World-renowned dance company Ailey II will perform at Coastal Carolina University on Friday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium. Seating is reserved and limited for this one-night-only performance.

Fresh from its first independent New York season at the Joyce Theater and a successful 38-city world tour, Ailey II combines audience favorites with innovative new works. Ailey II is the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater's young second company, founded in 1974 as a grooming workshop for the brightest students.

The company is universally 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. Ailey's pioneering mission was to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people.

After two record-breaking seasons as artistic director under his belt, Troy Powell, hailed as one of today's "most intriguing African American choreographic voices," continues to excite audiences around the world with his artistic choices in his third year at the helm of the company.

"I always aim to commission ballets that challenge the dancers and help them develop as artists," said Powell. "Our 12 dancers are excited to hit the road and share their gifts with the world. I'm so proud that 40 years after its inception, Ailey II continues to offer incomparable opportunities to young professional dance artists and rising choreographers."

This season, seven new dancers -- Samantha Barriento, Nathaniel Hunt, Annnellyse Munroe, Chalvar Monteiro, Courtney Ross, Terrell Spence and Deidre Rogan -- join the five returning members, Riccardo Battaglia, Shay Bland, Aubree Brown, David Adrian Freeland Jr. and Jamal White.

Tickets for the event range from $15 to $20. Teens, CCU and HGTC alumni, OLLI members, groups and senior citizens receive a 20 percent discount. CCU and HGTC students can purchase tickets for $5. Seating is limited and reserved. To purchase tickets, visit ticketreturn.com, or visit or call the Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-ARTS (2787.

Wheelwright Auditorium is located on the Conway campus at 108 Spadoni Park Circle.

For more information, contact Corina Cudebec at 843-349-6985 or culturalarts@coastal.edu, or visit the Cultural Arts website at coastal.edu/culturalarts.