It's Only Natural

Sometimes dance is like a gentle breeze elegantly stirring the tree blossoms — and other times, it's a lot more akin to a thunderstorm, with big movement, gigantic sound and fabulous dramatics. Forces of Nature Dance Theatre works that second angle with its Earth Rites concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus (1 University Drive at Natural Bridge Road). Each of the three works presented during the show conveys the message of Earth preservation through gorgeous choreography and vibrant staging. This performance is part of Black Dance-USA, a five-day dance festival that also features the Tropical Spectacular showcase, which brings West African and Caribbean dance styles together at the Touhill at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Tickets for both concerts can be purchased through the Touhill at 314-516-4949 or www.touhill.org ($20 to $35 per performance), and more information about Black Dance-USA can be found at www.betterfamilylife.org.
Fri., May 30; Sat., May 31, 2008