Winnipeg, Houston and Alvin Ailey are among the names featured in the 2011-12 Northrop Dance Season. Because of a remodeling project at the auditorium on the University of Minnesota campus, the season will be performed at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.

It begins Oct. 22 with the Minnesota debut of the Scottish Ballet. The program includes "Song of the Earth," choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan to the music of Gustav Mahler.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns for two concerts, Nov. 12-13. The company presented in Minneapolis the world premiere of "Moulin Rouge - The Ballet" in 2009. This time, choreographer Shawn Hounsell will present the U.S. premiere of "Wonderland," based on "Alice in Wonderland."

Another Minnesota debut, this one by Jin Xing Dance Theatre Shanghai, takes place Feb. 18, 2012. The modern-dance company's performance will be the first of three seasons in which Northrop will feature Chinese companies.

Houston Ballet will perform two mixed evenings of classical and contemporary ballet on March 23-24, 2012. The company last played Northrop in 2006 and will present choreography by Jorma Elo, Stanton Welch and Christopher Wheeldon.

Ballet Preljocaj is the third Minnesota debut of the season, April 13-14, 2012. The French company was founded by Angelin Preljocaj, whose work has been commissioned by New York City Ballet, Paris Opera and La Scala. He will bring "Snow White" to Minneapolis.

The season concludes May 1-2, 2012, with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Ailey will perform its signature piece, "Revelations."

Information at northrop.umn.edu or 612-625-6600.

Graydon Royce • 612-673-7299