Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Dancer/choreographer Lou Conte founded the modern dance company in 1977; more than 30 years later, Hubbard Street Dance has established itself as a forceful presence due to its lively and versatile repertoire, which showcases an archive of significant works by national and international choreographers as well as new pieces by up-and-comers. Feb. 16, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
DanceUSF Spring Dance Concert. USF dance students stage a variety of works by professional choreographers and faculty. Program highlights include the Rolling Dance Chair project performers, who use a Segway in their latest piece, and a new Frida Kahlo-inspired work choreographed and performed by visiting professor/former Trisha Brown Dance Company dancer Mariah Maloney. Feb. 21-23 and February 28-March 1, USF College of Visual and Performing Arts-Theatre II, Tampa, 813-974-2301.
Moiseyev Dance Company. Theatrical folk dance pioneer Igor Moiseyev died in November at the ripe old age of 101. He's survived by his innovative and highly acclaimed 71-year-old folk dance company, which draws from the varied cultural traditions of Russia and beyond to present a program of vibrant, technically brilliant folk dances. A must-see. Feb. 25, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
Pilobolus. If you made it through last year's Academy Awards ceremony, you likely saw the athlete-dancers of this Connecticut-based modern dance troupe posing as silhouettes behind a white screen, their bodies weaving and tumbling to form everything from an Oscar statue to scenes and shapes from various 2007 films. A typical Pilobulus program incorporates weight balancing, exaggerations and contortions of the human form, and a healthy dose of humor; the Bay area program features a new work co-commissioned by Ruth Eckerd Hall. March 6, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
Noche Flamenca. The esteemed flamenco dance company is led by Artistic Director Martin Santangelo and his passionate dancer wife, Soledad Barrio. The couple strives to keep the essence, purity and integrity of flamenco alive with Noche Flamenca's fiery theatrical performances. March 18, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
Movin' Up: 3 by Tharp. Orlando Ballet presents a trio of works by renowned Movin' Out choreographer Twyla Tharp: "Waterbaby Bagatelles," "Nine Sinatra Songs" and "In the Upper Room." March 29-30, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
Russian National Ballet Theatre and Orchestra. Traditionalists are treated to two classical ballet concerts by the Moscow-based company: Sleeping Beauty in Sarasota and Swan Lake in Clearwater. Both productions feature more than 40 soloists and full orchestral accompaniment. April 9, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 800-826-9303; and April 12, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
Spectrum Dance Theater. Seattle's modern "dance as social narrative" company celebrates Ruth Eckerd Hall's 25th anniversary with a new work. Tony Award-nominated Artistic Director Donald Byrd choreographed the work to "Suite for Ruth," a jazz number composed by Dave Koz and David Benoit for a previous hall anniversary. Benoit and the Clearwater Jazz Holiday/Ruth Eckerd Hall Jazz Band play it live during the Spectrum performance. Byrd also leads Spectrum in several other pieces. April 25, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
NewGrounds 2008. The close of the season heralds the opening of Moving Current Dance Collective's annual showcase. NewGrounds gives talented young and/or emerging choreographers the chance to present a professionally-staged production of their works for a captive audience. May 16-17, USF College of Visual & Performing Arts Theater I, Tampa, 813-237-0216.
Leilani Polk
This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2008.