ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER The popular company’s return to Boston each year always seems like a herald of spring. This time around, the troupe’s engagement includes classics by Ailey, Paul Taylor, and Talley Beatty, plus new works by artistic director Robert Battle, Rennie Harris, and Ronald K. Brown. March 17-20. $35-$85. Citi Wang Theatre. 617-482-6661, www.celebrity series.org

ROCÍO MOLINA This imaginative young dynamo (pictured) is on the forefront of modern flamenco, incorporating a host of contemporary influences while staying grounded in flamenco’s rich tradition. She performs the Boston premiere of “Danzaora & Vinática,’’ with live musical accompaniment. March 19. $40-$79. Berklee Performance Center. 617-876-4275, www.worldmusic.org

KALEIDOSCOPE Boston Ballet’s lively repertory program focuses on work by 20th-century masters, from Balanchine’s neoclassical “Kammermusik No. 2’’ to William Forsythe’s edgy, virtuosic “The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude.’’ The concert also includes Leonid Yacobson’s lyrical gem “Pas de Quatre’’ and Léonide Massine’s exuberant “Gaîté Parisienne.’’ March 17-26. $35- $149. Boston Opera House. 617-695-6955, www.bostonballet.org

URBANITY DANCE The company heads to the Gardner Museum for “Third Thursday: Celebrate Dance.’’ Three 35-minute performances feature original choreography set to Bela Bartok’s Bagatelles and Roumanian Folk Dances. The artistic twist is that the movement is designed to be viewed from above, so the upper decks of Calderwood Hall are the places to be. March 17 at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. $5-$15. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 617-278-5156, www.gardner museum.orgKAREN CAMPBELL

Karen Campbell can be reached at karencampbell4@rcn.com.