Less than two years after a successful visit to Holland, GrossoModo dance company is returning to Holland, this time to perform with Aerial Dance Theatre.

The two companies will combine for concerts on Friday-Saturday, May 16 and 17, at 8 p.m. in the Knickerbocker Theatre.

GrossoModo, which performed two sold-out shows in Holland in October of 2001, is from Holland's sister city of Queretaro, Mexico.

The cultural exchange will be complete when Aerial Dance goes back to Mexico with GrossoModo to perform immediately following the Holland concerts. Visits in both Holland and Queretaro will include classes, open rehearsals, and public school performances.

Both companies will spend approximately 10 days in each other's city, giving company members more time to learn about one another's culture.

GrossoModo is a modern dance company affiliated with the University of Queretaro, while Aerial Dance Theatre is an affiliate company of Hope College. The companies have been associated with one another since May of 2001, when Aerial made a visit to Queretaro.

Steven Iannacone, associate professor of dance at Hope and co-artistic director for Aerial, only sees more opportunities as the relationship grows. "It is the wish of both companies to keep this dynamic going and growing," he said.

Future plans may include student exchange visits, and GrossoModo setting a work for Aerial's dancers.

For the upcoming concert, dancers from both companies will perform "Bolero," a work donated to GrossoModo by Aerial.

Tickets for the performance are $7 for regular adult admission. Children over 12, senior citizens and Hope College students are $5. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets will only be sold at the door, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each performance night.

The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. 8th St. in downtown Holland.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the Knickerbocker Theatre at (616) 395-7403.