January 9, at 8 pm at Knight Concert Hall
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to welcome back AILEY II, the celebrated second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for a powerful one-night-only performance on January 9, at 8pm in the Knight Concert Hall. The performance features repertory that spans emotional storytelling and thrilling athleticism and a spotlight on South Florida native Jordyn White, who joined the company in 2024.
For more than five decades, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and artistry of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, the company embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to nurture the next generation of talented artists and reach audiences around the world by making dance accessible to all. Under Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II is forging a new path for modern dance—one that’s inclusive, experimental, and transformative.
“This season is a celebration of artistic voices that push boundaries and inspire transformation while honoring Alvin Ailey’s timeless vision,” said Francesca Harper. “The four works I’ve commissioned speak to identity, connection, and the bold possibilities of movement today. I am excited for audiences to witness these 12 exceptional dancers bring their creative passion and virtuosity to the stage.”
Ailey II welcomes four new dancers— Kamani Abu, Jada Ammons, Christian Butts, and Adanna Smalls— who join the eight returning members: Carley Cruzat Brooks, Meredith Brown, Jennifer M. Gerken, Xavier Logan, Xhosa Scott, Darion Tuner, Eric J. Vidaña, and Jordyn White.
It was a pleasure to sit down with company dancer Darion Tuner for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing?
I began performing at the age of 12 and I started with The Ailey Camp. I learned so much about Ailey and Dance and right after camp, I immediately joined a dance program, and I have been dancing ever since.
What was your first professional dance gig?
Performing with Clifton Brown at City Center during my first year at Ailey School.
When did you know performing would be your career?
After my second year at Ailey camp, I decided that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Alvin Ailey Dance Company has to be one of the ultimate goals for any dancer. Even though you went to their camp and their school, How did it feel when you got the call that you were chosen?
It was still an amazing thing for me as I am from an area in Georgia that not a lot of people make it out. I didn’t think I was good enough but was so grateful that I was accepted.
I finally had the pleasure of seeing an Alvin Ailey tour around four years ago in Broward, and I was an emotional mess (in a good way) at the end of the show. How emotional is it to dance every day with this company?
Very emotional, sometimes it’s so surreal as I worked so hard to get here and perform the works that I have been watching for so long. I have immense Gratitude.
What is your all-time favorite dance piece that you performed?
I would say Revelations, specifically Center Man.
What is your favorite thing about touring?
The different cities and the bus rides and getting to look out at the world in our own little bubble. I also like to reflect on the bus rides on previous performances.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined, outgoing and compassionate
What do you do for fun?
I like to do majorette dance, and lately I have been getting into reading and sometimes I like to crochet.
What should our readers expect from this production of AILEY II: The Next Generation of Dance?
In this performance you guys will see a plethora of things that are very euphoric. I think that your readers will leave the performance feeling fulfilled and emotional.
For more information on Darion, go to: Youtube,com/Darionsworld or
To purchase tickets for AILEY II: The Next Generation of Dance got to arshtcenter.org or at the Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722.
By: Scott Holland
