Luminous

Embarking on a captivating journey through time, Francesca Harper pays homage to five decades of Ailey II and the artists who have paved the way for future generations in her work Luminous. Weaving in iconic moments, the work chronicles significant periods where the company influenced the cultural landscape. These stories and memories echo the commitment to breaking boundaries, pushing artistic limits, advocating for social change, and highlighting the power of community. Underscored by original composition and vocals by Nona Hendryx, Luminous effortlessly delivers Harper’s tribute and the celebration of 50 years of the enduring Ailey II legacy.

Featured Images

Ailey II in Francesca Harper's ... (Read More) Ailey II in Francesca Harper's Luminous. Photo by Nir Arieli (Hide)

Featured News Releases

February 05, 2025

Ailey II – The Next Generation Of Dance – Returns To The Ailey Citigroup Theater March 26–April 6

NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 5, 2025 — On the heels of a 28-city tour, Ailey II, the next generation of dance, returns to the Ailey Citigroup Theater from March 26–April 6 for its annual New York season. Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, 12 of the country’s most talented young dancers will bring their “off-the-charts-energy” to two dynamic programs, Echoes and New Vintage, spotlighting a premiere by Houston Thomas and returning favorites by Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Baye & Asa, and Ms. Harper.

March 05, 2024

Ailey II Celebrates Golden Anniversary Season At The Joyce Theater April 9 - 14

NEW YORK – March 5, 2024 — Fresh on the heels of a successful world tour, Ailey II, the celebrated second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, returns to The Joyce Theater from April 9 – 14 with a golden anniversary celebratory program. During the eight-performance engagement their “dynamic movement and dazzling technique” will shine in premieres by Artistic Director Francesca Harper and the exciting duo of Baye & Asa, Amadi ‘Baye’ Washington and Sam ‘Asa’ Pratt, alongside repertory favorites and revered classics by beloved founder Alvin Ailey, William Forsythe, and Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison.

January 04, 2024

Ailey II, The Next Generation of Dance, Leaps Into Its 50th Anniversary With A World Tour And New York Season

NEW YORK – January 4, 2024 — Ailey II, the next generation of dance, will mark its 50th anniversary of bringing “off-the- charts energy” to the stage by embarking on a world tour from January 20 – May 19, inspiring audiences from Rotterdam, Netherlands to Kansas City, Missouri. The gifted ensemble of rising stars will then return home for a celebratory New York season at The Joyce Theater, April 9 – 14, 2024. The second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will present a diverse repertory including two world premieres, by Artistic Director Francesca Harper and the dynamic duo of Baye & Asa, alongside repertory favorites and revered classics during the 2024 tour and New York City engagement.

Featured Press Coverage

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September 24, 2024

Sheen Magazine - Ailey II, The Next Generation of Dance, Launches 28-City Tour October 4, 2024 – May 1, 2025

Ailey II, the celebrated second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will embark on a 28-city tour, October 4, 2024-May 1, 2025. The next generation of dance will captivate audiences across the United States from Albuquerque, NM, to Kansas City, MO, to Miami, FL, before returning home for its annual New York City season, March 26–April 6 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. The 2024-25 repertory features two world premieres by former Ailey II member Alia Kache and by Houston Thomas, as well as repertory favorites and beloved classics.