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Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State

Event Slides Per Node 1415

Ailey II
Francesca Harper, Artistic Director

7:30 pm Thursday, October 17, 2024
Eisenhower Auditorium

This season, Ailey II marks its fiftieth anniversary of merging the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers.

Founded in 1974, the company embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Sylvia Waters was selected by Mr. Ailey to be its founding artistic director. She served in that role for thirty-eight years. Combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs, Waters helped Ailey II to become one of the most popular modern dance companies.

Today, Francesca Harper sits at the helm as artistic director of Ailey II. Ms. Harper—who trained at The Ailey School and who has choreographed for both Ailey companies—brings fresh perspectives to Mr. Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.

The program for this event includes:

  • Luminous (choreography by Francesca Harper)
  • John 4:20 (choreography by Baye & Asa)
  • Revelations (choreography by Alvin Ailey)

Advisory

Please be advised that strobe lights and haze are used in John 4:20. 

 

American Sign Language translation

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

Audio Description

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

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Buy Tickets
Adult $48
University Park Student $10
18 and Younger $15

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 Penn State student prices possible.

Artist Websites: 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Secondary Events on Each Event

Dancing with Ailey II

5:00 pm Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Community Room
Second floor (Elevator and stairs available)
State College Municipal Building
243 S Allen St, State College

FREE - Registration is required

THE WORKSHOP IS FULL.

Email Jordan Wilson at jaw7142@psu.edu to be placed on a waiting list if space becomes available.

 

Dancing With Ailey II is an open class that will focus on Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. Since its premiere in 1960, Revelations has been a lasting cultural treasure beloved by people from around the world. Revelations has performed continuously around the globe, transcending barrier of faith and nationality, and appealing to universal emotions, making it one of the most recognized ballets in the world.

The workshop is open to dancers of all abilities age 12 and older. We recommend that participants wear comfortable, loose clothing and bare feet.

Movement will be taught in this class, but modifications can be made to accommodate the participants that might have mobility challenges. There will be space for those with mobility devices, and some chairs will be available. For more information about other available accommodations, email Medora Ebersole or call 814-863-6752.

The workshop is held in collaboration with Tempest Studios.