Cowboys’ last hurrah

Look for the D.C. Cowboys’ farewell performance this summer at Capital Pride. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Several of the region’s dance offerings feature gay performers, themes and directors. Among the highlights:

The D.C. Cowboys, a gay line dancing company, are saying farewell this season after 17 years of performing with several upcoming events in D.C. and across the country. The first stop on the “Farewell Tour” is a performance at D.C. Jewish Community Center (1529 16th Street N.W.) Purim Party hosted by GLOE on Saturday from 8:30 to midnight. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door and can be purchased at dcjcc.org. The tour comes to a close in June at the Capital Pride Festival. Take this moment to say goodbye to your favorite dancers. For more information visit dccowboys.org.

On Sunday at 3 p.m. Intersections Presents SMYAL’s Youth Arts Ensemble and Dance Exchanges Teen Exchange. SMYAL (The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League) engages youth in the arts as part of its programs to support self-confident, healthy, productive lives for LGBT youth. Dance Exchange’s Teen Exchange offers young people opportunities to grow as movers and thinkers. This is a free performance that will take place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street N.E.).

VT Dance/Vincent Thomas premieres “Shadows” Sunday and Monday at the Theatre Project Baltimore in Baltimore (45 West Preston Street). “Shadows” explores the ideas of manhood and masculinity. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased btp.taxato.com. They will also take the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F Street N.W.) on June 13.

On March 30-April 1, Ballet Preljocaj, led by artistic director Angelin Preljocaj, brings Blanche Neige (Snow White) to the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater (2700 F St., N.W.). With costumes designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, the gay designer who’s designed beautifully outlandish costumes for Madonna and Lady Gaga, this retelling is bound to be a delight. Tickets start at $18 and are available at kennedy-center.org.

American tap dancer and prodigy Savion Glover will take the stage at the Warner Theatre (1513 13th Street N.W.) on March 30-31 with his performance SoLe Sanctuary. Tickets are available at warnertheatredc.com and range from $29-$59.

The renowned New York City Ballet will perform twice at the Kennedy Center Opera House (2700 F Street N.W.) and will be accompanied by the Opera House Orchestra April 3-8. Tickets are $25-$85 and are available at kennedy-center.org.

Gay choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess and his company will kick off their 20^th anniversary season April 4-5 with performances showcasing the highlights of The Dana Tai Soon Burgess and Company performances. This performance will include the works “Becoming American,” “Hyphen,” “Khaybet” and “Fractures.” The dance company will take the stage at The George Washington University Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre (800 21st St., N.W.). This is the same theater where Burgess launched his company two decades ago. Tickets are $15 for students, $22 for artists and $25 for general admission. For information, visit dtsbco.com.

Dana Tai Soon Burgess and company will also dance at the National Portrait Gallery (800 F St., N.W.) on May 18.

The Washington Ballet presents the world premiere of “Alice (in Wonderland)” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Eisenhower Theater (2700 F St., N.W.) April 11-15. This piece is choreographed by gay director and choreographer Septime Webre. Tickets range from $50-$155 and can be purchased at kennedy-center.org.

The Washington Ballet also premieres its piece “Once Upon a Time” this spring at the THEARC Theater (1901 Mississippi Ave., S.E.) on May 19-20. This piece is inspired by fairy tales around the world and includes dancer Lucy Bowen McCauley. Tickets are $50.

Dance Place (3225 8th St., N.E.) has a wide selection of exciting performances set for spring. For details, visit danceplace.org

Gay choreographer Wally Cardona comes to Dance Place on April 6-7 at 8 p.m. with Jennifer Lacey to present “Tool is Loot.” Tickets are $22 and are available at danceplace.org.

Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company has several events planned for spring in the area including an appearance at Dance Place on April 29. This gay-helmed outfit is celebrating its eighth year. For more information on their spring season, visit dakshina.org.

The D.C. Lambda Squares, an LGBT square-dancing social group, has many square dance events coming up in the spring including community dances and club format dance nights. For more information, visit dclambdasquares.org. Lambda DanceSport D.C. is an organization that supports the art and sport of same-gender dancing across all genres and has classes taught in Dupont Circle. For more information and a schedule of classes, visit LambdaDanceSport.com.