Birmingham Hippodrome and Dance Consortium have partnered with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second company to present an exclusive curtain raiser performance before the start of the Ailey 2 show on Wednesday 4 October.

Ailey 2 brings an exciting repertory to Birmingham including excerpts from Francesca Harper’s futuristic Freedom Series and William Forsythe’s Enemy in the Figure along with The Hunt, choreographed by Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Revelations¸ Alvin Ailey’s 1960 masterwork.

Created by Artistic Director at Phoenix Dance Theatre and former Ailey dancer and professional choreographer, Marcus Willis, the curtain raiser will be performed by experienced young dancers aged 14-23 from the Midlands. Willis worked with the chosen dancers across five intensive rehearsals to produce a piece that is inspired by themes in Francesca Harper’s Freedom Series and uses the history of Ailey to explore the future of young dancers.

Hear from some of the curtain raiser dancers ahead of Ailey 2 returning to the city:

Amiyah – “I first attended an Ailey theatre show when I was six at Birmingham Hippodrome and I have been a fan ever since. I have been lucky enough to perform in many countries and hold 16 world titles as well as British and regional accolades. Alongside dance I am an activist for change with Tired Movement who are trying to improve racial equality within the dance world. As a black dancer, Alvin Ailey is an icon of mine. All that he did, and the theatre company continue to do for representation from minority groups is inspiring.”

Katie-Jane – “I took part in the Motionhouse curtain raiser at the Hippodrome earlier this year and had the most amazing time! I loved meeting new people who have the same interests as me. Getting to have a similar experience with Ailey 2, a dance company I studied in depth at school is a dream come true as I am able to link up all my knowledge whilst learning new skills and pushing myself to become a better dancer.”

Rochantè – “Watching clips from Alvin Ailey as a young black dancer made me proud to see the history and beauty of black culture being celebrated and displayed on such a large scale. Ailey 2’s style of dance is completely out of my comfort zone and by being given this opportunity, I’m able to push myself and see what I am capable of. It’s an experience I will never forget.”

Ailey 2 is at Birmingham Hippodrome on Tuesday 3 October and Wednesday 4 October. There is a post-show Q&A on Tuesday 3 October. The curtain raiser is on Wednesday 4 October and will be performed before the start of the show. Tickets can be booked online at birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling the box office on 0844 338 5000*

*0844 calls will cost you 4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.