Students at City College were treated to a free showing of “Spider-Women,” a choreographed dance performance directed by City College alumnus Zaquia Mahler Salinas, and hosted by the World Cultures program on March 6.

“Spider-Women” is Salinas’ attempt to celebrate femininity and creativity using the spider, a Native American symbol of birth and creation.

Without using dialogue the all female cast delivered a high-energy performance, revealing aspects of femininity with motion and facial expression.

The music Salinas chose for this piece gave the performance a dynamic feeling.

The music selection varied from bands like Radiohead and The Smashing Pumpkins, to performers like Regina Spektor and former San Diego DJ Anya Marina. The use of youthful, more modern music felt refreshing and went along nicely with each scene.

Salinas said the only qualification for the selection of music she used was, “Anything I imagine dancing alone in my underwear to.”

This is only the second time “Spider-Women” has been performed for an audience.  It premiered in February at the 10th Avenue Theatre downtown.

Salinas told the audience she is willing to perform “Spider-Women” in the future if a venue would host it.

For more information on the World Cultures program and future events visit www.sdcity.edu/worldcultures.