Ailey II performs live @ Mahaiwe

This year, Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance – marks its 50th anniversary of merging the spirit and energy of some of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of some of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, this universally renowned company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.

Under the leadership of Sylvia Waters, who served as artistic director for 38 seasons, Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. Today, with Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, she brings fresh perspectives to Mr. Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.

Program:

Mystery at Sky Square (2024)
Choreography by Alia Kache
Music by Omari Tau

Down the Rabbit Hole (2024)
Choreography by Houston Thomas
Music by Johannes Goldbach (“Pomassl”)

Steams (1970)
Choreography by Alvin Ailey
Music by Miloslav Kabelac (“Eight Inventions, Opus 24”)

The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and the Du Bois Freedom Center will collaborate to present dance company Ailey II as part of the Freedom Center’s series Democracy, Education and the Arts.

Ailey II will perform Mystery at Sky Square (2024), choreographed by Alia Kache with music by Omari Tau; Down the Rabbit Hole (2024), choreographed by Houston Thomas with music by Johannes Goldbach (“Pomassl”); and Streams (1970), choreographed by Alvin Ailey with music by Miloslav Kabelac (“Eight Inventions, Opus 245”). The company is led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper. Sylvia Waters is Artistic Director Emerita. Company Members are Carley Brooks, Meredith Brown, Jennifer M. Gerken, Alfred L. Jordan II, Xavier Logan, Kiri Moore, Corinth Moulterie, Xhosa Scott, Kayla Mei-Wan Thomas, Darion Turner, Eric J. Vidaña, and Jordyn White.

“We look forward to collaborating with our next-door neighbors at the Du Bois Freedom Center to bring this groundbreaking dance troupe to Great Barrington,” says Mahaiwe Executive Director Janis Martinson. “Alvin Ailey’s company advanced the recognition of Black talent in the American modern dance world, and Ailey II has a long history of launching talented dancers not only through its own company but also onto stages across the nation and the globe.”

This year, Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance – marks its 50th anniversary of merging the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, this universally renowned company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Under the leadership of Sylvia Waters, who served as artistic director for 38 seasons, Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. Today, with Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, she brings fresh perspectives to Mr. Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.

“We are delighted to work with the Mahaiwe on this production and hope we will have a strong partnership going forward. Programming that is exciting to all of our community is a priority for both organizations,” says Du Bois Freedom Center board president John Speer.

The Du Bois Freedom Center — through a Mellon Foundation Humanities in Place Grant — has sponsored 100 tickets for BIPOC leaders, students, educators, and BIPOC serving organizations.