COMPAGNIE KÄFIG Since its US debut a little over a decade ago, this French company founded by Mourad Merzouki has become an international sensation with its fusion of hip-hop, samba, street dance, martial arts, and gymnastics. The troupe features 11 young dancers from the shantytowns of Rio de Janeiro who will perform two works, “Correria” and “Agwa.” Feb. 7-9. $60-$75. Celebrity Series at Citi Shubert Theatre. 617-482-6661, www.celebrityseries.org
CLOSE TO CHUCK This could be one of Boston Ballet’s most compelling programs of the year, reprising Jirí Kylián’s provocative “Bella Figura” on a slate with two premieres — the company premiere of resident choreographer Jorma Elo’s “C. to C.” (with sets by artist Chuck Close — thus the title) and a world premiere by José Martinez, artistic director of the Spanish National Ballet. Feb. 20-March 2. $29-$137. Boston Opera House. 617-695-6955, www.bostonballet.org
Advertisement
TAO DANCE THEATER The Celebrity Series presents the Boston debut of this provocative modern dance troupe from Beijing. Its experimental bent in collaborations with Chinese music, film, and visual arts trailblazers makes the troupe, founded in 2008, a radical exponent of the country’s young contemporary dance scene. Feb. 27-28. $60-$75. Citi Shubert Theatre. 617-482-6661, www.celebrityseries.org
KATE WEARE COMPANY This intriguing, tightly knit Brooklyn-based company had to postpone its Boston debut last year due to dancer injury, so fingers crossed this time. Weare’s work is emotionally charged and viscerally powerful, and her company brings her acclaimed “Garden” and excerpts from the new, erotic “Dark Lark.” Feb. 28-March 1. $40. World Music/CRASHarts at the Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3103, www.worldmusic.org
FLAMENCO FESTIVAL 2014: STARS OF FLAMENCO World Music/CRASHarts has packed its annual flamenco celebration with an impressive cast of musicians and dancers, including Spanish powerhouse Antonio Canales, Nuevo Ballet Español choreographer Carlos Rodríguez, Karime Amaya, and the charismatic young Jesús Carmona. March 8. $30-$79. Berklee Performance Center. 617-747-2261, www.worldmusic.org
Advertisement
ISRAEL FOLKDANCE FESTIVAL OF BOSTON It’s billed as the country’s premier festival dedicated to the celebration of folk dance from Israel, and this 38th annual event gathers more than 20 performing groups from Boston and across the United States. Performances feature traditional as well as contemporary Jewish and Israeli folk music and dance. March 9. MIT’s Kresge Auditorium, Cambridge. www.bostonfestival.org
CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS Gutsy and inventive, Brown has created works for companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Urban Bush Women, but her own superb company best showcases her vividly distinctive voice as a provocateur melding a wealth of influences and tackling a range of issues. World Music/CRASHarts presents the company’s Boston debut. March 14-15. $40. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3103, www.worldmusic.org
WENDY WHELAN/RESTLESS CREATURE Whelan was a prima ballerina with New York City Ballet for more than 25 years. In her latest endeavor, she becomes a creature whose “restless” artistry is transformed in duets collaboratively created and performed with four intriguing young choreographers — Kyle Abraham, Joshua Beamish, Brian Brooks, and Alejandro Cerrudo. March 28-29. $60-$75. Celebrity Series at Citi Shubert Theatre. 617-482-6661, www.celebrityseries.org
BODYTRAFFIC This young Los Angeles-based repertory troupe is known for its versatility and accessibility, presenting a wide range of contemporary repertoire with theatrical verve and technical flair. The company’s Boston debut features three area premieres: “Beyond the Edge of the Frame” by Sidra Bell, Kyle Abraham’s moving new “Kollide,” and the jazzy “o2Joy”
by Richard Siegal. April 11-12. $40. World Music/CRASHarts at the Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3103, www.worldmusic.org
Advertisement
JOSÉ MATEO BALLET THEATRE The company’s final concert of the season, “New Eruptions,” offers Mateo’s only new work for the year, always an anticipated highlight. This premiere, as yet untitled, is paired on a program with the 2012 “Taking Turns,” set to the music of Philip Glass. April 25-May 11. $40. Sanctuary Theatre, Cambridge. 617-354-7467, www.ballettheatre.org
Karen Campbell can be reached at karencampbell4@rcn.com.