Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Returns to SU February 21-22

SALISBURY, MD---The history and flair of one of the nation’s most celebrated choreographers returns to Salisbury University’s Holloway Hall Auditorium Thursday-Friday, February 21-22, as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre presents the Ailey II Dance Company.

Thursday’s events begin with SU’s inaugural Distinguished Lecture in Dance, presented by Dr. Charmaine Patricia Warren, performer and historian, at 7 p.m., followed by the Ailey performance at 8 p.m. Friday’s Ailey performance begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are required for both evenings, and ticket holders must be seated by 6:45 p.m. Tickets are available at the Information Desk of the Guerrieri University Center starting Monday, February 4, with a limit of two per person.

Created by Ailey in 1974 to help talented students make the transition from the studio to the stage, Ailey II now has over 30 years of history. Artistic Director Sylvia Waters has been with the company since its inception and was personally selected by Ailey.

The company’s dancing demonstrates grace and flexibility as they perform classic and original works. Their repertory includes a diverse array of ballets ranging from Ailey’s masterpiece, Revelations—a tribute to African-American heritage in the United States—to the inventive choreography in Scott Rink’s Bitter Suite.

The company has been lauded for its performances and community outreach efforts. Visiting 40 cities a year, each performance reflects the company’s mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Dances illustrate aspects of the Africa-American heritage and other cultures to unite people of different races, ages and backgrounds.

The company “can be counted on to deliver high-energy dancing made even more electric by the push of youthful ambition,” says The New York Times.

Admission is free and the public is invited. Tickets are required and may be picked up in advance at the Information Desk of the Guerrieri University Center starting Monday, February 4, with a limit of two per person. Tickets will be date-specific. Guests may attend only one of the two performances.

The performances are sponsored by the Office of Cultural Affairs, Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Office of Multicultural Student Services, SU Dance Company and Student Organization for Activity Planning.

For more information call 410-219-2872 or visit the SU web at www.salisbury.edu.