Ragamala Dance provides a bridge between ancient and modern cultures, exploring a unique style of living poetry for the stage. Rooted in Bharatanatyam, a form of classical dance from southern India, Ragamala blends dance, music, and poetry. Old forms are used in new ways to retain the past, enhance the present, and inspire the future. Presented at the Leach Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

A parody of Broadway theatrics, Russian ballet, and the mob, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, set in a tacky strip joint, tells the story of a jealous Russian premier danseur who hires a mobster to kill a rival during the premiere of a new ballet. Tickets go on sale Sep. 1, 2010. Presented at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Kansas City.

While the past two decades of performance at home in Chicago and on national and international tours have shaped its signature style, River North Chicago looks to the future, bringing to the stage a new season of daring and exhilarating works that invite audiences of all ages to be energized, delighted and inspired. Known for its eclectic and sensationally performed repertoire that blends contemporary, ballroom, jazz and Broadway dance, River North Chicago Dance Company features works by choreographers Robert Battles, Lauri Stallings and Frank Chaves. Enjoy this performance at the Leach Theatre, on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus, at 7:30 p.m.