Alvin Ailey was the first dance company I saw perform, and this was many years ago when I was a student at Albany State University. I have always loved the art of dance, and in fact, many of my wonderful audience have no idea, but I was a fundraiser for the American Ballet Theatre for 14 years before I left to raise our son.
I was invited to a press preview of this season to see this production from the Alvin Ailey II company:
Ailey II, the next generation of dance, returns to the Ailey Citigroup Theater from March 26–April 6 for its New York season, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of Judith Jamison (1943-2024). Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, 12 of the country’s most talented young dancers will bring their “off-the-charts-energy” to the stage as they leap into Ailey II’s sixth decade.
We saw the Echoes program which included three pieces, Luminous, Down The Rabbit Hole, and Streams (choreography by Alvin Ailey himself!). The first thing I noticed was that the technical precision and skill of this Alvin Ailey second company was practically indiscernible from the first company. The dancers were fantastic. Thier great skill was always apparent, and it was a pleasure to see their grace and expertise from our terrific seats! It is a small theater, so all seats are fantastic.
This is a very affordable way to see amazing dance performances. And they do not just perform in NYC, they perform all over, check their calendar and buy tickets for a performance near you!
And Alvin Ailey is back for a season in New York with two fantastic programs:
The NYC programs showcase a premiere alongside returning favorites and the choreography of Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison. The Echoes program symbolizes how Ailey II connects generations, bridging the rich narratives of the past that shaped the present while inspiring the future. It includes Francesca Harper’s Luminous, which pays homage to the 50th anniversary of Ailey II; Houston Thomas’ new work Down the Rabbit Hole; and Alvin Ailey’s Streams. The program entitled New Vintage celebrates the dynamic voices of our founding figures alongside those of today’s most daring choreographers, spotlighting Judith Jamison’s powerful Divining; Ailey Highlights, a collection of excerpts from three classic works choreographed by Alvin Ailey; Baye & Asa’s John 4:20; and Thomas’ Down the Rabbit Hole.
You can buy tickets here, and I suggest you do so immediately, this is one of the world’s premiere dance companies, innovative and highly entertaining!
There are some wonderful videos of the Ailey company on youtube, check out this behind the scenes look at Down The Rabbit Hole:
Disclosure: We received a comp set of tickets in exchange for this post. All opinions are always 100% honest and our own.
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