The Louisiana Alliance for Dance is hosting its 2009 Dance Festival at the Manship Theatre and on LSU campus this Friday through Sunday. A number of Louisiana dance companies, including Tsunami Dance Theatre, Of Moving Colors, the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre and the New Orleans Ballet Association Repertory Company will perform at the gala show, which will also include special performances by the American Dance Legacy Institute. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. A performance of student works will be held at 4 p.m. Tickets for the student event are $12-$20.  (Photo by Nikki Carrara)

Thursday, Opera Louisiane launches their 2009-2010 season with a gala concert at the Old State Capitol. Nationally acclaimed artists, accompanied by the Houston Grand Opera's Steven Hawkins at the keyboard, will belt out pieces from Puccini, Verde and more. Pre-show dinner is available at the City Club, beginning with cocktails at 5 p.m. Concert starts in the house chamber at 7:30 p.m. Visit operalouisiane.com for tickets.

Playmakers' youth company will present special performances of The Hobbit at the Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion at Baton Rouge Community College. Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, the ensemble cast from ages 7-14 will meet dragons, elves, and wizards on their journey to save Middle Earth. Tickets are $12. Friday through Sunday. Showtimes and tickets available at playmakers.net.

Stabbed in the Art holds their monthly one-night-only show at 1284 Perkins Rd. near the Garden District Animal Hospital. This salon-type loose-n-funky BYOB event features the usual suspects with tons of unusual new works. Party down with the artists from 6 to 10 p.m., and then join them at the after party at North Gate Tavern with DJ Otto spinning. Open to the public.