SPOLETO DANCE EVENTS

Spoleto

Dance companies performing this year come from all corners of the globe — Europe, Africa, India and the U.S. — in programs ranging from traditional ballet to African dance and experimental choreography.

Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve is a Swiss troupe presenting contemporary ballet in a meditation on paradise by Japanese choreographer Saburo Teshigawara; a behind-the-scenes look at a dancer's life on the road; and a work set to Bach's St. Matthew and St. John passions. Gaillard Auditorium. May 31 and June 1.

Compagnie Heddy Maalem, consisting of 14 dancers from across Africa, will explode across the stage in choreographer Maalem's interpretation of "Le Sacre du Printemps" ("The Rite of Spring"). The bold piece was inspired by his time in Lagos, a city of 12 million people. Gaillard Auditorium. June 7 and 8.

India-born and Paris-raised, Shantala Shivalingappa combines the two sensibilities in her unique choreography. Her program of original work is based on Kuchipudi, an ancient Indian classical dance form. Emmett Robinson Theatre. May 23, 24, 25.

The Boston Ballet brings to town a varied repertoire ranging from works by Balanchine to Twyla Tharp and Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo. The company is known for presenting classic ballets alongside innovative new works. Gaillard Auditorium. May 24, 25.

Experimental choreographer Donna Uchizono and her troupe of dancers will examine disjointedness and the passage of time in "State of Heads," along with "Low," an inverted tango inspired by African dance and the Indians of Argentina. Emmett Robinson Theatre. May 30, June 1, 2.

Piccolo

Dance at Piccolo is covered by the Charleston Ballet Theatre's three series, along with the Dance at Noon Series and Piccolo Spoleto Dance Festival, sponsored by the Robert Ivey Ballet.

The CBT's lunchtime diversion, Brown Bag and Ballet, shows off the company's versatility in an ever-changing repertoire. Bring your lunch or buy a sandwich at the theater. All CBT performances at 477 King St. May 24, 25, 30, June 5-7.

Seven Deadly Sins was inspired by paintings by Paul Cadmus and centers on a young psychiatric patient struggling with the temptations of the seven deadly sins. May 24, 30, 31, June 5.

Twisted Tango is a hot-blooded mix of Latin movement and classical ballet. May 26, 27, 29, June 1, 6, 7.

Also the CBT will offer a children's production, "Kids Do Cats," from T.S. Eliot's homage to the feline species "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." May 31.

Robert Ivey's Dance at Noon Series features seven dance companies from across the Southeast presenting tap, jazz and ballet. Footlight Players Theatre. May 29, June 1-7.

The Piccolo Dance Festival's 30th Anniversary presents an all-day dance extravaganza of ballet, jazz and modern dance from more than 20 dance groups. Drop by, you're sure to find something you like. Footlight Players Theatre. May 31.