In light of our status as the major touring destination outside of New York City, it's almost unfair to ask local companies to compete with underwritten major national and international companies, who bring their best when they visit. Don't tell that to Jamie Nichols, producer of Celebrate Dance, who believes that, with a major venue and top-notch technical support, home troupes can hold their own. Now in its ninth year, that's what Celebrate Dance provides, and its perennially sold-out performances reflect how much dance fans rely on this showcase to keep them current on what established companies are up to and which emerging companies to watch. Having helmed her own company before donning her producer's hat, Nichols is well grounded in locavore dance. The quality of the curated event also reflects Nichols' omnipresence at local dance performances and festivals throughout the year. This year's lineup has a contemporary emphasis with the hot but shift key – challenged Ate9 dANCE cOMPANY, Commonality Dance Company, LollieWorks, Marrow Dance and SoleVita Dance Company, plus urban tap from BPM beatsperminute and two out-of-towners: San Francisco's LEVYdance and San Diego's Mizerany Dance. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., March 8, 8 p.m.; $18-$38, 10 percent discount for students & seniors; $12, children with an adult. (818) 243-2539, alextheatre.org.

Sat., March 8, 2014
(Expired: 03/08/14)

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