Spring is in the air, friends, inspiring classical and cultural dance companies to express love in all of its dramatic forms. There is the love of Irish and Mexican dance traditions, love challenged by evil sorcerers and family dynamics and the ionate love that ends in tragedy. Contemporary dance companies round out the season with bold new works by local choreographers who love to share their movement ideas.
ArtPower at UC San Diego: Trinity Irish Dance Company
Welcome St. Patrick’s Day lads and lassies, with the progressive Irish-American organization founded by choreographer Mark Howard. The troupe combines the Irish step and tap tradition with contemporary movement. Watch for jubilant Mexican dancer Francisco Lemus, recently named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” who ed the company in 2021. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $47.65-$79.40. artpower.ucsd.edu
La Jolla Music Society: Ballet Folklórico de México
Live mariachi music accompanies the traditional footwork of Mexico, with courtship dances, the Yaqui Deer Dance and spectacular costumes honoring company founder and choreographer Amalia Hernández. 7 p.m. March 23. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $54.80-$102.95. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org
Rosin Box Project: ‘Empower’
An all-female choreographic program launches the company’s 2025 Axiom season with innovative contemporary works from resident artists Bethany Green, Carly Topazio and Emmy Award-winning guest choreographer, Natasha Adorlee. Can’t make the show? See it streamed live at 7 p.m. on March 29 for $25. 7:30 p.m. March 27-29; 6 p.m. March 30. 2590 Truxtun Road, #205, Liberty Station, San Diego. $49.87. therosinboxproject.com
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet: ‘The Firebird’
In celebration of SDCYB’s 80th Anniversary Season, the family-friendly production presented for the first time is directed by Danika Pramik-Holdaway. Set to a Stravinsky score, it tells the story of a mythical red bird who saves young lovers threatened by an evil sorcerer. 7 p.m. March 28, 2 and 7 p.m. March 29; 2 p.m. March 30. Casa del Prado Theater, 1650 El Prado, Balboa Park. $25. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org
Malashock Dance: ‘SEED’
Six short form works from local choreographers represent the diversity in age, ethnicity, socio-economic background, and cultures of San Diego. Malashock Dance’s professional company performs this riveting program, formerly known as EveryDay Dances. 7:30 p.m. April 2-4; 2:30 and 7:30 April 5; 2:30 April 6. Malashock Black Box Dance Studio Theater, 2650 Truxtun Road, Suite 200, Liberty Station. $35, general; $20, students; $100, dancer . malashockdance.org
City Ballet of San Diego: ‘Carmen’ with City Ballet Orchestra and Divertimento No. 15
The company’s 32nd season closes with two one-act ballets accompanied by an orchestra directed by John Nettles. Georges Bizet’s score accompanies the story of the sensuous Carmen, and the music of Mozart accompanies Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15. Artistic director Steven Wistrich offers an always interesting lecture 45 minutes before the show. 8 p.m. May 3; 2 p.m. May 4. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $46.80-$142.80. 800- 988-4253, artcenter.org
Classical Arts Entertainment presents State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: ‘Sleeping Beauty’
Only a kiss can break an evil fairy’s spell in the tale of Princess Aurora, performed by an international cast at two venues, featuring hand-painted sets and jeweled costumes. The Escondido show is accompanied by a live orchestra. 7 p.m. May 9-10. California Center for the Arts Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $43.20-$150. artcenter.org; 2 p.m. May 11. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $60.45-$169.90. sandiegotheatres.org
San Diego Ballet: ‘Romeo et Juliet’
Artistic director Javier Velasco interprets Shakespeare’s poignant story of two feuding families and the young lovers who choose death over separation. The beloved ballet contains many of the most coveted roles for dancers. There’s the balcony scene and that first, tender kiss. Bring Kleenex. 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 17. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $47.65-100.90. sandiegotheatres.org
The Rosin Box Project and Art of Elan: ‘Unified Harmonies’
In collaboration with the classical music of Art of Elan, the multidisciplinary dance production showcases new choreography set to the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. 7:30 p.m. May 28-29. The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $15-$45. 858-459-3728, therosinboxproject.com
Pointeworks II
The company founded by San Diegan Sophie Williams returns with a dozen dancers performing three exciting premieres by choreographers Reka Gyulai Garcia, Laine Habony and DaYoung Jung. The production includes Christopher Wheeldon’s “Carousel” accompanied by live piano music. 8 p.m. June 14. The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $38-$98. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org
