“The dancers in Ailey II are spectacular beings”
– The New York Times

“indefatigable, virtuosic and relentlessly sexy”
– Los Angeles Times

“Some of the country’s best young dancers.”
– The Kansas City Star

“Highbrow/Brilliant”
– New York Magazine

“Second to none.”
– Dance Magazine

“superb young dancers, with powerful jumps, leg extensions that never quit, and innate theatricality…”
– The Village Voice

“The performers’ technique and performance quality continues to be some of the best in the country.”
– The Examiner

Dance St. Louis and PNC Arts Alive present one of the most popular dance companies in the country — Ailey II — on Friday and Saturday, March 1 & 2, 2024 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

We invite you to be amazed and engrossed by the sheer beauty, artistry and “off-the-charts energy” (The New Yorker) of Ailey II.

Join us for this special, unique and powerful presentation as Ailey II takes to the stage for two nights in celebration of its 50th Anniversary.

Don’t miss the chance to have the ultimate transformational experience of seeing Alvin Ailey’s iconic masterpiece “Revelations” performed live onstage by the beloved and universally renowned company. Each evening’s program also includes works by established and emerging choreographers.

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.”

Ailey II inspires audiences in cities across the globe. Now, have your own awe-inspiring experience right here in St. Louis and let Ailey II bring you to your feet!

FREE PRE-SHOW PROGRAM
Arrive early to enjoy a pre-show program in the Touhill’s Terrace Lobby.

5:30 PM | Student Art Exhibit
Visual art students from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School and Grand Center Arts Academy exhibit their original artwork that draws inspiration from the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey as well as Ailey’s iconic masterpiece, Revelations.

6:15 PM | “Speaking of Dance”
A pre-show talk designed to engage our audiences. Dance St. Louis Artistic Director Michael Uthoff interviews Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper followed by an audience Q&A

6:50 PM | The Phil Woodmore Singers
From "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess to "Shine On Me" to "What a Wonderful World," 27 singers of the choir will uplift you with their beautiful voices and styles of gospel, jazz and spirituals.

AILEY II
COMPANY STORY

Founded in 1974, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people.

Ailey II prospered 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.

The company’s repertory has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Ulysses Dove, George W. Faison, Lar Lubovitch and Judith Jamison as well as works by rising choreographers such as Sidra Bell, Jae Man Joo, Carlos dos Santos and Christopher L. Huggins.

Touhill Performing Arts Center

Map

Trinity Irish Dance Company

"Where women make the form their own" — Boston Globe