Company Members Nicholas Begun, Spencer Everett, Jaryd Farcon, Maya Finman-Palmer, Patrick Gamble, Meagan King, Kali Marie Oliver, Tamia Strickland, Christopher Taylor, Maggy van den Heuvel, Travon M. Williams, Rachel Yoo
Lakey Evans-Peña, Rehearsal Director
Apprentices Andrew Bryant, Alfred L. Jordan II, Kiri Moore, Kayla Mei-Wan Thomas
Robert Battle, Artistic Advisor
Bennett Rink, Executive Director
Ailey II gratefully acknowledges the generous support provided by The Glorya Kaufman Dance Foundation.
The taking of photographs and the use of recording equipment of any kind during performances is strictly prohibited.
Programming and casting subject to change.
PROGRAM
Ailey II in Saa Magni. Photo by Nir Arieli.
SAA MAGNI (2019)
Choreography by Yannick Lebrun Music by Oumou Sangaré* Female Costume design by Grace Yeboah Ofori Male Costume design by Jermaine Terry Lighting design by Abby May
Kali Marie Oliver, Christopher Taylor
Yannick Lebrun (Cayenne, French Guiana) began training in his native country at the Adaclam School under the guidance of Jeanine Verin. After graduating high school in 2004, he moved to New York City to study at The Ailey School as a scholarship student. Lebrun has performed works by choreographers Troy Powell, Debbie Allen, Scott Rink, Thaddeus Davis, Nilas Martins, Dwight Rhoden, and Francesca Harper. He was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2011, and, in 2013, France-Amérique magazine highlighted him as one of the 50 most talented French in the United States. In November 2016 Lebrun was a guest performer with The Royal Ballet in Wayne McGregor’s Chroma. Lebrun was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2008.
*“Saa Magni” from the album Ko Sira, published by World Circuit Records.
The premiere of Saa Magni is made possible by an anonymous donor.
-Pause-
Travon M. Williams in Enemy in the Figure. Photo by Erin Baiano.
ENEMY IN THE FIGURE (Excerpt) (1989)
Choreography, stage, original lighting, and costume design by William Forsythe
Staged with Thomas McManus Music by Thom Willems Lighting design recreated by Ethan Saiewitz Lighting consultant: Francesca Harper
The Company
William Forsythe has been active in the field of choreography for over 50 years. His three decades of work with his ensembles Ballet Frankfurt and The Forsythe Company in Frankfurt, Germany, exerted significant influence upon generations of artists in a wide array of creative practices.
The creation of Enemy in the Figure is supported by Robert Press.
-INTERMISSION-
Ailey II in Alleluia. Photo by Erin Baiano.
ALLELUIA (2002)
Choreography by Robert Battle Restaged by Elisa Clark Music by Kathleen Battle* Costume design by Mia McSwain Lighting design by Burke Wilmore
Jaryd Farcon, Patrick Gamble, Meagan King, Kali Marie Oliver, Maggy van den Heuvel, Travon M. Williams, Rachel Yoo
*Cantata No. 51, "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen," BWV 51 (BC A134): No. 4, [Chorale] Sei Lob Und Preis Mit Ehren. Allelujah.
By: Kathleen Battle, Wynton Marsalis, John Nelson, Anthony Newman, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Krista Bennion Feeney, Eriko Sato, John Feeney & Daire Fitzgerald.
-INTERMISSION-
Ailey II in Freedom Series. Photo by Erin Baiano.
FREEDOM SERIES (2021)
Choreography by Francesca Harper Music by Various Artists* Costume design by Elias Gurrola Lighting design by Abby May
The Company
*“Doomed” by Moses Sumney, published by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing and Domino Publishing Company of America Inc
“(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano” by Sampha, published by Beggars Tunes
“Little Fly” by Esperanza Spalding, published by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing
“Roaming Rogue” by Jasmine Hearn and Slowdanger (Anna Thompson and Taylor Knight)
“Fury” by Slowdanger (Anna Thompson and Taylor Knight)
“Without” by Sampha, published by Beggars Tunes
"Welcome” by Jon Hopkins, published by Domino Publishing Company of America Inc and Just Another Management Co
COMPANY STORY
Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding 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. Sylvia Waters was selected by Mr. Ailey to be its founding Artistic Director, serving in that role for the Company's first 38 seasons and helping Ailey II to flourish into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs.
In September 2021, Francesca Harper stepped into the role of Artistic Director of Ailey II. Harper—who trained at The Ailey School and who has choreographed for both Ailey companies—brings fresh perspectives to Mr. Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.
Vice-Chairmen Sela Thompson Collins, Jaishri Kapoor, Stephen J. Meringoff, Arthur J. Mirante II
Joy Allen-Altimare, Eleanor S. Applewhaite, Robert Battle, Gunther T. Bright, Laura D. Corb, Robert Kissane, Anthony A. Lewis, Leslie L. Maheras, Lucinda C. Martinez, Jack Pitts, Muhammad Qubbaj, Lata N. Reddy, Bennett Rink, Danielle M. Robinson, PhD, Oti Roberts, Cara Sabin, Joan H. Weill, Edna Kane Williams, DeJuan V. Wilson, Gillian Wynn, Jean-Rene Zetrenne, Pamela D. Zilly
Chairmen Emeriti Philip Laskawy, Stanley Plesent, Esq.,* Joan H. Weill
