Black Women Shaping the Future of Dance at Ailey & Beyond | The Root
Novel YORK CITY – The final performance of Ailey II’s engagement at The Joyce Theater in Chelsea concluded Sunday, March 22, 2026, marking the end of a sold-out run that underscored the company’s commitment to Black women in dance. The week-long residency, running from March 17-22, showcased a dynamic program of both new and established choreography, highlighting the next generation of dance talent.
Ailey II, the acclaimed second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, has long served as a crucial incubator for emerging dancers and choreographers. Founded in 1974, the company was personally envisioned by Alvin Ailey and launched with Sylvia Waters as its founding Artistic Director. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it continues to embody Ailey’s mission to expand access to dance and cultivate a diverse artistic community.
“We want to honor the contributions of the women of dance,” said Francesca Harper, the current artistic director of Ailey II, in a preshow address. Harper, a former principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballett Frankfurt, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s artistic direction since assuming the role. Her own multidisciplinary background, encompassing choreography, theater, and film, informs her vision for Ailey II’s future.
The company’s success arrives at a moment of heightened public interest in ballet, spurred in part by recent comments from actor Timothée Chalamet regarding the art form’s enduring cultural relevance. However, within the walls of The Joyce, the future of dance feels firmly rooted in the innovative operate of artists like those featured in Ailey II’s program, with Black women taking a central role in its evolution.
Throughout its history, Ailey II has been defined by the contributions of groundbreaking women. Judith Jamison, Ailey’s muse and a legendary figure in modern dance, originated the iconic solo “Cry” and later led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for over two decades, transforming it into a global powerhouse. Sylvia Waters, Ailey II’s founding artistic director, guided the company’s growth for nearly four decades, earning numerous accolades for her dedication to dance education and performance.
Today, Alicia Graf Mack serves as the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, bringing a wealth of experience as a former principal dancer and educator to the role. Her leadership builds upon the legacy established by Jamison and Waters, continuing Ailey’s commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.
The current Ailey II program also features the work of emerging choreographers like Renee I. McDonald, a Jamaican artist who became the first choreographer from Jamaica to set a work on the Ailey II stage. McDonald, who balances her artistic pursuits with a career as an attorney, brings a unique perspective to her choreography. Rena Butler, another rising star in the dance world, has created pieces for major institutions across the U.S. And Europe, establishing herself as a leading voice in contemporary dance. Butler’s work was rehearsed at The Joyce Theater on March 17, 2026, as reported by Getty Images photographer Donna Ward.
The enduring impact of Ailey’s work is perhaps most evident in “Revelations,” the company’s signature piece. The female ensemble within “Revelations,” particularly during the celebrated church section, embodies the strength, faith, and communal spirit that have defined the Ailey legacy for over sixty years.
Tickets for Ailey II’s performances at The Joyce Theater were available through ailey.org and joyce.org, as well as by phone at 212-242-0800. Online and phone ticket purchases incurred a $7 service charge, while in-person sales at The Joyce Theater Box Office carried a $2 charge. All ticket exchanges were subject to a $5 fee and had to be made for performances within the same dance company, up to 48 hours in advance.