Breakin' vs. Capoeira

Take two hot dancers, Raphael Xavier and Ron Wood, from hip-hop master Rennie Harris's Puremovement. Mix carefully with an undiluted dose of Brazilian Capoeira. Result? Zen One: life-threatening excitement both onstage and off.

Jan. 20-21, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900.

Simply some of the most free-floating, risk-taking dance-theater experimenters in town, Reactionaries brings its talented collaborators home from all over the globe for a winter performance with a ticket price that includes a beer (if you're of age).

Jan. 27-28, Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St., 413-512-1599, www.reactionaries.org.

Legendary flamenco guitarist Paco Peña brings the true intimacy of the flamenco experience to Kimmel's vast spaces. This internationally heralded flamenco master travels with three dancers, two singers, three guitarists and a percussionist. So while you may not be at a late-night flamenco club in the south of Spain, the spontaneous interaction here will be as close as you can get without a plane ticket.

Jan. 29, Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Intriguing juxtaposition: first, the splendiferous Firebird (another beautiful bird woman ballet) for folks who love spectacle ballet, and in contrast, Franklin Court, which elaborates Benjamin Franklin's inventions (bifocals and more) with architect Robert Venturi's abstract set. Former PAB artistic director Christopher d'Amboise choreographed this during his tenure in the early '90s—great to have it back onstage.

March 3-11, Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts., 215-551-7000, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Yes, Stan's the name of a British dance-theater company made up of just two guys, but it promises to be one of the most interesting spring dance events. Sinner's subject matter is David Copeland, the Soho Bomber, who set off 19 nail bombs in London in 1999, a 12-day bombing spree aimed at London's black, Asian and gay communities. Movement, text and video explore the question: Do you know the person beside you?

March 22-24 and 26 (dates may be added), Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org.

The creator of sleek abstract neo-classic ballet, Balanchine wasn't very interested in the story ballet form. But when he turned his hand to the old-fashioned format, he created some theatrical masterpieces—think Nutcracker. A Midsummer Night's Dream is beautiful, funny and full of stage magic performed by (and for) all ages.

April 12-23, Academy of Music.

This piece thematically links the work of three intriguing local choreographers. Ronen Koresh works with 1940s and '50s music (think torch songs) for his juicy dancers. Meanwhile, Myra Bazell turns her innovative eye and ear to soul funk of the 1960s and '70s. And the wildly inventive Brian Sanders (behind Fringe favorites like Patio Plastico and AdShock) applies his zany talents to disco and the '80s. Sound like a must-see or what?

April 20-22, Annenberg Center.

Two of the most important and intriguing Philadelphia innovators, Rennie Harris and Roko Kawai come home for a shared Bride bill. Harris has become something close to the seminal figure of hip-hop everywhere, and Kawai's exploration of her Japanese roots as they affect (or don't) an American woman's life have brought her acclaim as well.

May 12-13, Painted Bride Art Center.

Joan Myers Brown is bringing two premiere works to Danco's semi-annual concert. (She did four last year, and says, "That was too much, I broke my butt.") Ex-Ailey dancer Christopher Huggins contributes a new dance, as does great lady of dance Carmen de Lavallade. With some rep work and the high-velocity Danco dancers—voila, another sell-out!

May 18-21, Perelman Theater.

What a way to wind up PAB's season. First, a reprise of Matt Neenan's marvelous 11:11, an appealing ensemble piece set to Rufus Wainwright songs, then the athleticism of experimenter Ulysses Dove's Red Angels, and for good measure another world premiere to be announced.

June 7-11, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-732-5446.

Newly reincarnated at Wilma as a spring dance festival (bye-bye, snowy winter) with new curator Terry Fox. Always great—stay tuned.

June 15-30, Wilma Theater, Broad and Spruce sts., 215-546-7824, www.wilmatheater.org.