Ailey II's 'The Next Generation of Dance' comes to the MAC Nov. 9
Ailey II returns to the McAninch Arts Center with "The Next Generation of Dance" on Saturday, Nov. 9. The program will include three acclaimed works from its repertoire: Andrea Miller's "Psukhe," Bradley Shelver's "Where There Are Tongues," and Alvin Ailey's iconic "Revelations."
The Los Angeles Times hails Ailey II as "indefatigable, virtuosic and relentlessly sexy," and Dance Magazine says Ailey II is "Second to none."
It will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in the Belushi Performance Hall at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Tickets are $39-$48. For tickets or more information, visit AtTheMAC.org or call (630) 942-4000.
A free MAC chat will precede the performance.
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.
Under the artistic direction of Troy Powell, Ailey II's repertory includes a diverse array of ballets created by innovative choreographers.
The program for the Nov. 9 MAC engagement will include:
• "Psukhe" (2019). Artistic Director of Gallim Andrea Miller, known for her visceral and imaginative work, makes her Ailey II debut with her ballet "Psukhe" (pronounced 'pSEE-hee').This energetic full company work is rooted in the Gaga movement language first developed by Batsheva's Ohad Naharin and features unexpected partnering and complex solos set to the electronic music of Nicolas Jaar. The title is an Ancient Greek word meaning "life's breath, spirit, and soul" and is the origin for the English word "psyche."
• "Where There Are Tongues" (2018). South African-born Bradley Shelver's high-energy work is inspired by the idea that we are all in this world together, succeeding or failing as a collective. The rhythmically complex music, by French a cappella group Lo Còr De La Plana, couples with Shelver's quirky style to make dance theater that will set pulses racing.
• "Revelations" (1975). This must-see American masterpiece by Alvin Ailey himself embraces the rich legacy of African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues as it explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.
The 2019-20 Ailey II dancers include four new dancers who all trained extensively at The Ailey School - Elijah Lancaster, Jamaris Mitchell, Jeffrey Robert Robinson II and Chicago's own Brena Thomas.
Thomas began dancing at the Sammy Dyer Dance Theatre in 2005 and started her formal training at Chicago High School for the Arts under the direction of Lisa Johnson Willingham.
After graduating from "Chi-Arts," she received a scholarship to attend Alonzo King Lines Ballet and Ballet Austin. Thomas also trained as a scholarship student at Dance Theatre of Harlem and at The Ailey School where she was a recipient of The Joan Weill Ailey Spirit Award (2018-2019). She has performed works by Gregory Dawson, Aubrey Lynch, Ray Mercer, Brice Mousset, Leyland Simmons, and Bradley Shelver, and appeared in the FX hit series "Pose." This is Thomas' first season with Ailey II.
The four new dancers join the eight returning members - Grace Bergonzi, Leonardo Brito, Carl Ponce Cubero, Caroline Theodora Dartey, Amarachi Valentina Korie, Kyle H. Martin, Alisha Rena Peek and Marcel Wilson Jr.
Ailey II - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's second company - 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 a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey's pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.
Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country under the leadership of Sylvia Waters from 1974-2012, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs.
With artistic director Troy Powell at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to the company.