The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC to Host Ailey II Master Class, 11/4

The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC presents an Ailey II Horton Technique Master Class. The class will take place on the bergenPAC main stage at 30 N Van Brunt Street in Englewood, NJ on Wednesday, November 4th at 4:30PM-6:00PM.

The master class is free for bergenPAC faculty and staff as well as students. No registration required. For all non bergenPAC dancers, please contact The Performing Arts School for pricing-(201) 482-8194 or at education@bergenpac.org. The class is open to dancers ages 14 and up unless dancers have taken Horton or Graham before or unless dancer is advanced. Ailey II will also be performing on Wednesday, November 4th, 2015 at 8PM. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or Box Office at 201.227.1030.

The master class will focus on the Horton Technique, the official technique of the Ailey School. It is a grounded, structured modern dance technique using set choreographic studies known as "fortifications". It is known to strengthen lateral and back muscle groups, emphasizing leg extensions and tilts to gain balance and control. At the conclusion of the class, an "Ailey- style" combination will be given, perhaps something right from their repertory!

"We are very excited to welcome back the renowned Ailey II to bergenPAC. The company's soulful spirit and electrifying energy is a true legacy of the genius of Alvin Ailey. Prior to the company's performance, we will have a master class led by second year dancer Annellyse Munroe offering a taste of Ailey-style dance," said Roberta "roberta" Mathes, bergenPAC beyondDANCE Artistic Director. "This is a phenomenal opportunity for intermediate and advanced dancers at beyondDANCE and throughout our community."

The talented dancers of Ailey II are renowned for captivating audiences and translating their strength and agility into powerful performances. They are known for merging 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.

Under the artistic direction of Troy Powell, this critically-acclaimed company presents vibrant performances and innovative community programs across the country and internationally. After three record-breaking seasons as Artistic Director under his belt, Troy Powell and his company of 12 dancers will bring two world premieres; I Am The Road, Something Tangible and Alvin Ailey's Revelations to bergenPAC audiences.

Founded in 1974, the company embodies Mr. Ailey's pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Under the direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the county.

Past engagements have taken place at the world-famous Apollo Theater and The Joyce Theater. The company's repertory has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Ulysses Dove, George W. Faison, Lar Lubovitch, Judith Jamison and Ailey's Artistic Director Robert Battle as well as works by rising choreographers such as Sidra Bell, Thang Dao, Carlos dos Santos, and Christopher L. Huggins.