At 7 p.m. Monday night, the Black Cultural Programming Committee hosted a unique dance performance by the Ailey II Dance Company at the Clarence Brown Theatre. UT's own Strange Fruit Dance Company also performed at tonight's event. 

Written by James Weldon Johnson, the Black National Anthem, sung by Sebastian Daughtdrill, began the night's festivities with the uniting of those of Black race and those of other racial backgrounds. The lyrics in the song speak of the challenges overcome by those who were once oppressed and without legal rights. Thankful to the God who is faithful, the song promises hope for what may seem hopeless.

The Strange Fruit Dance Company showcased some of UT's talented dancers. The performance soon gained the audience's attention. The excitement of the crowd could be heard as the buzzing of voices grew louder as soon as the curtain dropped and the house lights went up for a brief intermission before introducing the Ailey II Dance Company.

Some central themes played out through the AIIDC were group support, unity, trials of self-discovery, and complicated relationships.

Thang Dao's Echoes began as a representation of his mother's memories. The ballet echoes her memories as they disappear into the past and bring the audience's senses to the present. Dressed in gray camouflage, the dancers moved as a group and then later divided into couples. During the performance, six dancers moved about the stage supporting one another by carrying and elevating him or her. As the dance progressed, the group of six grew larger all while supporting its members and encouraging the unity of the group.

Christopher Huggins' Essence female soloist experiences a variety of emotions as she journeys towards discovering herself. Figuratively strapped to a chair, the soloist was unable to leave her seat for longer than a few seconds. Bursting into hysterical laughter, which quickly turns into sobbing, the girl cannot untie herself from the invisible straps that bind her to the chair. Reaching out, and grasping the air, the exhausted dancer sits upright in the chair that has been given to her. After violently struggling to separate herself from the burden, she finally accepts her identity.

The ballet Proximity... But No Relation, by Carlos dos Santos, displays the various elements between the relationships of four strangers. Dos Santos emphasizes his unique style using ballet, Brazilian folkoric and West African techniques, creating a universal feeling throughout his ballet. The ballet began as a strong and almost forceful dance. Throughout the piece there were displays of flirtation, ignorance, competition and the awkwardness found in relationships. This piece in particular was able to connect with the audience because it featured the emotions experienced between males and females alike.

Choreographer George W. Faison's Movin' On displays that the hardest part in life can be letting go of something. Ending with a jazz themed performance, he drew in the audience's concentration. Faison emphasized the jazz theme by allowing three male dancers to take the position of piano, drums and bass musicians. Mostly through the act, performers competed for the center stage. There remained one central character who continued to take the center and soon after she would have a breakdown. While she struggled with the fame of center, her musicians would catch her and place her back in her spot. Her reaction to her supporters was ungrateful as she pushed them away. The elegant form of jazz was embraced as the dancers performed in a fast tempo and then transitioned to a slower tempo.

In the end, the audience was well pleased with the performance. All of tonight's performers were well trained and rehearsed in the art of dance. With a standing ovation, tonight's complete performance held up to the promises of a great show.