Ailey II with Artistic Director Sylvia Waters and Associate Artistic Director Troy Powell.  Photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC.  CLICK PHOTO TO DOWNLOAD

(New York) - Recently hailed as “second to none” by Dance Magazine, Ailey II, the celebrated junior company of America’s cultural ambassador to the world, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will embark on its first international tour, giving over 35 performances throughout Europe in Germany, Austria, France, and United Kingdom.  The international engagements kicked off last tonight when Ailey II performed during Wolfsburg, Germany’s Movimentos Festival.  The company will also perform in Innsbruck Austria as part of the Tanzsomer Festival and in Lyon, France for their Dance Biennale.  In March, the Company will perform for five weeks in seven different cities throughout the United Kingdom.

“We couldn’t be more excited to share the talent and energy of our young dancers with European audiences,” long-time Artistic Director Sylvia Waters states.  “This marks the first time in Ailey II’s 35-year history that the company will have a full international touring schedule; it’s a truly historic and groundbreaking time for us.”

In recent years, Ailey II has become a renowned dance company in its own right, winning rave reviews and regularly selling out its North American tour stops and annual New York seasons.  Now at the peak of its popularity, the Company is looking forward to bringing its unique spirit to European audiences who have long embraced Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performances. 

“Ailey II has just completed a tour to 30 cities in the United States.  It’s a very unique second company, known for reaching communities all over North America,” says Ailey Executive Director Sharon Gersten Luckman.  “Now that international audiences will be enjoying these young American dance ambassadors, Ailey II is moving upward to a whole new level of prominence.”

Ailey II’s touring repertory will include a mix of beloved classics, contemporary favorites and innovative new works.  All Ailey II dancers have received extensive world class training from The Ailey School, and after two years with Ailey II, dancers transition into successful concert, Broadway, and commercial dance careers.  Currently, 70% of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 30 members honed their craft as members of Ailey II.  Over three decades after its inception, Ailey II continues to produce extremely talented dancers and to bring new audiences to the art form. 

For more information visit www.alvinailey.org   (full international performance schedule below).

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Ailey II 2010- 2011 International Performance Schedule:

May 18-19 - Wolfsburg, Germany

July 7-10 - Innsbruck, Austria

September 15-26 - Lyon, France

November 11 - Neuss, Germany

November 13 - Ludwigshafen, Germany

November 16-17 - Marignac, France

November 19-21 - Blagnac, France

February 22-23 - Glasgow, UK

February 25-26 - Nottingham, UK

March 1-2 - Brighton, UK

March 4-5 - Bournemouth, UK

March 8-9 - Truro, Cornwall, UK

March 11-12 - Belfast, UK

March 15-16 - Salford, UK