Modern dance began as a revolutionary art form, yet it’s also been a source of social commentary. The Chamber Dance Company at the UW is dedicated to presenting the best of that heritage, and “Dances for Hard Times” (through Sun.) is drawn from the legacy of protest dance. Its credo—movement can move us to act. The program starts in the 1930s with Jane Dudley’s Dust Bowl-inspired Harmonica Breakdown and Charles Weidman’s Lynchtown, an indictment of intolerance. Discrimination in a more contemporary vein is the subject of Bill T. Jones’ D-Man in the Water, about the fight against AIDS. All five dances on the bill are trying to pull hope out of despair. As Jones has said “This is about life throwing down the gauntlet and you rising to the occasion.” SANDRA KURTZ

Oct. 22-25, 7:30 p.m., 2009