Ailey II, the dynamic second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, launches its new tour featuring a world premiere by Artistic Director Francesca Harper.
The dance world is buzzing with anticipation as Ailey II, the renowned second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, embarks on its extensive 2026-2027 US tour. This highly anticipated tour, spanning 27 cities from September 22, 2026, to April 11, 2027, promises to showcase the extraordinary talent of the next generation of dance artists. A major highlight of this season is the world premiere of a new work by Ailey II's visionary Artistic Director, Francesca Harper.
Francesca Harper, a celebrated figure in modern dance with a distinguished career as a performer and choreographer, assumed the artistic directorship of Ailey II in 2021. Her leadership has been lauded for bringing a fresh, inclusive, experimental, and transformative dimension to the beloved company, while steadfastly honoring Alvin Ailey's enduring legacy. Harper's new creation, titled "In the Moment," is a collaboration with Jermaine Spivey and is set to captivate audiences with its profound exploration of human connection. The piece delves into themes of presence, transformation, and the powerful experience of being truly seen. Inspired by a simple yet significant gesture of recognition and lasting friendship, "In the Moment" uses movement and text to examine how empathy can translate into action and how one generation can affirm, guide, and empower the next.
The tour's riveting repertory extends beyond Harper's premiere, featuring mesmerizing new productions of works by Alvin Ailey and Ronald K. Brown, alongside cherished classics that brilliantly highlight the company's virtuosity and dynamic energy. Audiences in Morristown, NJ, will have the opportunity to witness this exceptional program, including "In the Moment," when Ailey II performs at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Ailey II serves as a vital bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, embodying Alvin Ailey's pioneering mission to cultivate emerging artists and inspire audiences globally. Under Harper's direction, the twelve extraordinary artists of Ailey II continue to embody the bold and fearless spirit of contemporary dance, delivering performances filled with passion and artistry.
Witnessing the brilliance of companies like Ailey II and the innovative choreography of artists such as Francesca Harper reminds us of the endless possibilities within dance, a journey we strive to inspire in every student at GoDance.
The GoDance team crafts articles about dance, technique and inspiring stories from dancers.
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Francesca Harper's new world premiere is titled "In the Moment," a collaboration with Jermaine Spivey. The piece is described as a meditation on presence, transformation, and the profound impact of being truly seen, exploring themes of empathy and intergenerational empowerment.
Ailey II will present "In the Moment" as part of its 27-city US tour, which runs from September 22, 2026, to April 11, 2027. Notably, the company will perform at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ, on Friday, September 25, 2026.
