Maria Gillespie first drew local attention as a member of Helios Dance Theater. Armed with ballet, modern and postmodern dance training, like so many arrows in a quiver, Gillespie could aim true at any choreographic challenge. Nominated six times for L.A.’s Lester Horton awards, Gillespie has won four, including the 2005 Horton for outstanding performance. Since forming her own company a few years back, Gillespie has proven her own choreographic credentials in performances at Disney’s REDCAT and the Getty Center. Not surprisingly, earlier this year she garnered a coveted spot on Dance Magazine’s annual list of “25 to Watch.” This weekend, Gillespie unveils her third full-length work in less than a year. Her latest, La Hora de Salir, is an exploration of departures and leaving, and marks a return to the venue where the company first performed in 2004. At Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica; Thurs.-Sat., June 29-July 1, 8:30 p.m., & Sun., July 2, 2 p.m.; $18; $16 mat. only. (310) 315-1459 or www.highwaysperformance.org.

—Ann Haskins

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