Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, turns 50 this year. Since its creation, some things have remained consistent: It has always served as a bridge between student and professional life. “It’s a pressure cooker,” said Francesca Harper, who has been the artistic director of Ailey II since 2021. Between classes, rehearsals and an extensive touring schedule that combines performances with lecture-demonstrations and master classes, those years are tough. “Alvin often called it a kind of finishing school,” said Sylvia Waters, who was the company’s artistic director from the beginning until 2012.

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Persons: Ailey, Alvin Ailey, ”, Francesca Harper, Alvin, Sylvia Waters, Harper, Troy Powell Organizations: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Joyce Theater, Ailey School Locations: Waters