TU Dance takes its work to another level, specifically a debut on the big stage at the Ordway Center in St. Paul. The troupe, led by Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands, both veterans of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will premiere a new work, "With Love." Choreographed by Sands, the piece draws inspiration from the eloquent sense of movement depicted in the paintings of Ernie Barnes, among the leading black artists of the 20th century. The program also includes the playful duet "High Heel Blues," the party-time throwdown "Workforce" and "Clear as Tear Water," a solo for Pierce-Sands created by renowned New York choreographer Ronald K. Brown.

  • 7:30 p.m. Fri. $15-$35. Ordway Center, 5th and Washington Sts., St. Paul. 651-224-4222 or www.ordway.org