AILEY II, the adjunct dance troupe of the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from the United States, is scheduled to perform here in Jamaica come September.

This was disclosed by Troy Powell, artistic director of Ailey II, who was recently in Jamaica to take in the opening night of the 52nd season of dance of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC).

“We are so excited to come perform here,” Powell told the Jamaica Observer. “We are looking forward to performing for a Jamaican audience and can’t wait to get here,” he added.

And Powell was full of nothing but high praises after watching the performances of the NDTC.

“I was just blown away. I sat there in the theatre and was mesmerised by what I saw on stage… it was like a big celebration. Energetic, passionate and everything that dance is and shouldbe… it was a celebration of life.”

He was particularly impressed with Malungu, the piece choreographed by Clive Thompson, who is an Alvin Ailey alumni. “To be able to watch the ballet and get the story being told on stage in such a relatable way was just amazing,”said Powell.

Malungu, which debuted during last year’s season, tells the story of Jamaican musical genius, trombonist Don Drummond, who was one of the architects of ska — the Jamaica music which emerged in the 1960s. The piece was remounted this year with a change in the main cast with Tamara Noel in the role of Magarita Mahfood and Kevin Moore as Drummond.

American dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey formed the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958, four years before the late Eddie Thomas and Rex Nettleford birthed the NDTC. His signature work, Revelations, draws on Ailey’s memories of his birthplace in Texas, the blues, spirituals, and gospel.

Ailey II was founded in 1974. The company embodies Ailey’s mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programmes for all people.