"We want to mark ourselves as non-traditional, like underground after_hours clubs," says co-director Evelyn Palleja-Vissicchio about LABCO's inspiration for calling their performance Gone Underground. This is LABCO Dance's first performance in their new South Side rehearsal and performance space. "An open panel selected the artists last November and they were given grants to develop new works," she explains. This spring concert features the choreography of Rebecca renner, Pearlann Porter and Gillian Beauchamp, along with LABCO's own Pelleja-Vissicchio and Madelon Tieman.

"One of the new works is Rebecca Brenner's duet," Palleja-Vissicchio says. "She's working with costumes with attachments and headpieces that she made. They are creatures--not human--and one is trying to get the other to do something." An original score by Kelly Kripein features vocal sounds. "It's a very funny piece," Palleja-Vissicchio says.

Pearlann Porter presents a dynamic and bold work. Gillian Beauchamp created a quintet for the spring concert, and collaborates with composer Chi Whei Li, who plays a xylophone and other percussion instruments on stage.

Palleja-Vissicchio's duet is called "You Know How Women Are About Shoes," a light dance with Elizabeth Brownlee. "It's a more theatrical work set to a tango, about (some) women's obsession with shoes," she explains. Tiemon's duet features gestural movements that work with and against intricate rhythms.

"We're really excited about this concert because we have a chance to go into a space that isn't a stage with proscenium," Palleja-Vissicchio says. "Work is presented close up to the audience where they can see the dancers sweat and breathe. Plus, this concert offers unaffiliated local artists an opportunity to work. We were able to give grants for the new work. This is our new space and marks the beginning of more performances and showcases."

The new space is also decorated by local artist Gene Fenton for the weekend, who displays papier-mâché sculptures throughout studio and along the staircase.

Gone Underground is presented at 8 p.m. Sat., April 29, and 3 p.m. Sun., April 30, at the Yoga Sadhana Studio, South Side. 349-3353.

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