CRITIC’S PICKS

Imagine watching the largest modern dance corps you’ve ever seen not only move in perfect unison but breathe as one. Imagine looking closer to find each member a world-class soloist: physically eloquent and deeply involved emotionally. Imagine not imagining such phenomenal dancers but seeing them at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in works by a modernist master.

Welcome to a summer crowned by Nederlands Dans Theater, Jiri Kylian’s virtuoso ensemble, at the center in Costa Mesa from July 27 to Aug. 3 in two programs of mixed repertory. Expect the U.S. premiere of a Kylian creation, several examples of his early masterworks (“Symphony of Psalms,� “Soldier’s Mass�)--plus “Softly as I Leave You� by Paul Lightfoot, a fearless British choreographer who turns 30 this year.

The summer’s other upscale events include American Ballet Theatre in a long-awaited return to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, June 26-30, with Paloma Herrera and Angel Corella aiming for team stardom in both Balanchine’s “Theme and Variations� and the full-length “Don Quixote.�

July 19 promises to be doubly memorable: Garth Fagan’s “Mix 25� at the Carpenter Center at Cal State Long Beach opposite the opening program of “Dance Kaleidoscope ‘96� at the Luckman Theater at Cal State L.A. No repeats, so take your pick.