How Troy Powell Helped My Confidence

 The other day while listening to Candace Owens, she made a bold statement. Alongside her comical delivery of timely truths she adds that she still enjoys R.Kelly's music. Candace then posed the question, should you separate the art from the artist to which she replied, "I do." 

People may make decisions in life that are unacceptable to society and in the long run, perhaps even themselves. Do those decisions now erase the impact and caliber of their art? I don't think it does. I agree with Candace. Separating the art from the artist in the event of unfortunate behavior is appropriate. 

In 2020 various dancers took to social media the sexual misconduct of a famous dance director. I can remember being shocked to learn the information that had stormed both Instagram and TikTok. Though many other allegations like those brought against Troy Powell, have been brought against other directors, his situation made me look differently. To echo Owens, The art should not be thrown away with the artist. Absolutely not.

January 1, 2018 at 7 Stages Theater my then college dance professor taught me a solo the morning of our Summer Intensive Showcase. In less than 30 minutes he put together choreography mixed with my improvisational liberty. Moments before curtain one of my classmates said to us backstage, “Guess who is in the audience?”. It was Mr. Troy Powell. I became excited! The then director of Ailey’s second company was at our Winter performance and he’d get to see me in various group numbers, partnering and in a solo. That evening meant a lot to me because of what Troy Powell meant to dance. I still remember being on stage seeing him in the lower section of the theater’s seating. Years later in Philadelphia he would take that same “lifted” position and regal aura as he watched me dance across the floor, as I took cues from Mr. Hinton Battle. Troy Powell has a distinct place in my memory of the things that helped push me along as an artist. Indeed, the art still stands even when the person stumbles.