The Whitney Museum of American Art just previewed the first large-scale museum exhibition to celebrate the life, dances, influences and enduring legacy of artist and choreographer Alvin Ailey. CBS News New York's Dave Carlin shows us some of the highlights.
Ailey II’s Artistic Director, Francesca Harper, and Artistic Director Emerita, Sylvia Waters discuss the rich, 50-year history of Ailey II.
Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, turns 50 this year. Since its creation, some things have remained consistent: It has always served as a bridge between student and professional life. It has always been filled with ambitious young people aspiring to join the main troupe. And, as members of every generation agree, the experience has always been demanding — extremely so.
Francesca Harper, the artistic director of Ailey II, joins PIX11 to discuss the upcoming Golden Anniversary program at the Joyce Theater celebrating 50 years since the dance company was founded. Harper also brings along dancers from the program to give a preview of the upcoming performance.
My relationship with dance has been defined by witnessing. It began at an early age within the vibrant walls of the dance studio. It was more than a space of movement; it was my haven, a second home sculpted by the passion of my mother—Denise Jefferson, a devoted student and teacher of Martha Graham’s technique, and eventually director at The Ailey School. She was passionately devoted to her craft.
News 4’s Checkey Beckford interviews Artistic Director of Ailey II, Francesca Harper.
This month Ailey II will perform in Rotterdam, at the Holland Dance Festival. Almost all members of the company (named after choreographer Alvin Ailey) are of color. From the moment Van den Heuvel saw these dancers on YouTube, she wanted to be part of them.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been performing its founder's signature work, Revelations, all over the world for 60 years. Lyndsey Winship talks to dancers past and present about the meaning and the humanity of this historic piece.
For more than 60 years, the spiritual power of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s signature work has stunned audiences including Obama. Here, company members explain what it’s like to dance a masterpiece.