La La La Human Steps

Nrityagram Dance Ensemble

A collaborative project between dancers, musicians, and choreographers, Nrityagram Dance Ensemble fuses an ancient Indian dance form with live music to bring Eastern spirituality to Western audiences. Thu., Apr. 3, 8pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Nugent Dance

Stephanie Nugent’s contemporary dance company showcases six dancers in small spaces / open gestures, an evening of cutting-edge modern dance and theater exploring perspective and perception. Thu., Apr. 3, 8pm. Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo. Call 963-0408 or visit centerstagetheater.org.

Janusphere Dance Company

New York contemporary ballet Janusphere Dance Company returns to Santa Barbara with its West Coast premiere of Four by Four, featuring original choreography. Fri., Apr. 4-Sun., Apr. 6, 7:30pm. Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo. Call 963-0408 or visit centerstagetheater.org.

Critic’s Pick : La La La Human Steps

Known as “one of the most stylish and daring dance companies in the world” (London Times), internationally renowned La La La Human Steps makes its Santa Barbara debut with Amjad, bringing a typically energetic and acrobatic tempo to West Coast audiences. Led by one of the world’s most celebrated choreographers, douard Lock, La La La Human Steps defies traditional dance boundaries with fast-paced movement, dizzying partnering, and technical brilliance. As part of the company’s Santa Barbara residence, it will offer a public masterclass for intermediate to advanced dancers. Class: Mon., Apr. 7, 7:30-9:30pm. Santa Barbara Ballet Center, 1019-B Chapala St. Call 966-6950 or visit sbdancealliance.org. Performance: Tue., Apr. 8, 8pm. Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. Call 893-3535 or visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

BASSH

Boasting “the hottest dancers in Santa Barbara,” BASSH stands for Ballroom, Argentine tango, Swing, Salsa, and Hip-Hop. It also stands for a live tango band, Santa Barbara dancers who have performed on Broadway, and the promise of a sizzling mix of dance styles. Fri., Apr. 11 and Sat., Apr. 12, 8pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.

UCSB’s BFA Students

UCSB’s dance majors present their final show of the school year with a collection of pieces choreographed by students and faculty. Fri., Apr. 11 and Sat., Apr.12, 8pm; Sun., Apr. 13, 2pm. UCSB’s Hatlen Theatre. Call 893-7221.

Aurelia’s Oratorio

Aurelia Thieree breathes new life into old-fashioned European traditional entertainment with her circus theater performed to gypsy, accordion, and chamber music. Mon., Apr. 14 and Tue., Apr. 15, 8pm. Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. Call 893-3535 or visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Cats

From the bright lights of Broadway comes Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The international hit has been performed in 20 countries and showcases spectacular costumes, dance, and music. Tue., Apr. 15-Thu., Apr. 17, 7:30pm. Arlington Theatre. Call 963-4408 or visit ticketmaster.com.

Eiko & Koma

Japanese-born choreographers and dancers Eiko & Koma present Mourning, an exquisite exploration of movement inspired by stillness, light, shape, and sound. The artists will also offer a masterclass for intermediate to advanced students. Class: Mon., Apr. 28, 7:30-9:30pm. Santa Barbara Ballet Center, 1019-B Chapala St. Call 966-6950 or visit sbdancealliance.org. Performance: Thu., May 1, 8pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Critic’s Pick : Mark Morris Dance Group

After two decades, Mark Morris Dance Group returns to Santa Barbara with three original works. Although Morris has largely retired from performing, his dance company continues his tradition of sweet, often humorous, and always compelling movement drawing from a variety of styles, including folk dance, clogging, classical, and modern techniques. Morris’s award-winning commitment to live music at each performance as well as his creative brilliance have earned him the nickname “our Mozart of modern dance” (Washington Post). Tue., May 20, 8pm. Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. Call 893-3535 or visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre

Santa Barbara modern dance company SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre presents 3 Cities: 3 Choreographers, an evening of athletically contemporary works-in-progress, repertory pieces, and world debuts. Sun., May 25, 7:30pm. Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo. Call 963-0408 or visit centerstagetheater.org.

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