Ailey II

The next generation of dance

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

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

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

Sylvia Waters

Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita

Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper. Photo by Nir Arieli

Francesca Harper

Ailey II Artistic Director

Ailey II Rehearsal Director Shay Bland, photo by Nir Arieli

Shay Bland

Rehearsal Director

Bennett Rink

Bennett Rink

Executive Director

DANCERS

APPRENTICES

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

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.

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