Martha Graham Dance Ensemble, Marymount Manhattan Theatre, June 25-29, 1997.

On the evidence of a recent polished program of works by Martha Graham and others, the handsome twelve-member Martha Graham Dance Ensemble, directed since 1996 by Ken Topping, promises to feed talented dancers into the main company.

Radiant Theresa Da Silva, with a long line and flexible back, reflected the varied moods of the Mary figure in El Penitente, especially that of the playful temptress Eve. In Diversion of Angels, she displayed her mastery of the lyrical White Woman role with aplomb and serenity. Jennifer DePalo, as the Red Woman, showed herself another comer, with solid balance and a fine jump.

Edgar Cortes immediately caught the eye in Diversion with his intense focus and later delivered a Penitent of cumulative power. I look forward to seeing him as an interpreter of many other Graham roles.

A passionate duet which evolved into Embattled Garden) re-created from the 1957 documentary A Dancer's World found its match in the smoldering beauty of Amy Piantaggini and Juan Tocino. In a duet from Topping's work in progress, Rage and Remembrance, to music by John Corigliano, Tadej Brdnik, a guest from the main company, seemed to be a memory (a corporeal one in very short white satin shorts), while Daniel Cardoso was poignant as the one who remembers. Cardoso returned as a lead in a lighter role, both lithe and agile, in Steve Rooks's Cool River, to Paul Simon music. Graham's Acts of Light gave the whole company a good workout to close the program.

Throughout the evening, the Graham technique looked vibrant. Contractions felt organic, without shoulder-heaving exaggeration, and partnering was notably strong. But the women don't need to throw open their mouths distractingly in order to express feeling.