Company Story

Ailey II is an exceptional company that merges the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Ailey II began in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble when Alvin Ailey initiated a workshop composed of the most promising scholarship students from The Ailey School. The original members of the Company were handpicked by Mr. Ailey from among that group. Ailey II embodies Mr. Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Today, it has become one of the most popular dance companies in the United States.

Under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey II offers unique opportunities for artists to refine their technique while gaining invaluable performing and teaching experience during their tenure with the Company. Throughout its history, many Ailey II company members have gone on to pursue successful careers as dancers, teachers and choreographers with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, other professional dance companies, on Broadway and in schools.

In recent years, Ailey II’s distinctive repertory has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Ulysses Dove, George Faison, Lar Lubovitch, Ailey's Artistic Director Judith Jamison. Ailey II has also performed innovative choreography by Robert Battle, Sidra Bell, Stephane Boko, Christopher L. Huggins, Jessica Lang, Darrell Grand Moultrie and Scott Rink. Ailey II's 2009-2010 North American tour consists of performances in over 25 cities. The Company's 2010 New York City season will be at The Joyce Theater, April 13*, 14, 17 mat, 17 eve, 18 mat, 21, 22.

Ailey II continues to win unmatched critical praise for its residencies at major colleges and universities as well as its visits to elementary, middle and high schools across the U.S. The Company has received numerous honors, awards and proclamations in recognition of its community outreach programs.

*April 13 performance is shared with ABT II and Taylor 2.

“The entire company looks terrific. Clearly, the future is theirs.”
The New York Times

“The dancers proved indefatigable, virtuosic and relentlessly sexy.”
Los Angeles Times