Training the world’s most extraordinary modern dancers
By Cherie Ronayne

Photo: Ailey II performing at the Belleayre Music Festival, Highmount, NY

If you don’t recognize the name Ailey, let the Pulse give you the 411 so you don’t miss an incredible performance. Alvin Ailey II is an off-shoot (a baby sister, if you will) of the famous modern dance company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, established in 1958 in NYC. Ailey grew up in poverty in Texas, abandoned by his father and raised by his mother. He showed an early interest in the arts, discovering dance on a junior high field trip to see the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. He began taking classes and was most influenced by choreographer Lester Horton, whose ethnically diverse company he took over when Horton died in 1953. Ailey’s career spanned on and off-Broadway as well as film, as a dancer, choreographer, actor and director, but he is most well known for his legendary choreography. (Interesting aside: he experienced reverse racism against his all-black company in the 60s and eventually integrated it in 1963.

Today, under the Artistic Direction of Sylvia Waters (a former Ailey dancer personally appointed by Ailey in 1974), Ailey II is a training ground for young dancers; Ailey II members who have completed advanced programs at The Ailey School refine their technique while gaining invaluable performing and teaching experience during their tenure with the Company (usually 2 years). Ailey II actually began in ‘74 as Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, when Ailey initiated a workshop composed of the most promising scholarship students from The Ailey School. The original members of Ailey II were handpicked from that group by Mr. Ailey.Throughout its history, more than 50 Ailey II members have been selected to join Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

The Ailey II North American Tour takes the company to over 40 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Virgin Islands. Ailey II dancers are electric, powerful and riveting as they perform original works by emerging choreographers and works choreographed by Ailey himself. In addition to the 8pm show, a Spotlight Talk is scheduled for 6:15. (Call the Weston Box office at 978-665-3347 for tickets or further details, or check out www.fsc.edu/cultural/#WestonBoxOffice.)

Also, on Thurs. Jan. 25th at 7pm, a Master Class taught by Ailey II company members for experienced dancers will be offered. Tickets are $15 for the general public, free to FSC students. More info is available by calling the box office. The Master class will be held in the Dance Studio (Recreation Center) at Fitchburg State.

Don’t miss Ailey II’s wild exuberance and exciting and innovative choreography!