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Ailey II

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The next generation of dance

Giving early-career dancers the vital experience of transitioning from training as a student to becoming a professional dancer.

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ABOUT THE COMPANY

Ailey II—the next generation of dance—is AILEY’s second company.

Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II has advanced Alvin Ailey’s vision by giving early-career dancers the vital experience of transitioning from training as a student to becoming a professional dancer. Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers. Just as Mr. Ailey envisioned, the company continues to expand the audience for dance through global touring and community-based performances.

Sylvia Waters, the company’s first artistic director, was personally chosen by Mr. Ailey and led the company for 38 seasons. In September 2021, Francesca Harper became artistic director. Ms. Harper—a former student at The Ailey School who has choreographed for both AILEY companies—guides Ailey II with her unique perspective, paying homage to Mr. Ailey’s legacy while taking the company in bold, new directions.

Under Ms. Harper’s direction, Ailey II is forging a new path for modern dance—one that’s inclusive, experimental, and transformative.

LEADERSHIP

Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey

Founder
Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters, photo by Nir Arieli

Sylvia Waters

Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita
Headshot of Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper

Francesca Harper

Ailey II Artistic Director
Ailey II Rehearsal Director Shay Bland, photo by Nir Arieli

Shay Bland

Rehearsal Director
Headshot of Alicia Graf Mack

Alicia Graf Mack

Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director, AILEY
Bennett Rink

Bennett Rink

Executive Director, AILEY

DANCERS

Ailey II Apprentice Kamani Abu, photo by Nir Arieli

Kamani Abu

Ailey II's Jada Ammons' headshot

Jada Ammons

Ailey II's Christian Butts' headshot

Christian Butts

Headshot of Adanna Smalls, a dancer with long dark hair pulled back

Adanna Smalls

Ailey II's Eric Vidana, photo by Nir Arieli

Eric J. Vidaña

APPRENTICES

Ailey II's Vic. E. Davis' headshot

Vic E. Davis

Ailey II's Jaydin J. De Jesús' headshot

Jaydin Javier De Jesús

Ailey II's Michelle Osanya's headshot

Michelle Osanya

A group shot of Ailey II with company leadership, wearing blue and silver

Ailey II Photo by Nir Arieli

Ailey II's Xhosa Scott leaping

Ailey II's Xhosa Scott Photo by Nir Arieli

Group of female dancers each with 1 leg extended

Ailey II's J. White, C. Brook and J. Gerken Photo by Nir Arieli

Male and female dancer leaning with leg extended

Ailey II's Adanna Smalls and Eric J. Vidaña Photo by Nir Arieli

Male dancer holding female dancer behind his back

Ailey II's Jordyn White and Christian Butts Photo by Nir Arieli

BOOKING

To book Ailey II at your venue, please contact:

North American Agent
Opus 3 Artists
250 West 34th Street
WorkLife Office, Suite 313
New York, NY 10119
212-584-7500

Opus 3 Artists

SPONSORS

Ailey II gratefully acknowledges the generous support provided by The Glorya Kaufman Dance Foundation.

Ailey II is generously supported by an anonymous foundation.

 

NYC Cultural Affairs and Council on the Arts logos

Ailey II  is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Silhouettes of dancers with raised fists against an orange background.

Support Ailey

Through performances and outreach, Ailey II brings dance into smaller communities across the country. Support our work and uplift the next generation of dance.
Donate

Hero Credit: Photo by Nir Arieli