Your Guide to Must-See Spring 2017 Dance Performances in Metro Phoenix

New dance works pop up like colorful cactus blooms this time of year. Arizona choreographers premiering new works this spring include Ballet Arizona’s Ib Andersen and Scorpius Dance Theatre’s Lisa Starry. In a couple of cases, dance is moving outside the theater to unconventional venues, including an art museum and a bookstore. And dancers are exploring diverse themes, from animals to architecture.

We’ve found 10 dance events that belong on your must-see list this spring. And frankly, you don’t have to be a dance expert to enjoy them.

Amor de Baile 3
Tempe Center for the Arts
March 11

Yumi La Rosa Flamenco Dance Company presents a dramatic performance featuring flamenco dance and live music, with artists that include Yumi La Rosa as well as Gaetano, Martin Gaxiola, Kenny Jezek, Ioannis Goydelis, Adriel Allen Ames, Step’s Funk Junk, and Radhika Kotwal. Get details on the Tempe Center for the Arts website.

Diavolo: Architecture in Motion
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
March 16 and 17

Diavolo’s performance, which includes two of its newest works, explores ways people are physically, emotionally, and socially affected by the built environments that surround them. Return to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts later this spring to see Aspen Sante Fe Ballet perform. Learn more on the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts website.

Be. Here. Now.
The Newton
March 17 and 18

Movement Source Dance Company presents live music and modern dance, including seven original dances that explore the importance of cherishing the present – plus two fresh flamenco works choreographed by Julia Chacon of Inspiracion Flamenca. Learn more on the Movement Source Dance Company website.

Today’s Masters
Orpheum Theatre
March 23 to 26

Ballet Arizona presents an evening of contemporary choreography, including new works by artistic director Ib Andersen and Ballet Arizona dancer Nayon Iovino. This spring, the company also presents All Balanchine 2017, featuring Western Symphony and Square Dance. Find more information on the Ballet Arizona website.

Dearest Home
ASU Gammage
April 1

See the avant-premiere of Dearest Home, an interactive dance work that blends movement with cross-cultural conversation and community action. Choreographed by MacArthur genius Kyle Abraham, it’s being performed by his dance company, Abraham.In.Motion. Get details on the ASU Gammage website.

Read on for more of this spring's must-see dance performances.
Fate
Phoenix Center for the Arts
April 7 and 8

CaZo Dance Company presents a new work choreographed by Bridgette Borzillo, the company’s founder and artistic director. The full-length production, which imagines the impact of fate on lovers’ lives, includes several dance styles – including ballroom, jazz, and contemporary. Learn more on the CaZo Dance Company website.

SpringDanceFest
ASU Galvin Playhouse
April 21 to 23

See diverse dance works created by ASU faculty, visiting artists, students, and alumni – who demonstrate facility in a wide variety of dance styles. Find details on the ASU Events website.

American Voices
Herberger Theater Center
April 23

Center Dance Ensemble celebrates National Poetry Month with new dances inspired by poetry. Expect an evening of short works of modern and contemporary dance choreographed by several Arizona-based dancers. Find more information on the Center Dance Ensemble website.

[nueBOX] Premiere
Phoenix Art Museum
May 5

See collaborative performance presented by [nueBOX] throughout the Phoenix Art Museum during May First Friday. Collaborators include movement artists Jordan Daniels and Steven Redondo, visual artist Estrella Payton, and sound artist Felix Herbst. Learn more on the [nueBOX] website.

Animal
Hormel Theatre at Phoenix Theatre
May 18 to 20

Scorpius Dance Theatre premieres a full-length dance work inspired by the relationships people have with animals – plus animals’ physicality, movement, and social interactions. It’s choreographed by Lisa Starry, the company’s founder and artistic director. Learn more on the Scorpius Dance Theatre website.