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By Dan Leone

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MICHAEL SMUIN IS an unashamed populist – which isn't surprising for a choreographer who has embraced Broadway, music videos, and movies with as much alacrity as he has the more rarefied atmosphere of the War Memorial Opera House. With his now eight-year-old ensemble he has found a large, faithful audience who regularly flock to his sold-out performances, which are accessible, boldly theatrical, and lusciously produced. His personable dancers tear through quick-change phrase patterns with the same ease that allows them to float through the extended lifts that abound in his choreography. Smuin's output as a choreographer is protean. And who else would come up with two such contrasting world premieres as Come Dance Me a Song, choreographed to a collection of songs by Elton John (played live by John Bayless), and Stabat Mater, to Anton Dvorák's choral work. The evening also offers the 1981 Bouquet, from Smuin's San Francisco Ballet days. Through Nov. 24. Fri/8-Sat/9, Nov. 12-16, and 19-23, 8 p.m. (also Sat., 2 p.m.); Sun., 2 p.m. (also Sun/10, 7 p.m.), Fort Mason Center, Marina at Laguna, S.F. $35-$55. (415) 345-7575 or (415) 495-2234, www.smuinballet.org. (Rita Felciano)