The buzz around CARIFESTA XV has reached a fever pitch, and the proof came in the form of an astonishing sell-out. Tickets for the Alvin Ailey II Show, set for August 23 at Frank Collymore Hall, were snapped up in 24 hours, sending waves of excitement (and a little heartbreak) among dance lovers in Barbados and beyond.
The famed American company, celebrated worldwide for its electric fusion of modern dance, ballet, and African American cultural expression, was always expected to be a hot ticket. But few predicted this level of demand, with social media lighting up in jubilation from those who scored seats — and regret from those left empty-handed.
Founded in 1958 by visionary choreographer Alvin Ailey, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre revolutionised the world of modern dance by centring the African American cultural experience. Ailey’s groundbreaking choreography — from the iconic Revelations to Cry — blended modern, jazz, ballet, and African dance traditions in ways that moved audiences to their feet.
Alvin Ailey II, formed in 1974 as the company’s junior ensemble, was created to bridge the gap between professional training and full-time performance. Known for its youthful energy, technical brilliance, and ability to connect deeply with audiences, Ailey II has become a global ambassador for the company’s mission: to use dance as a means of celebrating the human spirit and telling stories that transcend boundaries. Their performances have graced stages in over 25 countries, making their debut at CARIFESTA XV a milestone moment for the festival and the Caribbean.
While Alvin Ailey II’s performance may now be a tantalising “what if” for latecomers, festival organisers are reminding fans that CARIFESTA’s dance programme is far from over. The coming week offers a rich lineup of local and regional talent guaranteed to keep the rhythm alive:
· De Road Pulse Party Bus (Aug 25 & 29) – A high-energy, roving dance experience that turns the streets into a moving stage. Multi-venue, multi-vibe, and pure Caribbean energy.
· CREATE! Live Lab – Dance (Aug 26) – An all-day immersion into movement, innovation, and cultural storytelling at the CARIFESTA Village at Waterford.
· L’Acadco (August 28) – Jamaica leading contemporary dance company
· Future In Motion (Youth Showcase) (Aug 29) – A spotlight on the region’s next generation of dance stars, performing on one of the island’s most prestigious stages at Frank Collymore Hall.
· Barbados Dance Night: Tech Steps (Aug 29) – A fusion of artistry and technology where tradition meets cutting-edge choreography, also at Frank Collymore Hall.
Organisers are urging patrons to secure their tickets for these shows as quickly as possible, noting that “if Alvin Ailey taught us anything, it’s that CARIFESTA dance sells out fast.”
With world-class performances, homegrown creativity, and a festival atmosphere that celebrates every step, CARIFESTA XV is proving that in Barbados this August, the stage will always be alive — if you’re quick enough to claim your spot.
The post CARIFESTA XV Dance Fever: Alvin Ailey II sells out in 24 hours – But the stage is still set for more magic appeared first on Barbados Today.
