Draft Ailey II - Ailey II MHP
The arrival of one of America’s most celebrated dance companies signals an ambitious new season at Maryland Hall
Annapolis, MD – Maryland Hall is proud to announce that Ailey II, one of the nation’s most celebrated contemporary dance companies, will perform on the Main Stage on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 7 p.m.
The engagement offers audiences an early look at Maryland Hall’s upcoming 2026–2027 season and reflects the organization’s continued commitment to presenting premier artists and transformative cultural experiences in Annapolis.
“Ailey II represents the kind of exceptional artistry and cultural impact audiences can expect from Maryland Hall as we look toward the future,” said Christopher Miller, Acting Executive Director of Maryland Hall. “We are thinking creatively and ambitiously about the artists, experiences, and opportunities we bring to our community, with a renewed vision for what Maryland Hall can be and whom it can serve.”
Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II grew into one of the country’s most celebrated dance companies under founding Artistic Director Sylvia Waters, who was selected by Alvin Ailey and led the company for 38 seasons. Today, under Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II continues to carry forward Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to create an extended cultural community through dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.
For more than 50 years, the company has brought together the energy of the country’s most promising early-career dancers with the creative vision of leading and emerging choreographers, delivering performances that are artistically exceptional and deeply connected to the communities they reach.
Bringing Ailey II to Maryland Hall marks a significant moment for the organization and the Annapolis community. The engagement reflects Alvin Ailey’s enduring belief in the power of dance, Maryland Hall’s commitment to Art for All, and Maryland Hall’s vision to be a leading destination for premier, transformative arts experiences.
“Bringing Ailey II to Maryland Hall is an exciting moment for our stage and for Annapolis,” said Austin Sposato, Director of Programming. “The company honors an extraordinary artistic legacy while showcasing the versatility, technicality, and eloquence of the next generation of dancers and choreographers. It is a powerful introduction to the ambition and range audiences will experience throughout the coming season.”
Dance Magazine has called Ailey II second to none,” while The New York Times declared, “There’s nothing like an evening spent with Ailey II, the younger version of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.”
Tickets for Ailey II are on sale now at marylandhall.org/presents. The complete 2026–2027 Maryland Hall Presents season will be unveiled on July 31, bringing even more opportunities to experience what’s next at Maryland Hall.
A bold new season is taking the stage, and we’ve been saving you a seat.
