Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre opens its 54th season at 7:30 Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 2-3) at the Cobb Civic Center, and the long-time troupe is making a point by titling the program “evolve.”

Pieces to be performed include Kennesaw State University Dance Company giving a preview of Bill T. Jones’ “D-Man in the Waters,” a dance examining race, faith and political issues that the KSU troupe will include in its own November program; a hip-hop piece by choreographed Whitney Willis; and a new dance by Alexis Viator of Philadelphia’s Koresh Dance Company.

Information: www.ruthmithcelldance.org.