Alonzo King LINES Ballet is returning to the Edison Theatre stage again after performing at the university in April 2006.

As a contemporary African-American choreographer, Alonzo King provides a unique twist on the world of classical ballet. The son of a civil rights activist, King studied dance at Alvin Ailey’s Dance School and George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet, among others, and later performed with companies like Honolulu City Ballet, Santa Barbara Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem. He founded LINES Ballet in San Francisco in 1982 and has since created more than 160 works for the company.

According to Charlie Robin, executive director of Edison Theatre, LINES is returning to the Edison stage because of its positive reception in the past and the theater’s commitment to cross-cultural conversation.

“Alonzo King LINES Ballet transforms the way people experience ballet. You may see the occasional tutu and pointe shoes, but LINES is more about the fusion of cultures and choreography,” Robin said.

The unexpected cultural mix in this week’s performances includes Indian tabla music and the Sephardic music traditions of European Jews.

“These aren’t the standard influences of classical ballet. This is something quite different,” Robin added.

The performances are at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23.

Tickets are available at the Edison Box Office and through all MetroTix outlets.