MCCC Proudly Presents Ailey II - The Next Generation of Dance – Oct. 19

MCCC Proudly Presents Ailey II - The Next Generation of Dance – Oct. 19

Sept. 18, 2024, Blue Bell, Pa. — As part of its 60^th anniversary year, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is proud to host a special performance by Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance – as they celebrate their milestone 50^th anniversary.

The performance, set to take place in the state-of-the-art Montco Cultural Center theater at the Blue Bell Campus on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m., will merge the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers.

Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, this universally renowned company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Under the leadership of Sylvia Waters, who served as artistic director for 38 seasons, Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs.

Now with Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, Ailey II continues to evolve while maintaining its strong roots in Mr. Ailey’s vision. Harper’s fresh perspective propels the company forward by nurturing new creative voices while remaining true to the iconic Ailey style that audiences enjoy worldwide. The company’s performances offer a unique experience, fusing modern choreography with the artistry and technical excellence that defines Ailey’s work.

Audiences and critics alike have praised Ailey II’s unforgettable performances. “Off-the-charts energy,” raved The New Yorker, while The New York Times has hailed the company, saying, “There’s nothing like an evening spent with Ailey II… the entire company looks terrific. Clearly, the future is theirs.” Dance Magazine has declared Ailey II “second to none,” and Herald Scotland lauded the company for its “wow factor aplenty.”

With a half-century of dance history behind them, Ailey II continues to inspire new generations of dancers and audiences alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the future of dance at MCCC, where innovation, culture, and talent will take center stage in the beautiful Montco Cultural Center theater.

For ticket information and details on the performance, visit mc3.edu/tickets. Convenient, free parking is available on MCCC’s Blue Campus, 1313 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422.
About Montgomery County Community College 

For 60 years, Montgomery County Community College has been transforming lives and communities to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown and online.  
 
As an Achieving the Dream Leah Meyer Austin Alumni Award recipient, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to remove barriers to access, improve learning outcomes, and increase completion for all students. The College also is recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service-learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For eight years, MCCC has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges in the nation by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development for its commitment to diversity through inclusive learning and work environments, student and staff recruitment and retention practices, and meaningful community service and engagement opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.mc3.edu.

About Ailey II
Ailey II—Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's second company—is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. 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 Francesca Harper at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as she brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company. For more information, visit www.ailey.org/ailey-ii.