Brazilian visitors merge samba and ballet downtown; Latine homecoming in Santa Monica; the LA Phil’s Boulez fest features dance downtown; classical and/or contemporary ballet in Glendale, Beverly Hills, and Irvine; contemporary dance in El Sereno, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Lake Forest; flamenco infused opera downtown; more SoCal dance this busy week, plus a peek at next week.
Library dancing
Curated by choreographer/teacher/producer Jamie Nichols, the Brand Associates Dance Series opens its May series with the Pennington Dance Group. Known for his long career as a featured dancer with the Bella Lewitzky Company and his extended career as a teacher, choreographer, and artistic director John Pennington launches this year’s series under the banner Spirit of Dance as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary. Come early, seating is limited. Brand Library & Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale; Sat., May 3, 5 pm, free. https://www.brandlibrary.org/dance-series
Foothills Dancemakers’ Pennington Dance Group. Photo by Denise Leitner.
22 explore 21
Last seen here in 2011, the Brazilian contemporary company Grupo Corpo is known for combining contemporary ballet with cultural elements for a distinctive take on dance. The company name loosely translates from the Portuguese as “body group” and has been known for its distinctive use of classical music along with Brazilian composers. For the three-part ballet, 21, the choreography to music by Marco Antônio Guimarães combines the energy of Brazilian folk dances with the formality of classical ballet as the company’s 22 dancers explore rhythmic and timbral combinations around the number 21. Afro-Brazilian religious rituals fuel the second work, Gira, as choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras reconstructs the gestures of Umbanda and Candomblé ceremonies set to 11 musical themes by the Brazilian fusion group Metá Metá. Music Center, Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Fri.-Sat., May 2-3, 7:30 pm, Sun., May 4, 2 pm, $27-$78. Music Center
Grupo Corpo. Photo courtesy of the artists
Going Hollywood
Film music and MTV meet Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet in Hollywood Ballet‘s From Tradition to Innovation. The classical offerings include the White and Black Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake, the technically demanding Diana and Acteon, and the romance of Romeo and Juliet. This mix of classics and contemporary is becoming the hallmark of this emerging addition to the LA-based ballet scene. The Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., May 3, 7:30 pm, $50.99-$114.99. https://feverup.com/m/336808
Hollywood Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists
Together again
Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen teams with choreographer Benjamin Millepied and the dancers of LA Dance Project for the finale of an LA Phil program celebrating the centennial of conductor/composer Pierre Boulez. Commissioned by the LADP, the LA Phil, the Orchestre de Paris – Philharmonie, and the New York Philharmonic, Rituel arrives in LA after Paris and before New York, all conducted by Salonen and danced by LADP. Details on the rest of the program are at the website. Walt Disney Hall, 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown; Thurs. & Sat., May 8 & 10, 7:30 pm, Sun., May 11, 2 pm, $55-$219. https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3127/2025-05-11/esa-pekka-salonen-leads-debussy-boulez
LA Dance Project. Photo by Josh Rose.
Sad shadows
Choreographer Kevin Williamson has been thinking a lot about the energy and the periphery of sadness. The result to this point, a series of meditative works under the banner Blue, are on view for two nights. Stomping Ground LA, 5453 Alhambra Ave., El Sereno; Fri.-Sat., May 2-3, 8 pm, $17.85. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-kevin-williamson-tickets-1259720089699
Kevin Williamson. Photo courtesy of the artist
Can you go home again?
Part of this venue’s annual a/o/x series (formerly Latinx New Works), MARYSAN offers the duet El Camino a Casa (Homecoming or The Road Home). The work explores a Latine family world where the pendulum moved between “not enough” and “too much.” Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica; Fri., May 2, 8 pm, $25, $20 students/seniors. Highways
Jacob Jonas The Company. Photo by Jacob Jonas
Who Who?
Choreographer Jonas and his Jacob Jonas/TheCompany last gathered outdoors in a sunlit Hollywood canyon. This time, they are bringing the audience into the industrial indoors for OWL, an evening titled after that nighttime raptor. Promising a blend of dance, sculpture and sound, the company invites the adventurous to a private warehouse to freely wander through the space or stand and watch (limited seating will be available for those who require or with disabilities). The program includes several works and the premiere of RIVER. Private warehouse, address w/ticket purchase, Santa Monica; Fri., May 2, 8 pm, $55. https://jacobjonas.app.getcuebox.com/o/QB0Q71N5/shows/M66D4Z5N
It’s a ten
Ten performers, including dancers, each with ten minutes to win over the audience. It’s the mostly monthly, first Monday series, Max 10. Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice; Mon., May 5, 8 pm, $15, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/max10-tickets-1326040124709
Going solo
In Welcome to the Dream Factory, American Ballet Theatre principal Herman Conejo makes a solo appearance with the musical ensemble Musique to explore the musical impact of European immigrants on film music in the 1930s and 1940. Two chances to see at two venues. The Huntington, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino; Wed., April 30, 7:30 pm. Also at The Wallis, 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; Sat., May 3, 7:30 pm, Sun., May 4, 2:30 & 7:30 pm, $75 donation for single admission, trial and season membership at https://www.muse-ique.com
Herman Cornejo. Photo courtesy of the artist
New plus tried and true
Excerpts from the repertoire and new contemporary dances are part of An Evening of Dance & Community, a fundraiser and reception from Nannette Brodie Dance Theater. Spectrum Dance Center, 22661 Lambert St., Suite 204, Lake Forest; Sun., May 4, 7 pm, $50, $30 students. Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre
Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre. Photo courtesy of the artists.
A hurtful heritage
Is trauma inheritable to be passed on to subsequent generations? That epigentic question is explored by the contemporary company Donna Sternberg & Dancers in Ancestor Voices. As a choreographer, Sternberg is known for her many years partnering with distinguished scientists to translate scientific fields into movement. The venue may focus on the Jewish community, but the concerns sadly apply to far too many other communities. Donna Sternberg & Dancers – Ancestors Voices at the Skirball Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood; Thurs., May 1, 8 pm, $15-$20. https://www.skirball.org/programs/ancestors-voices-0
Donna Sternberg & Dancers. Photo courtesy of the artists
Expanding dance
Professional dancers highlight Dance & Dialogue’s event Celebrate LA. Led by Ricka Glucksman Kelsch, the non-profit offers multi-generational programs expanding dance knowledge and participation. Announced performers include LA Jazz Dance Company under the direction of Jackie Sleight as well as dancers Jorge Rivas, Shantel Urena, G’bari Gilliam, and Darrell (Friidom) Dunn, along with a special performance by LA’s seasoned (60+) dancers under the direction of Bill Goodson. at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. 8th St., Hancock Park; Wed., April 30, 7:30 pm, free w/reservation https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dance-and-dialogue-presents-celebrate-la-tickets-1055395268659
Los Angeles Jazz Company or LA Jazz Company – photo by Denise Leitner
Persuasive percussion
Grammy-nominated composer Jose Luis de la Paz provides the score for Quinto Elemento (Fifth Element), the 75-minute work for six dancers of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana. Grammy-nominated composer Jose Luis de la Paz provided the score; dancer Patricia Guerrero provided the choreography as the popular flamenco company stops off on its current tour. Irvine Barclay Theatre, UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine; Thurs., May 1, 8 pm, $34-$130. Get Seats!
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana – Fanny Ara – Photo by Steve Johnson
Pre-pro mixed bill
A pas de deux from Paquita and contemporary ballet works highlight Momentum 2025, from the training company Orange County Ballet Theater. Students from the Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy are joined by former Mariinsky soloist Alexander Saveliev. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine; Tues., May 6, 7:30 pm, $44-$54. More Info & Tickets
Quebec callers
Combining contemporary dance and performance with a circus show, the Quebec-based N.Omes arrives for a single performance. Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., West LA Thurs., May 1, 7 pm, $44.52, $28.52. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/normes-tickets-1299715587309
N.Omes. Photo courtesy of the artists
What’s your sign?
Lorca lore
Directed and choreographed by Deborah Colker, LA Opera’s Ainadamar draws on Flamenco and Spanish dance as well as a libretto by David Henry Hwang to recount poet/playwright Frederico Garcia Lorca’s last days. The opera takes its title from the site where Lorca was executed as part of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco’s reign of terror after the Spanish civil war to eliminate artists whose work opposed Franco’s dictatorship. Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Sat., May 3, 7:30 pm, Sun., May 4 & 18, 2 pm, Wed., May 7 & Thurs., May 15, 7:30 pm, $32.50- $296. Ainadamar – LA Opera
LA Opera’s “Ainadamar.” Photo by Marty Sohl
Greek roots
Choreographer/dancer Esther Mira is part of the creative team and also dances in the cast of Hellas, written and directed by Christopher William Johnson. This new play surveys the Greek roots of western civilization, complete with dance and fight choreography. The saga is present in part on Fridays, while Saturday and Sunday offer the full marathon production. The Broadwater Mainstage, 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood; Fri., 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun, 2 pm, thru May 11, $25-$30, $20-$25 students. https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/school-of-night/hellas
Hellas. Photo courtesy of the artists
Gala No. 1
In case anyone doubted that she is the pre-eminent patron of dance in LA, Glorya Kaufman is the honoree at the 10th anniversary celebration of her eponymous Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at USC (her name is also on a dance building at UCLA, the Music Center dance season, and a performance venue in Cheviot Hills, among others). Performances by known stars, students, and alums are scheduled along with a film about Kaufman by choreographer Mandy Moore. USC, Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, 849 W. 34th St., University Park; Sat., May 3, 5 pm reception, 6 pm performance, 8 pm dinner/dancing, $1,500-$7,000. USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance 10th Anniversary Gala
USC Kaufman students rehearsing – Photo by Diego Lopez.
Gala No. 2
Marking its 20th anniversary, Laguna Dance takes flight, figuratively, hosting its annual gala at an air museum. Dance performance, food, drinks, and other fundraising activities. Lyon Air Museum, 19300 Ike Jones Rd., Santa Ana; Sat., May 3, 5 pm reception/dinner, 7 pm performance, $250. https://lagunadancefestival.org/bash/
A Peek at Next Week May 9 to 15
BODYTRAFFIC at Irvine Barclay Theatre, UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine; Thurs., May 15, 8 pm, $44-$109. Get Seats!
Benita Bike’s DanceArt at Buena Vista Branch Library, 300 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank; Wed., May 14, 7 pm, free. Home – Benita Bikes Danceart Company
LA Unbound – Spring Show at Mainstage Theatre, Glendale Community College, 1601 E. Mountain Ave., Glendale; Sat., May 10, 4 & 7:30 pm, $20-$30, Order tickets online for LA Unbound
Afro-Peruvian Experience Dance Co. at the Brand Library & Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale; Sat., May 10, 5 pm, free. Dance Series | Brand Library
MOMentum Place at Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga Canyon; Sun., May 11, Optional brunch – noon – 1:30 pm $40; performance – 2 pm, $45, $35 students/seniors, $15 children 12 & under; Home – Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
MOMentum Place’s Lexi Pearl. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Milka Djordjevich – Bob at MOCA, Geffen Contemporary, Fri., May 9, 7:30 pm, Sat., May 10, 4 pm, $12. Milka Djordjevich, Bob
Paul Donald – In Grain at Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica; Fri., May 9, 8 pm, $25, $20 students/seniors. Highways
CalArts Spring Dance at REDCAT, Disney Hall, 621 W. 2nd St., downtown; Tues.-Wed., May 13-14, 8:30 pm, $20. REDCAT.
HomeLA –Garden Party at Rodriguez House, 2567 Glendower Ave., Glendale; Sat., May 10, 11 am-2 pm. $200-$350. Garden Party – A benefit for homeLA
State Street Ballet – The Brilliance Program at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara; Fri., May 9, 7:30 pm, Sat., May 10, 2 pm, $35-$65, $24 students/children. https://www.lobero.org/events/the-brilliance-program-balanchine-arpino-and-beyond-ssb-24-25
Featured image: Jacob Jonas/The Company – courtesy of the artist
Ann Haskins’ Blog appears at CulturalDaily.com
