A dance extravaganza

(chris engles)

Every so often, a dance weekend comes along that's so busy you'd need a time machine to take it all in. A dozen programs are taking place over the next three days, from Josh Hilberman tapping in Arlington to a festival of light and dance at Boston University. Three especially noteworthy events are going on in Cambridge, and with a little planning, you can catch them all.

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre opens its spring season with three works spanning 16 of the company's 20 years: the "Schubert Adagio" (1991), the "Bach Concerto" (2003), and Act 3 from last year's exuberant "Salome Dances for Peace." Tonight at 8 (runs through March 16). $35. The Sanctuary Theatre, 400 Harvard St., Cambridge. 617-354-7467. ballettheatre.org

Jody Weber is premiering her new "Of Bones and Marrow," a work she says "questions our relationship through our bodies and minds to the natural world." The concert also includes other recent works as well as a little "dance reflection" by company dancer Ann Fonte Abbott. Like Mateo, Weber is setting the scene as a cabaret, and refreshments are included in the ticket price. Sat and Sun 8 p.m. $20-$30. Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., Cambridge. 617-577-1400. cmacusa.org

It's been eight years since we last saw area favorite Beth Soll, who returns to Boston with her New York-based company for an informal performance of two premieres. She performs her new solo, "Red Révérence," to the compelling music of Marin Marais. "Black Flower," a group work to the music of Crumb, captures "the vitality of the feminine response to the exigencies of reality," Soll says. She will discuss her creative process before the showing and answer questions afterward. Sun 2:30 p.m. $12. Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 212-927-0476 dancecomplex.org

For more area dance listings, visit bostondancealliance.org.