Kansas University dancers Amanda Shriwise and Nora Burt rehearse under the direction of Bill Evans, a well-known tap dancer who worked with the students in February.

Works by a Lawrence-native choreographer and a well-known tap dancer will highlight performances this week by the University Dance Company at Kansas University.

The concerts, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Lied Center, will feature several works:

¢ “Celebration for Elizabeth,” a piece tap dancer Bill Evans created to honor Elizabeth Sherbon, a former KU professor and member of the Martha Graham Dance Company. The piece is set to music by George Gershwin.

Evans, who worked with KU dancers in February and is again working with them this week, also will perform tap solos.

¢ “Power Surge” by Karole Armitage, who grew up in Lawrence. The piece, which premiered at the Lied Center in 2001, is a fusion of ballet, modern and pop dance moves set to music by Philip Glass.

¢ “Baltic Sketches,” which was choreographed by Muriel Cohan and Patrick Suzeau, KU dance faculty members.

Tickets to the concerts cost $10 for the public and $7 for students and seniors. They’re available by calling 864-2787 or by visiting the Lied Center Murphy Hall or Student Union Activities box offices.

In addition to the performances, KU will rededicate the Elizabeth Sherbon Dance Theatre as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Murphy Hall. That will take place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and will be preceded at 10 a.m. by a panel discussion, “Dance in a Global Society.”