Ailey II Workshop

WHAT: A dance workshop led by Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance 

WHEN: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 am

WHERE: Baby Grand, Kingston Grand Theatre, 218 Princess St., Kingston, ON K7L 1B2

WHO: Intermediate and advanced dance students, ages 16+.

COST: Free of charge. Presented by Grand OnStage and The City of Kingston.

DETAILS:

• Participants should be intermediate or advanced students, pre-professional, or professional dancers. 
• Spaces are limited and available on a first-come first-served basis via the online registration form below. All participants must be registered. Only those who have been successfully placed in the workshop will receive a confirmation email- please check your spam folder. The confirmation email will include a waiver that must be completed and submitted via email in advance of the workshop in order to attend (no exceptions). Minors (under 18 years of age) will require the signature of a parent or guardian on their waiver. 
• Workshops demand physical agility and endurance. Come dressed to move freely in appropriate attire and footwear. A labelled water bottle is suggested. 

QUESTIONS?: Please email ArtsProgramming@cityofkingston.ca.  

About the Workshop

This modern dance workshop will focus on sharing the strength, beauty and essence of Alvin Ailey’s vision of bringing dance back to the people. Using the foundations of the Lester Horton technique and including contemporary methodologies, the class will begin with a warm-up, followed by center sequences, and culminating in a combination featuring the company’s current repertory. Participants will learn to utilize their strengths, explore their personal style, and discover unfamiliar ways of moving.

About the Company

For more than 50 years, Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance – has merged 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. Today, with Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, she brings fresh perspectives to Mr. Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.

The 2024-25 repertory features two world premieres by former Ailey II member Alia Kache and by Houston Thomas, as well as repertory favorites and beloved classics. This season also celebrates the life and legacy of beloved Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison.

This season, eight new dancers—Carley Brooks, Meredith Brown, Jennifer M. Gerken, Xavier Logan, Xhosa Scott, Darion Tuner, Eric J. Vidaña, and Jordyn White—join the four returning members Alfred L. Jordan II, Kiri Moore, Corinth Moulterie, and Kayla Mei-Wan Thomas.