Warfield Concerts Presents:

AILEY II

About Ailey II

For over 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.

Ailey II Ballet Descriptions

Chalvar Monteiro’s Berry Dreamin’ centers the music, personality, and soul-stirring lyricism of Chuck Berry, the father of rock 'n' roll. This works aims to reimagine the rich origin story for a star on the rise—the journey to adulthood and the moving target that is human connection against a day-dreamy, subconscious landscape that gives birth to our wildest dreams.

Third Person Point of View by choreographer My’Kal Stromile, begins in medias res—Latin for “in the midst of things.” We enter a non-traditional, three-person relationship in its fully functioning form: fluid, intricate, and quietly intimate. We then rewind to the beginning of the relationship, and what the audience sees is two people deeply attuned, and a third seeking entry, admiration, and a place to belong. As the title suggests, the piece invites the audience to witness from the outside, observing a relationship as it unfolds without ever being directly addressed. Camera flashes fracture time, illuminating moments of effort, allure, and unspoken negotiation. Guided by evolving physicality, the dancers explore how love expands—often imperfectly, always intentionally—revealing the quiet ache of being seen from the outside, and the grace of slowly being let in.

Down the Rabbit Hole is a continuation of choreographer Houston Thomas’ Follow the White Rabbit and expands on the themes of its former of examining the relationship between humans and technology. Inspired by The Matrix film series, Down the Rabbit Hole explores how technology weaves into the fabric of daily life, transforming how we as humans interact and function. Set to a score by Johannes Goldbach and Pomassl, Thomas begs the question, in this high-powered piece: Technological change - are we powering it or is it powering us?

Saturday February 14th, 2026

7:00 PM

Valentine’s Day Pre-Show Dinner

5:00 PM

Hendrix Fine Arts Center
Phillips Community College University of Arkansas
1000 Campus Rd, Helena, AR 72342