Ailey II

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 ... (Read More) Ailey II in Alvin Ailey's Revelations (Hide)

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

Featured News Releases

January 15, 2026

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.

January 06, 2026

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.

September 04, 2025

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

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April 15, 2026

The St. Louis American - A Bridge of Dance, Sound and Black Creative Imagination

This year marks a century since the births of musical giants — including John Coltrane and the region’s own Miles Davis and Chuck Berry. And in a season where Dance St. Louis is celebrating its 60th anniversary, it feels fitting that the organization chose to honor St. Louis’ own Berry not with nostalgia, but with new creation. Ailey II’s St. Louis stop at the Touhill Performing Arts Center delivered a tribute engrained in legacy, but pulsing with the urgency of now. The centerpiece of the evening was Berry Dreamin’, a new work choreographed by Chalvar Monteiro and set to the unmistakable twang and fire of Chuck Berry’s catalog. The ballet, commissioned by Dance St. Louis as part of its milestone anniversary, unfolded like a stream of consciousness. It became a dreamscape where thoughts don’t arrive in straight lines but in bursts, loops, and flashes of color

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April 10, 2026

Fox 2 KTVI - Ailey II performs in St. Louis

Studio STL speaks with Ailey II’s Artistic Director, Francesca Harper, and company members, Meredith Brown and Xhosa Scott about the company’s engagement in St. Louis including the St. Louis premiere of Chalvar Monteiro’s Berry Dreamin’ in honor of Chuck Berry.

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April 09, 2026

St. Louis Post - Dispatch - Dance St. Louis celebrates Chuck Berry’s 100th birthday with world premiere dance

When you think of dancing to Chuck Berry music, you may think duck walks or sock hops, but new choreography will have you seeing rock'n'roll originator and St. Louis native in a whole new light. This weekend, Ailey II will perform the world premiere of "Berry Dreamin,'" a contemporary work commissioned by Dance St. Louis for its 60th anniversary season to celebrate what would have been Chuck Berry's 100th birthday this year. Choreographed by Chalvar Monteiro, the piece draws on Berry's music and spirit while imagining a dreamlike world or memory, intimacy and human connection.