Repertory

Hartford Courant - Legendary African American Dance Company Returns to CT with Dances Featuring Chuck Berry and Beyond

Ailey II is a national treasure, one of just a handful of touring dance companies with the versatility, efficiency, malleability and bedrock creativity to work on a wide variety of stages and efficiently bring cutting-edge modern dance works to the masses. Many different Connecticut theaters have hosted Ailey II over the years, including the Westport Country Playhouse this past May. This week, Ailey II is bringing one of the several dance programs in its current repertoire to the Shubert Theatre in New Haven on Oct. 18.

Sheen Magazine - Ailey II, The Next Generation of Dance, Launches 28-City Tour October 4, 2024 – May 1, 2025

Ailey II, the celebrated second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will embark on a 28-city tour, October 4, 2024-May 1, 2025. The next generation of dance will captivate audiences across the United States from Albuquerque, NM, to Kansas City, MO, to Miami, FL, before returning home for its annual New York City season, March 26–April 6 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. The 2024-25 repertory features two world premieres by former Ailey II member Alia Kache and by Houston Thomas, as well as repertory favorites and beloved classics.

Pix 11 - Celebrating 50 Years Of Ailey II

Francesca Harper, the artistic director of Ailey II, joins PIX11 to discuss the upcoming Golden Anniversary program at the Joyce Theater celebrating 50 years since the dance company was founded. Harper also brings along dancers from the program to give a preview of the upcoming performance.

Ailey II Performs Alvin Ailey's Revelations at Canterbury Cathedral

CBS2 NY - Dancers Of Ailey II Return After Lengthy Pandemic Pause; "It's A Homecoming For Me," Says Artistic Director Francesca Harper

The dancers of Ailey II are back on stage after a long pandemic pause. The season returns with exciting new works and leader Francesca Harper, who tells CBS2's Dave Carlin she feels like she's just come home. Carlin had an Illuminating conversation with Harper, the renowned dancer, choreographer, singer and writer whose role now is artistic director of Ailey II. On Wednesday the season opened, and she took the stage to introduce her dancers. She has familiarity with Ailey dating back to her childhood. Her mother was a dancer and longtime educator at Ailey, and she counts as her mentors the legend Judith Jamison and Sylvia Waters. She talked about the new work she premiered for the company and how she hopes it brings people hope.

ABC7 - Alvin Ailey Artistic Director Makes New York City Debut

In celebration of Women's History Month, we highlight a trailblazer in the world of ballet who is now heading up the next generation of performers at a dance theater in New York City. Francesca Harper is making her New York City debut as the artistic director at Alvin Ailey II on Wednesday night. Harper is following her mother, the late Denise Jefferson's footsteps. Her mother directed the Ailey school for roughly 26 years. When Jefferson was a child dreaming of becoming a ballerina, a teacher pointed out that there were none of color, and she quit. She would later return to dance, but that story stuck with Harper.

The New York Beacon - Francesca Harper Is Changing The Trajectory Of The Ailey II Company New York

Francesca Harper, internationally renowned performer, choreographer, director, and multi-disciplinary artist, has changed the trajectory of The Ailey II Company New York after being tapped by Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, to lead the renowned dance company in the 21st century. Harper assumed the duties of Artistic Director of Ailey II, the Ailey organization's acclaimed company of young dancers September 7, 2021, and immediately started preparing for Ailey II's return to the stage.

Good Morning America - Ailey II Dancers Perform A Piece From Alvin Ailey's 'Revelations' On 'GMA'

The famed dancers perform "Rock My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham" live from Times Square.

Dance Magazine - History In Motion

One way students can explore dance's past is by learning historical repertory. Ailey/Fordham BFA students take Black Traditions in American Dance and World Dance History, which are often coordinated with repertory classes. "The movement shows you a different side of what you're learning in the classroom," says Marie Paspe, a recent graduate of the program, who learned Blues Suite and Revelations from Ailey II artistic director emerita Sylvia Waters.

Park Record - Ailey II Looks To The Future While Preserving The Past

The audience will see a diverse production when Ailey II, the renowned touring company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater family, kicks off the Park City Performing Arts Foundation's 2012-13 season on Friday, Novemeber 2.