Ailey II

Ailey II’s Jordyn White, Jennifer M. Gerken, and Carley Cruzat Brooks. Photo by Nir Arieli.
Please Credit Photo: Ailey II’s Jordyn White, Jennifer M. Gerken, and Carley Cruzat Brooks. Photo by Nir Arieli.
Add to Download Cart

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

Featured News Releases

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.

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.

Ailey II, The Next Generation of Dance, 2025-2026 World Tour Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper

NEW YORK — September 4, 2025 — Ailey II, the acclaimed second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is inspiring audiences on a 39-city world tour now through April 11, 2026, with performances spanning from Kingston, Jamaica to Miami, Florida to Baltimore, Maryland. The 2025-2026 repertory features four compelling 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.

Featured Press Coverage

HartfordCourant_AileyII_USTour_FrancescaHarper_Feature_10.13.25_PRINT

Hartford Courant - Legendary African American Dance Company Returns to CT with Dances Featuring Chuck Berry and Beyond

Ailey II is a national treasure, one of just a handful of touring dance companies with the versatility, efficiency, malleability and bedrock creativity to work on a wide variety of stages and efficiently bring cutting-edge modern dance works to the masses. Many different Connecticut theaters have hosted Ailey II over the years, including the Westport Country Playhouse this past May. This week, Ailey II is bringing one of the several dance programs in its current repertoire to the Shubert Theatre in New Haven on Oct. 18.