1. Reflexions Performance Garage 1515 Brandywine St. March 29 at 7:30 p.m. March 30 and 31 at 8:00 p.m. $10 for students
The only thing better than a dance–theater performance? Six nights of dance–theater performances … duh. Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective is dancing for a fantastic cause. From North Philly to Haiti, the group strives to bring hope to children who are victims of natural as well as socioeconomic disasters with after–school programs that offer the healing power of dance. Reflexions speaks to the devastation experienced by these children along with IPDC’s belief in a more compassionate society.
2. Beyond the Bones Painted Bride Art Center 230 Vine St. March 29–31 at 8:00 p.m. $30 in advance, $35 day of show Student discount available by calling (215) 925–9914
If you’re into philosophy, martial arts or limber individuals, this is the show for you. Choreographed by internationally recognized Kun–Yang Lin, this contemporary performance blends traditional movements of East Asia with Western dance. Inspired by Lin’s experience with September 11th, his father’s death and a personal near–death experience, the choreographer’s performance explores themes of mortality, public versus personal spheres and the instinctive qualities of human nature.
3. Peekaboo Revue Sigma Sound Studios 212 N. 12th St. March 31 at 8:00 p.m. $35, tickets available at oldecity.eventbrite.com (21+)
How bout a good ol’ neo–burlesque variety show? Let us clarify. In a single steamy show, neo–burlesque performances combine cabaret, comedy and attractive people in skimpy outfits. Peekaboo Revue has been featured everywhere from Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim Fan Picture Show to Cirque du Soleil’s post–premiere party. We promise this performance will be raunchier than that trashy romance novel under your bed, and maybe even a little more socially acceptable.
4. Complices First Philadelphia Flamenco Festival Christ Church Neighborhood House 20 N. American St. March 19 –April 1 $18, tickets available at pasionyarteflamenco.org
Though Flamenco dancing originated centuries ago, the staging and sophisticated multimedia in “Complices,” performed by Philly’s own feminist Flamenco dance troupe Pasion y Arte, will blow your 21st century mind. Hitting the stage for the last week of March, the all–female show created by renowned Spanish choreographer Rosario Toledo challenges gender roles through narration and humor. You can even sign up for free master classes taught by Toledo herself. What are you waiting for? ¡Baile, baile!
5. Still Life AUX at Vox Populi 319 N. 11th St. March 29–31 at 7:30 p.m. and April 1 at 2 p.m. $15, tickets available at mirodancetheatre.tix.com
What happens when a daring video artist runs into a long–time member of the Philadelphia Ballet? MIRO, a collaboration between director Tobin Rothlein and dancer Amanda Miller, is at Vox Populi this weekend to share a new installation. In a collision of video, live performance and contemporary dance, Still Life reassesses over 40 ordinary situations — fractured moments of everyday life. In an extremely versatile performance, the pair will push you, through physicality and animation, to spy on the familiar with a new lens.
