Ailey II

Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, the company embodies his 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 country 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. Dance Magazine calls Ailey II "second to none," and The New York Times declares, "There's nothing like an evening spent with Ailey II, the younger version of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater."

Featured Images

Ailey II with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Rehearsal Director Shay Bland. Photo by Nir Arieli

Ailey II with Artistic Director ... (Read More) Ailey II with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Rehearsal Director Shay Bland. Photo by Nir Arieli (Hide)

Ailey II in Alvin Ailey's ... (Read More) Ailey II in Alvin Ailey's Revelations (Hide)

Ailey II in Alvin Ailey's ... (Read More) Ailey II in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Nir Arieli (Hide)

Featured News Releases

September 2, 2026

Ailey II, The Next Generation Of Dance, Launches 2026-27 Season with 27-City US Tour

NEW YORK, NY – September 2, 2026 – Ailey II, the dynamic second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will embark on a 27-city tour across the country, September 22, 2026–April 11, 2027. The next generation of dance will present a riveting repertory featuring a world premiere by Ailey II’s very own Artistic Director Francesca Harper in collaboration with Jermaine Spivey, mesmerizing new productions by Alvin Ailey and Ronald K. Brown, and cherished classics that showcase the company’s virtuosity. The season concludes with a New York City spring engagement at the Ailey Citigroup Theater from March 31 to April 11.

January 15, 2026

AILEY Offers a Variety of Options to Celebrate Black History Month Including Live Performances, Dance Workshops, Free Classes, and Education Programming for Students and Educators

NEW YORK, NY (January 15, 2026) – As America prepares to celebrate a Century of Black History Commemorations this February, AILEY welcomes people from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the beauty of African American culture through performances, workshops, and educational programming. With a variety of options including free programming, in-person experiences, and online offerings, each initiative presents opportunities for all regardless of age, location, or dance abilities. Discover the magic of AILEY by witnessing live performances from the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and spirited Ailey II; explore Alvin Ailey’s choreography at Ailey Experience and get moving to a variety of dance styles with roots in the African diaspora during workshops and weekly classes presented by Ailey Extension; explore new educational resources for students and educators, and experience the life, career and impact of the organization’s founder with the Portrait of Ailey documentary.

January 6, 2026

Ailey II, The Next Generation Of Dance, Returns To The Joyce Theater March 17-22

NEW YORK – JANUARY 6, 2026 — Ailey II, the acclaimed second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, returns to The Joyce Theater, March 17–22 as part of the company’s 2025-26 world tour. Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, the country’s most talented young dancers bring their “off-the-charts-energy” across eight-performances to New York audiences. Two dynamic programs will feature world premieres by emerging and established choreographers including former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II member Chalvar Monteiro, Rena Butler, Renée I. McDonald, and My’Kal Stromile, and a beloved classic by Alvin Ailey.

Featured Press Coverage

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September 24, 2026

Nantucket Current - Acclaimed Dance Company Ailey II Performs At The Dreamland

The Dreamland hosted Ailey II, an internationally acclaimed second company of the legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for a sold-out show this week, as well as a special performance for island students. The engagement marked the first time Ailey II has ever performed on Nantucket, and it was the official opening stop of the company's 2026–27 national touring season. The performance "stands as one of the most significant cultural performances in the Dreamland's history as the island's year-round nonprofit film, performing arts and cultural center," the non-profit stated.

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April 15, 2026

The St. Louis American - A Bridge of Dance, Sound and Black Creative Imagination

This year marks a century since the births of musical giants — including John Coltrane and the region’s own Miles Davis and Chuck Berry. And in a season where Dance St. Louis is celebrating its 60th anniversary, it feels fitting that the organization chose to honor St. Louis’ own Berry not with nostalgia, but with new creation. Ailey II’s St. Louis stop at the Touhill Performing Arts Center delivered a tribute engrained in legacy, but pulsing with the urgency of now. The centerpiece of the evening was Berry Dreamin’, a new work choreographed by Chalvar Monteiro and set to the unmistakable twang and fire of Chuck Berry’s catalog. The ballet, commissioned by Dance St. Louis as part of its milestone anniversary, unfolded like a stream of consciousness. It became a dreamscape where thoughts don’t arrive in straight lines but in bursts, loops, and flashes of color

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April 10, 2026

Fox 2 KTVI - Ailey II performs in St. Louis

Studio STL speaks with Ailey II’s Artistic Director, Francesca Harper, and company members, Meredith Brown and Xhosa Scott about the company’s engagement in St. Louis including the St. Louis premiere of Chalvar Monteiro’s Berry Dreamin’ in honor of Chuck Berry.