MARIETTA, Ohio, Oct. 8, 2026 — The Esbenshade Series and Marietta College will welcome Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance to Peoples Bank Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m., opening the 2026-27 Esbenshade Series season with an evening of modern dance featuring some of the country’s finest early-career dancers and emerging choreographers.
For more than 50 years, Ailey II has carried forward the vision of legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey, who founded the company in 1974. Mr. Ailey created the company to support the development of early-career dancers while expanding his pioneering mission to bring performance, training, and community programs to all people.
“Ailey II carries forward the legacy of a true institution in modern dance, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to open our Esbenshade season,” said Todd Burge, director of the Esbenshade Series. “I’m grateful the series makes it possible to bring these extraordinary artists to Marietta, and, as always, admission is free for everyone.”
Now led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II continues to build on Mr. Ailey’s legacy, bringing fresh perspectives and extraordinary skills to the stage. The company has been praised for its versatility, energy and technical ability, with The Hartford Courant describing Ailey II as “a national treasure,” highlighting its “bedrock creativity” and ability to bring“cutting-edge modern dance works to the masses.”
Ailey II has grown into an internationally renowned company, recognized for reshaping the meaning of modern dance and for its role in developing the next generation of dancers. LA Dance Chronicle described the company as “a great vehicle for starting the careers of these dancers,” while Broadway World praised the company for "showcasing strong technical control."
The performance will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public thanks to the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund. Tickets are required, with reservations limited to four tickets per person. Free ticket reservations are available now through Peoples Bank Theatre. For more information about Ailey II and the 2026-27 Esbenshade Series, visit marietta.edu/esbenshade-series.
For more than 50 years, Ailey II has carried forward the vision of legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey, who founded the company in 1974. Mr. Ailey created the company to support the development of early-career dancers while expanding his pioneering mission to bring performance, training, and community programs to all people.
“Ailey II carries forward the legacy of a true institution in modern dance, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to open our Esbenshade season,” said Todd Burge, director of the Esbenshade Series. “I’m grateful the series makes it possible to bring these extraordinary artists to Marietta, and, as always, admission is free for everyone.”
Now led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II continues to build on Mr. Ailey’s legacy, bringing fresh perspectives and extraordinary skills to the stage. The company has been praised for its versatility, energy and technical ability, with The Hartford Courant describing Ailey II as “a national treasure,” highlighting its “bedrock creativity” and ability to bring“cutting-edge modern dance works to the masses.”
Ailey II has grown into an internationally renowned company, recognized for reshaping the meaning of modern dance and for its role in developing the next generation of dancers. LA Dance Chronicle described the company as “a great vehicle for starting the careers of these dancers,” while Broadway World praised the company for "showcasing strong technical control."
The performance will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public thanks to the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund. Tickets are required, with reservations limited to four tickets per person. Free ticket reservations are available now through Peoples Bank Theatre. For more information about Ailey II and the 2026-27 Esbenshade Series, visit marietta.edu/esbenshade-series.
About The Esbenshade Series
These events have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists, and programs of diverse nature to the campus and community at large. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade Sr., and Harry H. Esbenshade Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. All events are free and open to the public. Further information on the series is available at marietta.edu/esbenshade-series or by contacting the Esbenshade Series director, Todd Burge, at tb006@marietta.edu. Reserve your seats for free at peoplesbanktheatre.com or call the Peoples Bank Theatre Box Office at 740-371-5152. Limit 4 tickets per person. Seating for shows at The Alma McDonough Auditorium at Marietta College will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
These events have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists, and programs of diverse nature to the campus and community at large. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade Sr., and Harry H. Esbenshade Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. All events are free and open to the public. Further information on the series is available at marietta.edu/esbenshade-series or by contacting the Esbenshade Series director, Todd Burge, at tb006@marietta.edu. Reserve your seats for free at peoplesbanktheatre.com or call the Peoples Bank Theatre Box Office at 740-371-5152. Limit 4 tickets per person. Seating for shows at The Alma McDonough Auditorium at Marietta College will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
About Ailey II
Ailey II—the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country under the leadership of Sylvia Waters from 1974–2012, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. With Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, Ailey II is forging a new path for modern dance—one that’s inclusive, experimental, and transformative. For more information, visit ailey.org/aileyii.
Ailey II—the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country under the leadership of Sylvia Waters from 1974–2012, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. With Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, Ailey II is forging a new path for modern dance—one that’s inclusive, experimental, and transformative. For more information, visit ailey.org/aileyii.
About Marietta College
Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college with a strong focus on experiential learning, leadership, and service. Charted in 1835, the College serves approximately 1,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the confidence, optimism and opportunity needed to build meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Marietta College is consistently recognized among top regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes.com, Wall Street Journal/College Pulse and other rankings. marietta.edu/rankings-success.
Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college with a strong focus on experiential learning, leadership, and service. Charted in 1835, the College serves approximately 1,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the confidence, optimism and opportunity needed to build meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Marietta College is consistently recognized among top regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes.com, Wall Street Journal/College Pulse and other rankings. marietta.edu/rankings-success.