BRUNSWICK – The Bowdoin College Department of Theater and Dance will present its 33rd annual Spring Dance Performance at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 22, 23 and 24, in Pickard Theater on the campus.

“This year’s performance promises a joyful ‘rite of spring’ for dance students, faculty and the entire campus community,” said June Vail, professor of dance.

The performance includes a dozen dances choreographed by dance students, faculty and campus organizations.

Instructor Gwyneth Jones has choreographed “Misty,” a “dance noir” for the introductory repertory class. It is performed to several musical selections, including “Misty,” “Lady of Spain” and the theme from 1950’s TV mystery show “Perry Mason.”

The class also will dance “Shift Space” by instructor Lisa Hicks to music by the contemporary Scandinavian groups Vasen, Maria Kaleniemi, Troka and Aldargez.

Instructor Paul Sarvis has created a multimedia piece, “Cell,” with his advanced dance class. It questions assumptions about public and private spaces, and plays with the idea of electronic devices as a substitute for human contact and intimacy. Helen Rasmussen designed the costumes with the department’s costume shop manager, Melissa Heckman.

The show also includes “Yamkela” (the Xhosa word for welcome) by senior Kijan Bloomfield to traditional South African music and a Gum Boot dance choreographed by junior Daniel Kareem Canada, also based on South African traditions.

Five more student dances round out the program of original pieces.

A reception following Saturday night’s final performance will allow audience and performers to mingle after the show. The reception will be in Drake Lobby.

Tickets are free and are available at the David Saul Smith Union information desk, by calling 725-3375 and at the door.