Student choreographers will put their work to the test of public performance in Bates College Modern Dance Company concerts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 28; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30; and 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 31.

The company has assembled two distinct programs, collectively titled  "Breaking the Ice," and will perform each of them twice. The four performances take place in Schaeffer Theatre, 305 College St. Admission is $6 for the general public and $3 for members of organized groups, seniors, non-Bates students and Bates faculty and staff.

The programs showcase not only the quality of Bates dance but the collaborative nature of creative work at the college. Students, including members of the course "Computers, Music and the Arts," composed music for certain dances, and other students played important roles in costume and lighting design.

The two programs represent all stages of student choreography. Six students in a dance composition course make their choreographic debuts, while two others offer works -- both including video components -- created for their senior thesis projects. One of those projects is an excerpt from a longer site-specific piece that will be premiered at full length in May.

Other students choreographed work specifically for these concerts. Carol Dilley, assistant professor of dance and director of the Bates dance program, also contributed a piece to the program.

Friday's performance coincides with the Mount David Summit, a showcase of student academic achievement at Bates.