Also this issue: Trading Spaces Fleisher/Ollman Gallery celebrates a milestone anniversary with a change of location. -Susan Hagen Degas Vu The Art Museum transports you back to Degas' world. -Robin Rice Ballet Lessons A dance critic's perspective on “Degas and the Dance.” -Janet Anderson 19th Annual Celebration of Black Writing -Elisa Ludwig Concerts for the Community -David Shengold Tango Buenos Aires -Deni Kasrel The Magic Flute -Steve Cohen The Dreyfuss Affair: A Love Story -David Anthony Fox

February 13-19, 2003

artpicks

Jeanne Ruddy Dance

Jeanne Ruddy's repertoire is all about how humans experience life, from the joy of love to the trauma of being confronted with a life-threatening disease. Her company, Jeanne Ruddy Dance, is only three years old, yet there's a maturity and depth to their choreography. That's probably because Ruddy has been at the game for decades. Back in the '70s she was a principal dancer for Martha Graham, she's done Broadway and she was an original member of Agnes DeMille's American Heritage Dance Theater. So the woman knows how to put on a show.

For her stint at the Wilma Theater, JRD presents six works featuring 11 corps members plus a couple of guest artists. Highlights include the local premiere of "The System," where Ruddy pairs with her former Graham partner Peter Sparling for the first time in 20 years. There's a reprisal of Ruddy's "Significant Soil," a piece based on her experience as a breast cancer survivor, and the charismatic "Suite Reel." "Enfold," a romantic duet done to 1940s German cabaret music, offers a special Valentine's treat. It sure beats a box of chocolates.

Jeanne Ruddy Dance, through Feb. 15, $23-$75, Wilma Theater, Broad and Spruce sts., 215-546-7824.

—Deni Kasrel