Contemporary ballet in Beverly Hills and Malibu; new contemporary dance in West LA; majorettes celebrated in University Park; concert street dance tours San Diego, Palm Desert, and Beverly Hills; dance infiltrates opera, a maze, comedy, and percussion in Long Beach, Sierra Madre, Hollywood and Cerritos; more SoCal dance this week, plus a peek at what’s coming next week.
Live This Week (thru February 5)
Handling available space
One of two additions to the ongoing Dance at the Odyssey festival is RGWW (Rosanna Gamson / World Wide). Among LA’s most thought-filled and dynamic choreographers, Gamson brings the world premiere of Clever Ideas for Smaller Rooms. In addition to Gamson, contributors include Marissa Brown, Hanna Tzong-Han Wu, and Gretchen Ackerman, plus a duet by Chelsea Roquero and Ryan Ruiz. Odyssey Theatre, 2955 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West LA; Fri.-Sat., Jan. 30-31, 8 pm, Sun., Feb. 1, 2 pm, $28. RGWW
Rosanna Gamson/World Wide. Photo courtesy of the artists
Ready return
After previewing partial versions of Spectacle of Ritual at two prior editions of this festival, choreographer Marcella Lewis is ready, as Dance at the Odyssey presents the world premiere. Odyssey Theatre 3, 2955 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West LA; Fri.-Sat., Jan. 30- 31, 8 pm, Sun., Feb. 1, 6 pm, $25 (+$3 for credit cards). Marcella Lewis-Dance at the Odyssey
Marcella Lewis – Spectacle of Ritual – Photo by Sylvia Drav.
A ballet anniversary
To mark two decades, Los Angeles Ballet brings a triple bill of contemporary ballets under the banner Celebrating Our Past, Present and Future: 20 Years of Los Angeles Ballet. Noting how George Balanchine’s ballets have been a hallmark of many LAB seasons, the program includes Rubies (from the full length ballet Jewels) that was part of the company’s inaugural season. Reflecting the company’s present direction, current artistic director Melissa Barak (only the company’s second leader) unveils her latest work, as yet untitled. Completing the triptych, choreographer Hans Van Manen’s setting of Benjamin Britten’s Frank Bridge Variations, reprised from LAB’s 2023-2024 season. The Wallis Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 29-31, 7:30 pm, $64.90-$119.90. Los Angeles Ballet.
Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson
There will be batons
Making its LA premiere, Major is Brooklyn-based dance, theater, and interdisciplinary artist Ogemdi Ude’s exploration and celebration of majorette dance. USC Bovard Auditorium, 3551 Trousdale Pkwy., University Park; Wed., Feb. 4, 7 pm, free with reservation at Ogemdi Ude
Ogemdi Ude. Photo by Maria Baranova
Invincibility
On a trip to Algeria in search of his roots, French choreographer Hervé Koubi found a world of street dancers and gymnasts that transformed his ten year old contemporary company into a powerful theatrical weapon, elevating street dance to a compelling concert event. At the four SoCal stops on its current U.S. tour, Compagnie Hervé Koubi offers Sol Invictus, with dancers vying with a multi-purposed swirl of sun-gold fabric to tell a primordial story of hope in winter darkness. San Diego Balboa Theatre, Fri., Jan. 30, 7:30 pm, $45-$112. Herve Koubi-San Diego. Also at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Sun., Feb. 1, 3 pm, $47-$107. McCallum Theatre Palm Desert. Also at The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; Thurs.-Fri., Feb. 19-20, 7:30 pm, Sat., Feb. 21, 2 pm, The Wallis
Compagnie Hervé Koubi. Photo by Steve Pisano
Lots of new
Continuing their residency at this venue, OC-based Backhausdance takes the stage with four works, three of them world premieres. The new works are Multitudes from artistic director Jennifer Backhaus and associate artistic director Amanda Kay White, Four Winds from Zak Ryan Schlegel, and Never Enders from Megan Doheny and Ilya Nikurov. Rounding out the program, Tommie-Waheed Evans’ Everywhere, But Here (2022). Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; Sat., Jan. 31, 8 pm, $25, $20 seniors & military, $15 students. Backhausdance
Backhausdance. Photo by Adrien Padilla
A-maze
This family friendly offering provides a chance to see the ever-astonishing dancers, gymnasts, and acrobats of Diavolo / Architecture in Motion up close and personal. Artistic director Jacques Heim and his ensemble bring Trust. Starting with a simple platform, a traveling ottoman, and an acrobatic wheel, the performers explore the movement possibilities and value of cooperation, then move on to more challenging benches, ladders, a door, and a maze. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre; Sat., Jan. 31, 11 am, $25. Diavolo
Diavolo Veterans Project. Photo by George Simian.
Young energy
The main professional company won’t be in town until March, but the younger dancers of Ailey II dance with the same finesse and energy while gaining the polish that comes with performing experience. Repertoire selections this visit include Down the Rabbit Hole choreographed by Houston Thomas, and the company’s gospel-infused signature, Revelations. Pepperdine University, Smothers Theater, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; Sun., Feb. 1, 7 pm, $30-$58. Ailey II
Ailey II. Photo by Nir Arieli.
Keeping the rhythm
Yes, it is technically a percussion show, but in showing the myriad potentialities of percussion–from metal structures and wooden implements to plastic bags and brooms–the performers of Stomp move and drum in a highly choreographed event. From its roots in the UK, the show can claim 50 countries and audiences exceeding 26 million. Along the way, Stomp picked up Britain’s Olivier Award for Best Choreography. The current edition, Let’s Make Some Noise arrives at the only SoCal stop on its North American tour. Cerritos Center for the Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos; Wed.-Thurs., Feb. 4-5, 7:30 pm, $48-$132. Stomp
Stomp. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Stress positions
Choreographer Jasmine Albuquerque provides the dance moves for Crash Out Queens, the official launch of the Long Beach Opera season showcasing soprano Tiffany Townsend . Opera is rife with women pushed to extremes, and Alburquerque’s movement amplifies Townsend’s vocal exploration of arias capturing critical moments of reckoning. Altar Society, 230 Pine Ave., Long Beach; Sat., Jan. 31, 7:30 pm, Sun., Feb. 1, 4 pm, $95-$150. Long Beach Opera.
A swan joke?
Previewing her new show, The Legend of Crystal Shell, comedian Kristen Schaal reveals a dark secret in the story as she performs Swan Lake. Dynasty Typewriter, 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown; Wed., Feb. 4, 7:30 pm, $33.99. Kristen Schaal
Tanzanite African Acrobats. Photo courtesy of the artists
East African movers
Family-friendly and designed to dazzle, Tanzanite African Acrobats are known for human pyramids, gymnastic feats, plus vibrant East African traditional culture, costumes, and music. Irvine Barclay Theatre, UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Dr., Sat., Jan. 31, 1 & 5 pm, $25-$52. Tanzanite African Acrobats
Max 10. Photo courtesy of the artists.
It’s a ten
Ten performers, frequently including dancers, each with ten minutes to win over the audience. It’s the mostly monthly, first Monday series Max 10. Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice; Mon., Feb. 2, 8 pm, $15. Max 10
Shen Yun. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Cautionary return
Presenting itself as “China before communism,” the touring company Shen Yun built its reputation on the athleticism, flexibility, and group precision of its dancers, but dodged questions about its connections with China’s banned Falun Gong. More recently, the organization has faced accusations of dancer abuse and a lawsuit alleging child labor violations. In that context, the company tours local venues from now through early February. At Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Fri., Jan. 30, 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 1 pm, $94.40-$196.95. Also at Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Fri., Feb. 6, 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., Feb. 7-8, 1 pm, $89-$218. Shen Yun.
A Peek at Next Week (February 6-12)
BrockusRED – JAZZ Club Brockus Project Studios, Black Box Theater, 618 B Moulton Ave., Lincoln Heights; Sat., Feb. 7, 8 pm, Sun., Feb. 8, 6 pm, $25 (2 for $40), note date you are buying for at Zelle 562-412-7429, Venmo @brockusProjectStudios, Paypal http://www.brockusprojectdance.org, cash at the door.
Dancing Through Prison Walls – Dance at the Odyssey at Odyssey Theatre 2, 2955 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West LA; Fri.-Sat., Feb. 6-7, 8 pm, Sun., Feb. 8, 2 pm, $25 (+$3 for credit cards). Dance At the Odyssey
Marianna Varviani & Selcouth Dance Theatre and Efrén Olson-Sánchez & Chie Saito – Dance at the Odyssey at the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West LA; Fri.-Sat., Feb. 6-7, Sun., Feb. 8, 2 pm, $28. Dance at the Odyssey
Martha Graham Dance Company – Graham at 100 at Musco Center for the Arts, Chapman University, 415 Glassell, Orange; Wed., Feb. 11, 7:30 pm, $58-$98. Martha Graham
Martha Graham Dance Company. Photo by Brigid Pierce
Will Rawls – Unmade at Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood; Sat., Sat., Feb. 7 & 28, noon to 4 pm, free. Hammer Museum
World Ballet – Cinderella at Granada Theatre, 1214 State St, Santa Barbara; Thurs., Feb. 12, 7 pm, $54-$129 (w/fees). World Ballet – Santa Barbara.
Lineage Dancers with Chris Pierce in Concert at Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain St., Pasadena; Sat., Feb. 7, 7 pm, $33.42, $23.02 students/seniors. Lineage Dancers
Les Ballets Africains at Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; Sun., Feb. 8, 5 pm, $30.50-$58. Les Ballets Africains
State Street Ballet – Evenings at Gail Towbes Center for Dance, 2285 Las Positas Rd., Santa Barbara; Fri-Sat., Feb. 6-7, 7:30, $35 in advance, $40 at door (if space allows). State Street Ballet
MashUp Contemporary Dance Open Mic at Frogtown Creative Space, 2926 Gilroy St., Elysian Valley; Sat., Feb. 7, 7:30 pm, $15. Mash Up – Open Mic
Featured photo: RGWW (Rosanna Gamson/WorldWide – photo courtesy of the artists
Ann Haskins’ Blog appears at CulturalDaily.com
