Modern dance began as a revolutionary art form, yet its 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 credomovement can move us to act. The program starts in the 1930s with Jane Dudleys Dust Bowl-inspired Harmonica Breakdown and Charles Weidmans 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