From the enchanting classic choreography of South India to the passionate gesticulation of Spanish flamenco to the entrancing swirling of traditional Hungarian folk dance, diverse movement-artistry displays await audiences under moonlight during this summer’s Dance Evenings in the Carmelite Courtyard, held in the cobblestoned quad of a historic building up on Castle Hill from July 21 through August 15. This annual production by Hungary’s National Dance Theater – hosted in an enclosed plaza directly beside the performance hall – presents many of the country’s most accomplished artistes amid a venerable venue. Here are some highlights of this year’s starry spectacular.

While tickets are now sold out for the free opening show of the Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra that kicks off the proceedings this evening, plenty of seats are still available for these shows and many more - check out www.dancetheatre.hu for complete English-language information and show-schedule details, including rain dates.

“Oblivion” and “Bittersweet Awakening”
July 24 and 31, 8:30pm Providing a sensual overview of the quintessentially Argentinean art of tango, Hungary’s own Momentango Company creates a miniature Buenos Aires in the heart of Budapest with this stunning show. As musicians play classic tango tunes on violin, guitar, double bass, and bandoneon, dancing pairs execute elegant steps and swooping dips that draw from the style’s roots in bohemian milonga along with modern interpretations of this uniquely Latin form of physical expression.

“TalaMantra”
July 25, 8:30pm Arms and legs sway in stunning synchronicity to create living imagery of ancient spiritual motifs when the Sivasakti Kalananda Dance Theater presents choreography of southern India. Attaining rhythm through repeated mantras and atmospheric soundscapes, the performers wear authentic costumes of the Subcontinent while bringing legendary characters to life with intricately coordinated poses, creating a spirited show to honor divine beings with beauty in motion.

“Flamenco Spring”
July 30 and August 7, 8:30pm Masterful Magyar dance diva Andrea Lippai leads her FlamenCorazon troupe through a lively demonstration of their vivacious Iberian virtuosity. Enjoy the flying frills of Lippai’s authentically flowing dress and soulful demonstrations of dramatic timing in tune with flamenco’s customary music, calling forth lightning-fast footwork to convey feminine mystique; this will surely be among the most emotive presentations of this year’s open-air dance extravaganza.

“The Hungarian Village”
August 8 and 14, 8:30pm Beautiful maidens in embroidered dresses and dapper gents with black hats and boots display the customary dance maneuvers of Hungary’s folk-art culture in this song-and-dance revue of rural jubilation. Under the guidance of modern-day Magyar dance maestro Dezső Fitos, this performance not only showcases the moving aesthetics of traditional Hungarian artistry, but also provides a slice of life from regional societies of centuries past, all with smiling skill.

“Rouge”
August 12 and 15, 8:30pm Contemporary dance techniques and intriguing stagecraft combine to create an alluring spectacle of ladies in red in this examination of the modern viewpoints exchanged between genders, produced by Hungary’s Botafogo Dance Ensemble. World-champion Magyar tap dancer László Bóbis joins the collective to add verve to this captivating production made vivid with bright scarlet lighting that shrouds the moving transformation with brilliant shades of deeper meaning.