Following the enormous success of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2019 performance at Rotterdam's Luxor Theater, we take immense pride in presenting Ailey II, the junior company within the Ailey empire, at this nineteenth edition of the festival. Marking the initiation of its fiftieth-anniversary celebration in the Netherlands, this is Ailey II's first performance on Dutch soil and to be seen exclusively at the Holland Dance Festival.
Ailey II was founded in 1974 – under the name Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble – by Ailey himself, and in doing so the master choreographer made a crucial contribution to the development and empowerment of young, particularly African American dancers. For years, the Ailey II dancers have been widely praised for their virtuosity and their youthful, unstoppable energy and vigor. In fact, newly appointed Artistic Director Francesca Harper describes them as ‘remarkable, excellent, and fabulous’, a sentiment echoed by renowned choreographers worldwide who willingly attach their names to this extraordinary youth ensemble.
Joy of joys
Amongst them also Willam Forsythe, whose rousing, central section from his 1989 masterpiece Enemy in the Figure will be danced during Ailey II's Dutch debut. Set to the dynamic, electronic percussion by the Dutch Thom Willems, this funky composition, originally crafted for Ballett Frankfurt, has been performed on stages all around the world. "This work really encapsulates for me all my 'joys of joys'", says Harper, who performed the ballet herself many times during her dance career.
Landscape of memories
While the complete program of The Next Generation is yet to be determined, it is certain that, alongside Enemy in the Figure, Harper's emotionally charged Freedom Series will grace the stage. Born out of personal grief following the passing of her mother, Denise Jefferson, the principal of the Ailey School for many years, Harper's choreography navigates the landscape of her memories. From reflections on her mother to her own journey as a dancer, and all the opportunities and events that have made her who she is today. The choreography, being at times melancholy and at other times extremely powerful, is ultimately, however, mostly about identity and a sense of community.
Eighth wonder of the world
Much like the 'main company' did in 2019, Ailey II will bring its performance in the Netherlands to a grand finale with Alvin Ailey's iconic 1960 masterpiece Revelations. Referred to as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’, by overarching artistic director Robert Battle, this whirlwind tribute to African American cultural heritage draws inspiration from Ailey's own childhood in rural Texas. Balancing the portrayal of the hardships endured by African Americans with moments of celebration and joy, Harper expresses, "Revelations is so expressive, so personal, you just feel that it comes straight from Ailey's heart. Sharing this work once again with Dutch audiences is a tremendous gift."
Free introduction
Prior to the performance there will be a free introduction by Annette Embrechts, theater and dance journalist at de Volkskrant, and Artistic Director of Ailey II Francesca Harper. It start 7.15 p.m. in Amare. The introduction in the nieuwe Luxor Theater starts at 7.00 pm. Be on time, full = full.
Film AILEY
In cooperation with Filmhuis Den Haag & LantarenVenster, the documentary AILEY (2021) will be screened on January 20, 24 and 28. AILEY is a special tribute to dance pioneer Alvin Ailey (1931 - 1989), American dancer and choreographer who founded the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) in 1958.
During the screening at Filmhuis Den Haag on Jan. 28, Francesca Harper, artistic director Ailey II, is present for an introduction prior to the documentary. More information, start times and tickets can be found here.
