Ailey II, the youthful and gifted second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, returns to its home, the Ailey Citigroup Theater, from April 2 – 13 for a highly anticipated 40th anniversary season – the second led by Artistic Director Troy Powell . For two weeks, audiences will experience 14 performances featuring two dynamic programs, which come on the heels of a successful North American tour to over 30 cities and an array of critically acclaimed performances in Germany and France. Tickets starting at $49 are on sale now.
Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding rising choreographers. In 1974, Alvin Ailey created the company to prepare dancers for professional careers and to give meaningful opportunities to emerging choreographers. The company is known for cultivating the star power of dancers aged 18 – 24, helping them to perfect their craft and go on to become concert, Broadway, and commercial dance luminaries. As was true for Artistic Director Troy Powell, nearly 70% of current Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater members were once a part of Ailey II.
With Troy Powell at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company. Mr. Powell, the veteran Ailey dancer, teacher, choreographer and former Ailey II Associate Artistic Director, was chosen to succeed Sylvia Waters in July of 2012 and presented his first record breaking season at the company’s home last March.
“I could not be more excited to celebrate Ailey II’s 40th anniversary by bringing together the best young dancers with today’s most promising choreographers.” Mr. Powell says. “There is something for everyone, and we seek to inspire, enlighten and entertain all. Ailey II played such an integral role in my development as a young dancer in the late 1980s, and I’m so proud that the company has served as a bridge from the classroom to the stage for hundreds of dancers since its inception.”
On opening night, Wednesday, April 2nd, the All New Program begins with the world premiere of Alchemies, in which up-and-coming choreographer Adam Barruch transforms everyday gestures – a reach, an embrace, a finger pointed skyward – into a reverie of human interactions. While this is a non-narrative work, the dancers’ characters come to the foreground as they move through the patterns Barruch has created, accentuated by a layered electronic soundscape by the London duo Raime. Barruch was part of Robert Battle’s inaugural New Directions Choreography Lab in 2011 and has choreographed for The Ailey School and River North Dance Chicago, among others.
