Alvin Ailey New Directions is an eight-part digital series documenting the creative process of two choreographers as they explore new directions in dance during their residencies at the New Directions Choreography Lab, a creative residency program hosted by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle and The Ailey School, with Co-Director Melanie Person.
The documentary series follows the creative journeys of two-time Bessie Award-winning dance artist and community organizer Maria Bauman and movement artist Quilan "Cue" Arnold as they spend seven weeks working with student dancers from The Ailey School in a choreographic lab. Through direct-to-camera conversations with Arnold, Bauman and Battle, the series also delves into what it means to be an artist and how to foster community within artistic spaces.
Episodes:
Alvin Ailey New Directions: 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. The residency culminates in an informal showing of their work.
Alvin Ailey New Directions: Quilan "Cue" ArnoldChoreographer Quilan "Cue" Arnold recounts his artistic evolution, including the experiences and people who got him to this point in his dance career. Speaking about the residency at The Ailey School, he finds he must resist his ambition to achieve.
Alvin Ailey New Directions: 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.
Alvin Ailey New Directions: Searching for a True MoveOpening the studio to a camera crew creates an opportunity and a challenge for choreographer Quilan "'Cue" Arnold. Rehearsing with cameras present sparks a new exploration of who to be and how to perform while maintaining community and truthfulness.
Alvin Ailey New Directions: Sweating Your TruthSetting out to add new techniques to skills the dancers already have, Maria Bauman introduces text-based dancing, speaking and singing. The exercises challenge Ailey School students to improvise in response by drawing from their inner landscapes.
Alvin Ailey New Directions: 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 School students to explore what is meaningfully true for them in the moment.
Alvin Ailey New Directions: MentorshipDuring an open rehearsal, Maria introduces her explorations around Black wealth, including mentorship. This dance piece uses the recorded voice of her mentor Dr. William R. Jones, who was a Black Liberation scholar, a theologian and philosopher.
Alvin Ailey New Directions: ReflectionsReflecting on the New Directions Choreography 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."
