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Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company fills multiple niches in the D.C. dance community. It keeps alive the ancient tradition of Bharatanatyam, a movement-based form of Indian storytelling but is equally committed to restaging works by the late American modern dance choreographers, including Anna Sokolow. This weekend’s performances at Dance Place open with a series of Bharatanatyam dances, followed by the company premiere of Magritte, Magritte, Sokolow’s 1970 suite inspired by the art of Belgian surrealist René François Magritte. Among other hallmarks, Sokolow pioneered multimedia imagery in dance. Expect to see pipes, apples, derby hats and other objects that frequently floated in Magritte’s paintings. Clearly, Sokolow connected with the artist’s humor. The suite opens with “The Lovers,” a duet performed by two dancers with sack-like scarves over their heads. Sound strange? It’s actually been called the most sensual piece Sokolow ever created. It’s just as surreal as one of Magritte’s canvases but you can save yourself a trip to the museum.
The company performs at 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday at Dance Place, 3225 8th St. N.E. (202) 269-1600. danceplace.org.