Ailey II is an exceptional company that merges the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Started in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II embodies Mr. Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Today, it has become one of the most popular dance companies in the United States. ...
read full bioAiley II is an exceptional company that merges the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Started in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II embodies Mr. Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Today, it has become one of the most popular dance companies in the United States.
Under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey II is comprised of the most promising fellowship students of The Ailey School and offers unique opportunities for these young artists to refine their technique while gaining invaluable performing and teaching experience during their tenure with the Company. Many Ailey II members have gone on to pursue successful careers as dancers, teachers and choreographers with other dance companies, on Broadway and in schools.
In recent years, Ailey II’s distinctive repertory has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Ulysses Dove, George W. Faison, Lar Lubovitch, Ailey’s Artistic Director Judith Jamison and Artistic Director Designate Robert Battle. Ailey II has also performed innovative works by emerging choreographers including Sidra Bell, Thang Dao, Carlos dos Santos and Christopher L. Huggins. The Company’s 2010-2011 tour consists of performances in over 35 cities across the United States and, for the first time, international performances in Finland, France, Germany, and the UK. The Company has received numerous honors, awards and proclamations in recognition of its residencies at major colleges and universities as well as its visits to elementary, middle, and high schools across the US.
Ailey II is presented by Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, a non-profit organization which also supports the activities of the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Ailey School, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs and the Ailey Extension.
“The entire company looks terrific. Clearly, the future is theirs.”
The New York Timeswww.AlvinAiley.org
