The winner of 11 coveted New York “Bessie” Awards, Doug Varone and Dancers will perform at the Diana Wortham Theatre at 8 p.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday, February 9 and 10. Since its founding almost 25 years ago, the dance company has commanded attention for its expansive vision, versatility, and technical prowess.

From the smallest gesture to full-throttle burst of movement, Doug Varone’s work takes the breath away, making essential connections within the complexity of the human spirit. The Boston Herald says, “There’s more information in one minute of dance by Doug Varone than most choreographers manage to squeeze into far lengthier works.”

Igniting local interest in the performances is dancer Erin Owen who has been with Doug Varone and Dancers since November 2006. Originally from Waynesville, Owen moved to New York after graduating from Scripps College in California with BA degrees in Dance and Biology. Owen’s performances at Diana Wortham Theatre are a homecoming for her.

During my high school years, I studied in Asheville with with Ann Dunn at the Asheville Academy of Ballet and Contemporary Dance,” says Erin. “I’m really excited about performing in Asheville. I performed at the Diana Wortham Theatre twice before in Ann Dunn’s choreography...”

Doug Varone and Dancers will perform three works. Lux begins with meditative, resilient exploration of the space around the dancers, progressing towards optimism as a projected moon slowly rises on the backdrop. In Boats Leaving, Varone creates conversation in the dancers’ movements and moves the conversation into new emotionally treacherous waters, taking the audience inside the darkness of communities unraveling. The company concludes with excerpts from its October 2010 premier, Chapters from a Broken Novel, a dance of interconnected short stories drawn from and inspired by Varone’s journals.

For tickets (regular $35, seniors $33, students 30, and student rush day-of-show $10 with valid ID), call the theatre’s box office at 828.257.4530 or visit dwtheatre.com.