North by Northwestern

It’s the second week of spring quarter and classes are starting to set in. Why not distract and awe yourself with some Northwestern entertainment? If you want to be wowed by some jaw-dropping dance performances, check out Raas, TONIK Tap and Steam Heat. If a night at the movies is more your thing, you’ve definitely got options, with stars ranging from an Argentinian ex-prisoner to a Tejano music queen to Bugs Bunny. So many shows, so little time …

April 6

Burlesque

Since 2014, Lipstick Theatre has produced annual burlesque shows, celebrating dancers’ bodies across many identities and giving sizzling performances. If the end of your week is getting blah, perhaps it’s time to spice it up at Lutkin. 8 p.m., Lutkin Hall. Also 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., April 7-8. Free.

Can We Tap That?

The dancers of TONIK Tap have incredibly fast feet, so yes, they probably can tap that. Catch Northwestern's only tap dancing group in its second show of the year to see for yourself. 10 p.m., Shanley Pavilion. Also 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., April 7-8. $5.

Steam Heat and the City

With five performances over three days, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the work of Steam Heat, a Northwestern dance company focusing on musical theater routines. For its spring show, Steam Heat and the City, the company promises toe-tapping numbers from Newsies, 42nd Street, and Cabaret – and no matter if you’re a Carrie or a Samantha, you’re sure to enjoy the live band. 9 p.m., Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts. Also April 7-8 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $5 for students.

Raas Friends and Family Night

“Free” is a beautiful word in college, especially when it describes an Indian dance performance by Northwestern Raas. This company uses its skills in Garba and Raas to compete around the country, but on April 6, they’ll be right at home in Tech. 8 p.m., Tech auditorium. Free.

April 7

Imprints of the Mind opening reception

Like Raas, Dittmar Gallery in Norris will also provide a free event – but the gallery takes it one step further, with free food. The exhibit, Imprints of the Mind, showcases the works of 24 Northwestern students, faculty, staff and alumni and Evanston residents. Enjoy light refreshments and be one of the first to check out the pieces, which are focus on memory’s impact on identity. 4 p.m., Dittmar Gallery. Runs April 7-28. Free.

Debt and Promise: Puerto Rican Performance in Times of Crisis

In their week-long residency, four Puerto Rican artists will offer roundtable discussions, workshops and a final showcase exploring Puerto Rican art’s relationship to debt. Las Nietas de Nonó (Lydela and Michelle Rodríguez Castro), Arnaldo Rodríguez Bagué, and José Alvarez Colón will develop performance material over the week and present it on Friday. 5 p.m. showcase, Krause Studio in Annie May Swift. Free.

Los Muertos with director Lisandro Alonso

If you prefer your pictures moving, check out Los Muertos, a 2004 Argentinian film about an ex-prisoner searching for his adult daughter. The Block Museum is screening the film, with a title that translates to “The Dead,” with its director, Lisandro Alonso. The silent trailer gives you few clues as to the adventure you may go on. 7 p.m., Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art. Free.

April 8

Selena movie night

Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ de Aztlán de Northwestern will showSelena to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The movie honors the life of well-known Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla, who died 22 years ago last Friday. Come on out and sing along. 5 p.m., Multicultural Center. Free.

Space Jam

A&O Films will kick off its spring lineup with Space Jam, the movie that a dismal 37 percent from Rotten Tomatoes yet scored 93 percent from Google users. See which side you land on and watch this film about Michael Jordan’s alternate-universe interaction with Looney Tunes. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., McCormick Auditorium. Free.