IF STEPHEN PELTON were more of a showman, his 10th anniversary might make a bigger splash. But since he is "only" a very good choreographer with a top-notch mind, his Stephen Pelton Dance Theater is still something of a well-kept secret. Over the years his works have explored a range of subjects – writers and history seem to inspire him – which he has fashioned into carefully crafted pieces of choreography paired with intelligent musical choices. Since Pelton's mind mostly travels the road less traveled, you never know where his excursions will take you. It's as simple and as complicated as that. In many ways Pelton also is a dancers' choreographer, bringing out qualities dancers didn't even know they had in them. For this anniversary program, "Not Here," Pelton has choreographed three new works, My Handsome, Winsome Johnny, a trio about young love to music by Odetta; September for Sale, to music by Lotte Lenya, Edith Piaf, and Judy Garland; and a solo, Not Here, to the music of Radiohead. Guest artists Janice Garrett and Dancers also perform last year's Hither Thither. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m., 3316 24th St., S.F. $15. (415) 273-4633. (Rita Felciano)