A vivacious company of seven offers a smorgasbord of contemporary dance, featuring funny, athletic and thought-provoking work when Headwaters Dance Company performs on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Whitefish Theatre Company opens its performing arts season with this special evening of entertainment by Montana's only professional touring modern dance company.

Many Montana dance enthusiasts are familiar with the Montana Transport Company, a dance company that worked under the umbrella of the University of Montana for twelve years. The group has transformed into an independent company, Headwaters Dance Company. Headwaters is a repertory company dedicated to developing and showcasing stimulating, contemporary work from choreographers all over the country as well as their own.

As a part of its performance in Whitefish, Headwaters will perform "Montana Suite Part II: The Hi-Line" (2006) with choreography by John Jasperse and music by Philip Aaberg. This program is the second part of a multi-year project to collect dances inspired by different regions of Montana, with the goal of creating a movement anthology to celebrate the diverse landscapes and cultures of this broad and varied state.

Amy Ragsdale is the founder and artistic director of Headwaters Dance Company, as well as a full professor of dance in the drama/dance department at The University of Montana. Also in the company are Paige Allison, a former member of the Northwest Ballet Company in Kalispell, Sarah Bortis, Kaila June Gidley, Ashley Griffith, Jessical Mullette and Kitty Sailer.

Headwaters Dance Company will also offer two workshops on Sept. 15 through the Northwest Ballet School in Kalispell. Call 755-0760 for class information.

There will also be an open rehearsal on Saturday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. at the O'Shaughnessy Center. There is no charge to attend the rehearsal. All local dancers and instructors who are interested in attending should call Whitefish Theatre Company at 862-5371.

Tickets for Headwaters Dance Co. are reserved seats, $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $8 for students.

For more information, visit www.whitefishtheatreco.org or call 862-5371.