Since bursting onto the Southern California scene a scant three years ago, choreographer Jennifer Backhaus and her Orange County–based company have established themselves as a formidable presence. A win in the 2003 McCallum Theater choreography competition in Palm Desert and a fistful of Lester Horton awards and nominations for choreography, performance and technical elements attest to the modern troupe’s merit. This concert features two premieres — eXit, with an original score performed live by percussionist Erik Leckrone, and Love and Other Impossibilities — and works from the repertory, including Stepping Back Toward Tomorrow, which garnered the choreography prize in Palm Desert. Cal State University Long Beach, Martha B. Knoebel Theater, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach; Fri., Sept. 8, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 9, 8 p.m.; $25, $20 seniors & students. (714) 639-1657 or www.backhausdance.org.

—Ann Haskins

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