Keigwin + Co. Larry Keigwin brings humor and showmanship to Elements, a full-length world première that's campy cabaret. Jan. 20-22, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, annenbergcenter.org.
Brian Sanders' Junk Local choreographer Brian Sanders is celebrating his company's 18 3/4th anniversary by putting together exactly 18 3/4 excerpts of exciting, physically terrifying dance into one dynamite show. Jan. 20-23, Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, briansandersjunk.com.
Kosoko Performance Group Jaamil Olawale Kosoko's "American Chameleons: A Performance Showcase" is a postmodern grab bag of East Coast talent: Expect a Philadelphia première, energetic hip-hop dance theater, a dance/film hybrid and, to round out the program, Kosoko Performance Group's full-length presentation of the autobiographical work An Expectation of Violence. In short, it's a chance to see where dance is going. Jan. 22-23, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, paintedbride.org.
Tango Fire Five stellar musicians, 10 fabulous dancers, plus one of Argentina's greatest singers add up to a firecracker of a program that traces tango from its bordello roots to the world concert stage. Ole! Jan. 30, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-731-3333, kimmelcenter.org.
Pennsylvania Ballet For its first program of 2011, "Classic Innovations," three well-known dancemakers display the epic sweep of ballet: William Forsythe's The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Christopher Wheeldon's Polyphonia and Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room. Feb. 3-6, Merriam Theater, paballet.org.
Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers Taiwanese choreographer Kun-Yang Lin uses calligraphy, martial arts, tai chi and traditional Chinese dance to bring an entirely new East-meets-West aesthetic to Philly. Feb. 10-12, Painted Bride.
Alvin Ailey Artistic director Judith Jamison is about to retire, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is sending her off on a high note. Doesn't matter whether you're an Ailey connoisseur or newbie — this company will bring you to your feet. Feb. 26-27, Academy of Music, 1420 Locust St., 215-893-1999, kimmelcenter.org.
Pilobolus Founded in 1971 at Dartmouth College by clever undergrads, Pilobolus has come a long way: Endless prizes and countless tours later, this company still creates abstract art through theatrical multi-person assemblages. March 3-6, Annenberg Center.
SCUBA National Touring Co. Philadelphia Dance Projects gives audiences a chance to see emerging artists from near and far, including IdiosynCrazy Productions (Philadelphia), Amelia Reeber (Seattle) and Little Seismic Dance Co. (San Francisco). March 18-19, Conwell Dance Theater, 1801 N. Broad St., 215-546-2552, philadanceprojects.org.
Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts Virtually the entire local dance community is involved in this almost monthlong international arts festival, from Rennie Harris Puremovement to Kun-Yang Lin and BalletX. A street fair and tons of performances celebrate Philly's dance plenty — many as we've never seen before. April 7 to May 1, various locations, 215-546-7432, pifa.org.
Anne-Marie Mulgrew & Dancers Co. It's the 25th anniversary season for local dancemaker and promoter Anne-Marie Mulgrew, and we're invited to enjoy her gentle interior approach to movement and dance poems. April 29-May 1, Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-546-7432, pifa.org.
Koresh Dance Co. Expect vigorous, sassy movement from a local innovator and an equally fierce troupe. It's always a treat to see a company that goes all out and relishes a challenge. May 5-8, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., 215-985-0420, koreshdance.org.
Philadanco Joan Myers Brown and her troupe are still cutting a rug while honoring African-American dance innovators. Brown has a feel for new choreography, so this should be more than another evening out. May 6-8, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, kimmelcenter.org.