NEW York-based dance company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is returning to the UK for the first time in six years to present their mixed bill of dance.

The company will perform at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff on Tuesday, October 4 and Wednesday, October 5.

Celebrating the human spirit through the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition, Ailey’s performances, under the leadership of artistic director Robert Battle, form an edition to the Black History Month line-up taking place across Wales throughout October.

Founded in 1958, the company is recognised by the US Congress as a vital American “cultural ambassador to the world.”

In almost six decades, Ailey’s artists have performed for more than 25 million people in 71 countries on six continents.

Commenting about the company’s return to the UK, Ailey’s artistic director Robert Battle said: “I’m proud to continue Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s legacy of extensive international tours with my inaugural visit leading the company’s extraordinary dancers through the United Kingdom. Presented by Dance Consortium six years after they so successfully last welcomed Ailey, we’ll share a diverse repertory of works including several UK premieres.

"I’m excited for audiences old and new to experience the uplifting performances that have inspired people the world over, fulfilling Mr Ailey’s belief that ‘dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people'.”

Head of programming at Wales Millennium Centre, Louise Miles-Crust, said: “After a six year absence from the UK, I’m extremely excited Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, one of the world’s most exciting and inspiring modern dance companies, will be performing at the centre as part of their UK tour. From British Dance Edition to the Mariinsky Ballet and Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty, 2016 has been an exceptional year for dance at the centre, bringing the very best in national and international dance across a wide range of genres to audiences in Wales.

"Alvin Ailey, with their fresh, modern style and wide audience appeal, will bring this year’s season of dance at the centre to a breath-taking conclusion.”

The Wales Millennium Centre programme will include UK premieres by two choreographers: the uplifting Exodus by hip hop choreographer Rennie Harris; and the spiritual journey of Four Corners by Ronald K Brown.

A company UK premiere, the dreamlike duet After the Rain Pas de Deux by Christopher Wheeldon, will also be performed during the Cardiff evening.

Drawing the programme to a close will be Revelations by Alvin Ailey. The most widely-seen modern dance work in the world, will be performed by the incomparable Ailey dancers. Revelations premiered in 1960.

Tickets available from the box office by calling 029 2063 6464 or visit wmc.org.uk