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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
A headshot of Shay Bland

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

A headshot of Kamani Abu

Kamani Abu

A headshot of Jada Ammons

Jada Ammons

A headshot of Christian Butts

Christian Butts

A headshot of Julie Colotroc

Julie Colotroc

A headshot of Vic E. Davis a man with short hair and facial hair

Vic E. Davis

A headshot of Jaydin Javier De Jesús

Jaydin Javier De Jesús

A headshot of Daijia Monaé

Daijia Monaé

A headshot of Michelle Osanya

Michelle Osanya

A headshot of Jalyn Postadan

Jalyn Postadan

A headshot of Dominic A. Roberts

Dominic A. Roberts

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

Adanna Smalls

A headshot of Eric J. Vidaña

Eric J. Vidaña

APPRENTICES

A headshot of Keilani Barcarse

Keilani Barcarse

A headshot of Timothée Calabrese

Timothée Calabrese

A headshot of Ami-Maxine Hill

Ami-Maxine Hill

A headshot of Reese Wheeler

Reese Wheeler

Ailey II company members with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Rehearsal Director Shay Blank

Ailey II with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Rehearsal Director Shay Bland Photo by Nir Arieli

Ailey II dancers in a group in various poses in front of a red background

Ailey II dancers Photo by Nir Arieli

3 Ailey II dancers, 2 holding hands and leaning away from each other and the 3rd jumping behind

Ailey II's J. Colotroc, J. De Jesús, and D. Monaé Photo by Nir Arieli

2 male Ailey II dancers in attitude next to each other in front of a red background

Ailey II's Jaydin Javier De Jesús and Dominic A. Roberts Photo by Nir Arieli

Ailey II dancers in a group in various poses in front of a red background

Ailey II dancers Photo by Nir Arieli

3 Ailey II dancers intertwined in red and white costumes in front of a red background

Ailey II's J. Ammons, J. De Jesús, and M. Osanya 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 supported, in part, by an Anonymous Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

NYC Cultural Affairs and Council on the Arts logos

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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Hero Credit: Photo by Nir Arieli