It's not a cha-cha or a meringue. It's not even salsa. But it is Cuban.

Premiering today at Wharton Center is a dance show spectacular performed by River North Chicago Dance Company embracing Cuban music and culture.

"Habaneras, the Music of Cuba" is based around the music of Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona but also includes two contemporary songs to add an element of "poignancy" to the show, Artistic Director Frank Chaves said.

The piece was commissioned by Wharton Center several years ago, Bob Hoffman, Wharton Center spokesman said.

"It's a great opportunity for Wharton Center and the audience to take part in a rare chance," Hoffman said. "Who's to say that this might be a major dance piece 50 years from now and people will be able to say they saw it premiere."

"Habaneras, the Music of Cuba" is the 13th piece Wharton Center has commissioned since 2000. Others include Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's "In From The Cold" and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Aaron J. Kernis's "Trio in Red," performed by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

The new dance piece is divided into six sections and is one of eight that will be performed today. Each piece runs from three minutes to 16 minutes, and the messages are independent of each other - there is no overall story that links the show.

River North Chicago Dance Company performs jazz - a dance form that draws on ballet and modern dance, but is completely it's own - an American invention, Chaves said.

"Ballet is an old dance form with specific vocabulary whereas jazz is all about emotion, feeling," Chaves said. "Jazz is down into the floor; you're always bent on one knee and on your side."

The company tours through many universities across the nation, and Chaves said lots of students enjoy jazz.

There are, however, contemporary songs incorporated that might draw in the college crowd, because students often treat a performance like a concert, he said.

The Wharton Center performance includes the songs "Sweet Dreams" by Annie Lennox and folk singer Ani DiFranco's rendition of the classic heart-wrenching song "Amazing Grace."

Hoffman said dance is one of the most expressive forms of performance art and attributes this information to high ticket sales. Seats are still available, however, for anyone interested in seeing "Habaneras."

People should not underestimate the power of jazz, Chaves said. The music and dance form are easy to understand because they reflect developments in society from art to clothing to politics, he said.

"Audiences, we not only want them to see River North but feel River North - there's a really great give and take of energy," Chaves said.