URBANITY DANCE World Music/CRASHarts gives this ambitious Boston company a well-deserved boost. Founded six years ago by director Betsi Graves, the troupe presents three Boston premieres, including Houston choreographer Andy Noble's "Photo Box D" and Graves's "theyfell," which uses specially designed infrared lighting technology. Feb. 20-21, $36-$40. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-876-4275, www.worldmusic.org
BRIAN BROOKS MOVING COMPANY (WITH WENDY WHELAN) Brooks is known for choreographing hyperkinetic dances that test the boundaries of his dancers' strength and stamina. He and his company present a mixed evening of postmodern works, including "First Fall," his collaborative duet with former New York City Ballet star Wendy Whelan. Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston. Feb. 28-March 1, $60-$85. Shubert Theatre. 617-482-6661, www.celebrityseries.org
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SHANTALA SHIVALINGAPPA The extraordinary, award-winning dancer is a master of the classical South Indian form of Kuchipudi, but she is also known for her work with Pina Bausch's groundbreaking Tanztheater Wüppertal. In her solo program "Akasha," presented by the Institute of Contemporary Art, expect dynamic movement, riveting rhythms, and eloquent, dramatic storytelling. Feb. 27-28, $15-$30. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3103, www.ica
boston.org
DORRANCE DANCE Firebrand tapper Michelle Dorrance and her nine-member company, along with Toshi Reagon and her band BIGLovely, bring the Boston premiere of "The Blues Project." Rarely have the blues been met by such happy feet. Presented by World Music/CRASHarts. March 13-15, $36-$40. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-876-4275, www.worldmusic.org
SHADES OF SOUND This adventurous Boston Ballet program features three wide-ranging ballets, including the company premieres of Balanchine's "Episodes" (to music by Webern) and the comic "Black Cake" by Hans van Manen. The program also reprises Wayne McGregor's edgy "Chroma," set to music by Joby Talbot and the White Stripes. March 19-29, $29-$152. Boston Opera House. 617-695-6955, www.bostonballet.org
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER A longtime Boston favorite, the company has enjoyed renewed vigor and an intriguingly expanded repertoire under the direction of Robert Battle. During this annual Celebrity Series of Boston engagement, programming ranges from Ailey classics to the company premiere of the striking 1932 "Awassa Astrige/Ostrich," by Sierra Leone choreographer Asadata Dafora, and the Boston premiere of Matthew Rushing's new "ODETTA." March 26-29, $35-$85. Citi Wang Theatre. 617-482-6661, www.celebrity
series.org
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REGGIE WILSON/FIST AND HEEL PERFORMANCE GROUP Though the 25-year-old company's powerful and provocative "Moses(es)" was inspired by Zora Neale Hurston's book on the prophet, Wilson's choreographic journey finds Moses's spirit through a surprising range of cultural influences. Music ranges from spirituals and Louis Armstrong to the Klezmatics. Presented by the Institute of Contemporary Art. March 27-29, $15-$30. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3103, www.icaboston.org
RUBBERBANDANCE GROUP World Music/CRASHarts presents this eclectic, athletically gifted company from Montreal in the Boston premiere of its latest production, "Empirical Quotient." Fusing a wealth of dance styles and circus arts skills, Victor Quijada's choreography explores the dynamics of human relationships and self-perception. April 10-11, $40. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-876-4275, www.worldmusic.org
SUSPICIOUS SPACES The season finale for José Mateo Ballet Theatre, this program includes a new work by the veteran Mateo, who continues to create solid neoclassic ballets for his spirited troupe. The program also includes "House of Ballet," a lively, fanciful work dating back to 1993 set to the music of Schnittke, and "Fearless Symmetries," set to a score by John Adams. April 17-May 10, $42. 617-354-7467, www.BalletTheatre.org
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EDGE OF VISION A world premiere by Boston Ballet resident choreographer Jorma Elo, especially one to music by Bach, is worth waiting for. But right on its heels is the return of Lila York's charming, exhilarating "Celts," which blends classical ballet with the fancy footwork of Irish dance. The program also includes Helen Pickett's "Eventide." April 30-May 10, $29-$152. Boston Opera House. 617-695-6955, www.bostonballet.org
Karen Campbell can be reached at karencampbell4@rcn.com.