Ailey II dancers perform Alvin Ailey's "Streams," an abstract examination of bodies in space. (Photo by Nir Ariell)
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is world-renowned. This year we get to experience Ailey II, its critically acclaimed ensemble company comprised of young dancers working their way up to join the major company.
"Ailey II: The Next Generation," performs at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
And, although the dancers are young, the ensemble is not. Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, Ailey II has, for more than five decades, provided a bridge for early-career from top-class training to the professional stage.
Ailey II dancers perform Francesca Harper's "Luminous" which pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the dance ensemble. (Photo by Nir Ariell)
“Just as Ailey envisioned 50 years ago, the company continues to develop the next generation of performers and dancemakers while expanding audiences through global touring and community-based performances,” says Artistic Director Francesca Harper.
The two-year program Ailey II program is comprised of 12 dancers, who are drawn from The Ailey School’s program for college-age dancers. Two-thirds of Ailey II dancers win places in the major Alvin Ailey company and one-third go to other dance companies around the world, she says.
“The 12 rising stars of Ailey II ignite, unite, and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds while honoring the legacy and creative spirit of Mr. Ailey," adds Harper.
Ailey II dancers Corinth Moulterie, Alfred L. Jordan II, and Kiri Moore. Photo credit is Nir Ariell.
At this year’s Ailey II program, the audience will be treated to Houston Thomas’ world premiere “Down the Rabbit Hole.” A continuation of the choreographer’s “Follow the White Rabbit” (2022), it expands on its themes, examining the relationship between humans and technology. Inspired by "The Matrix" film series, "Down the Rabbit Hole" explores how technology weaves into the fabric of daily life, transforming how we as humans interact and function. Set to music by Johannes Goldbach and Pomassl, this high-powered piece begs the question: Technological change — are we powering it or is it powering us?
In addition to the exciting premiere, the performance will also feature Alvin Ailey’s “Streams,” an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac; and Francesca Harper’s “Luminous,” a work that pays homage to the 50th anniversary of Ailey II and the artists who paved the way for future generations.
Ailey II dancers Carley Brooks and Alfred L. Jordan in Houston Thomas' "Down the Rabbit Hole." (Photo by Nir Ariell)
This year’s ensemble features four returning dancers and eight newcomers. The newcomers include Jordyn White, a West Palm Beach native, who is especially excited to be performing in South Florida.
Although there were no other dancers in her family, White’s great-grandmother recognized her gift when she was just a little child.
“My great-grandmother is the one that told my mother I was going to be a dancer, I kept dancing in her living room,” she says.
As a youngster, she started going to after-school classes in “hip-hop, modern dance, ballet—all types of dance,” she says.
Ailey II's Jordyn White in Alvin Ailey's "Streams." (Photo by Nir Ariell)
She went to Bak Middle School of the Arts, and then the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. After high school, she had applied to join the certificate school at Ailey, and was accepted, but, like so many of her generation, COVID-19 derailed those plans. “I was supposed to start in 2019 when I got word that the program had been cancelled because of COVID,” she says.
Ailey II's Jordyn White. Photo credit is Nir Ariell.
In the meantime, she had applied to the University of Florida’s online undergraduate program to study psychology, and, after the pandemic, she reapplied to Ailey and was accepted.
“My parents said ‘we will let you go to New York to study dance if you get a degree, and for that I am forever grateful.’ ”
Still, the pandemic wasn’t the only challenge White faced. At over six feet, she has faced hip and knee surgery, along with rigorous physical therapy.
“I’m a tall woman, and rigorous dancing over time was hard on my body.”
But it was while she was recuperating from hip surgery that she embraced her destiny.
“I always knew that dance was going to be a part of my life but the epiphany came when I had right hip surgery. I had to be in a wheelchair for a long time, but it was during that time that I realized that, for me, dance was it.”
As soon as Harper saw White dancing, she had no doubt that the younger dancer was destined for Ailey.
Ailey II dancers in Alvin Ailey's "Streams." (Photo by Nir Ariell)
“She is a gorgeous dancer, and she is so smart, so dedicated and such a great worker, it’s great to see her developing her artsy side. She has a fire and passion that is just palpable.”
More Information
If You Go
- What: Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance
- When: Friday, Feb. 28
- Where: The Knight Concert Hall at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
- Tickets: $30-$75
- Information: (305) 949-6722, online at www.arshtcenter.org
