The monologue in drag may have been a bit much, but the end result of the Sacramento Black Art of Dance?s season-opening “Reclamation” last Wednesday night confirmed that this campus dance troupe has nothing to prove.

Led by Artistic Director Dr. Linda Goodrich, the members of S/BAD used their signature blend of attitude and grace to open the show ? and carry it ? in a way that lives up to the high expectations set by past performances.

The quality of choreography seen in this show is at an all-time high for S/BAD, with Nicole Manker?s “Just a ? thought” as a prime example. Manker?s maximization of the Solano Hall Dancespace was a welcomed change of pace; the dancers came closer to the audience and clearly drew them in.

Music selections, although often transitioning roughly, were well chosen. Aretha Franklin?s version of “Nessun Dorma,” performed unexpectedly at the 1998 Grammy Awards in place of a scheduled Luciano Pavarotti, was a great continuation of the diva theme in Manker?s production.

“Miss Roj,” the monologue that featured the long and lean Tedaryl Chapman in eye-catching, white go-go boots and baring his midriff, was a sassy piece from “The Colored Museum” that caused the crowd to erupt into howls of approval. It is also, however, profane enough to limit the show to an over-13 audience.

“Giving Up” and “In Memorium,” two numbers that rounded out the first half of the show, were fantastic pieces that showcased athletic moves worthy of envy. Keep your eyes peeled in both selections for the stunning Venetia James, a recent Sac State graduate who compliments S/BAD?s unique style of energized modern dance.

Choreographer Sheila Coleman?s “Continuum,” which featured guest performers Brenda Brown and Ricka Greyhouse, featured the hip-hop moves that continue to keep S/BAD on the cutting edge.

The slower “Strange Fruit,” set to the complimenting jazz track of the same name, was exceptionally performed by a solo Valerie Gnassanou, whose emotions for the piece could be seen through her ease in movement and visible joy for the music.

“Ancestral Memories,” the last piece of the night, should be especially rewarding to Goodrich, who choreographed. Veteran members Anyanwu, Coleman, James and Manker gave an excellent example of what S/BAD does best ? displays a synchronized celebration of soul.

With this show, the members of S/BAD reinforced that in combining ballet, tumbling, hip-hop and adding their own touch of soul to the mix, they can create an array of dance ensembles that are more than pleasing to the eyes.

S/BAD: “Reclamation” continues at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the Solano Hall Dancespace at Sac State. Tickets are $12 for students, $15 general and $8 for children, and are available at Central Ticket Office or by calling 278-4323

Three and a half stars out of four