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

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Ailey II at 8 p.m. on Oct. 23 in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus. The performance is sponsored by KeyBank. Media sponsors are WGRZ-TV and WJYE-FM.

Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey, Ailey II emphasizes a balance of repertoire, technique and performance spanning through all areas of dance. Ailey II is an exceptional company that merges 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 began as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, when Alvin Ailey initiated a workshop composed of the most promising scholarship students from The Ailey School. The original members of the company were hand picked by Ailey from among that group. Ailey II has become one of the most popular dance companies in the United States.

Under the direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey II invigorates the American dance scene by offering unique opportunities for artists. The company members, who have each completed advanced programs at The Ailey School, refine their technique while gaining invaluable performing and teaching experience during their tenure with the company (usually two years). Throughout its history, more than 50 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, on Broadway and in schools.

Ticket holders for this performance also are invited to attend a pre-performance talk to be led by Troy Powell, resident choreographer for Ailey II. The talk will be held in the Center for the Arts Screening Room at 7 p.m.

Tickets for Ailey II are $22, $18 and $16; UB students save $6. Exclusive discount coupons are available at all KeyBank locations. Patrons also are encouraged to present their "Key to Your Town" key tag at the box office to receive the same discount. Key tags are available at all KeyBank locations.

Tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, including Kaufmann's. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, call 1-416-870-8000. For group sales, call 645-6771. For more information, call 645-ARTS. The Center for the Arts is a TicketFast location.