2009 Winter Arts Preview – Dance

Santa Barbara Dance Theatre

Fresh from a second tour of China, SBDT returns for a triumphant homecoming. Thu., Jan. 15-Sat., Jan. 17, 8pm; Sun., Jan. 18, 2pm. UCSB’s Hatlen Theatre. Call 893-3022 or visit theaterdance.ucsb.edu.

Footloose 10th Anniversary Tour

It’s the 10th anniversary of the Broadway show based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon as a big-city boy who brings his moves to a dance-deprived small town. Tue., Jan. 27-Thu., Jan. 29, 8pm. Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. Call 899-2222 or visit granadasb.org.

Je T’aime

The Daughter of Zion aerial dance troupe, founded in 2002, recently traveled to Greece to teach workshops and perform. They will appear at their own black box studio space. Fri., Feb. 13-Sat., Feb. 14 and Fri., Feb. 20-Sat., Feb. 21, 8pm. Studio DoZ, Ste. G, 3630 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Call 698-9188 or visit daughterofzion.net.

Trey McIntyre Project

Originally a summer company with a hand-selected group of America’s most talented ballet dancers, TMP makes its Santa Barbara debut with emotionally charged dances set to music from Beethoven to the Beatles. Wed., Feb. 18, 8pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Jungle Book

State Street Ballet presents the world premiere of its interpretation of the classic work by Rudyard Kipling, with music by Milan Svoboda. Sat., Feb. 21, 8pm, and Sun., Feb. 22, 2pm. Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. Call 899-2222 or visit granadasb.org.

Critic’s Pick: Batsheva Dance Company

Since its founding in 1964 by Martha Graham and Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild, this company has become one of the strongest cultural influences in Israel, and now makes its Santa Barbara debut. Award-winning Artistic Director Ohad Naharin has launched Batsheva into a new era in which its artistic integrity and innovation have made the company one of the most highly regarded in the world. Tue., Feb. 24, 8pm. Arlington Theatre. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

UCSB Dance Company

This company is made up of UCSB senior dance majors and, under the direction of Delila Moseley, provides a training ground for them as they perform on campus and in the community. Thu., Mar. 5-Fri., Mar. 6, 8pm. UCSB’s Ballet Studio Theatre. Call 893-3241 or visit theaterdance.ucsb.edu.

Aszure Barton and Artists

One of New York’s hottest young choreographers returns to Santa Barbara for a month-long creative residency culminating in two performances. Fri., Mar. 6 and Sat., Mar. 7, 8pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.

Critic’s Pick: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Celebrating its 50th year of bringing African-American cultural expression and American modern dance tradition to the stage, the world’s best-known modern dance company returns to Santa Barbara with a different program each night. Alvin Ailey forever changed the landscape of American dance, and today his legacy continues with Artistic Director Judith Jamison’s remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the company’s dancers. Tue., Mar. 10-Wed., Mar. 11, 8pm. Arlington Theatre. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Dance Honors Projects

Featuring choreography by UCSB students Hila Schoffman and Sarah C. Anderson, who also contributed work to UCSB’s Fall Dance Concert, Envision. Thu., Mar. 12-Fri., Mar. 13, 8pm. UCSB’s Ballet Studio Theatre. Call 893-3241 or visit theaterdance.ucsb.edu.

Santa Barbara Dance Alliance’s BASSH

Ballroom, Argentine tango, salsa, swing, and hip-hop-they’ve got it all. Dozens of the hottest dancers in town show off the best of these varied styles. Fri., Mar. 13-Sat., Mar. 14, 8pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.