An impulse to look back seems to permeate the spring season in dance. You’ll see it in a world premiere work where a St. Paul choreographer reflects on Black lineage and legacy, and Ballet Co.Laboratory’s “Carmen in the 20s,” which finds inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s sizzling description of the era. Other groups, like Pilobolus, Hatch Dance and Black Label Movement, explore significant past works, while Collide Theatricals and Katha Dance time-travel to historical eras.
“SKOL”: Collide Theatrical Dance Company brings its signature mix of dance, music and theater with a story about a female Viking warrior. The new work features an original pop rock/rap score created by Twin Cities musicians Mike Michel (The Orange Goodness), Rush Benson (Ordway) and Katie Gearty (Dakota Jazz Club). (7:30 p.m. March 23-25, March 30-April 1, & April 6-8; 2 p.m. March 26, April 2 & 9, Southern Theater, Mpls., $45-$55, 651-395-7903)
“The Tails and Tales of Dr. Dolittle”: Out on a Limb Dance Theater Company brings the beloved story of the doctor turned animal whisperer to life with projected paintings, photographs and illustrations. The dance performance also includes a song by Mike Nilles, the St. Paul-based former frontman of Swing Set. (7 p.m. March 28-29, O’Shaughnessy, St. Paul, $32-$35, 651-690-6700)
Hatch Dance: Helen Hatch brings her background in ballet and interest in collaboration into her dances, resulting in an impressive resume of performances in the past five years. So the former dancer with Minnesota Dance Theatre marks the five-year anniversary of her company Hatch Dance by looking back at her work. It also will include a world premiere — “Notjustmoreidlechatter.” (7:30 p.m. April 1; 2 p.m. April 2, Goodale Theater, Cowles Center, Mpls., $30, 612-206-3600)
“The Big Five-Oh”: For 50 years, Pilobolus has wowed audiences with its acrobatic, sculptural dance style where human bodies become amoebic, morphing figures. Founded in New Hampshire in 1971 and named after a fungus, the troupe of mime-acrobats has reimagined some of its classic works for this production. (7:30 p.m. April 15, Northrop, $49-$64, 612-624-2345)
“Wreck”: Artistic director of Black Label Movement, Carl Flink teamed up with avant-garde composer Mary Ellen Childs to create the stunning “Wreck,” 15 years ago. It’s a feat of physical strength and agility set to a chilling score performed by an ensemble led by Pat O’Keefe. (7:30 p.m. April 15, 21 & 22; 2 p.m. April 16 & 23, Goodale Theater, Cowles Center, pay-as-you-can, 612-206-3600)
State Ballet of Georgia: After pandemic-caused postponements, the State Ballet of Georgia finally arrives, with two works by 20th-century dance great George Balanchine — “Concerto Barocco” and “Mozartiana” — and the company’s signature piece, “Sagalobeli” by Yuri Possokhov. A live orchestra will accompany. (7:30 p.m. April 26, Northrop, $54-$68, 612-624-2345)
“Kathak E-Motion”: Director/choreographer Rita Mustaphi envisions a dance performed for Mughal and Hindu kings and emperors in 18th-century India for this piece, which is infused with kathak rhythms. Musicians playing the sitar, sarangi and tabla from London, India, Canada and Minnesota make up the live ensemble for the performance. (7 p.m. April 28 & 29; 1:30 p.m. April 30, Park Square, $30-$70, 763-533-0756)
“The Three Women Project”: Three guest choreographers are the brains behind TU Dance’s spring concert. They are Alanna Morris, who has danced with the company for many years; Stefanie Batten Bland, who has choreographed for the company in the past; and Yusha-Marie Sorzano, a member of Camille A. Brown & Dancers. All of them use their distinctive voice to identify their Blackness. (7:30 p.m. May 12 & 13, O’Shaughnessy, $35, 651-690-6700)
“Divination Tools: Imagine Home”: St. Paul-based choreographer Leslie Parker’s Dance Project continues its compelling investigation into remembrance with a work rooted in activism, improvisation and divination. This world premiere is co-commissioned and co-presented with the Walker Art Center, Pillsbury House Theatre, Pangea World Theater, Danspace Project (New York City) and Counterpulse (San Francisco). (8 p.m. May 11-13, Walker Art Center, $31.50, 612-375-7600)
“Carmen in the 1920s”: Ballet Co.Laboratory artistic director Zoé Emilie Henrot worked with composer Richard Erickson to create a jazz-inspired version of “Carmen,” George Bizet’s famous opera, when she led the St. Paul Ballet. For this production, Erickson has added a fresh arrangement. (7 p.m. May 19 & 20; 2 p.m. May 20 & 21, E.M. Pearson Theatre, St. Paul, $40, 651-313-5967)
