Ailey 2 is an exceptional company that merges the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Started in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey 2 embodies Mr. Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Today, it has become one of the most popular dance companies in the United States.
Under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey 2 is comprised of the most promising scholarship students of The Ailey School and offers unique opportunities for artists to refine their technique while gaining invaluable performing and teaching experience during their tenure with the Company. Throughout its history, many Ailey 2 members have gone on to pursue successful careers as dancers, teachers and choreographers with other professional dance companies, on Broadway and in schools.
In recent years, Ailey 2’s distinctive repertory has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Ulysses Dove, Lar Lubovitch, George Faison, Robert Battle, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Artistic Director, Judith Jamison. Ailey 2 has also performed innovative works by emerging choreographers, including Thang Dao, Carlos dos Santos and Christopher Huggins. The Company’s 2010-2011 tour consists of performances in over 35 cities across the United States and for the first time, embarking on an international tour with performances in France, Germany, and the UK.
The Company has received numerous honors, awards and proclamations in recognition of its residencies at major colleges and universities as well as visits to elementary, middle and high schools across the US.
Ailey 2 is presented by the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, a non-profit organization, which also supports the activities of the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Ailey School, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs and the Ailey Extension.
“The entire company looks terrific. Clearly, the future is theirs.” The New York Times
