Contact Information
Michelle Volkmann
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: 563-387-1417
Luther College Ticket Office
Ticket Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Show Day Hours:
9 a.m. – performance
Saturdays 1 p.m. – performance
Mail:
Luther College Ticket Office
Center for Faith & Life
700 College Dr
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: 563-387-1357
Ailey II, the next generation of dance, performs in Center Stage Series on Feb. 14
Ailey II, the renowned second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will perform in Luther College’s 2024–25 Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.
“The performance is going to be beautiful and stunning,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “The dancers are unbelievably strong and graceful athletes whose movements will fascinate the viewer.”

Ailey II’s Alfred L. Jordan II and Kiri Moore in Alia Kache’s “Mystery at Sky Square.” Ailey II, the celebrated second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is performing in Decorah on Friday, Feb. 14, as part of its 28-city tour. Photo by Nir Arieli.
Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II advances Alvin Ailey’s vision by giving vital experience to early-career dancers. Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers.
“As a young aspiring dancer, I thoroughly loved watching the Ailey II dancers and was deeply inspired when they came to Luther in the early 1980s,” said Luther’s dance professor Jane Hawley. “After graduating from Luther College, I flew to New York City to audition and was accepted into the Ailey School certificate program. The school and program changed my life and professional trajectory in dance.”
Ailey II showcases the talent of young dancers and the creativity of today’s top choreographers.
“The lineage and soul of this company stirs one to know dance as a vital art,” Hawley said. “Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Ailey II.”
The program on Feb. 14 will feature:
- “Mystery at Sky Square,” choreography by Alia Kache. Based on the mischievous Akan folkloric character, “Anansi the Spider,” “Mystery at Sky Square” begins where love and revenge take center stage in this film noir-style dance theater work. Complete with 1940s-inspired costumes, narration to an original screenplay by Ryan Blackwell, music by Omari Tau, Kache blends the elements of a classic who-done-it for the stage.
- Inspired by “The Matrix” film series, “Down the Rabbit Hole” explores how technology weaves into the fabric of daily life. Set to a score by Johannes Goldbach and Franz Pomassl, choreographer Houston Thomas asks the question, in this high-powered piece: Technological change — are we powering it or is it powering us?
- “Streams,” which premiered in 1970, is an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac. Alvin Ailey’s highly structured yet fluid compilation of solos, duets, and group choreography reflects the formal, meditative mood of Kabelac’s music. While there is no narrative, the movement and music arouse distinct thoughts and feelings, evoking images and sensations inspired by bodies of water.
Buy tickets for the show and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Box Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the Ticket Office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357.
Before the performance, treat yourself to a gourmet three-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The menu is selected specifically to complement the performance and consists of local ingredients. Vegan entrees are available upon request. Please inform the Ticket Office beforehand of any special dietary needs.
“We encourage you to spend your Valentine’s evening with us in the Center for Faith and Life, whether with someone special, with a friend or acquaintance, or even on your own to take in this breathtaking display of human movement,” Potvin said.
Tickets and Information
Contact Information
Michelle Volkmann
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: 563-387-1417
Luther College Ticket Office
Ticket Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Show Day Hours:
9 a.m. – performance
Saturdays 1 p.m. – performance
Mail:
Luther College Ticket Office
Center for Faith & Life
700 College Dr
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: 563-387-1357