The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College presents “Ailey II”, the celebrated second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, on Thursday, February 6, at 7:30pm.
Ailey II performance features the world premiere by Houston Thomas, alongside repertory favorites and beloved classics, while celebrating the life and legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison.
Under Francesca Harper’s leadership, Ailey II continues Alvin Ailey’s vision of bridging early-career dancers from The Ailey School to the professional stage, showcasing their technical mastery and emotional depth through daring works by established and emerging choreographers. As Harper states, “This season, Ailey II’s 12 rising stars will ignite, unite, and inspire audiences nationwide, honoring the creative spirit of Mr. Ailey.”
Houston Thomas’ world premiere ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ continues the choreographer’s ‘Follow the White Rabbit’ (2022) and expands on its themes, examining the relationship between humans and technology. Inspired by The Matrix film series, ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ explores how technology weaves into the fabric of daily life, transforming how humans interact and function. Set to music by Johannes Goldbach and Pomassl, this high-powered piece begs the question: Technological change – are we powering it, or is it powering us?
The tour will also feature Alvin Ailey’s ‘Streams’, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, dancing to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac, and Francesca Harper’s Luminous, a work that pays homage to the 50th anniversary of Ailey II and the artists who paved the way for future generations.
‘Revelations’ — the must-see American masterpiece by Alvin Ailey — will also grace stages. Since its creation in 1960, this landmark work has consistently enraptured audiences worldwide with a perfect blend of reverent grace and spiritual elation. In it, Mr. Ailey pays homage to and reflects the African American cultural heritage, what he thought of as one of America’s richest treasures—“sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful.”
This season, eight new dancers — Carley Brooks, Meredith Brown, Jennifer M. Gerken, Xavier Logan, Xhosa Scott, Darion Tuner, Eric J. Vidaña, and Jordyn White — join the four returning members Alfred L. Jordan II, Kiri Moore, Corinth Moulterie, and Kayla Mei-Wan Thomas.
Tickets are $50, $40, and $30. They are available online at www.durangoconcerts.com or by phone at 970-247-7657. Posted ticket prices include applicable service charges. All sales are final.
The Community Concert Hall is a not-for-profit, multi-use performance venue located on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Its ability to bring a diverse spectrum of shows to Southwest Colorado is made possible through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, and financial and in-kind contributions from generous community members.