Marvelous, mystical modern dance

The University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center officially opened last week, and what a fabulous place it is for dance. Airy studios, a "black box" theater designed for movement and an adjacent dance studio complete with ballet barres complement the comfy Kay Auditorium, whose superb sightlines allow audiences to see performers from virtually any seat.

Always on the lookout for good dance space, the Washington Performing Arts Society has tapped the new arts center for several events in its new season, which begins this weekend. First up is "Portrait of Shunkin," created by New York artists Paul Lazar and Annie-B Parson of Big Dance Theater. Based on a 1933 Junichiro Tanizaki short story, the work will be performed at the Center Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 with discounts for students. The Performing Arts Center is on Stadium Drive near the intersection of University Boulevard (Route 193) and Stadium Drive in College Park. A parking garage is across the street.

Richard Move moves into the Smith Center the following weekend with an outrageous spoof of Martha Graham, "Martha@ Dance Place," a cabaret tribute to the grande dame of modern dance. It runs Oct. 12 to 14. For more information on Washington Performing Arts Society program, call 202-785-9727 or check www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu.

Clancy's classy dancin'

The dance department at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, which has presented more than its fair share of terrific dance programs in recent years, kicks off its fall season this weekend with guest artist Adrienne Clancy. Last year this Maryland artist was awarded a state fellowship for choreography and solo performance. Before starting her own company, she was a member of Liz Lerman Dance Exchange.

Clancy will present a program of her own works at the UMBC Fine Arts Studio 317 this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 general, $5 for students and senior citizens. Call 410-455-6240.

_ Carolyn Kelemen