Arts on the Hill: Ailey II

Tuesday, October 8 • 5:30-6:30pm (doors open at 5pm) • Carr’s Hill • Drinks & Snacks •  FREE by Lottery

Ailey II—the next generation of dance—is AILEY’s second company.

Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II has advanced Alvin Ailey’s vision by giving early-career dancers the vital experience of transitioning from training as a student to becoming a professional dancer. Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers. Just as Mr. Ailey envisioned, the company continues to expand the audience for dance through global touring and community-based performances.

Sylvia Waters, the company’s first artistic director, was personally chosen by Mr. Ailey and led the company for 38 seasons. In September 2021, Francesca Harper became artistic director. Ms. Harper—a former student at The Ailey School who has choreographed for both AILEY companies—guides Ailey II with her unique perspective, paying homage to Mr. Ailey’s legacy while taking the company in bold, new directions.

Under Ms. Harper’s direction, Ailey II is forging a new path for modern dance—one that’s inclusive, experimental, and transformative.

UVA Faculty, Staff, & Students: All UVA faculty, staff, and students can enter the lottery (one submission per person). 

Lottery: All UVA faculty, staff, and students are eligible to enter the lottery, with preference given to UVA students. The deadline to register is 11:59pm on Friday, October 4. 

Questions or Concerns: Email Emma Terry, Programs & Communication Director for UVA Arts, or Gracelyn Spates, Coordinator, Major Events.

Arts on the Hill is a recurring event on Carr's Hill featuring artists and scholars from our faculty and student body, as well as visiting artists and scholars from around the globe. President Jim Ryan hosts guests each month during the academic year for performances and discussions around the Arts at UVA with FREE drinks and snacks to boot!! Arts on the Hill is an ongoing collaboration between UVA Arts, the Office of the President & the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.