Named choreographers showcase new work in University Park; seasonal folkloric starts up in East LA; site specific explorers in Downtown LA; this week’s Nutcrackers; more SoCal dance this week, plus a peek at next week.
Live This Week
In sight, on site
For four days, Heidi Duckler Dance converged dancers, designers, artists and other creative thinkers to create original, site-inspired works under the banner MAP LIVE!. The culminating result is on view in this singular event that includes a conversation with leaders in the process including including Alejandro Perez (movement), Jeff Morrical (movement), and Joanna Lynn-Jacobs (voice). Bendix Building, 106 Maple Dr., 11th Floor, Downtown Arts District; Wed., Dec. 3, 7 pm, $15. Heidi Duckler Dance
Heidi Duckler Dance. Photo courtesy of the artists
Feliz navidad
Celebrate the holiday season with folkloric dance and music as Diciembre Mexicano returns to the stage. Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company and Ballet Folklórico De Esperanza are joined by Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando and the Cencamatl Choir in festive dance, music and song. Luckman Fine Arts, 5151 State University Dr., East LA; Sat., Nov. 29, 8 pm, $30-$68. Grandeza
Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Five making new work
Choreographers who also are faculty at USC Kaufman School of Dance present new works danced by Kaufman students in Fall 2025 BFA Showcase. Slated are works by Hope Boykin, Tyce Diorio, d. Sabela grimes, JA Collective (Jordan Johnson and Aidan Carberry), and Jackie Kopcsak. USC Kaufman School of Dance, 3400 Watt Way, University Park; Thurs., Dec. 4, 7:30 pm, Fri., Dec. 5, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sat., Dec. 6, 2 pm, free w/reservation Kaufman BFA showcase
USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Photo by Rose Eichenbaum.
This week’s Nutcrackers
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker in Redondo Beach; Westside Ballet in Santa Monica; Anaheim Ballet in Anaheim; American Contemporary Ballet in Downtown LA; Classical Arts Entertainment in Escondido. Link to Nutcrackers 2025
Debbie Allen’s “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.” Photo courtesy of the company
A Peek at Next Week (December 5 to 11)
Foothills Dancemakers at A Room to Create (ARC), 1158 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena: Sat., Dec. 6, 8 pm, Sun., Dec. 7, 7 pm, $30. Foothills Dancemakers
d. Sabela grimes – Parable of Portals at Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd., Mid-City; Thurs., Dec. 11, 8 pm, $25.14 – $46.08. d. Sabela grimes
CalArts Winter Dance at REDCAT, Disney Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., Downtown LA; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 5-6, 8 pm, $20, $16 students. CalArts Winter Dance
BODYTRAFFIC. Photo courtesy of the artists
BODYTRAFFIC at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 11-13, 7:30 pm, $42-$108.90. BODYTRAFFIC
Will Rawls – Made in LA at the UCLA Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood; Sat., Dec. 6, Sat., Jan. 17, 2026, Sat., Feb. 7 & 28, 2026, noon to 4 pm, free. Hammer Museum
And more Nutcrackers! Link to Nutcrackers 2025
Featured image: JA Collective – photo courtesy of the artists
Ann Haskins’ Blog appears at CulturalDaily.com
