Ailey II leaps into 50th anniversary season

– by Guest Writers

Ailey II, the next generation of dance, will bring its 50th-anniversary world tour to Happy Valley. Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, the company’s return Penn State performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Ailey II 702 Alfred L Jordan II and Kiri Moore

Ailey II. Photo by Nir Arieli

The second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will present a diverse repertory including two world premieres—“Luminous” by Harper and “John 4:20” by the dynamic duo of Baye & Asa; as well as “Revelations,” a must-see masterpiece by Ailey.

Tickets are $48 for an adult; $10 for a University Park student, and $15 for a person 18 and younger and are available for purchase online. The Arts Ticket Center is the only authorized outlet for individual tickets for events presented by the Center for the Performing Arts.

Avoid the $4-per-ticket online service fee by calling 814-863-0255; or buying in person from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Ailey II 763 C Moulterie and A Jordan and K Moore

Ailey II. Photo by Nir Arieli

Visit Ailey II online for more information about the event and to reserve ASL interpretation or audio description services.

Founded in 1974, the company embodies Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Under the leadership of Sylvia Waters, who served as artistic director for 38 seasons, Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular modern dance companies, providing a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world. In its golden anniversary season, Ailey II continues to thrive with Harper’s fresh look at the revered repertoire.

“As we celebrate this monumental 50th anniversary, I am honored to continue Alvin Ailey’s mission of fostering and nurturing the next generation of bright young artists,” Harper said.

Watch a preview of Ailey II dancers perform “Luminous.”

Discounts

Visit Discounts for information on available ticket-discount programs, including the Arts Engagement Family Program, a free ticket program for Penn State students and a ticket discount for Penn State employees.

Accessibility

American Sign Language translation will be provided for this performance. Contact the Arts Ticket Center by Thursday, Oct. 3, at artstix@psu.edu or by calling 814-863‑0255 to discuss ASL seating preferences.

Audio description will be offered for this performance. Reservations are required and must be made by Thursday, Oct. 3. Call the Sight Loss Support Group of Central Pennsylvania at 814-238-0132 to reserve the service.

We welcome patrons of all sensory sensitivities to its performances. Eisenhower Auditorium is certified by KultureCity as a sensory-friendly venue. Upon request, you can sign out a variety of items to accommodate your visit, including noise-reducing earmuffs, anti-strobe glasses, lap pads and fidget toys.

Ailey II 700 P smaller

Ailey II.

- Photo taken by Nir Arieli

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Support provided by
McQuaide Blasko Endowment

Penn State International Dance Ensemble Endowment

Accessibility services supported by
William E. McTurk Endowment for Program Support

A grant from the University Park Fee Board makes student prices possible.

Find Us

For more information about the season, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook and Instagram.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events