Ailey II performs for the Park City Institute for Two Nights as Part of 2016-17 World Tour.

Hailed by The New Yorker for their "off-the-charts energy" Ailey II makes a triumphant two-night return to the Eccles Center Main Stage in Park City February 24 & 25, 2017 at 7:30 PM.

"These two nights are among the most anticipated shows of our season," says PCI Executive Director Teri Orr. "Ailey II carries the mantle of its namesake, Alvin Ailey's groundbreaking tradition, and we are proud to welcome the company back to our stage, this February."

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. Its ability to combine the cutting-edge with the rich history of Ailey talent is one of the hallmarks of its success. The late Alvin Ailey's work Revelations was born out of his "blood memories" of growing up in rural Texas, something Orr feels is critical to the message Ailey II brings to Park City. "We can't imagine a performance without Revelations," says Orr. "Its message is something that blends grace, power and history in a way every American should see this story told."

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 includes dynamic new commissions on this tour. "I am excited to introduce audiences to the outstanding premieres by talented rising choreographers that we've welcomed into the repertory," said Powell. "These diverse and powerful new works- along with the returning favorites - showcase the strength, grace, and versatility of these gifted young dancers."

In the colorful duet Meika, set to music by Max Richter and Isaac Albe?niz, French choreographer Leila Da Rocha uses dance to counter the unrest caused by barbarism and violence. Building on the body's natural breathing rhythms, her movement takes on the push-pull of opposing energies to ultimately reach a message of peace.

Stream of Consciousness, by former Ailey company member Marcus Jarrell Willis, gives physical life to our inner thoughts. Willis weaves six simple gestures into "the stream," the tumultuous monologue within each person's mind. Set to a contemporary reimagining of Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Max Richter, this work echoes the tension and poignancy of the music's ever-changing tides.

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. Ailey II also welcomes Fana Fraser as Rehearsal Director this season. In addition to Powell's four new commissions, Ailey II's Park City repertory will include Ge?meos by Jamar Roberts, In & Out by Jean Emile, and The Hunt by Robert Battle. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org/about/ailey-ii.

About Ailey II

For more than forty years, Ailey II has merged 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. Started in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey's pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Mr. Ailey personally selected the veteran dancer Sylvia Waters to lead this junior company, and as its Artistic Director for 38 years, she developed Ailey II into one of America's most popular dance companies. In June 2012, Ms. Waters retired and named her longtime associate Troy Powell as the new Artistic Director. With Mr. Powell at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company.

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