Critically-Acclaimed Ailey® II to premiere new works at American Dance Institute January 20, 2007

American Dance Institute will showcase the extraordinary talent of critically-acclaimed Ailey II, the junior company of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The performances, including two new works, will be held on Saturday, January 20th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 21st at 3:00 p.m.

Ailey II will perform a selection of ballets such as a new work by Darrell Grand Moultrie entitled Celestial Landscape, in addition to How Small a Thought, Beauty and Quintet during Saturday’s presentation. The Company will showcase a different selection of ballets on Sunday, including Jessica Lang’s new ballet Splendid Isolation II, as well as Ailey Highlights and a second performance of Celestial Landscape.

“Under Artistic Director Sylvia Waters, Ailey II has introduced young and emerging artists to the American dance scene for more than 30 years. It has become one of the most popular dance companies in the country and we are thrilled to be able to host them in our studios,” said Michael Bjerknes, executive director of American Dance Institute. Tickets for the performances are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for students with valid ID, seniors, children and those with a DC dance pass.
DC area pre-professional high school and college students, training in ballet at an intermediate/advanced level, will also have an exciting and unique opportunity to learn from Ailey II’s Associate Artistic Director Troy Powell, at a master class on Sunday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m. at American Dance Institute. Ailey II company members will be taking the class as well, and demonstrations will be presented by Ailey II company members Dominique O. Rosales and Ephraim M. Sykes. Cost for the class is $20 per student.

To purchase tickets and to register for the master class, please call American Dance Institute at 301.984.3003 or visit www.americandance.org. American Dance Institute is located at 1570 East Jefferson Street in Rockville, MD.

Official Website: http://www.americandance.org