ZENON DANCE COMPANY

Opening Friday 5/4: Zenon returns to the Cowles Center this weekend with two world premieres from local choreographers and a pair of raucous repertory favorites. Wynn Fricke's "Wine Dark Sea" delves into a primal desire to explore the deepest waters, set to Peter O'Gorman's live composition for drums and sonorous metal. A Morgan Thorson work is accompanied by a recorded score from Chris Schlicting. Also on tap is Mariusz Olszewski's fizzy ballroom romp "Pink Martini" plus New Yorker Andrea Miller's eclectic and eccentric "Booba." (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun., 3 p.m. May 13. Ends May 13. $30. The Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-206-3600, www.thecowlescenter.org.)

'FAITH: A DANCE FOR LIFE'

Friday 5/4: Ballet of the Dolls take the Ordway stage for one night only, as choreographer Myron Johnson explores one man's journey -- perhaps it's a dream or it could be reality -- through a life-or-death situation. Faith plays a role in this new work, but in a variety of forms -- and with all the irreverent twists Johnson is known for. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for a lobby discussion with local artists about the role of faith in their work. (7:30 p.m. Fri., $20-$38, Ordway Center, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. 651-224-4222, www.ordway.org.)

MINNESOTA DANCE FESTIVAL

Friday-Sunday 5/4-6: Ballet Minnesota presents a full program featuring its own works plus selections from guests Matthew Gasper and the Fargo Moorhead Ballet. "Les Sylphides," set to Chopin, features Erin Warn. Alexander Smirnov, former principal with the St. Petersburg Ballet Theater, will interpret the poet's role. Andrew Rist's "The Ballet School," set to music by Robert Hindel and danced by young students St. Paul's Classical Ballet Academy, rounds out the program. Sunday's performance is an area dance-school showcase. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat. $10-$25. Showcase 3:30 p.m. Sun. $7. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St. 651-290-1221 or 800-982-1221. www.ticketmaster.com.)