Smuin Contemporary Ballet celebrates its 25th anniversary season through Sunday with a program of works by founding choreographer Michael Smuin, designed to showcase his vision of “a lean and agile dance company.” Until his death in 2007, Smuin was also supportive of dancers who wanted to show the company some of their own moves. This includes Amy Seiwert, who served as Smuin’s first choreographer-in-residence before leaving to head the Sacramento Ballet and form her own dance company, Imagery. Smuin commissioned Seiwert’s “Renaissance,” set to the music of Oakland’s Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble, for this silver anniversary show.

Dance Series 02
Thu, 7:30pm, $25+
Center for the Performing Arts Mountain View

The Bay Area’s powerhouse dance company Smuin Ballet kicks off its 25th season with a performance of several new works by a variety of choreographers. This year’s Dance Series 01 includes a tribute to the late diva Etta James; founder Michael Smuin’s piece inspired by the iconic work of the sculptor Rodin, as well as his classic ballet set to Schubert; and a trio of pieces from Smuin performers-turned-choreographers. The show runs through Feb. 24 with two performances on Saturday and a Sunday matinee.

Smuin Ballet: Dance Series 01
Thu, 7:30pm, $58+
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

This annual Christmas ballet is bound to get any Scrooge into the holiday spirit. For 24 years, Michael Smuin’s company has merged the diverse vocabulary of classical ballet with contemporary American dance. This year, Smuin’s acclaimed choreographer-in-residence, Amy Seiwert, pairs a new piece with Joni Mitchell’s mournful Christmas tune, “River.” The first act—‘Classical Christmas’—has dancers moving to traditional seasonal pieces, such as “Ave Maria,” and, in a nod to Hanukkah, “Licht bensh’n.” There will also be a festive medley of pop favorites, including “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” and “Santa Baby.”

Smuin Ballet
Wed, 8pm, $56+
Center for Performing Arts, Mountain View