Ailey 2 – Hull New Theatre

Storm Babet was no deterrent to the hardy souls who ventured out on Friday evening to watch Ailey 2 at the Hull New Theatre.

This energetic troupe of modern dancers – I counted 12 in all – come to the city as part of a UK tour.

Ailey 2 has been described by the New York Times as being the “younger version of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater” – a company founded in 1958 by choreographer, dancer and visionary, Alvin Ailey to bring African-American dance to the world stage from its base in the Big Apple.

From what I witnessed on Friday evening, Ailey’s quest has been a huge success.

At curtain up, the stage – left, right and centre – was enveloped in black, as were the dancers who emerged in the gloom to a hypnotic, and very loud, drum beat.

They moved individually, sometimes jerkily, sometimes smoothly, but all the time with bodies so flexible, I often wondered how their joints were still in place.

Their skin tones seemed to be highlighted in an eerie light, which enhanced the dramatic atmosphere and contrasted with their black vests and black tasselled trousers.

This – titled Enemy In The Figure – was the first of four sections in the two-hour production, which included two intervals.

Back in our seats after this energetic routine, the blackness was relieved with hints of silver in a segment called Freedom Series, in which the spotlight fell upon a solo dancer.

Her sparkly silver dress shimmered as she moved, effortlessly gliding across the stage, which at times featured a “sea” of turquoise and blue billowing chiffon, plus lighting to match.

Accompanied by fabulous (I assume taped) singing voices, it was my favourite section so far.

Well, it was until The Hunt hit the stage, and the beating drums were back, louder and more hypnotic than ever,

Four bare-chested male dancers, wearing long black skirts lined in bright scarlet (my favourite costumes on the night, designed by Mia McSwain), brought a sense of menace as well as drama to proceedings.

At times a turquoise light shone across their bodies as they moved into its beam. In fact, as the show progressed, lighting played a more imposing role – though it was never intrusive.

I felt The Hunt was the longest segment and possibly the most energetic. How on earth these talented dancers remember every step, arm movement and so on, is beyond me.

After the second interval came Revelations – and sadness and joy seemed to invade proceedings; along with more colour.

As melodious gospel singing filled the air, dancers – in shades of beige and brown – swayed rhythmically, forming intriguing patterns with their arms while giving off an air of melancholy.

Then, hey presto, the stage was full of light as, dressed in white and gold, the entire company danced joyfully as one to the most moving and uplifting gospel singing.

Hull New Theatre was far from full on the night but, boy, rapturous applause at the show’s end said everything. Ailey 2 is indeed, a revelation.

Presented by Dance Consortium

Running until Saturday, October 21st, 2023; 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £16.50. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Artistic director: Francesca Harper

Choreographers: William Forsythe, Francesca Harper, Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey

Music by Thom Willems, Les Tambours du Bronx and various artists

Reviewer: Jackie Foottit

Reviewed: 20th October 2023

North West End UK Rating: