Where would dance be without risk? Risk-taking is required to progress the form, especially when it comes to ballet. In recent years, Cincinnati Ballet has taken bold leaps forward by presenting fresh, contemporary works both in their annual New Works studio series and season programs. The newest risk: Adam Hougland's The Firebird.  

The Ballet’s Resident Choreographer Adam Hougland continues to play a recognizable role partnering with the company as he delivers the envelope-pushing goods with plenty of choreographic prowess and arresting visual style. From monsters and magic to men in kilts, boxing boots and mohawks, the world premier of Hougland's 'The Firebird' promises to dazzle audiences this weekend at the Aronoff Center.  

It's time to get funky. David Dorfman Dance brings da noise and da funk to the Aronoff Center this weekend with 'Prophets of Funk — Dance to the Music.' In this evening-length work, Dorfman's energetic ensemble keeps alive the gospel of humanity, theatricality and good ol' soul. Presented as the latest installment of Contemporary Dance Theater's Guest Arts Series, this romp is fittingly set to old-school songs from Sly and the Family Stone.  

Contemporary Jazz dance meets "oldie-but-goodie" music classics in the aptly titled 'Vinyl' (as in records, that is), Exhale Dance Tribe's one-nighter this Saturday in the Aronoff Center's Jarson-Kaplan Theater. But it's not just all that jazz: Exhale is stepping beyond their signature style of polished, yet idiosyncratic Contemporary Jazz and into mixing in moves inspired by the '50s and '60s.  

Although it's closer to the middle of winter than the middle of summer, now's the perfect season for a dreamlike getaway just in time for Valentine's Day. Cincinnati Ballet's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' — presented at the Aronoff Center this weekend — offers a delightful chance to escape winter doldrums. The enchantingly re-imagined show is filled with dance, humor and drama, and is set to Felix Mendelssohn's lively score played by Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra with vocals from Xavier University Women's Chorus.  

Amy Seiwert, a Cincinnati native and SCPA grad, founded the San Francisco-based contemporary ballet company, im'ij-re (that's "imagery") in 1999 after a 19-year performing career with the Smuin, LA Chamber and Sacramento Ballets. Catch im'ij-re Friday and Saturday at the Aronoff Center's Jarson-Kaplan Theater, presented as part of Contemporary Dance Theater's Guest Artist Series.  

Ever been to a performance and wondered what it was really about? Or felt the urge to share your opinions with other folks in attendance? Here's your chance. Local modern dance luminaries MamLuft&Co. Dance and Demetrius Klein Dance Company have curated 'Dialogues in Dance,' a fresh, eclectic show where your feedback is encouraged to shape an immediate dialogue about the brand-new works.  

Watching Christmas classics on the tube can be fun, but this year why not treat the family to a more memorable tradition? Cincinnati Ballet's 'The Nutcracker,' presented at the Aronoff Center through Dec. 26, offers a host of holiday delights for all ages: Sugar plum fairies, sword-fighting rats, dancing dolls and more. Kids love watching other kids onstage, and the illustrious Val Caniparoli's choreography and character roles delight both longtime dance aficionados and newbies alike.  

One of many aspects I love most about modern dance is its capacity to connect people beyond boundaries of language, culture and other differences. And it moves people. New York City-based Bill Young/Colleen Thomas & Dancers walk the talk, internationally speaking. Known for overseas exchanges, in recent years the company has featured dancers from Greece, Germany, Cape Verde, Venezuela, Albania and China. They perform Friday-Saturday at the Aronoff Center.  

Devon Carney is tired, but somehow he doesn't look the part. Cincinnati Ballet's associate artistic director has been putting in roughly 16-hour days recently. All these efforts go toward the company's upcoming production — ironically, 'The Sleeping Beauty.' The four performances this weekend mark Cincinnati Ballet's return to Music Hall.