"New Releases," an annual showcase of emerging choreographers sponsored by the Dance Place in Washington, contains work by four Maryland artists that has been seen this season but deserves an encore.

Stephanie Powell of Morton Street Dance Center in Baltimore has created a lovely solo called "Requiem/Grant Them Rest," set to the "Pie Jesu" movement of "Requiem" by Gabriel Faure. Tony Powell (no relation) will bring "Pulse," a tough, dark work to a remorseless beat. The Silver Spring resident is the composer as well as the choreographer.

Julie Peoples, who performs with Doug Hamby Dance at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will perform "Soft Hands, Cold Ears," an erotic duet with Dave Clark. And Christalyn E. Wright of the University of Maryland, College Park, will offer her own "Unknown Matters."

"New Releases" will be performed at 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. N.E., Washington, two blocks from the Brookland/CUA stop on the Metro Red Line. Tickets are $12; seniors and students, $10. Call: 202-269-1600.

Pub Date: 8/06/98