"Revelations" had its debut Jan. 31, 1960, at the 92nd St. Y, after which it became the signature choreographic piece for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the most performed work of contemporary modern dance in the world.
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.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater tours more than any other dance company in the world. Why? Because its intoxicating blend of technically stong dancers and intelligent yet accessible choreography is hard to resist. So it stands to reason that the junior wing, Ailey II, comes equipped with the same bag of tricks.
There are occasions as a dance lover when one's greatest pleasure comes not from the brilliance of the choreography or the splendour of the music, but from the sheer delight of watching highly trained dancers doing something that you could only dream of doing.
Usually when you’re watching second companies perform you anticipate small mess-ups: slips, nervousness, unclean pirouettes, lack of confidence. However, this was far from the truth with Ailey II at the Joyce Theater.
On the road and out of town for many months of the year, ABT II, Ailey II, and Taylor 2 perform a signal service for the arts by bringing live dance to cities and schools across the U.S.
Dance is a renewable resource, whose passions will never run dry. To sample this abundant energy, audiences need only visit the “1, 2, 3 Festival”, and greet the next generation of youngsters discovering an irrepressible urge to soar.
This young second company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater offers a season of new works and repertory favorites through Aprily 26 at Ailey Citigroup Theater.