On a wintry Christmas Eve, author Charles Dickens took Ebenezer Scrooge on an epiphanal overnight journey without ever leaving his bedroom. This Wednesday, in a much shorter time frame, the 66th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration journeys throughout our vast metropolis through dance, music, and song, without anyone having to leave their comfy seats at home or in the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
The three hour show is always free! Plus, parking at Music Center or Disney Hall is free! All thanks to show sponsors, the Music Center and LA County Board of Supervisors. The late, long-serving supervisor Kenneth Hahn (father of current supervisor Janice Hahn) initiated the annual holiday performance in 1959 at the then recently opened LA Sports Arena. With the opening of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in mid-1964, the annual event moved to Music Center where it has made its home since.
Kenneth Hahn onstage at early LA County Holiday Celebration – Photo courtesy of the Music Center.
Early editions were 12-hour marathons, but over the decades, notably when a television simulcast was added, the show was pared to today’s tight three hour mix of dance, music, and choral performances, with appearances by each of the LA County Supervisors and hosts providing context during transitions. Hosts this time include Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter.
This year’s roster of performers continues the tradition of drawing from diverse performance ecosystems throughout LA’s sprawl. The dance groups also reflect the array of dance genres and cultural traditions thriving here, especially involving youth.
Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza – Photo courtesy of the Music Center.
From East LA, Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza brings traditional Mexican dance. Based at East LA Esperanza College Prep, the folkloric ensemble is led by Ignacio Delgado-Hernandez.
Last seen in the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the San Fernando Valley-based Carousel Dance Company is a multicultural youth dance company led Karen and Natalie Willes. The ensemble’s contemporary and jazz repertoire includes several seasonal nods, including one with dancers dressed ready for the snow and dancing shod with skis.
From Koreatown, traditional dance and drumming is the terrain of the frequent participant, Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Company. For four decades, founder Eung Hwa Kim has taught generations traditional Korean dance and music.
Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Company – Photo by Timothy Norris.
While most of this year’s youth groups were initiated and are led by adults, Le Ballet Dembaya was officially organized in 2015 by its members, young people who had been drumming and dancing together since childhood. All are the second generation whose parents instilled a love of West African dance and drumming. With frequent gatherings that nurtured sibling-like bonding, the members eventually declared themselves an official ensemble, aptly named Le Ballet Dembaya, which means “the dance of the family” in the Soussou language spoken in Guinea.
The world of tap gets its nod from Reverb Tap Company, led by Leah Silva. This is another ensemble frequently appearing in this show with its young dancers known for their high-energy footwork.
What is a holiday show without a bit of The Nutcracker? Once again the Music Center hosts the beloved excerpt from the version by the Bob Barker Marionette Theater. Founded in 1963, home to 3,000 original marionettes, and master puppeteers, LA has boasting rights as the home of the longest, continuously operating puppet theater in the U.S.
Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre – The Nutcracker – Photo by Winona Bechtle.
For more on these dance performers and on the other 14 music and choral groups, go to LA County Holiday Celebration.
Note: As of press time, all ticket reservations for the live performance have been taken. Still, no need to miss out, there are broadcast and streaming options. Livestream on PBS SoCal at 3 pm (with a rebroadcast at 7 pm) and on the pbssocal.org website.
66th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration. The Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown LA; Wed., Dec. 24, 3 to 6 pm, free, ticketing, info, and updates at LA County Holiday Celebration
Written by Ann Haskins for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Le Ballet Dembaya – Photo by Timothy Norris.
