Dance

By CAMILLE LeFEVRE, Special to the Star Tribune

Last update: September 6, 2008 - 9:01 AM

'Dancin' with Ethel'

Oct. 23-26 at Southern Theater

Since Minneapolis choreographer Mathew Janczewski first heard the fierce, taut, cinematic compositions of the string quartet Ethel, he has been enraptured -- and keen to set his choreography to the quartet's music. The fall concert of his Arena Dances features live performances by Ethel; the band is also accompanying a world premiere for company members Erin Thompson and Amy Behm-Thomson. The show includes two repertory works, as well as a new quartet set to music by Twin Cities composer Michael Croswell. About the quartet, which features lush, sinuous choreography of action and reaction, Janczewski says, "I'm loving it!"

7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, 8 p.m. Oct. 24, 5 & 8 p.m. Oct. 25, 2 & 7 p.m. Oct. 26. $27-$29. Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Av. S., Mpls. 612-340-1725.

"Hunger": For decades, the Japanese couple Eiko and Koma have performed physically taxing, spiritually arresting and deeply meditative works at the profoundly slow pace usually accorded to Butoh. But with this world premiere, commissioned by the Walker Art Center, the duo branches out. They've invited two young Cambodian dancers and artists to join them in their choreography of desire and denial, with real-time action painting provided onstage by the guest performers, as well.

8 p.m. Oct. 9-11. $18-$25. McGuire Theater, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-375-7600, or www.walkerart.org.

"Hip Hop Dance: From the Streets to the Stage": The Minnesota Shubert Center's first live program is a daylong excursion into the history and performance of hip-hop dance. It concludes the online diary that will follow the development of a new work, "Revolutions," by local sensations the Battle Cats. Featuring local b-boy J'Sun Noer and performers from Rhymesayers Entertainment, the event includes breaker battles between dancers from around the United States, with the finals held 6-7 p.m.

Oct. 4. Free. Minnesota Shubert Center parking lot, 528 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.

"Romeria" and "Marchita": Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre, the Twin Cities area's premier and most innovative flamenco troupe, presents a two-part work choreographed and directed by Susana di Palma, with an original score by Arcadio Marin. Part One takes place in the autumnal splendor of Minnehaha Falls as the audience walks on a pilgrimage with the dancers enacting the tragic tale of a long-neglected woman. The work reaches its conclusion a month later when Part Two occurs on the concert stage. Guest artists Raul Salcedo (descended from a bullfighting family) and his wife, Adriana Maresma Fous, fire up the show.

Part One, 6 p.m.-dusk Sept. 16-21. Free. Minnehaha Falls Park. Part Two, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Oct. 17-18, 7 p.m. Oct. 19. $29. Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Av. S., Mpls.

612-340-1725.