Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Los Angeles
International Dance Festival Present
Ailey II – The Next Generation Of Dance
April 11, 2020
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Tickets On Sale Now
Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Los Angeles International Dance Festival (LAIDF) proudly present Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance on April 11, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall as part of the festival’s inaugural year. Ailey II, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s junior company that serves as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most promising emerging choreographers. The acclaimed 12-member ensemble makes its first appearance at the Center performing three works from the company’s rich repertory including Road to One (2017) by Darrell Grand Moultrie, Where There Are Tongues (2018) by Ailey School alum and former Ailey II dancer Bradley Shelver as well as Breaking Point (2017) by Renee McDonald.
Single tickets start at $25 and are now available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236.
This performance of Ailey II kicks off the 16-day International Dance Festival which runs April 11– 26, 2020 throughout Southern California at various venues. Presented by Debbie Allen and Nigel Lythgoe, the festival aims to showcase the talents of Los Angeles-based dancers and choreographers, while bringing internationally acclaimed companies and dancers to Los Angeles venues. Said Nigel Lythgoe, “We’re proud that Ailey II kicks off the festival with their performance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Dance has the unparalleled ability to bring people together. Our ambition with LAIDF is to create spaces for people to experience the wealth of culture and dynamism through the power of dance. We want the Festival to bring attention to and elevate Los Angeles dance companies to the status they justly deserve.”
“I’m thrilled to partner with Nigel Lythgoe and the entire LA Dance Community to a create a festival that will excite and inspire. Our goal is to provide dynamic experiences for all ages, all ethnicities and a landscape of styles and techniques. It is extremely fitting that the vibrant and renowned young American dance company that is Ailey II should kick off a dynamic festival such as this,” said Debbie Allen, co-founder of LAIDF.
Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country under the leadership of Sylvia Waters from 1974-2012, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. With Artistic Director Troy Powell at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company.
PROGRAM NOTES
Road to One (2017)
Choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie
Music: Various Artists
Darrell Grand Moultrie’s Road To One passionately embraces the journey we all take to find meaning in our lives and eventually pass it on to the next generation. Inspired by a mentor who introduced him to the arts at a young age, Moultrie pays it forward with the Ailey II dancers, creating a high-energy ensemble work that uses elegant, modern movement with a contemporary edge. The musical score features an eclectic range of artists, including Ezio Bosso, Kinjey Bunchens, Monica Chuchi, Oliver Davis, and Spark.
Where There Are Tongues (2018)
Choreography by Bradley Shelver
Music: Lo Còr De La Plana
South African-born Bradley Shelver’s high-energy Where There Are Tongues is inspired by the idea that we are all in this world together, succeeding or failing as a collective. The rhythmically complex music, by French a cappella group Lo Còr De La Plana, couples with Shelver’s quirky style to make dance theater that will set pulses racing.
Breaking Point (2017)
Choreography by Renee I. McDonald
Music: Audiomachine
Jamaican-born choreographer Renee I. McDonald’s Breaking Point is an intense depiction of the fight for our heart’s desire. Whether it is love, friendship, forgiveness, or a secret longing – these things can take us to our limit. Suitably paired with the bold and pulsating sounds of Audiomachine, McDonald’s high-powered, modern-based choreography captures the willpower and frenzy it takes to keep up “the fight” until you hit your breaking point.
About the Los Angeles International Dance Festival
The Los Angeles International Dance Festival (LAIDF) is a 16-day dance experience, April 11 – 26, 2020, that will entertain, educate and inspire audiences of all ages with performances, films, workshops and master-classes in both traditional and alternative venues around the city. Supported by the mayor’s office, major foundations, corporations, as well as the music, film and television industry – LAIDF will shine a light on the achievements of our dance community. Embracing National Dance Day, LAIDFaims to unite artistic and creative forces that have made Los Angeles the entertainment capital of the world!
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Segerstrom Center for the Arts is also proud to serve as the artistic home to three of the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale. Each contributes greatly to the artistic life of the region with annual seasons performed at the Center.
In addition to Segerstrom Center for the Arts as a presenting and producing institution, it also identifies the beautiful 14-acre campus that embraces the Center’s own facilities as well as two independently acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and a site designated as the future home of the Orange County Museum of Art.
Tickets – Start at $25
In Person – The Box Office
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Online – SCFTA.org
Phone – (714) 556-2787
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Group Sales – (714) 755-0236
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Information provided is accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a public, non-profit organization. “Segerstrom Center for the Arts” is a registered trademark.
