Dance

Standpipe

Tania Isaac presents a "reimagined" version of Standpipe, featuring reflections on life in her native country of St. Lucia via stories, music and video that deftly accompany her nimble blend of post-modern and Caribbean movement.

Sept. 29, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, www.annenbergcenter.org.

A boon for suburbanites tired of trekking into the city and paying those pricey parking rates to see a dance show. The program presents an array of area ensembles, a couple of which are established, though most fall into the up-and-coming category, including Miro, Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble and Kinetic Outlaws with John Luna.

Oct. 6, Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., 610-394-9182, www.phillydancefest.com.

Get set for "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and plenty more memorable sections of the Paul Taylor classic that's rife with social dances as well as an underlying anti-war message that is sadly still relevant today. Also on the program: George Balanchine's Concerto Barocco, where dancers elegantly personify a Bach concerto.

Oct. 10-14, Pennsylvania Ballet, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-893-1955, www.paballet.org.

'Danco on 'Danco (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Members of Philadanco's second company stretch themselves in new directions when they're given the opportunity to create dances all by themselves.

Oct. 12-13, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org.

One of the country's top contemporary dance troupes has a consistently high-quality corps as well as a diverse and dynamic repertoire. A Dance Celebration series favorite, here they perform works by Twyla Tharp and Lar Lubavitch, two technically challenging choreographers whose works offer high entertainment value.

Oct. 18-20, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Beijing's full-length program, The Cold Dagger, is a taut thriller where the cast is in a constant state of besiegement. Traps are everywhere, which sure keeps everyone on their toes in this vigorously acrobatic investigation of choice and balance.

Oct. 23, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Pennsylvania Ballet members get a kick out of this one because it's so darn fun to perform, what with flying vampires, pyrotechnics and assorted other tricks that are truly treats. Befitting the Halloween season, the costumes are first-rate as is the music by Franz Liszt. Based on a ghoulish tale you can really sink your teeth into.

Oct. 26-Nov. 3, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, www.academyofmusic.org.

The name sounds mysterious, but Ballet X is pretty clear-cut in its intent to present contemporary dance built from a strong ballet base. This run marks the launch of their gig as the Wilma's first resident dance company.

Nov. 1-4, Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St., 215-546-7824, www.wilmatheater.org.

The CEC continues its New York/Philadelphia mash-ups with Jody Sperling, an adroit mover who often inserts some good humor, and Anthony Whitehurst, who blends post-modern movement with hip-hop, representing the Big Apple. Philly is repped by experimentalist Nicole Binder, plus Olive Dance Theatre, which presents topical works that combine contemporary, pedestrian and club dance.

Nov. 3, Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave., 215-387-1911, www.cecarts.org.

This storied company offers a cross-section of works created during its namesake choreographer's impressive 60-year career. Graham wasn't designated a grande dame for nothing: Call this one required viewing for anyone interested in learning about the history of modern dance in America.

Nov. 8-10, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

If José Limón only ever choreographed The Moor's Pavane (circa 1949), he'd still hold a spot in the pantheon of leading dance innovators — the piece had such tremendous impact. Limón, however, went on to make numerous impressive works built upon his trademark movement style of elegant athleticism embodied in works devoted to demonstrating humanistic concerns.

Dec. 6-8, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

A show that has legs — check out the sexy reindeer dance — Philadanco's Xmas Philes offers a lively alternative to all the Nutcrackers and Black Nativitys that spring up come Christmastime. Conceived and choreographed by Danny Ezralow, it's become 'Danco's dependable holiday crowd-pleaser.

Dec. 13-16, Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

They say if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but Pennsylvania Ballet is nevertheless making changes to this perennial favorite. There're new costumes and a new set, but rest assured, the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy and dancing snowflakes, along with Tchaikovsky's score and Balanchine's choreography, all make return engagements.

Dec. 14-31, Academy of Music.

(d_kasrel@citypaper.net)