This week's dance includes a new, almost weekly series, dancing with Wolfgang Puck, and the other tap dancing Hines brother.

5.  Tappin' for the time of his life

Despite his impressive credentials as a dancer, choreographer, director and singer – even a Tony nomination – Maurice Hines can't avoid being identified as the brother of the late, higher-profile Gregory Hines. Displaying some deft footwork, Maurice Hines: Tappin' Thru Life embraces that reflected identity, paying tribute to his early career as one-half of a brotherly tap duo, while at the same time affirming his own credentials as a multitalented performer and mentor to a new generation. The version that toured the East Coast saved most of the tappin' to follow Hines' singing of some standards, interspersed with anecdotes about the stars he and his brother worked with. For these shows, Hines, 70, does lay down some licks before opening things up to John and Leo Manzari, a new generation of tapping brothers (18 and 21 years old, respectively), whom Hines featured a few years back in a production of Sophisticated Ladies. They're joined by an even younger phenom, 11-year-old Luke Spring, who already has Broadway and touring companies on his résumé, along with show-stopping turns on So You Think You Can Dance and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It's all backed by a live jazz band at Bram Goldsmith Theater, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; Fri. May 9, 8 p.m.; then Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 & 7 p.m.; thru May 24; $79-$129. (310) 746-4000, www.thewallis.org.

] 4.  Dancin' action

Art and Action is a new, weekly Thursday lab – well, almost weekly – the 1st, 2nd, 4th and sometimes 5th – where performers and groups can show their work. The related 3rd Thursday, is dedicated to a single production selected for fuller presentation. At Diavolo Performance Space, 616 Moulton Ave., dwntwn.; Thursdays, 7 p.m. Thru June 19, $5 weekly lab, $10 3rd Thursday. 323-225-4290. www.artandactionla.org

3. Dance and drinks and Wolfgang Puck

For 10 years, Dancescape has raised funds to support art and music programs in L.A.'s public schools. More than 200 professional dancers are scheduled to strut their stuff in 20 works drawn from videos, tours and stage productions. The gala includes a no-host bar and food by Wolfgang Puck for purchase, with all proceeds going to fund arts and music education programs in schools. More info and a list of performers go to www.dancescapela.com. Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., dwntwn., Wed., May 14, 8 p.m., $25-$65. 213-765-7000, www.clubnokia.com.

2.  Unspoken dance

Infused with Bharata Natyam and Kathakali dance from Southern India, the dance/theater work Unspoken Conversations draws on Buddhist texts and poetry. The event is sponsored by Shakti Dance Company, Kalapeetham Dance Company and the Jazz Tap Ensemble. Tickets at info@shaktibharatanatyam.com. Cal State Northridge, Plaza del Sol Performance Hall, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; Sat., May 10, 4 p.m., $35-$55, $22 students, (818) 677-3000. www.shaktibharatanatyam.com.

Inland Pacific Ballet's Beauty and the Beast; Credit: Photo by Ramak Fazel

Inland Pacific Ballet's Beauty and the Beast; Credit: Photo by Ramak Fazel

1.  Beastly ballet

Move over Disney, choreographer Clinton Rothwell's vision of Beauty and the Beast for Inland Pacific Ballet takes the stage. At Arcadia Performing Arts Center, 188 Campus Drive, Arcadia; May 10-11, 2 p.m., $22-$40. 626-821-1781, www.ipballet.org., www.arcadiapaf.org.

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