Alvin Ailey first formed his Repertory Ensemble in New York when he hand-picked a group of outstanding dancers from the American Dance Center in 1974. The center was a direct offshoot from the official school of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

The movement and form of the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble's technique and balance will be seen in Brigham Young University's de Jong Concert Hall at the Harris Fine Arts Center on Friday, Sept. 29. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.With artistic director Sylvia Waters, herself a former principal dancer of the ensemble, the group has been performing for sold-out audiences throughout the nation. Critical acclaim continues to grow.

The ensemble's active repertory will include the company premiere of "Into the Rain Forest," as well as "Plague," a theatrical-dance work choreographed by Eleo Pomare that highlights parallels between the European plague - the "Black Death" - during the Middle Ages and the AIDS epidemic of the present. The performance will also feature "Revelations," Ailey's signature piece, which he choreographed back in 1960.

The Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble also is involved in various arts-in-education activities. The ensemble not only showcases young talent but brings the art of dance to audiences of all cultural and economical backgrounds.

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Tickets for the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble are available for $13 for the general public, $12 for senior citizens and $11 for students, faculty and staff at the BYU fine arts ticket office by calling 378-4322.

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