- Ellen Dunkel, who reviews dance for The Inquirer
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This most audience-friendly modern dance company always has a few dancers with local ties. The current roster includes Hope Boykin, who danced with Philadanco, and Samuel Lee Roberts of Quakertown. The company will dance Home, by Philly hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris and a company premiere by artistic director Robert Battle. Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, Merriam Theater. (215-893-1999 or www.kimmelcenter.org)
River North Dance Chicago. In honor of its 30th anniversary, Dance Celebration, which presents an annual series at the Annenberg Center, commissioned a new piece from this jazz-based contemporary company. Called Eva, it is dedicated to the life and music of Eva Cassidy, who died at 33. World premiere April 4 to 6. (215-898-3900 or www.annenbergcenter.org)
Motionhouse. Catch this British dance-theater company in Scattered, described as "a meteor shower of unlikely moments" in its American debut. Motionhouse specializes in large-scale, acrobatic spectacles combining dance, theater, circus, and film. It looks like loads of fun. Feb. 7 to 9 at the Annenberg Center. (215-898-3900 or www.annenbergcenter.org)
Ruth Doesn't Live Here Anymore. This work of choreographer Lionel Popkin, accompanied by a live accordion-and-violin score performed by Guy Klucevsek (both are former Philadelphians), takes its inspiration from the work of modern dance pioneer Ruth St. Denis. March 8 and 9, Painted Bride. (215-925-9914 or www.paintedbride.org)
BalletX. Christine Cox and Matthew Neenan's company introduces new work to Philadelphia several times a year. April's run brings three world premieres, from Seattle-based Olivier Wevers; Gabrielle Lamb, who won Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's 2009 choreographic competition; and former BalletX dancer Tobin Del Cuore. April 17 to 21 at the Wilma Theater. (215-546-7824 or www.balletx.org)
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. The troupe's latest touring program features the avant-garde early work of Jones - who choreographed the Broadway show Spring Awakening - and his late partner and collaborator, Arnie Zane. The program includes some nudity. Feb. 21 to 23 at the Painted Bride. (215-925-9914 or www.paintedbride.org)
Pennsylvania Ballet. There's a lot to choose from on the spring program. If you're bringing children, Christopher Wheeldon's Carnival of the Animals (May 9 to 12, Academy of Music) is delightful. If you like full-length ballets, Balanchine's Midsummer Night's Dream spins beauty from the Shakespeare comedy (March 7 to 17, Academy of Music). If you're looking for a Made in the USA label, the Balanchine/Wheeldon/Tharp program fits the bill (Feb. 7 to 10, Merriam Theater). And the Forsythe (William) & Kylian (Jiri) program presents the works of two of Europe's most influential choreographers. (June 3 to 16, Academy of Music). (215-893-1999 or www.paballet.org)
Dance Theatre of Harlem. Back on the scene after an eight-year hiatus, DTH's roster includes Michaela DePrince, who was adopted from West Africa by a Cherry Hill family and trained in Philadelphia. The program will include works by another Philadelphian, resident choreographer Robert Garland. Most programs at the Annenberg highlight modern dance; DTH is the rare visiting ballet company. May 16 to 18, Annenberg Center. (215-898-3900 or www.annenbergcenter.org)
