6PM: Ailey Extension NY Style Mambo Class
7PM: Ailey II Performance

First-Come, First-Served Entry
All Bryant Park Picnic Performances Are FREE

Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America continues on July 28 with an Ailey Extension dance class and performance from Ailey II, the celebrated second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II, the Next Generation of Dance, comprised of 12 of the most promising early-career dancers is renowned for its dynamic performances, rigorous touring schedule, and community programs. Performing an evening of works that examines dance under a fresh and intimate lens from the vigorous physicality of Andrea Miller’s Psūkhe to Yannick Lebrun’s poetic ode to French Guiana Saa Magni, to Harper’s elliptical galaxy Freedom Series, Ailey II offers a deeper glance into some of the dance world's current contemporary voices whose works embody bold, daring, and fresh perspectives. Before the Ailey II performance, Ailey Extension instructor Katherine Jimenez will lead a NY Style Mambo class featuring live music that takes Latin dance back to its roots. This class is open to people of all ages and all levels of dance experience.

This performance is part of Ailey Moves NYC!, Ailey's 10-day series of outdoor activities for all ages across the five boroughs. This celebration includes performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, dance in classes and workshops led by Ailey’s Arts In Education and Ailey Extension teachers and musicians, meet current students from the acclaimed Ailey School, and watch the stirring documentary AILEY out in the open air. Ailey is thrilled to bring dance to our fellow New Yorkers of all ages.

Ailey Extension (2005) fulfills Mr. Ailey’s life-long commitment to bringing dance to everyone by offering “real classes for real people.” With nearly 40 weekly classes and special workshops each month, Ailey Extension invites students all over the world to explore different dance styles seven days a week. Ailey Extension currently offers a variety of in-person, virtual, and hybrid class options in techniques like hip-hop, ballet, Horton, West African, Zumba®, samba, contemporary, Pilates, Broadway Jazz, and more. Visit www.alvinailey.org/extension for the latest schedule.

Ailey II (1974) is the second company of emerging young dancers, universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Under the vision of Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II will continue to expand the bridge from the classroom to the stage that Alvin Ailey created to constantly propel each new generation of artists forward. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org/ailey-ii.

Program Details:
Psūkhe (Choreography by Andrea Miller)
Saa Magni (Choreography by Yannick Lebrun)
Reflections in D (Choreography by Alvin Ailey)
Freedom Series (Choreography by Francesca Harper)

Programming is subject to change. Ailey II performs as part of the 2022 Bryant Park Picnic Performances season presented by Bank of America and as a part of the Ailey Moves NYC! A Free Summer Dance Celebration for All (July 23-August 1).