The saying goes that writing about music is like dancing about architecture, but the latter is actually happening in L.A. this week, along with dance to a symphonic world premiere and hula from S.F.

 5.  Who has the key to the cage?

In Lock and Key, choreographer Sophia Stoller traps six dancers on a sculptural set (courtesy of Stevie Anne Namzee) to explore when boundaries become cages and when cages restrain or protect. Sharon Disney Dance Theater, 24700 McBean Pkwy., Valencia; Thurs.-Fri., March 12-13, 8 p.m., $10. calarts.edu.
 
4. Dancing to the musicians

See the Music Dance is the recurring performance series with Lineage Dance Company and live musicians. This installment features the company dancers with Destani Wolf and Chris Pierce. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 89 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena; Sat.-Sun., March 14-15, 8 p.m.; $20. 626-844-7008, lineagepac.org.

Lineage Dance; Credit: Photo courtesy of Lineage Dance

Lineage Dance; Credit: Photo courtesy of Lineage Dance

3.  Hula by the Bay

Traditional and forward-looking hula, together in a fusion known as “hula mua,” are showcased by the San Francisco-based ensemble Na Lei Hulu I ka Wekiu. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach; Sat., March 14, 8 p.m., $45-$50. 562-985-7000, web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/9890684. 

Na Lei Hulu I ka Wekiu; Credit: Photo courtesy of Na Lei Hulu I ka Wekiu

Na Lei Hulu I ka Wekiu; Credit: Photo courtesy of Na Lei Hulu I ka Wekiu

 
2. New ballet with the New Valley Symphony

Luminario Ballet and choreographer Judith “Flex” Helle bring their blend of ballet and aerial in this world premiere performance of composer Erich Bulling’s Latin themed Carnival, one of three musical works performed by the New Valley Symphony Orchestra conducted by A. Phoenix Delgado. Forest Lawn, Hall of Liberty, 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Hollywood Hills; Sun., March 15, 2 p.m.; free. 800-204-3131, luminarioballet.org.

Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre in Space Opera; Credit: Photo by Mae Koo

Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre in Space Opera; Credit: Photo by Mae Koo

1. Dancing about architecture, literally

Pritzker prize-winning architect Thom Mayne and his firm Morphosis create internationally acclaimed buildings from a Culver City headquarters that reflects their aesthetic. For three decades, L.A.’s site specific maven Heidi Duckler and her ensemble of dancers, musicians and other artists have taken audiences on revelatory tours of local cultural destinations ranging from historic jails to laundromats. For Space Opera, Morphosis opens its doors to Duckler and her cohorts, who lead audiences on an interactive exploration of movement and architecture, both arts that organize things in space. Starting in the parking lot, the action moves through Morphosis’ expansive interior and ends in the garden courtyard. Wear comfortable shoes. Morphosis, 3440 Wesley St., Culver City; Sun., March 15, 5 p.m., Sun., March 22, 2 & 5 p.m.; $25-$50. (818) 784-8669, heididuckler.org.

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