Modern dance company to perform

The Alvin Ailey Dance Company will perform at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College at 8 p.m. February 18. This performance is part of a North American tour that began in October and continues through March. (Submitted photos)

The 2010 performance tour of a globally-known modern dance company includes a stop next month at Fort Scott Community College.

The Alvin Ailey II Dance Company, based in New York City, will give one special performance at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Fort Scott Community College Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St. Ailey II, a touring company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City, started their North American tour in October 2009 and will conclude at the end of March 2010. The company performed at more than 30 venues during that time.

"We're excited that we could be on Ailey II's tour this year," event organizer Jill Warford said. "They are an amazing modern dance company that will inspire audiences of all ages."

Members of the company are shown performing in this publicity photo.

According to a news release, 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 in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble when Ailey initiated a workshop composed of the most promising scholarship students from the Ailey School. The original members of the company were handpicked by Ailey from among that group. Ailey II embodies Ailey's pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people, the news release said.

Today, it has become one of the most popular dance companies in the United States.

Ailey II continues to win unmatched critical praise for its residencies at major colleges and universities as well as its visits to elementary, middle and high schools across the U.S. The company has received numerous honors, awards and proclamations in recognition of its community outreach programs.

During past tours and performance engagements, critics have raved that Ailey II consistently amazes audiences with their unique artistry, strength and passion.

"The entire company, directed by Sylvia Waters, looks terrific," a critic from The New York Times wrote after the company's 2008 New York season at the Joyce Theater. "Clearly, the future is theirs."

Ailey founded the Alvin Alley American Dance Theater in 1958. The dance company has performed for an estimated 21 million people in 48 states, as well as 71 countries on six continents.

Tickets for the concert will cost $25 for reserved seating, $20 for general seating and $10 for students. Tickets will be available for sale beginning Jan. 18 by calling FSCC at (620) 223-2700, extension 515, or toll-free at (800) 874-3722, extension 515. Tickets will also be available at the Country Cupboard, 12 N. Main St.

For more information, contact Warford at jillw@fortscott.edu.