Focus on Dance

(www.philadanceprojects.org, 215-546-2552)    - Merilyn Jackson

Pennsylvania Ballet. The 46th season opens Oct. 21 with the world premiere of Matthew Neenan's 12th ballet for the troupe. But the Balanchine-based company is also remembering whence it came, dancing the master choreographer's Theme and Variations. The program concludes with the rousing Agnes deMille-Aaron Copland favorite, Rodeo. (www.paballet.org, 215-893-1955)    - Ellen Dunkel

Dance Celebration. This Annenberg-based program brings in the world's great touring dance troupes and starts off the year with a world premiere, Thank You, Gregory, honoring tap legends and starring the late Gregory Hines' brother Maurice. But presenter Randy Swartz knows his audience, and brings back favorites every few years - such as BodyVox, from Portland, Ore., here for its fourth visit since 2001 (Oct. 22 to 24). The athletic dance group, led by Momix and Pilobolus alums Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland, premieres Water Bodies, featuring synchronized swimming and strange creatures of the deep. Two-time Bessie Award-winner Doug Elkins last performed here at the Painted Bride 10 years ago with Train to Philly. He returns as Doug Elkins & Friends and lets loose with his gender-bending Fräulein Maria, turning The Sound of Music into a funhouse featuring three Marias, cross-dressing nuns, and a reportedly heartbreaking hip-hop solo to "Climb Every Mountain." Nov. 12 to 14.

If you think they can dance on those TV shows, you haven't seen River North Chicago Dance Company, whose sensational choreography, sexy but tasteful costuming, and brilliant music choices work jazz, ballroom, and contemporary modern dance into an elegant movement palette. The company's Jan. 13-16 run, its fourth here in 10 years, includes five premieres for its loving Philly audience. STREB is MacArthur genius and "Pop Action" choreographer Elizabeth Streb's flying dance company - her dancers also have to be stuntmen and -women to hurl their bodies around on trusses and flying machines in her current show, Brave (Feb. 4 to 6). It was commissioned by F.A.R. (Future Arts Research) at Arizona State in collaboration with ASU's Arts, Media and Engineering Department, MIT's Media Lab, and circus greats Noe and Ivan Espana, all of which brought the new "Whizzing Gizmo" into being.

   - M.J.