Ailey II, the youthful and gifted second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will return to its home, The Ailey Citigroup Theater, from April 18-29 for a highly anticipated two-week season - the last led by 38-year Artistic Director Sylvia Waters.
Life is about to change for Sylvia Waters. In June, the artistic director for the Ailey II Dance Company will retire from the company of young dancers she has led for nearly four decades.
Besides supplying its parent company with fresh blood, Ailey II, the training and outreach scion of the great Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is charged with taking Ailey repertory to audiences in smaller cities like Birmingham and Chattanooga.
Sylvia Waters had no intention of leading a dance company but the legendary Alvin Ailey saw a passion in her that he would not allow the world to pass by. Some 35 years ago, the late American choreographer and activist invited Waters to launch Ailey II — the junior company to his school and it has since has grown into an international success story.
Sylvia Waters, the former dancer who has led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's second company, Ailey II, for nearly 40 years, will step down as artistic director in June 2012, the company will announce Thursday.
another changing of the guard is taking place at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Sylvia Waters, the longtime artistic director of Ailey II, will retire on June 30, the company plans to announce Thursday.
Yes, absolutely, there was a great deal of pomp and circumstance (ball gowns, black ties, a red carpet and celebrities), because after all, it was time for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater annual spring gala at the world famous Apollo Theater to celebrate and support dance education under the Ailey umbrella.
Imagine challenging a young dancer to hold the stage, alone, for 11 minutes. Sylvia Waters, the founding artistic director of Ailey II, is fearless pushing her charges - which is one reason why this company is so exciting.
The best thing about Kyle Abraham's "The Corner" is that it lets the up-and-coming dancers at Ailey II be themselves - and a little bit more. These dancers are vying to join the main Ailey Cmpany, and Abraham, a young choreographer who fuses hip-hop and postmodern sensibilities, helps them look their best.
Ailey II has evolved into a formidable force in the modern dance community. The company is presently experiencing unparallel success having recently completed a 49-city tour spanning both North America and Europe.