GARTH FAGAN DANCE

Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave., at 19th Street; (212) 242-0800. Through Sunday.

NOWADAYS, Garth Fagan is perhaps best known as the choreographer of “The Lion King,” but his heart and soul have always been with his 36-year-old company, Garth Fagan Dance.

With his idiosyncratic phrasing, individualist movement-language and accent, Fagan has created a new dialect of modern dance. His dancers are simply different – and so is his choreography.

With its spurting jumps, dizzying spins, intricately rhythmic runs and long-held, off-center balances, its demands and rewards are unique.

The troupe opened its season Tuesday night at the Joyce Theater with a program including the world premiere of “Senku.” The music is taken from a CD by the Ghanaian-American pianist William Chapman Nyaho – who played it live at the Joyce – featuring music by composers of African descent from Nigeria, Jamaica, the United States and England.

Fagan has choreographed “Senku” to showcase the age differentials of his dancers, who range in age from 21 to 54.

This was highlighted by a tender sisterhood duet danced by 33-year-old Nicolette Depass and Annique S. Roberts, 24; a marvelously intricate solo from 47-year-old Norwood Pennewell danced to Coleridge-Taylor’s classic setting of “Deep River”; and a long and complex opening solo given by Khama Philips.

This is some company.