Dance Camera West returns to multiple Los Angeles venues this month, celebrating a huge variety and the diversity of dance film and local, national, and international dance filmmakers. The festival opens on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with a Gala Tribute to Dance Icon David Roussève. A Film Retrospective, Talk-back, and a Gala Reception will follow Stories and Tales, a selection of short international films. The Gala, which will take place on the Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz stage, will include surprise guests, performances, and announcements.
DCW originally planned to honor Mr. Roussève in 2024, but that program was canceled due to the devastating wildfires that swept through the city. According to festival director Kelly Hargraves, the original program was designed to take place outside, under a tent, creating an immersive space in which to experience the films. This year the venue has changed, but the original idea remains.
David Roussève in “Becoming Daddy AF” – Photo by Rachel Keane.
We were going to put up a tent and do a video mapping. So now, we’re on the stage at TRK, which is pretty cool. It’s the first time they’ve done a reception on the stage. We’re going to mimic that experience. The piece [of David’s] that is inspiring me is his Billy Strayhorn piece Halfway to Dawn.
The first half of the evening has two sections. The first screens the five selected films, representing the United States and the United Kingdom.
In Stillness and in Motion — Sarah Niemann, Dominic Miller | United States
Lowelyfe Episode 1: The Only Way Out Is Through — Quilan Cue Arnold | United States
Memory as Missionary Position — Brigitte Leilani Axelrode | United States
Mollika — Pratyusha Gupta, Mythili Prakash, Viji Prakash, Rumi Prakash | United Kingdom
Weathered Blue — Daniel Hay-Gordon, El Perry | United Kingdom
“Memor a Missionary Position” Directored by Brigitte Leilani Axelrode – Choreographed by Brigitte Leilani Axelrode (United States, 2024) – Still courtesy of DCW.
The selected films do what David’s do: they focus on character and are story-driven.
We’re starting the night with five submitted films, which also do that.
Generally, I don’t like programming themes because then we end up with boxes that we have to fill, but it just happened that these films are perfect for an intro to this night.
David Roussève in “Becoming Daddy AF” – photo Rachel Keane.
The next section features four of Mr. Roussève’s films:
Bittersweet
Chili Pepper
Two Seconds After Laughter
Pull Your Head to the Moon.
Tickets are available for just the screenings for $25.00.
The gala portion of the evening will unfold with numerous surprises, including guest performers and an exciting announcement. Guests will be surrounded by the magic of film, and will enjoy an intimate evening with live music, sumptuous food and an open bar.
The gala supports DCW’s pillar programs to Prepare: Produce and Present the best dance films in Los Angeles, including DCW’s Signature VISIBILITY production fund for L.A.-based dance filmmakers.
David Roussève – Photo courtesy of the artist.
When asked why David Roussève is being honored, Ms. Hargraves smiled.
Who is another choreographer in this town who’s got a career like David? Who’s won awards for films, been at the Sundance Institute, won awards for stage work, been a Guggenheim Fellow, Dance Magazine honoree, and has his bio? I’m trying to find a comparable person, and I can’t. You can find people with similar artistic accolades, and you can find people with similar academic accolades, but I don’t think there’s anyone who has both. He’s amazing, and he’s so lovely and charming. We were doing it last year because he was retiring and because he had that piece [Becoming Daddy AF] coming out. It seemed like the perfect time. Now he’s premiered the work to acclaim, and everybody who went loved it, so it’s still the perfect time.
David Roussève in “Becoming Daddy AF” – Photo by Ryan Harper.
When I saw “Bittersweet” 20 years ago, probably after watching a lot of dance films, I thought, Thank god. How refreshing. He found a way to give these a depth and a heart and a soul that go beyond dancing on film. I really strive for that when I’m trying to teach people how to do this, to really think about character and story development. When I saw David’s work, I thought, that’s exactly what I mean.
For tickets to the Gala, click here.
For a Festival Pass, click here
Written by Nancy Dobbs Owen for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: David Roussève – “Stardust” Photo: Yi Chun
