The Gibney Dance Company performs "View Partially Obstructed." PHOTO by ANJA HITZENBERGER

Texas State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will host a series of events featuring critically acclaimed Gibney Dance Company as part of the Encore Series.

The New York-based dance company will present a performance on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Evans Auditorium, followed by a panel discussion Nov. 4 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center and a series of workshops on integrating the arts and social change Nov. 4-6 at Jowers Center dance studio 175.

The tickets for the Nov. 3 performance are $5 for students and alumni and $10 for the general public. The panel discussion and community workshops are free and open to the public.

Gibney Dance is known for its intricately crafted performances and groundbreaking community action, and is dedicated to studying the potential of human communication through movement. The New York Times describes the company as having “great intelligence and almost literary sensitivity.” Audiences of the dance company should expect to see commanding physicality, richly textured choreography, flawless technique and raw emotional power.

The company has also been well recognized for its community action involving survivors of domestic violence, at-risk youth and people living with HIV/AIDS. The company’s mission is to create and perform contemporary choreography that expresses the humanity and physicality of individuals, as well as to enrich and reshape lives through programs that reach communities in need. It seeks to achieve this mission through its three main fields of action: company, community and dance center.

The panel discussion on Nov. 4 will deal with “Voices against Domestic Violence and Dating Violence.” Keynote speakers will include Gina Gibney, the founder and artistic director of Gibney Dance Company; Beth Silverman Yam, director of Sanctuaries for Families; and representatives from Texas State Allies and Men Against Violence. Brown bag lunches and drinks will be provided.

The workshops being offered Nov. 4-6 entitled “Social Change Through Movement Arts: Giving Voice to Survivors of Domestic Violence” marks the return of Gina Gibney to present her Community Action Residency and will aim to provide training on the use of movement and creativity to empower survivors of domestic violence.

Gina Gibney Dance, Inc. was founded in 1991 as a performing and community action dance company. Gibney Dance is noted for having developed a sustainable model that involves a year round company of dancers, thriving social action programs and a stable artistic home located in New York City.

All events will be hosted in conjunction with University Arts, School of Social Work, College of Fine Arts and Communication, Equity & Access, Center for Children & Families, Center for Community Arts and the City of San Marcos Community Service Division.

For more information on any of these events, contact Liz McDonald at (512) 245-3501 or visit www.theatreanddance.txstate.edu/dance/Guest-artists/Fall2011GibneyDance.html.