Ailey II the Next Generation of Dance @ Ailey Citigroup Theatre

Ailey II is under the adroit artistic hand of the talented Troy Powell, a longtime dancer with the Ailey Dance Theatre.  The Spring Performances of Ailey II premiered last night with 3 World Premiers by contemporary choreographers, Adam Barruch, Katarzyna Skarpetowska and Jennifer Archibald.  All 3 choreographers were on hand for the evening.  Barruch previous works have been performed @ Ailey Citigroup, Jacob's Pillow & the Julliard School.  His piece, ALCHEMIES ('13)  had an allure of  mysticism & magic.  The dancers were all clad in stylish black costumes by Jesse Dunham that embellished the sinewy movements of the dancers.  The smokey dark lighting by Aaron Copp added to the aura.  Skarpetowska was born in Poland & is currently dancing with the Lar Lubovitch Co. (Mr. Lubovitch was in the house.)  Her piece CUORE SOTTO'OLIO is choreographed to Italian composer's music by Noto & Capossela.  The piece is a pastiche of combative movements that are somewhat disjointed but her Tango style pas de deus were breathtaking & put a modern athletic twist to a very sensual dance.  The final piece on the program was WINGS by Archibald, a graduate of the Ailey School and veteran B'wy choreographer.  I was especially taken with WINGS with its flowing composition.  The dance possessed an ephemeral quality that was divine.  The loose fitting white & lavender costumes by Jermaine Terry gave a loftiness to the performers.  The entire dance company was astonishing.  Mr. Powell said how fortunate he was to work "with such amazing dancers."  It's the audience who benefit the most by seeing the stunning artistry of these beautiful dancers.