Allison Walsh and Billy Cannon perform for BalletX.Choreographers Gabrielle Lamb and Tobin Del Cuore are returning to their BalletX roots this spring to design shows for the adventurous ballet troupe’s 10 dancers. Anyone who’s a lyrical gangsta — that is, a lyrical contemporary ballet fan — will be jazzed by the upcoming lineup.Lamb currently dances with Pontus Lidberg Dance in New York, and Del Cuore has choreographed shows for dancers from Australia to Hawaii. Both will be premiering works with BalletX. The company is also bringing in Olivier Wevers, founder of the Seattle-based Whim W’Him dance company.“BalletX continually strives to present compelling dance, and we’re proud to welcome three innovative choreographers,” says Johnny Van Heest, a spokesperson for the troupe. “We’re particularly excited to see what our former dancers will create.”If you goBalletXSpring 2013April 17-21Wilma Theater265 S. Broad St.$35, www.balletx.orgShut up, danceOn March 23, for the 21st year running, members of BalletX and the Pennsylvania Ballet are teaming with MANNA for “Shut Up & Dance.” The one-night performance at the Forrest Theatre benefits MANNA’s meal and nutrition program. For tickets, go to www.mannapa.orgDance listingsRiver North Dance ChicagoThis is the world premiere of a piece inspired by the late singer-songwriter Eva Cassidy. April 4-6, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.,215-898-3900,www.annenbergcenter.orgPennsylvania BalletChristopher Wheeldon’s “Carnival of the Animals,” set to a score by Camille Saint-Saens, has narration written by John Lithgow. May 9-12, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999,www.paballet.org.SHAUN BRADY
