Sushi Series to Showcase ‘Fresh’ Dance : Art: Mehmet Memo Sander’s company will be the first to perform in 5 contemporary programs called ‘Danse Fraiche.’

“It’s all dance, but it’s apples and oranges,” explained Vicki Wolf, with some amusement. Wolf, associate director of Sushi Performance and Visual Art Gallery, was describing “Danse Fraiche,” a new series of five contemporary dance programs that began this week at the downtown performance space and runs through the end of February.

The series will showcase the wide diversity of approaches to contemporary choreography: the extreme athleticism of Mehmet Memo Sander’s “crash-bang” movements is sharply contrasted with Patricia Sandback’s dances, which Wolf describes as “luscious,” or like “taking your body and painting with it in space.”

Also scheduled are Contraband, self-dubbed as three Euro-American men who use their work to examine issues of male identity. And Kate Foley’s company will perform a melodramatic homage to her Yugoslav ancestors. Both troupes are from San Francisco.

Sharon Wyrrick from Washington, D.C. will complete the lineup with voice, visuals and movement.

The series’ title, “Danse Fraiche,” might appear to verge on Francophile pretentiousness, but it is saved in the translation. “Fraiche” is pronounced fresh and has essentially the same meaning. Wolf said she and Sushi director Lynn Schuette came up with the name because it “encapsulates” the works in the series. “ New dance is basically what we present.”

But the word fraiche has other connotations, too. It also translates as “cool,” which, as in hip or appealingly reserved, contemporary dance can be. And it means “clear of voices,” which, by chance, is what dance is by tradition--a non-vocal language of positions and movements.

Beyond that, the word is probably most associated with the dessert topping creme fraiche , a cultured cream with a slightly tart bite.

“Lynn and I really like food a lot,” Wolf said with a laugh.

Selecting the series’ name took little more than sitting down to a table and deciding, she said. Selecting the programs for the series was far more involved.

Sushi constantly receives proposals from choreographers. “We look at a lot of tapes and talked to other presenters around the country,” Wolf explained. “Many recommendations come from other artists. It’s a continuing search, and we’re always paying attention.”

Content and professionalism bump up against budget restrictions, however.

“We can’t bring in large companies or the bigger names that knock people’s socks off,” Wolf said.

In curating dance for 1992 at Sushi, Wolf and Schuette will take an approach similar to last year, Wolf said. As in the past (with the exception of Joe Goode and his company, which they presented at the Lyceum), Sushi will use its home base on 8th Avenue to present small companies with strong reputations.

“Danse Fraiche” dance series at Sushi, 852 8th Ave., San Diego, opens with Mehmet Memo Sander Dance Co., today; Contraband, Jan. 16-18; Sharon Wyrrick, Jan. 23-25; Kate Foley Company, Feb. 6-8; and Patricia Sandback and Dancers, Feb. 27-29. Tickets per performance, $11 general; $8 members, at Sushi and TIMES ART TIX at Horton Plaza. Series ticket: $25 for all events, at Sushi only. For advance purchases, reservations and information, (619) 235-8466. “Danseparty,” $5, today, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; free to Sander Dance Company audiences.