The inheritability of trauma considered in Brentwood; tap dance riffs with live jazz in Sierra Madre; centenary celebration of a modern dance legend in Northridge; feministic dance in Pasadena; contemporary dance in Canoga Park and downtown; flamenco in Irvine and downtown; more SoCal dance this week, plus a peek at next week.
Just a riff
Jazz tap master Chester Whitmore joins bassist Del Atkins to explore the history of jazz. A protégé of tap legend Fayard Nicholas (of the Nicholas Brothers), Whitmore has established his own credentials as a performer and choreographer for others and with his own Black Ballet Jazz. Atkins brings five musicians to aid in the jazz and tap collaboration in the latest entry in this venue’s new dance series. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre; Sun., April 27, 7:30 pm, $12-$35. https://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/
Chester Whitmore (April 27) – Photo courtesy of the artist.
Channeling Graham
Three soloists from the Martha Graham Dance Company join local dancers from Lula Washington Dance Theatre, plus students from USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, Cal State University Northridge Dance, and the LA County High School for the Arts. The evening includes works by Graham and new works inspired by her, including one from choreographer Lula Washington. Although she established her fame in New York, as a teenager Graham lived in Santa Barbara, and after seeing Ruth St. Denis perform in Los Angeles, became a student at the Denishawn School in LA. Having this performance here as part of the Graham100 Celebration marking the legendary choreographer and her company’s centenary, is a nice nod to those Graham SoCal roots. The Soraya, Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; Sat., April 26, 8 pm, only $60 tickets available at press time. https://thesoraya.org/whats-on/en/la-dances-graham100/
Lula Washington Dance Theater. Photo by Richard Termine
What makes them interesting
A collection of dance and film works that comment on daily life, Interesting Women brings the satirical contemporary perspective of Lynn Modell/Making Dances. In addition to Modell and guest choreographer Janis Brenner, the dancers include Andrea Blesso, Ann Fonte, Amy Jill, Jillian Maclaughlin, Lynn Modell, Lonnie Stanton, and Nora Stephens. The company arrives after sold out east coast performances including Boston Center for the Arts and the Providence Fringe Festival. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain St., Pasadena; Sat., April 26, 8 pm, Sun., April 27, 3 pm, $26 presale, $30 at door. https://interestingwomen.brownpapertickets.com/
Lynn Modell/Making Dances – “Interesting Women” – “Liberty Belles” – Photo by Melissa Blackall.
A hurtful heritage
Is trauma inheritable, something that is passed on to subsequent generations? That epigenetic 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 concepts into understandable, accessible movement. The venue may focus on the Jewish community, but history shows the concerns sadly apply to Uganda, Cambodia and beyond. Skirball Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood; Tues. & Thurs., April 29 & May 1, 8 pm, $15-$20. https://www.skirball.org/programs/ancestors-voices-0
Donna Sternberg & Dancers. Photo courtesy of the artists
Tennis anyone?
A world premiere and two works from the repertoire mark this performance by Louise Reichlin & Dancers/ Los Angeles Choreographers & Dancers. The new contribution is HEART, and from Reichlin’s oeuvre, A Jewish Child’s Story and selections from The Tennis Dances. Announced dancers are Alana Astor, Carmen Tienda, Camille Imperial, Sophie Kim, Alice Lousen, Ashley Magana, Emily Mcguire, Coree McKee Gonzalez, Mcknnly Moren, Brooke Sinton, Jamil Morgan, and Reichlin. A program includes a post-performance discussion. Taxco Theatre, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park; Sat., April 26, 2 & 4 pm, $30, $20 seniors. https://joyousandmoving.brownpapertickets.com
Los Angeles Choreographers & Dancers/Louise Reichlin & Dancers – “Jewish Child’s Story Part II” – Photo by George Simian
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 1940s. One show 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
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 and 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. Photo courtesy of the artists
Expanding dance
Professional dancers highlight Dance & Dialogue‘s Celebrate LA. 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. Led by Ricka Glucksman Kelsch, the non-profit offers multi-generational programs expanding dance knowledge and participation. The event includes a special performance by LA’s seasoned (60+) dancers under the direction of Bill Goodson. 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
Quebec calling
Combining contemporary dance with a circus show, the Quebec-based N.Ormes arrives for a single performance. Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., W.LA; Thurs., May 1, 7 pm, $44.52, $28.52. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/normes-tickets-1299715587309
N.Ormes. Photo courtesy of the artists
Just a rehearsal?
Can a rehearsal be a performance? To explore that question, Mariana Valencia takes to the stage with musician Jazmin “Jazzy” Romero for improvised dance, sound and text. REDCAT, Disney Hall, 631 2nd St., downtown; Thurs.-Fri., April 24-25, 8:30 pm, $27, $22 students. https://www.redcat.org/events/2025/mariana-valencia
Mariana Valencia. Photo courtesy of the artist
Lorca lore
Directed and choreographed by Deborah Colker, LA Opera’s Ainadamar draws on Flamenco and Spanish dance to augment 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 Francisco Franco’s reign of terror to eliminate artists whose work opposed Franco’s dictatorship during the Spanish civil war. Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Sat., April 26 & 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
A Peek at Next Week (May 2 to May 8)
Grupo Corpo at the Music Center, Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Fri.-Sat., May 2-3, 7:30 pm, Sun., May 4, 2 pm, $27-$78.https://www.musiccenter.org/tickets-free-events/tickets-free-events/
Hollywood Ballet – From Tradition to Innovation at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., May 3, 7:30 pm, $50.99-$114.99. https://feverup.com/m/336808
Nannette Brodie Dance Theater – An Evening of Dance & Community at Spectrum Dance Center, 22661 Lambert St., Suite 204, Lake Forest; Sun., May 4, 7 pm, $50, $30 students. Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre
Foothills Dancemakers’ Pennington Dance Group. Photo by Denise Leitner.
Pennington Dance Group – Spirit of Dance at Brand Library & Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale; Sat., May 3, 5 pm, free. https://www.brandlibrary.org/dance-series
LA Dance Project with the LA Phil – Rituel at Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown; Thurs. & Sat., May 8 & 10, 8 pm, Sun., May 11, 2 pm, $55-$219. Concerts and Events Calendar | LA Phil
Jacob Jonas/The Company – OWL at private warehouse, address provided w/ticket purchase, Santa Monica; Fri., May 2, 8 pm, $55. https://jacobjonas.app.getcuebox.com/o/QB0Q71N5/shows/M66D4Z5N
Kevin Williamson – Blue at 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
Max 10 at Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice; Mon., May 5, 8 pm, $15. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/max10-tickets-1326040124709
Astrologia – Eden Sunset, 6521 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., May 2-3, 8 pm, Thurs.-Fri., May 8-9, 8 pm, Sat., May 10, 3 & 7 pm, $50-$1,500. https://www.astrologiashow.com/
Orange County Ballet Theater – Momentum 2025 at Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine; Tues., May 6, 7:30 pm, $44-$54. https://www.thebarclay.org/Online/default.asp
USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance – 10th Anniversary Gala at 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
Laguna Dance – 20th Birthday Bash & Fundraiser at Lyon Air Museum, 19300 Ike Jones Rd., Santa Ana; Sat., May 3, 5 pm reception/dinner, 7 pm performance, $250. 20th Anniversary Bash | Laguna Dance Festival
Featured image: LA Opera’s “Ainadamar” – photo by Marty Sohl
Ann Haskins’ Blog appears at CulturalDaily.com
