing from their inner landscapes.
Ubuntu: I am Because You are
E6
Ubuntu: I am Because You areQuilan "Cue" Arnold's presentation, "Searching for a True Move," is an approach based on Ubuntu philosophy and the idea that "I am because you/we are." He guides Ailey students to explore what is meaningfully true for them in the moment.
Mentorship
E7
MentorshipDuring an open rehearsal, Maria introduces her explorations around Black wealth, including mentorship. This piece uses the recorded voice of her mentor Dr. William R. Jones, who was a Black Liberation scholar, a theologian and philosopher.
Reflections
E8
ReflectionsReflecting on the Lab, Quilan "Cue" Arnold and Maria Bauman discuss vulnerability, courage and what it means to be an artist. Robert Battle notes Alvin Ailey said, "The most interesting works of art are the most personal."
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