American composer George Gershwin and American choreographer Mark Morris are in the spotlight as the Pasadena Dance Festival 2011 offers three days of performances ranging from emerging choreographers (Thurs.) to an impressive line-up of professional companies (Fri.) and high school and college performers (Sat.). The growing stature of the festival is reflected in the Friday program, with Gershwin's music a recurring theme among a roster led by the Mark Morris Dance Group. Other announced performers include Bradon McDonald, Benita Bike's DanceArt, Contra-Tiempo, Luminario Ballet, Nancy Evans Dance Theater, Paradigm Dance Theatre, Titus Fotso and Lineage Dance, the active Pasadena-based company producing the festival. Many of the performing companies are also involved in an array of workshops and classes throughout the day on Saturday, including a master class/company audition led by Morris himself.  Find complete info at lineagedance.org. Emerging Choreographers at Lineage Performing Arts Center, 89 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena; Thurs., Feb. 17, 8 p.m.; $22. All other events at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Fri., Feb. 18, 8 p.m.; $37; Sat., Feb. 19, 2 p.m.; $12. (626) 449-7360, lineagedance.org. –Ann Haskins

Fri., Feb. 18, 8 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 19, 4 p.m., 2011

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