Now in its 11th year, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, performing Saturday at the Paliku Theatre, has become recognized internationally as a leader among the young and hip chamber dance groups, doing work that is exciting and contemporary.

The 10-member ensemble is headed by Tom Mossbrucker, artistic director and former Joffrey Ballet principal dancer; and Jean-Philippe Malaty, executive director. Both men were brought to Aspen in 1996 by Bebe Schweppe, director and founder of the Aspen Ballet School.

In a telephone interview with Mossbrucker from his Colorado home, we learned more about the company.

Why is the company based in two cities?

"Aspen is a very small community. We wanted our dancers to have larger audiences and longer seasons. There was no company in Santa Fe at the time, but there were a significant number of dance lovers who wanted to see more dance. We joined forces with a school in Santa Fe, so now we have two schools."

How do you divide your season?

"We traditionally start our season with 'The Nutcracker,' which we perform in both communities. We do both a winter and summer season in each community, and in between we tour. We spend more time on the road than at home. This year we're touring to 30 cities, including Guatemala City."

Does much of your support come from the cities of Aspen and Santa Fe?

"No. Most of our contributed income is from individuals, but, unlike many other companies, we proudly can say that over half our income comes from earned income."

How does your company differ from other small dance groups?

"I think the difference lies in the repertoire and the charisma of the dancers. Our dancers are very attractive, and because they tend to stay around for years, it's a very cohesive company. We also have one married couple and another not yet married in the group. Our most recent member joined three years ago."

What dances will we see here in Hawai'i?

"The program consists of three contemporary ballets. We'll start off with a piece by Canadian dancer/choreographer Dominique Dumais, which shows off the women in the company beautifully. Then we'll perform Twyla Tharp's 'Sweet Fields,' a dance based on Shaker traditions and done to Shaker hymns. It's like a cleansing of the palate, very sweet and pure, and costumed all in white. Originally, Twyla did it for her own dancers, but it hasn't been seen since 1997. We're the only company currently doing it. Finally, we end the program with a new work by Jorma Elo, a young Finnish choreographer who has danced with Netherlands Dance Theater and the Finnish National Ballet. Dance critics and aficionados consider him a leader in the field of contemporary choreography."

What should audiences be looking for in the program?

"I urge viewers to be open to the program and make their own decision about what they see. I compare witnessing a dance concert to going to a museum and looking at an abstract painting. Does it move you or not? Did the dance performance touch you in some way? If it didn't, then we haven't done our job."