Skip to content
Two male dancers in blue striped pants are holding up a female dancer in a dark blue dress. The female dancer is elevated, with her arms outstretched and holding the hands of the male dancers. The background is a plain light-colored backdrop.

Repertory

The External Knot

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

WORLD PREMIERE

2007

MUSIC

Phillip Glass and Robert Schumann

COSTUMES

Jon Taylor

LIGHTING

Al Crawford

RUN TIME

26 Minutes

This modern work by former Ailey II Artistic Director Troy Powell follows the journey of a young man and his internal battle to assert his independence from others. A fluid series of solos, duets, and ensemble sections build to a climax with transporting music by Philip Glass and Robert Schumann. London’s Daily Telegraph declared, “The work both demands great feats of delicacy and youthful strength. . .The collective element is at its most impressive in the concluding section, danced with breathtaking energy, synchronicity, and flamboyant, organized chaos to Glass’s dramatic Funeral of Amenhotep III.”

Two male dancers in blue striped pants are holding up a female dancer in a dark blue dress. The female dancer is elevated, with her arms outstretched and holding the hands of the male dancers. The background is a plain light-colored backdrop.

Ailey II in Troy Powell's The External Knot Photo by Eduardo Patino

Two male dancers are holding a female dancer upside down between them, creating a striking symmetrical pose. The male dancers are dressed in blue-striped pants, while the female dancer is wearing a dark blue dress. The background is dark, and the stage is lit to highlight their muscular forms and the balance of the pose.

Ailey II's G. George, T. Brown, J. White in Troy Powell's The External Knot Photo by Eduardo Patino

Music Credits

"In The Upper Room," "Etude No. 8," "String Quartet No. 5," and "Funeral of Amenhotep III" by Phillip Glass. © 1986, 1994, 1992, 1984 Dunvagen Music Publishers. Used by permission. "Traumerei" by Robert Schumann.