While most local companies are on tour or taking a well-deserved rest this summer, Pearlann Porter and The Pillow Project will be shifting into high gear in the city. Pittsburghers can go to The Space Upstairs above Construction Junction in Point Breeze to see formal presentations featuring collaborations with local performers on Second Saturdays. But The Pillow also will grab its audience in more informal street scenes in what Porter grandly labels "The Urban Experiment."

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• PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE SCHOOL: The annual Pre-professional Showcase moves to Point Park University's George Roland White Performance Studio for four performances, each featuring different casts. (May 15-17). 412-281-6727 or www.pbt.org.
• PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE SCHOOL: More than 170 students will perform at the Byham Theater. Student division dancers in levels one through six will gather in Benjamin Britten's "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," while the pre-professional students will reprise Marius Petipa's "La Bayadere Pas d'action" and Balanchine's "Serenade," among others (May 31). 412-456-6666 or www.pbt.org.
• PITTSBURGH YOUTH BALLET COMPANY: PYBCO's Jean Gedeon continues to celebrate her 25th anniversary at the Byham Theater, with a number of alumnae putting in an appearance. Because Gedeon and company have spawned members of New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and our own Pittsburgh Ballet, it could prove extremely worthwhile. Of course, the current crop of talent will be on hand, with such dance delicacies as Balanchine's "Serenade" and "The Waltz of the Hours," plus a Jerome Robbins' tidbit, "Circus Polka." Although the young company is an offshoot in the style of New York City Ballet, the program will also include a condensed version of "Coppelia" (June 5 and 7). 724-969-6000.
• DANCE ALLOY THEATER: Advanced students move to the forefront as the Alloy's Summer Performance Workshop presents an informal showing at the company studios July 10. DAT's Jones Summer Dance Intensive dancers strut their stuff at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater Aug. 23. 412-363-4321 or www.dancealloy.org.
• THE PILLOW PROJECT: Pearlann Porter's troupe will be seen everywhere and anywhere. Fixed dates include Second Saturdays (July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10 and Nov. 14) at The Space Upstairs above Construction Junction in Point Breeze, filled with works from The Pillow and a bevy of local artists such as Gia Catalano, PJ Roduto, Jesse Sedon and Michael Walsh. Pittsburghers may also run into a dancerly choreographic conversation, called the Urban Experiment, out on the streets, in cafes, on public transportation and in "happenings." The series begins in July, mostly on weekends. Porter is playing it close to the chest on the dates, the better to surprise. But those interested can access it via Facebook and Twitter. Check it all out at www.pillowproject.org.
• INTERNATIONAL SUMMERDANCE: Point Park University's summer workshop culminates in two performances at the environmentally friendly George Roland White Performance Studio on the Boulevard of the Allies. Featured choreographers will include Keisha Lalama-White, Kiki Lucas and Karl von Rabenau (July 31-Aug. 1). 412-621-4445 or www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.
• KNOTDANCE: Point Park graduate Maddy Landi has his eye on several performances in his alternative style mixing modern dance, acrobatic and theater, including August Wilson Center (June 5), Pittsburgh Pridefest (July 14), Taste Us!, a collaboration with Pittsburgh restaurants (TBA).
• PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE: The company presents a blend of last season's favorites, with a sneak peek at the year ahead in this free concert at Hartwood Acres (Aug. 20). www.pbt.org.
• DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY TAMBURITZANS: In lieu of an expensive foreign trip during the economic downturn, the Tammies will offer a free condensed tour to Eastern Europe, including visits to Croatia, Serbia, Ukraine and Russia. All it will take is enough gas to reach Hartwood Acres (Aug. 23). 412-396-5185.