Instead of allowing choreographers to work within the infinite spaces and settings that dance allows, the fun of Ten Tiny Dances comes from its constraint: The short works must be performed entirely on a miniscule four-by-four-foot stage placed in the middle of a nightclub. Based out of Portland, the contemporary dance series has been adopted by many Northwest production companies, including Tacoma's MLK Ballet. Ignoring the in-the-round, up-close theater experience and the fact it's held in a nightclub (Jazzbones), the coolest aspect of Ten Tiny Dances is the spatial constraint serves as a catalyst for creativity. Expect to see silly to serious improvised and rehearsed movement. As we reminded yearly: heckling and betting will not be allowed. All proceeds benefit Tacoma City Ballet's financial-aid program.

TEN TINY DANCES, 6 p.m., Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, $15 advance at jazzbones.com, $20 door, $7 door for those younger than 12, facebook.com/mlkballet