3/13/15 O&A Dance: Ailey II Begins New York Season at the Joyce Season March 17

Ailey II_2015season_930billing_0
If you had planned on seeing the annual New York City season of Ailey II, March 17  through 22 at the Joyce Theater don’t walk to get your tickets- run! The company’s  first  independent season at the Joyce has caught fire and the season could be sold out prior to opening night. “We couldn’t be more excited to present our first full season at The Joyce Theater,” says Ailey II Artistic Director Troy Powell. Continue reading

Ailey II: The Legacy Continues- New York Season 2014

By Walter Rutledge

AileyIIgroup2014_690x389

The Ailey II New York season, April 2 through April 13, marked the fortieth anniversary of the company. Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey the then titled Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble was one of the first “junior companies” to provide a pre-professional performance environment for aspiring young artists. Under the 37 year stewardship of Sylvia Waters Ailey II grew into an internationally recognized dance company. It has built a solid reputation and a loyal following, now rivaling many professional companies. Continue reading

Sylvia Waters: Artistic Director Emerita Ailey II

By Walter Rutledge

Ailey2_Headshots_SWaters

As Ailey II begins the second week of their two-week New York City season we would like to acknowledge Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters. For  38 years Waters was at the helm of Ailey II during her tenure the company grew artistically and professionally into a world respected company, choreographic laboratory and “dancing boot camp”.  In 2012 shortly before her departure we had an opportunity to talk with her about her career as a dancer, teacher and director.

Ailey II: The Creative Process- Choreographer and Dancer/ a conversation with Benoit-Swan Pouffer and David Freeland

By Walter Rutledge IMG_0795

Paris-born choreographer Benoit-Swan Pouffer and Ailey II dancer David Freeland discuss the creative process following a rehearsal of Rusty prior to the Ailey II New York season April 2 through April 14 at the Ailey Citgroup Theater. Continue reading

Ailey II 2014 NYC Season begins Wednesday, April 2, 2014

AileyII2014SeasonLanding_930_NYC

Ailey II, the youthful and gifted second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, returns to its home, the Ailey Citigroup Theater,  405 West 55th Street at 9th Avenue, for their annual two week/ fourteen performance season Wednesday, April 2 through April 13, 2014. Continue reading