ABOUT THE 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
DANCERS
Upcoming Performances
Ailey II with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Rehearsal Director Shay Bland Photo by Nir Arieli
Ailey II's X. Logan, C. Brooks, and M. Brown Photo by Nir Arieli
Ailey II's Kayla Mei-Wan Thomas and Alfred L. Jordan II Photo by Nir Arieli
Ailey II's Jennifer M. Gerken and Xhosa Scott Photo by Nir Arieli
Ailey II Photo by Nir Arieli
Ailey II's Xhosa Scott in Alia Kache's Mystery at Sky Square Photo by Nir Arieli
Ailey II's Darion Turner and Jordyn White Photo by Nir Arieli
Ailey II Photo by Nir Arieli
Ailey II's C. Brooks, K. Thomas, J. Gerken in Baye and Asa's John 4:20 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
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