The Richmond Ballet presents the world premiere of “Luminitza,” a new piece by acclaimed choreographer Ma Cong. Dance Magazine has named him one of the “25 to Watch” for both his dancing and choreography skills, and “Luminitza” is his second creative collaboration with the company. The first was “Ershter Vals,” which the Richmond Ballet performed during the Richmond Folk Festival and will take to London this summer. The Romanian word for “small light,” “Luminitza” is set to music performed by the Balanescu Quartet, a Romanian avant-garde music ensemble. This passionate music builds a dance that conveys hope and the small light that lives within everyone, even during struggles, war and death. Accompanying the premiere is a revival of Jessica Lang’s “La Belle Danse,” which premiered in 2007. “Luminitza” opens March 22 at the Richmond Ballet’s Studio Theater and runs until April 1. $30. 800-514-3849.