Eclectic dance festival in Santa Monica; choreography with a female viewpoint in DowntownLA Arts District; interdisciplinary installation in Santa Monica; family friendly puppets in Eagle Rock; more SoCal dance this week, a peek at next week, plus some dance news of note, including a warning not to open any grant e-mail from an infected California Arts’ staff account.
Live Performance This Week (ending August 20)
Her turns
Having built its reputation on its immersive retelling of the Louisa May Alcott novel that provides the company’s name, Little Women Ballet Company continues expanding its creative endeavors with Her Turn: Women Making Moves in Ballet. Led by Emma Andres whose choreography has shaped the company, this program showcases new dance from women, several familiar from their dancing with LWBC. Participating dancemakers include Danica Adams, Alyah Baker, Makenna Bolton, Claire Brocker, Jenna Fleming, Jackie Kopcsack, Ludmila Malakhov, Makena Rush, Deana Stanton, Kassandra Vogel, and Andres. At LA Dance Project, 2245 E. Washington Blvd., Downtown LA Arts District; Sat.-Sun., Aug. 15-16, 7:30 pm, $40-$50, $30 students w/code. Her Turn.
Little Women Ballet – Photo by Edie Tyebkhan Photography.
An eclectic assemblage of dance styles and genres drawn from all over SoCal is the signature charm of the 17th Annual MixMatch Dance Festival. Hosted by Hart Pulse Dance Company, the three shows offering different combinations totaling 23 different companies and choreographers. At Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica; Fri., Aug. 14, 7:30 pm, Sat., Aug. 15, 2 & 7:30 pm, $27+$2 fee. MixMatch Dance Festival.
Beth Megill & Company – Photo by Lisa Flory.
Deja views
In the interdisciplinary performance installation Empty Fields Yield Familiar Faces, Jayde Spiegel draws on dance, text, and sound to consider the vast, vague landscape and creatures of the west. At Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., Aug. 14-15, 8 pm, $25, $20 seniors/students. Jayde Spiegel.
Jayde Spiegel – Photo courtesy of the artist.
On track
Its puppet-driven version of the Nutcracker is a SoCal holiday staple, and its other family-friendly repertoire continues to charm each new generation, but now, Bob Baker Marionette Theater has premiered its first new work in 40 years. The train-themed production, Choo Choo Revue boasts 100 new, handcrafted puppets and some new technology, including projections thanks to equipment donated by the LA Opera. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Eagle Rock; Thurs., 10:30 am, Fri., 10:30 am, 7:30 pm, Sat., 10:30 am, 1:30 & 7:30 pm, Sun., 10:30 am & 1:30 pm, thru Sun., Aug. 30, $25 (+3 fee). Choo Choo Revue
Bob Baker Marionette Theater – Photo by Winona Bechtle.
Sign of summer
Watch or join in as the Friday night summer series Dance DTLA wraps up with Bollywood this week. Instruction precedes open dancing. All free. At the Music Center, Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown LA; Fri., Aug. 14, 7-11 pm, free. Dance DTLA.
Dance DTLA – Photo courtesy of the Music Center.
Another sign of summer
Part public performance, part participatory dance party, and free! The outdoor Tuesday Night Dance series hosts its final two Tuesdays with both devoted to Latin Rhythms. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Tues., Aug. 18 & 25, 6:30 pm. free. Tuesday Night Dance.
A Peek at Next Week (August 21-27)
Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre – A Ballet Russe Gala Centennial honoring emeritus Andre (Bill) Tremaiine’s 100th Birthday at the BroadStage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Sun. Aug. 23, 5:30 pm, $71.21-$108.55 (includes fees). Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre.
Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre – Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Leanna Keith & Yeeman “ManMan” Mu – Demure Asian Rage at Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., Aug. 21-22, 8 pm. $25, $20 students/seniors. Highways
Tercera Raiz, Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet, Souly Dance Arts at the Ford, 2850 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood; Fri., Aug. 21, 8 pm, $75-$102. The Ford | Home
SoCal Dance Notes
California for the Arts issued computer warning: Beware and do not open any e-mail titled “Grant RFP-Grant Program” appearing to come from Jennica Bisbee (jennica@caforthearts.org) at CA for the Arts (California for the Arts). The staff member’s email account was compromised. Do not open it, click any links, or download any attachments. Delete the email immediately.
Open to all SoCal High School students, the Music Center Spotlight Competition is accepting video applications in multiple performing arts, including two dance categories (“classical,” i.e. ballet, and “dance,” i.e. everything else). Several rounds pare things down to two finalists in each dance category, who then perform on stage at the Music Center along with finalists in the other musical, vocal, and acting categories. Just to participate affords an opportunity for feedback from experts. Full details and application at Music Center Spotlight.
The film It’s Tappening follows the work and travels of SoCal-based tapper Sarah Reich. The release is set for Aug. 16. Sarah Reich.
Featured image: Mix Match Dance Festival – Photo by William L Miller Jr.
Ann Haskins’ Blog appears at CulturalDaily.com
