But two big names will be taking their final bows. Riolama Lorenzo, the tall, lovely Cuban principal dancer at Pennsylvania Ballet, retires in February after 10 years. And Jeanne Ruddy, a former Martha Graham principal dancer who has been choreographing and presenting dance here for 12 years, is folding her company after its season in May.
- Ellen Dunkel, who reviews dance for The Inquirer
Spring Arts - Dance:
Green Chair Dance (Annenberg Center, Feb. 3 and 4) This tiny Philadelphia troupe is quirky and fun. They jump, they make interesting shapes with their bodies, they act and react against each other, all with an alluring deadpan humor. (215-898-3900 or www.pennpresents.org)
Pennsylvania Ballet: "Pushing Boundaries" (Merriam Theater, Feb. 9 to 12) Three contemporary works, including William Forsythe's The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, which the company premiered in February, and Keep and 11:11 (to the music of Rufus Wainwright) from Matthew Neenan. Riolama Lorenzo will retire at the end of the run, after dancing her final performance, in Keep. (215-893-1999 or www.paballet.org)
Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company: "Oyster" (Annenberg Center, Feb. 9 to 11) Dance, circus, and Tim Burton - what more could you want? This piece was inspired by filmmaker Burton's book The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy. (215-898-3900 and www.pennpresents.org)
Pennsylvania Ballet: "Messiah" (Academy of Music, March 8 to 17) Live dance, live orchestra, and a full choir on stage, telling the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. (215-893-1999 or www.paballet.org)
BalletX (Wilma Theater, April 18 to 22) The modern ballet company's spring season includes a world premiere by Jodie Gates, as well as Edwaard Liang's Largo and co-artistic director Neenan's The Last Glass. (215-546-7824 and wilmatheater.org)
