Ailey II The Next Generation of Dance in an ALL NEW PROGRAM

Ailey II founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble has flourished as a creative company to foster & mentor talented young dancers & choreographers.  Artistic Director Troy Powell  continues to garner fresh talent & ideas with emerging choreographers and dancers that embody the spirit and artistry of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  "The All New" program featured 3 premiers:  "Road to One" choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie, "Touch & Agree" choreography by Juel D. Lane and "Breaking Point" choreography by Renee I. McDonald.  McDonald began her dance training in Jamaica.  She is not only an accomplished dancer/choreographer she is completing her final year in Law School in Jamaica.  Her piece "Breaking Point" was a powerful piece, high energy with demanding physicality.  The music was by Audiomachine and I was impressed with the personification of the music that seemed to emanate through an excellent ensemble.  Moultrie was born in NYC and received his schooling in NYC from LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts and The Juilliard School.  "Road to One" was accompanied by music from various artists.  The dancers in their flowing costumes by Mark Eric Rodriguez made use of every nuanced measure in a delightful, elongated and elegant style.  My favorite piece was by Juel D. Lane an Atlanta native.  He has performed for the Ronald K. Brown/Evidence dance company.  Some of Brown's choreography are included in Ailey's repertoire.  Lane favored a kinetic, high powered energy but it was his quieter pas de deux with 2 male dancers to music by Same Cooke "You Send Me" that was the most stirring and appealing.  Both superb male dancers portrayed a loving and embattled relationship.  The use of 2 chairs as props were put to extraordinary use as the dancers swiftly and effortlessly exchanged their positions standing or sitting as their dance mirrored their push/pull in their relationship. "Touch & Agree" was very inventive and emotionally stirring.  Ailey II is performing through March 25th at their studios on 55th and 9th Avenue.  There is the "All New Program" which was outstanding and the "Contemporary Favorites" which I plan on seeing.