Missa Brevis was first performed in a bombed-out church in Budapest after World War II. The dance is dedicated to the spirit of man which survives. Set to the music of Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly, the work has been described as monumental and dramatic. The principal role, originally performed by Jose Limon, will be danced by Clay Taliaferro who has performed the role with the Limon Dance Company internationally.

Betty Jones and Fritz Ludin, the founders of Dances we Dance, have reconstructed the dance from notations and tapes of Jose Limon performing the piece. For the past three months they have been coaching twenty dancers from their company and other dance companies.

Karen Sarsona, who has been with Dances We Dance for several seasons, has a principal role in the dance. Coming from Waimanalo, she first learned about dance at the University of Hawaii. Since then she has lived and studied in New York and San Francisco. She continues to learn with the challenge of good dance and the clarity of good teachers.

Missa Brevis will be performed at Leeward Community College on April 5 and 6, at 8 pm. For information call 537-2152.