Ailey II Adds Physical Prowess to Intricate Steps

Raising the bar for sheer physical prowess, Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, scorched the roof off Pepperdine University’s Smothers Theatre on Friday. Under Sylvia Waters’ direction, the dozen dancers proved indefatigable, virtuosic and relentlessly sexy in an eight-part program that included three works new to Southern California.

Terrence A. Poplar kicked things off in “Takademe.” Choreographed by Robert Battle and set to Sheila Chandra’s music--filled with Indian dance rhythms--this playful solo allowed a shirtless, loose-limbed Poplar ample opportunity for jumping splits, head-bobbing and intricate hand gestures.

Think Kathak on speed.

In Darrell Grand Moultrie’s “Aspects of a Vibe,” the ensemble made good use of Carl Craig’s remix of Tito Puente’s Latin jazz music--a buoyant Holly Hyman oozed heat; Jamar Roberts astonished with pretzel-like contortions; and Hanifa L. Jackson’s impossibly long leg extensions dazzled.

Hyman also commanded the stage in Scott Rink’s “Full On Night,” a kind of surreal club scene in which the firebrand expressed heartache and exaltation as she slithered to P.J. Harvey’s rendition of Peggy Lee’s classic “Is That All There Is?”

The carousel of bodies reached steamy heights as Michael Snipe Jr. and Kanji Segawa helped complete the mating dance, with effortless partnering.

The oldies portion of the program held goodies as well.

Excerpts from Ailey’s choreographic masterpieces appeared as fresh as ever: “Mean Ol’ Frisco,” from “Blues Suite,” featured Snipe, Segawa, Poplar, Kevin L. Goodwine and Prince C. Credell seemingly defying gravity as they leapt across the stage with ease.

Kristina Michelle Bethel was the picture of elegance in “Streams,” and Roberts again proved uber-athletic in “Spirits Descending” from “Hidden Rites.”

“Isba” showcased Brandye Ranarta Lee and a hip-swaying Segawa in exquisite unison movements; “Escapades,” set to music by Max Roach, made for a jubilant finale, the Ailey II company purring like a well-oiled machine.