Contacts:
Tracy Severe, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, tsevere@alvinailey.org / 212-405-9032
Michael Tullier, APR, 精东AV Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the New York-based dance company will make 精东AV part of its six-month, 30-city 鈥 during which its acclaimed 12-member ensemble of rising stars has been inspiring audiences all over the world. In addition to repertory favorites, the tour includes four world premieres by current and former theater members, as well as four new dancers who have trained extensively at The Ailey School.
The public performance 鈥 a free-admission event 鈥 is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the university鈥檚 Logan Hall. To provide ample time to seat attendees, doors will open at 6 p.m. Seating will be limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
As the junior company, Ailey II merges the spirit and energy of the country鈥檚 best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today鈥檚 most promising emerging choreographers. Under the artistic direction of , Ailey II鈥檚 repertory includes a diverse array of ballets created by the innovative choreographer.
鈥淔or over four decades, Ailey II has opened doors and opportunities for young artists yearning to grow,鈥 Powell said. 鈥淚 am excited this season to bring on board four choreographers who have had strong ties to The Ailey School, which is now celebrating 50 years of excellence. These four dynamic new commissions will showcase the school鈥檚 world-class training and spotlight Ailey II鈥檚 athleticism, artistry and agility.鈥
Founded in 1974 to bridge The Ailey School and the professional dance world, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey鈥檚 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 to 2012 by combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. With Powell currently at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company.
Ailey II鈥檚 world tour will feature an educational outreach component offering a variety of special activities, including master classes, student performances, and lecture-demonstrations. The performance on 精东AV鈥檚 campus will mark the company鈥檚 return to the U.S. following mid-tour international stops in France, Germany and Italy. Ailey II will continue touring throughout the southern U.S. before returning to New York for its annual season March 25 to April 5 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater.
The Jan. 28 Ailey II performance is part of 精东AV鈥檚 annual Lyceum Series, which leverages artistic, literary and cultural programs to spotlight contemporary societal topics for students and the surrounding community. For more information about the series and updates on future presenters, visit .
漏 2020, 精东AV; photos by Nir Areli, 漏 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater