Barclay Expands Dance Series

A collaboration between superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the Mark Morris Dance Group will highlight the 1998-99 Contemporary Dance Series presented by the Irvine Barclay Theatre. For the first time, the theater also will offer two or more performances of each company it presents.

The season:

* Oct. 6-7: Ballet Preljocaj from Aix-en-Provence, France. Company founder Angelin Preljocaj’s “Le Spectre de la Rose,” based upon the Fokine ballet of the same name, among other works.

* March 19-21: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, in repertory new to Southern California.

* April 8-9: Ma and the Morris Dance group: “Falling Down Stairs,” created as part of the “Inspired by Bach” film project broadcast last month over PBS; Morris’ “Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3” and Morris’ “Rhymes With Silver” (music by Lou Harrison). Ma will also appear in recital at the theater on a date to be announced.

* May 6-9: Momix: two programs to be announced.

All performances will be at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, and will start at 8 p.m. Series tickets: opening nights, $108; second nights, $98. Single ticket prices will be announced later and will go on sale in September. Information: (949) 854-4646.