Artistic director Troy Powell commissions four world premieres for performance at the Orpheum Theater
OMAHA, Neb. (September 13, 2016) – The talented dancers of Ailey II bring their strength, agility and off-the-charts-energy to Omaha’s Orpheum Theater stage Tuesday, October 18, 2016. This performance is part of Omaha Performing Arts’ Dance Seriesand sponsored by Bank of the West with hospitality sponsor Hotel Deco. Tickets start at $20 for the 7:30 PM performance and are available at TicketOmaha.com or the box office located inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas Street.
The tour will take the superb 12-member ensemble to more than 20 cities across the U.S. the Bahamas, Germany and France before returning home for its annual New York season, taking place for the first time at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts from March 29 – April 2.
Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country's best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today's most outstanding emerging choreographers. Ailey II is one of the most popular dance companies in the country, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. In his fifth year leading the company, Artistic Director Troy Powell announces four dynamic new commissions.
“I am excited to introduce audiences to the four outstanding premieres by talented rising choreographers that we’ve welcomed into the repertory,” said Troy Powell. “These diverse and powerful new works – along with the eight returning favorites – showcase the strength, grace, and versatility of these gifted young dancers.”
Four New Premieres
This season, six new dancers – Tara Bellardini, Khalia Campbell, Yazzmeen Laidler, Jessica Amber Pinkett, Martell Ruffin, and Christopher R. Wilson – join the six returning members – Lloyd A. Boyd III, Gabriel Hyman, Jacob Lewis, Jacoby Pruitt, Courtney Celeste Spears, and Terri Ayanna Wright.
In addition to Powell’s four new commissions, Ailey II’s touring repertory will include Gêmeos by Jamar Roberts, I Am The Road by Kyle “JustSole” Clark, In & Out by Jean Emile, Something Tangible by Ray Mercer, Streams by Alvin Ailey, and Takademe and The Hunt by Robert Battle. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org or omahaperformingarts.org.
Local dancers will have an opportunity to meet with the performers in a special master class leading up to the October 18 performance. Intermediate and advanced modern dancers can register online for the free. The class runs from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Registration Information.
Media Resources:
Please visit pressroom.alvinailey.org for bios, hi-res downloadable photos and b-roll, and Ailey II’s electronic press kit.