“Transformation,” a Celebration Gala, will welcome the art of dance into the Troy University College of Communication of Fine Arts Sept. 26.

“This will be a celebration of dance coming to the department of theater and dance,” said Adena Moree, director of Troy University department of theater and dance. “It will be an evening of dance, music, art and design.

“Act One will feature the new Troy University Dance Repertory Ensemble and they are outstanding and so exciting to watch. ‘Transformation’ will also feature the John M. Long School of Music and the Department of Theater and Dance.”

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of Troy University, and his wife, Janice, will be out of the country on the night of the Celebration Gala. However, a taped message by the couple will be played expressing their excitement about the addition of dance to the College of Communication and Fine Arts.

“Dr. and Mrs. Hawkins will be here in spirit for this historic occasion,” Moree said. “They will share their words of congratulations with the audience.”

Act Two of “Transformation” will feature The Montgomery Ballet under the direction of artistic director, Ellie Lazar, formerly of the Joffrey Ballet.

“The Montgomery Ballet is one of the truly outstanding ballet companies in the country and we are excited to have them as part of our introduction of dance to Troy University,” Moree said. “‘Transformation’ will be an exciting performance from beginning to end. We invite everyone to be a part of this Celebration Gala.”

A reception will follow the performance and everyone is invited to be a part of the continuing celebration.

The Celebration Gala will get under way at 6 p.m. with a dinner at the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor.

Tickets for the Gala dinner are $25 each.

The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Claudia Crosby Theater. Tickets for the “Transformation” performance are $25 general admission, $15 for students and $10 for ages 10 and under.

All proceeds from “Transformation” will benefit the dance scholarship program at Troy University.

Tickets are available at the Trojan Center Box Office on the campus of Troy University.

For more information, call 670-3293.