Ailey II to perform at FMU PAC on March 1st

Ailey II will bring its exceptional dancers to the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 1.

Ailey II dancers are the most talented of their generation, captivating audiences and translating their strength, agility and grace of body and soul into stirring, powerful performances.  Under the artistic direction of former Ailey dancer Sylvia Waters, this critically-acclaimed company presents dazzling performances and innovative community programs across the country and internationally.  The Ailey spirit shines as these artists perform an exhilarating and diverse repertoire that includes Alvin Ailey’s timeless classics and thrilling new works by today’s most outstanding choreographers.

Their performance in Florence is scheduled to include:

·         Thang Dao’s Echoes which began as a depiction of haunting memories. But this poignant ballet has since taken on a life of its own, as the echoes of memories cascade into the distant past while pervading our awareness of the present.

·         The Corner by Kyle Abraham which is an ensemble work that blends contemporary hip hop and post-modern movement sensibilities with several nods to classical ballet, in an effort to reference an urban social interaction that recreates life on ‘the corner.’

This enduring classic is a tribute to that heritage and to Ailey’s genius. Using African-American religious music--spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues--this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

The Ailey II performance is the third of four in the dance series presented during the inaugural season of the PAC. The final show in the dance series is the Moscow Festival Ballet which appears on Monday, April 9.

In addition to the “Dance Series” there are four others during the PAC’s season that runs until May of 2012.  Those series include Broadway shows, concerts, family oriented shows and a variety series as well as a wide range of acts in the smaller, more intimate Black Box Theatre. Information on the complete season is available at www.fmupac.org.


Tickets for Ailey II begin at $30 and may be purchased at www.fmupac.org, via telephone at (843) 661-4444, and at the FMU Performing Arts Center Box Office. Telephone and personal ticket sales are available Monday through Friday between 12-5 p.m. Subject to availability, tickets may be available for purchase at the door. 


The PAC is located in downtown Florence at the intersection of Dargan and Evans Streets.