UVA ARTS TO WELCOME AILEY II – THE NEXT GENERATION OF DANCE TO THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE ON OCTOBER 9 AT 7:00PM
Performance is Part of Residency Program That Will Include Lectures and Master Classes With UVA Students And Appearance in the UVA President's Office "Arts on the Hill" Series
Charlottesville, VA – August 22, 2024 – UVA Arts will welcome the internationally-acclaimed dance company Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance for a residency program this fall that will be highlighted by a public performance of exciting premieres along with the legendary piece Revelations at the Paramount Theater on Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00pm.
The company will also present a master class for UVA dance students, well as appear in the UVA President's Office Arts on the Hill series at Carr's Hill on October 8 and present a public lecture at The Paramount Theater on Friday, October 10. Free tickets via lottery for the Arts on the Hill event will be available to UVA faculty, staff & students in the coming weeks.
Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance, will perform Alvin Ailey's seminal masterpiece Revelations at The Paramount Theater. One of the most widely seen modern dance works in the world, Revelations uses African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues to explore the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. The piece was inspired by the choreographer's "blood memories" of his childhood in rural Texas and the Baptist Church and has become a cultural treasure that has been seen by some 23 million people in 71 countries since its premiere in 1960.
The Ailey II company will include Culpeper native Kiri Moore, who began her dance training at the Orange School of Performing Arts. After continuing her studies at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, PA, Moore graduated from The Ailey School Certificate Program where she performed in Alvin Ailey's Memoria during AILEY's 2021 and 2022 New York City Center seasons. She is in her second season with Ailey II.
This year, Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance – is marking its 50th 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 most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, this universally renowned company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Under the leadership of Sylvia Waters, who served as artistic director for 38 seasons, Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. Today, Artistic Director Francesca Harper brings fresh perspectives to Mr. Ailey's legacy and continues to propel the company forward.
"We are honored to welcome this legendary company and its extraordinary dance artists to the University and to the community for what promises to be an entertaining and enriching experience for students, as well as for arts lovers throughout our region," said UVA Vice Provost for the Arts Jody Kielbasa. "It has long been a goal of mine to bring them to Charlottesville and I could not be happier to partner with Kevin McDonald & UVA's Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to provide a platform for the Charlottesville and UVA communities to enjoy the company's remarkable artistry both at the Paramount Theater, as well as on UVA Grounds."
"As we celebrate this monumental 50th anniversary, I am honored to continue Alvin Ailey's mission of fostering and nurturing the next generation of bright young artists," Francesca Harper said. "From world premieres to repertory favorites, this season's programming offers something for everyone. These 12 exceptional dancers look forward to sharing their artistry, vitality, and virtuosity at theaters across the nation, in works that will move our audiences deeply and leave them forever transformed."
Tickets for the Alvin Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance performance at The Paramount Theater will be available at https://charlottesville.theparamount.net/7245/7246 on August 22nd at 10am; 100 free tickets for UVA students will be available in person at the UVA Arts Box Office starting on Tuesday, September 10 at 12pm – first come, first served.
More information on the public lecture on October 10th at the Paramount Theatre will be announced in the upcoming weeks at arts.virginia.edu/ailey.
Ailey II is presented with the generous support of The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, the UVA Arts Council, the University of Virginia Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: John Kelly PR • 434-987-6513 • john@johnkellypr.com
