Ailey II

ENEMY IN THE FIGURE (EXCERPT)
Choreographed by William Forsythe
Enemy in the Figure (excerpt) is the intensely propulsive central section of William Forsythe’s eponymous work. Originally created in Germany (1989) for his ensemble, Ballet Frankfurt, the full work has been performed in major venues across the globe. Thom Willem’s percussive and rhythmically driving electronic score was the source of the works choreographic invention and influenced the radical use of light and shadow in the original stage design. This excerpt puts the formidable dance skills of the Ailey II dancers on fine display, giving their craft and vitality an invigorating framework.

FREEDOM SERIES
Choreographed by Francesca Harper
Inspired by her Ailey homecoming, Francesca Harper’s Freedom Series travels through a landscape of memories creating a series of vignettes that embody and imagine a hybrid world where memory strives to influence the future.  Depicted through this futuristic lens, and developed in collaboration with the Ailey II dancers, Harper’s work examines identity and community.  With costumes by designer Elias Gurrola and a score featuring a blend of acoustic and electronic sounds, Freedom Series’ unexpected twists and turns bridge tender moments to its intrinsic ferocity.

THE HUNT
Choreographed by Robert Battle
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle’s athletic work for six men reveals the predatory side of human nature and the primitive thrill of the hunt. A thundering percussion soundtrack by Les Tambours du Bronx drives the explosive movement that runs the gamut from modern sports to the rituals of the gladiators

REVELATIONS
Choreographed by Francesca Harper
About spiritual, religious songs, gospel and African-American blues, Revelations is an intense exploration of the places of deep pain and spiritual joy of the soul. Alvin Ailey – one of the greatest exponents of American modern dance who with his work contributed to the gradual integration of African-American artists in the dance world – has always argued that one of the greatest treasures of America is the African-American cultural heritage, “sometimes painful, sometimes joyful, but always full of hope.” This timeless classic is a tribute to Alvin Ailey’s heritage and talent.