UB Center for the Arts to present Ailey II as part of the KeyBank Dance Series

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present the internationally known dance troupe Ailey II as the first performance in the 2000-2001 KeyBank Dance Series.

A professional dance company that merges the spirit and energy of the country's best young talent with the passion and creative vision of today's most outstanding emerging choreographers, Ailey II will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

In 1974, Alvin Ailey began a workshop comprised of the most promising scholarship students from his American Dance Center, the official school of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. This hand-picked group of dancers became the original members of the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now known as Ailey II). The ensemble, which emphasizes a balance of repertoire, technique and performance, has grown into one of the most popular and critically acclaimed dance companies in the United States, and its performance last year at UB played to a sold-out crowd.

Under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey II vitalizes the American Dance scene by offering unique opportunities for artists in all areas of dance. Ailey II members, all exceptionally talented dancers who have completed advanced programs at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, hone their skills while gaining invaluable performing and teaching experience. More than 30 Ailey II members have been selected to join the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Many others have gone on to pursue successful careers as dancers, teachers and choreographers with other professional dance companies and schools.

The 2000/2001 Key Dance Series continues with performances by Margie Gillis on Feb. 23 and Doug Varone and Dancers on April 7.

Tickets for Ailey II are $18, $15, and $9 for the general public and $7 for UB students. Discount coupons are available at all area KeyBank locations. Tickets are available at the Center Box Office (Tuesday-Friday, noon-6 p.m.) and all Ticketmaster locations, including Kaufmann's and Movies Plus. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, 416-870-8000. For more information, call 645-ARTS. For group sales, call 645-6771.