If you’re looking for a great night of dance, mark your calendar for Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
That’s when Ailey II, one of the most celebrated and popular dance companies in the country, will be performing at Ramsey Theatre right here at Wayne State College. This event is part of the WSC Black and Gold Performing Arts Series and is also supported by the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Tickets are available now for $10 at www.wsc.edu/performing-arts under the “Purchase Event Tickets” link. There is free admission for all WSC students, faculty and staff. Just make sure to reserve your ticket beforehand by using your NUID number on the ticketing site.
For the past 50 years, Ailey II has amazed audiences across the U.S. with performances that included both technical skill and emotional depth. As the second company of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City, Ailey II serves as a launchpad for young dancers from The Ailey School to transition to the professional stage. Under the direction of Francesca Harper, these dancers bring a positive and a fresh energy to both classic and contemporary works.
This performance isn’t just any little performance —it’s part of Ailey II’s 28-city tour, which kicked off in Oct. 2024 and runs through May, 2025. The tour honors the life and legacy of Judith Jamison, and their beloved artistic director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
The program features two world premieres alongside a classic Ailey masterpiece, offering a little something for everyone. “Down the Rabbit Hole” is choreographed by Houston Thomas. This piece was inspired by The Matrix film series and dives into how technology shapes our everyday lives. It is set to music by Johannes Goldbach and Pomassl and asks the big question: Are we controlling technology, or is it controlling us? Expect fast-paced and visually stunning choreography that’ll have you thinking long after the show ends.
“Mystery at Sky Square” is choreographed by Alia Kache and delivers a film noir-style dance theater piece based on Anansi the Spider, the mischievous character from Akan folklore. Love, revenge, and a good dose of mystery, all wrapped up in 1940s-inspired costumes. With narration from an original screenplay by Ryan Blackwell and an atmospheric score by Omari Tau, this piece feels like a classic whodunit told through dance.
“Streams” by Alvin Ailey is an abstract exploration of bodies in space, set to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac. It’s a powerful, timeless piece that showcases Ailey’s signature style and innovative spirit.Founded in late 1974, Ailey II has been carrying Alvin Ailey’s vision forward for the past five decades, also blending different traditions with cutting-edge creativity.
Francesca Harper sums it up best: “This season, Ailey II will thrill audiences across the country with mesmerizing premieres alongside returning favorites and iconic dances by Alvin Ailey. The 12 rising stars ignite, unite, and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds while honoring the legacy and creative spirit of Mr. Ailey.”
Whether you’re a lifelong dance fan or just curious to see something new, this is a rare chance to experience world-class dance right here in Wayne.