ROCKLAND — Boston Dance Theater (BDT) will perform their “Pinnacle Works” program on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m., at the Strand Theatre. “Pinnacle Works” is an assemblage of repertory pieces that represent contemporary dance-making practices from Brazil, Western Europe, and Israel.  

“Pinnacle Works” pieces have been choreographed by Itzik Galili (The Netherlands, Israel), Marco Goecke (Germany), and Alessandro Sousa Pereira (Brazil, Denmark). These choreographers have each been decorated by royalty for their unique contributions to the performing arts, according to a news release. Through a special relationship with Galili, Boston Dance Theater is the only dance company in the world that performs a full evening by these distinguished choreographers.  

Under the co-artistic direction of Boston native Jessie Jeanne Stinnett and choreographer Itzik Galili, Boston Dance Theater is Boston’s first contemporary dance repertory company with international ties at the leadership level. With a commitment to presenting works of socio-political relevance that challenge the edges of current world issues, BDT matches the talents of Boston-based dancers with those of global choreographers to broaden the scope of contemporary dance practice and performance in Boston with the goal of creating an artistically and financially sustainable home for local dancers. 

Opening the program are excerpts of the crowd favorite “Peekaboo.” In “Peekaboo,” the German choreographer Marco Goecke deals with the act of hiding and revealing in an exciting way. In the work, the sounds of a symphony by Benjamin Britten are combined with the voices of the Finnish choir Huutajat to reflect contrasts. The cast alternates in solos, duos, trios and ensembles, the movement is fast and accurate, and the performers mysteriously appear and disappear from the scene. 

The next work is Israeli choreographer Itzik Galili’s “If as If.” Set to music by Pulitzer Prize and Grammy-Award winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis, “If as If”’ exposes themes of longing, tenderness, and doubt; two dancers relay a story of the search for comfort and the refusal that often comes with it. 

Rounding out the first half of the program is Denmark based, Brazilian choreographer Alessandro Sousa Pereira “Awa.” This piece is an explosively energetic duet created specifically for the artists of Boston Dance Theater. As with all of Pereira’s works, “Awa” is also an ode to the choreographer’s Brazilian roots in terms of steps, expression and music. At the same time, the duet holds a tenderness as the dancers move as two parts of one whole. The title refers to rivers of energy that flow as undercurrents within humanity. ​

Following this is another piece by Goecke, “Äffi.” Set to music by American music legend Johnny Cash, “Äffi” follows a solo dancer through quintessential aesthetics found within Goecke’s choreography – quick, abrupt movements, darkness, and intense focus.  

The penultimate work is Goecke’s “Firebird Pas de Deux,” set to Stravinksy’s 1910 score, which offers a new perspective to the classic story of The Firebird. Utilizing “staccato body thrusts, unpredictable flicks and shrugs of the head and shoulders, and quicksilver footwork” (Paula Citron & Ecotopia Productions), “Firebird”  takes the audience on a nuanced, yet explosive journey of companionship.  

Closing the evening is Alessandro Sousa Pereira’s “Delicate Blu,” which draws inspiration from the literature of Clarice Lispector, a Ukrainian-born Brazilian novelist whose innovative, idiosyncratic works explore themes of intimacy and introspection. Expressed through a vast vocabulary of gestures, and guided by feelings, the extremely physical dance work embodies movements of birds and their analogous movements in people. The choreography intersects issues of identity, acceptance, otherness, and diversity as members join, leave and create groups over the course of 23 minutes. 

This engagement is sponsored by First National Bank and First National Wealth Management, and is funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.

This show is appropriate for all ages. Running time is 75 minutes.

Tickets are $25/Advance, $30/Day of show, and $15/Students, including college students with ID. Beer and wine are available at concessions. To buy tickets, or for more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com or call (207) 594-0070. 

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.