Our guide to dance performances happening this weekend and in the week ahead.

AL BLACKSTONE at the Joyce Theater (July 23, 7:30 p.m.; July 24, 7 p.m.; July 25-26, 8 p.m.; through Aug. 4). Dance as long-form narrative storytelling tends to be the domain of ballet and Broadway, but Blackstone brings it to the contemporary dance stage in his Joyce debut, “Freddie Falls in Love.” Blackstone, known for his choreography in “So You Think You Can Dance,” infuses his work with humor, theatrical flair and sharp technique — a combo that has earned him many fans. Here, his wordless tale about two people losing and finding love proves an entertaining journey, thanks to his brisk staging and charming performances by the Broadway alumni Melanie Moore and Matt Doyle, as well as a stellar ensemble.

212-242-0800, joyce.org

FIRE ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL at Fire Island Pines (July 20, 5 and 7 p.m.; July 21, 5 p.m.). Since 1995, the service organization Dancers Responding to AIDS, now under the umbrella of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, has produced this fund-raising festival. It is now a popular event on Fire Island’s summer calendar and, increasingly, a notable commissioner of new work. Artists presenting premieres this year include Christopher Wheeldon, a festival regular; Michelle Dorrance, who offers a tap piece performed by Robert Fairchild; and Al Blackstone, with a work inspired by the history of the Pines. Also on the program are performances from Kyle Abraham’s A.I.M., Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Paul Taylor Dance Company and James Whiteside.

dradance.org