Troy Powell has been named Artistic Director Designate of Ailey II and will succeed Sylvia Waters in July 2012. A native New Yorker, Mr. Powell began his dance training at the age of nine at The Ailey School. Following his graduation from The High School of Performing Arts, he became a member of Ailey II. Mr. Powell joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1991. He toured throughout the United States, South America, Europe and South Africa for ten years before becoming a master teacher at The Ailey School and resident choreographer of Ailey II. Mr. Powell has choreographed ballets for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Dallas Black Dance Theater, National Dance Company of the Bahamas and Alaska Dance Theater, as well as three episodes of “Sesame Street.” His guest artist credits include performing with companies such as Batsheva, Dallas Black Dance Theater and Complexions. Featured in an American Express commercial with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Mr. Powell has also appeared on television in George C. Wolfe's “The Colored Museum,” the PBS Great Performances: Dance In America special A Hymn for Alvin Ailey, choreographed by Judith Jamison, and “America’s Next Top Model.”