E-Merging II debuted last night with sterling performances by a tight-knit cast of six dancers. Two intense, provocative works were presented, both Houston debuts. Dominic Walsh's Terminus showed off the company's perfect bodies and technical prowess, and Gustavo Ramirez Sansano's Dicese explored the human body as a form and concept. This concert is not to be missed by serious contemporary dance fans, and it would be enjoyed by all who appreciate exquisite dancing and creative ideas.

Collaborating with Walsh in the creative process of Terminus were Visual Artist Nicola Parente, Lighting Designer Jeremy Choate, and Two Star Symphony. Parente's paintings and videos create moods that change from scene to scene throughout the work. An exciting visual collaboration unfolds when two of the dancers engage in a painting process of their own. Choate's lighting concepts, though very dark, are bold and complementary of Parente's ambiences. The unusual string ensemble Two Star Symphony performs original compositions created specifically for this work. The first solo sections of this dance were actually choreographed by Walsh without music, and then the Symphony composed music to fit the movements. Two Star's sound is engaging and cool; however, their placement on stage detracts from the overall aesthetic of the artistic set and dancing.

As a composition, Terminus grows on you, developing slowly but surely as it establishes recognizable gestures that are revisited throughout the work, and pausing for a captivating exploration of soothing, slow-motion movements. It's as technically demanding as dances come, which is exceptionally enjoyable to watch up close and personal from any seat in the intimate setting at Zilkha Hall.

Winner of "Best Show" and "Best Choreography" at the Scenic Arts at The Generalitat Valenciana 2005, Dicese is a little more performance art than pure dance, yet it succeeds at both. A busy set takes attention away from the dancing, as does the statements made during the piece. Despite how serious it feels, there are many clever and fun aspects to Dicese.

Dance of Asian America, led by Director Janie Yao, will present all new authentic award-winning choreography from China on April 26th at Miller Outdoor Theater. East Meets West brings the cultures and traditions of various regions in China to life through high-caliber dance. The presentation of Eastern dances will include pieces by Dance of Asian America that range from authentically classical to cutting-edge contemporary, as well as top dancers from Chinatown's Mitsi Dancing School in new choreography from the heart of China.

Representing the West are Ad Deum Dance Company, Revolve Dance Company, and Barbara King's Dance Company. They will present new and favorite works of contemporary and ballroom dance.

This free event in Miller Outdoor Theater is a favorite for families and friends. If you haven't already made it an annual tradition, come check it out now!

The Houston dance community is proud to be hosting the 2009 Dance/USA National Roundtable to be held Wednesday through Saturday, June 3-6, 2009. As part of this national conference, an evening of local dance will be showcased in the Cullen Theater at Wortham Theater Center. The showcase will strive to exemplify the broad variety of dance in the city, and will be open to the general public as well as the Roundtable attendees. The performance will be Friday, June 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM.

The Dance/USA National Roundtable draws hundreds of dance professionals both nationally and internationally. The showcase performance is a great opportunity to be seen by a sophisticated dance audience of presenters, managers, artists, critics, etc.

Please indicate your desire to participate by May 1st by emailing the Showcase committee at: DanceUSAHoustonShowcase@haatx.com. Please submit the exact selection/work you wish to showcase in its entirety. The selection/work can be up to a maximum of 12 minutes. The deadline to submit is Monday, September 15, 2008.

The Showcase Committee members are: June Christensen, SPA; Andrea Cody, Dance Houston; Deborah Quanaim, Houston Community College; Sixto Wagan, Diverse Works; Paul Beutel, Miller Outdoor Theater; Susanne Theis, Discovery Green. Please send them questions or tell them them of your intent to submit an application at DanceUSAHoustonShowcase@haatx.com.

Young & Intense Summer Camp: With Spring Break upon us, it's time for local teens to start making their plans for summer. Lucky for you, registration for our summer camp is open. Take advantage of our early registration deals by visiting www.dancehouston.org today!

DanceHoustonTV: We recently launched a YouTube channel through which we will be broacasting our performances to the world. Thousands of people have logged on during the past month to watch our videos. Get in on the action at www.yo utube.com/dancehouston. View and rate our current videos and subscribe to our channel for upcoming releases from the Winter Formal which will be out next week!