Ailey II Launches First Independent Season at the Joyce, 3/17

Ailey II's 12 "indefatigable, virtuosic, and relentlessly sexy" dancers (Los Angeles Times) return to The Joyce Theater from March 17 - 22 with two programs of premieres and recent audience favorites. The Company's spring run at The Joyce will be the first time they will present an independent season at one of dance's most cherished and historic venues. During an eight-performance engagement, their "off-the-charts energy" (The New Yorker) will be amplified in diverse repertory by emerging and established choreographers, including:

Dwight Rhoden's Hissy Fits, in which the former Ailey star turned in-demand choreographer and Artistic Director of Complexions, goes beyond mere virtuosic movement to depict the sometimes tumultuous and ambivalent nature of human relationships. J.S. Bach's piano music provides a powerful backdrop to the high-voltage interplay of five couples, each of whom feels the ripple effect of a series of "hissy fits," or uncontrollable emotional impulses, that reverberate in this work.

Manuel Vignoulle's athletic full-company world premiere work, breakthrough, set to haunting music by Swedish composer Mikael Karlsson. The piece examines the struggle to connect in a world where these connections are often just out of our reach. Vignoulle's diverse international background, first as a dancer and now as a choreographer, informs his creative approach - drawing on both the introspective, conceptual world of European modernism and the more outwardly expressive culture of American dance. Small wonder, then, that he views dance as "an art without borders which generates feelings that touch people's hearts and lead them to reconnect with their own humanity."

Amy Hall Garner's Virtues, set to a vibrant score by Karl Jenkins. Emerging as one of America's most diverse creative new talents, with a career that spans from Broadway to ballet, Garner delivers high energy with a sophisticated edge. The dancers radiate with regal grace, while deftly executing a distinctive blend of contemporary modern and jazz movement.

The External Knot by Ailey II Artistic Director Troy Powell, following the journey of a young man and his internal battle to assert his independence from others. A fluid series of solos, duets, and ensemble sections build to a climax with transporting music by Philip Glass and Robert Schumann.

Polish choreographer Katarzyna Skarpetowska's Cuore Sott'olio ("heart submerged in oil"), in which a female figure tumbles through the memories of past relationships in a fusion of folk dance and contemporary movement. At times wistful, turbulent, and joyous, this new work, set to music by Alva Noto and Vincio Capossela, captures the essence of a love lost and a rediscovered light within.

Rising choreographer Jennifer Archibald's Wings -- an unabashedly emotional portrayal of interactions between angels and humans. Set to an ambient score by veteran dance composer Michael Wall, Archibald's movement is ferocious yet vulnerable, showcasing both the dancers' athletic prowess and raw honesty.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at $10* and can be purchased online at www.joyce.org, by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800, or at the The Joyce Theater Box Office located on 75 Eighth Avenue at 19th Street, Mon-Sun noon-6pm. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount on select tickets. Visit AlvinAiley.org/GroupSales or call 212-405-9082 for more details. *$10 tickets are available by phone or at the box office only.

Program A: Hissyfits; breakthrough; Virtues Program B: The External Knot; Cuore Sott'olio; Wings

Mar 17 at 7:30pm Mar 18 at 7:30pm

Mar 19, 21 at 8:00pm Mar 20 at 8:00pm

Mar 22 at 2:00pm Mar 21 at 2:00pm

Mar 22 at 7:30pm

The Joyce Theater

175 8th Avenue, between 18th and 19th Streets

New York, NY 10011

(212) 691-9740

www.joyce.org

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