Dance Review: Ailey II, Back From Tour and Better Than Ever

Today’s Episode of the iDANZ Critix Corner is brought to you by: “Being on Your Leg!”

Ailey II is a company that delivers. Comprised of some of the most promising talent of my generation, this junior company is making a name for itself around the world.

The company returns home fresh off tour to perform a ten day engagement at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theatre. For their New York City homecoming performance this past Friday night, Ailey II presents a program of new works featuring pieces choreographed by a quartet of geniuses including Sidra Bell, Jessica Lang, Troy Powell, and George Faison.

In Valse, giftedly choreographed by Sidra Bell, Bell creates a dark and sensual atmosphere dressing the dancers in form-fitting black costumes with ruffles to match. Starting the show off right, this piece throws sensuality at the audience with its brilliantly executed duets. Each pair pulls me further and further into Sidra’s eerie world generated by each dancer’s genuine dynamism, musicality, and excellent technical stability. Valse, though very well performed by all the dancers, the stand-out performance, “I Live on My LEG” award goes to Fanna Fraser who sets the bar for the entire show with her solo in this piece tonight.

So many good dancers in this company, I find that there are many other great performances that deserve awards as well . As matter of fact, the “Dance Like the Rent is Due Tomorrow” award goes to Josh Johnson. Josh left it all on the stage last Friday night. Work! Moving through phrases as seamlessly as the lighting transitions and music cues, Josh makes you watch him. Other outstanding performances include Megan Jackle and Jarvis McKinley’s duet in Movin’ On, choreographed by George Faison. Half hip-hop, half jazz-esque pointe work, the duet is brimming with personality.

Sold out shows, world tours, and public praise, Ailey II deserves everything they have earned. This second company has found a niche in the dance audience, a niche in particular that continues to grow. In conclusion, the program is nothing short what people want from Ailey II. It is youthful, contemporary, energetic, and sexy.

Ready for more. . . I can’t wait till the next time I see Ailey II.

iDANZ Critix Corner
Official Dance Review by Antoine Lee
Performance: Ailey II: Program A/New Works
Choreography: Sidra Bell, Jessica Lang, Troy Powell, and George Faison.
Venue: Ailey Citigroup Theater, New York City
Performance Date: Friday April 17, 2009

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