Ailey II

Taking inspiration from the master of movement himself, Alvin Ailey, the Ailey II dance company strives to create community through dance. Celebrated as one of the most popular dance companies in the country, Ailey II represents the next generation of performative dance through their synthesis of traditional and contemporary choreography. In their latest world tour, Ailey II will be premiering two brand new ballets in their already expansive repertoire. Experience the unique vision and expression of the human body this February at The Lyric. Partial proceeds of the Ailey II performance this February will benefit the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Under the direction of Troy Powell, the innovative dance troupe, Ailey II, have honed their craft, bringing genre-defying and boundary-changing performances to audiences across the United States. Since its inception in 1974, Ailey II has attracted some of the nation’s brightest up-and-coming dancers of all backgrounds, establishing itself as one of the foremost dance companies in North America. This season, Ailey II introduces seven new dancers to their troupe, making this a fresh and exciting time for the innovative dance company.

The company’s current repertory, which is constantly being updated and re-imagined, includes over 15 different choreographed performances. Ailey II’s choreography is designed by some of the most visionary choreographers working today, including Amy Hall Garner, Robert Battle, Jennifer Archibald, and Adam Baruch, among others. For their 2014-2015 tour, director Troy Powell has commissioned two new ballets, Breakthrough and Hissy Fits, to be added to the company’s ever-expanding collection. Dancer and choreographer Manuel Vignoulle’s Breakthrough explores a world where connection seems impossible. Beautifully blending European and American styles of dance, Breakthrough will be performed for the first time on the world stage by the talented Ailey II dance troupe. Hissy Fits, created by former Ailey star Dwight Rhoden, investigates the complicated nature of human relationships, set to the music of J.S. Bach. Ailey II pushes boundaries with every performance, inspired by the vision of Alvin Ailey, the former choreographer and activist who is credited in part with revolutionizing and popularizing modern dance.

Partial proceeds will benefit The St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church