PORTLAND — Portland Ballet will present Portland Dances! New Works Showcase, featuring 19 new dance pieces ranging from classical to contemporary, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, at John Ford Theater.

Among those performing will be Debi Irons of Norway, doing a modern/rhumba-esque piece; and Joanna Patterson of Topsham, doing a contemporary/lively routine.

Portland Ballet produces Portland Dances! annually to showcase emerging talent as well as the works of established choreographers in Maine.

The pieces exemplify a variety of dance styles, from a lively contemporary piece by Joanna Patterson to a modern piece by Robyn LaMarre, a political protest piece by Rachel Schwartz, and a theatrical work created by Esduardo Mariscal. The choreographers have selected music from Tori Amos, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Third Eye Blind and others.

Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $15 general admission, $10 for student and seniors, and are available through Bull Moose or Portland Ballet, 772-9671. Tickets will also be available at the door: $18 general admission, $13 students and seniors.

For more information, visit www.portlandballet.org.