Spotlight: "Girls' Night In: A Look Behind the Scenes" at the Southern

Last update: March 15, 2008 - 5:05 PM

WOMEN AND DANCE

Opening Thursday: Cassandra Shore, a Minneapolis dancer/choreographer, has long sought to dispel stereotypes about Middle Eastern women and dance. In many of her recent productions -- always with live orchestra and vocal accompaniment -- there's been nary a bellybutton in sight. Shore's new production, with her troupe, Jawaahir Dance Company, is an exuberant behind-the-veil peek at women partying together. In addition to 18 dancers, "Girls' Night In: A Look Behind the Screens" features the all-female al Hareem Orchestra, and a female DJ showing clips from Arabic music videos in a lively examination of an ancient culture in the 21st century. (8 p.m. Thu.-Sat. and 7 p.m. next Sun. $27. Ends March 30. Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Av. S., Mpls. 612-340-1725.)

CAMILLE LEFEVRE, TWIN CITIES DANCE CRITIC