Stephen Pelton Dance Theater
April 30-May 9, Dance Mission Theater

STEPHEN PELTON DANCE Theater's mixed bill is gathered under the title of one of Pelton's recent pieces, September for Sale, a work that in its premiere felt like it was moving into penumbral shadows where emotions dominate but are hardly acknowledged. It seemed a new direction for this gifted choreographer. But then that's not news. Pelton always has pursued personal, sometimes eccentric paths. I mean, who else would come up with something like The Hurdy-Gurdy Man, a piece based on Hitler's body language? With his company now in its 11th year, Pelton is one of those choreographers who doesn't produce a lot – probably primarily because of fiscal constraints – but who always surprises with a consistently personal vision and an ability to choose smart collaborators. This program's world premiere, The Bosom of Abraham, is an ensemble piece set to a string quartet by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks. What is it about the Baltic republics, turning out composers who inspire choreographers? First it was Arvo Pärt, now Vasks seems to be rapidly moving up. Fri.-Sat. and May 6, 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m., 3316 24th St., S.F. $15-$20. (415) 273-4633. (Rita Felciano)