Dance in New York: Critics' picks

Neumann and Murray explore the way we talk about race—and look at larger questions of time and scale—in a new piece that combines public conversation, video elements and "periodic mesmerizing dances."

In this joyful annual pageant, members of Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, founded in 1963, perform traditional songs and dances and tell stories inspired by Native American cultures across the continent. There will be dancing, singing and American Indian craft and food stands every day; director and emcee Louis Mofsie guides audiences through the history and traditions being celebrated.

Complexions hits the Joyce with three programs. The first week of evening shows (January 21–26) comprises two works by co–artistic director Dwight Rhoden: Bach 25, set to Baroque violin and cello music by Johan Sebastian and Carl Philipp Bach, and the world premiere of Love Rocks, a ballet set to songs by Lenny Kravitz. The second week (January 28–February 2) joins Bach 25 with Rhoden's social-justice ballet Woke. Matinees throughout the run offer Love Rocks and Essential Parts, a collection of highlights from the company's 26-year history.

YouTube stars and MTV Video Music Award–nominated performer-choreographers Keone and Mari Madrid, who have created dances for Justin Bieber and So You Think You Can Dance, play the lead roles in this immersive dance musical created with Hideaway Circus's Josh Aviner and Lyndsay Magid Aviner. The story, told through West Coast urban dance, is loosely inspired by Romeo and Juliet; the design involves a large amount of yarn.

Having put The Nutcracker to bed for another year, NYCB returns to Lincoln Center for five more weeks. Among the offerings are premieres of new works by Alexei Ratmansky and Justin Peck, multiple pieces by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, and, just in time for Valentine's Day, Peter Martins's full-length Swan Lake (February 14–23).