Francesca Harper, Artistic Director
For five decades, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and artistry of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers.
Founded in 1974, the company embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.
Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the county under the leadership of Sylvia Waters, who was selected by Mr. Ailey to be its founding Artistic Director, serving in that role for the Company’s first 38 seasons. With Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as she brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company.
The company’s repertory has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, Talley Beatty, Ronald K. Brown, Donald Byrd, Ulysses Dove, George W. Faison, Judith Jamison, and Lar Lubovitch as well as works by emerging choreographers such as Baye & Asa, Sidra Bell, Jae Man Joo, Carlos dos Santos, Christopher L. Huggins, and Houston Thomas. Ailey II’s 12 rising stars inspire audiences in dozens of cities across the globe.
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