Ever take a train or subway ride and wonder what people around you are thinking? Chances are you're not alone. The hum of the wheels, sights whizzing by and a bunch of strangers sharing the same tight space all combine to create the Zen of mass transit. The effect is both isolating and communal—a sensation that inspires ContempraDance Theatre's new work Intersect. As artistic director Gail Vartanian explains, "You sit there and you're intrigued. You wonder, do they feel the same as you do? So in the piece we explore the idea of two people just going into another dimension." The 30-minute work—featuring live music by Kevin Olinick and Autovon, video by Jen Mazer and set design by Madison Cario—offers thoughts on the possible adventures to be found within the monotony of everyday life. Vartanian promises that while the premise veers to the existential, the execution is uplifting. "It's fun and gives you a good feeling," she says.

Other pieces on the program include "Exotic Birds," an amusing number that's also got a cool, sexy pas de deux, plus three excerpts from Variation of Blues -- sultry selections that get down to tunes by Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and Otis Spann.

Earlier in the day, Contempra sponsors the 2006 Youth Regional Dance Festival. Showcasing groups from around our area, including American Dance Academy (tap, jazz), FloMotion 2 (hip-hop) and Music & Motion Dance (choreographed by teenagers), it's a chance to see aspiring artists just beginning to strut their stuff.

ContempraDance Theatre, Sat., April 8, 2:30 and 8 p.m., $20-$25; Youth Regional Dance Festival, 11:30 a.m., $40 (includes Youth Festival and ContempraDance performances and lunch), Centennial Hall of the Haverford School, 450 Lancaster Ave., 610-225-3007.