Dance Theatre X

Fri.-Sat., Dec. 3-4, 8 p.m., $25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, paintedbride.org.

by Janet Anderson

[ dance ]

"It's about being moved to action, to prayer and to do positive things," says choreographer and teacher Charles O. Anderson of his newest work, World Headquarters, co-commissioned by Philadelphia's Painted Bride and Seattle's Central District Forum. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11 — and it's also Dance Theatre X's 10th anniversary, so an inspirational work is fitting. African-American sci-fi writer Octavia Butler is counted among Anderson's influences, especially her "prophetic novels that predicted the ecological, economic and moral collapse of the United States." A true original, Anderson relies on his own instincts and culture, using movement and music as his own prophetic call to the world.

Fri.-Sat., Dec. 3-4, 8 p.m., $25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, paintedbride.org.