A contemporary take on Romeo & Juliet in Costa Mesa, a New York visitor channels David Bowie in Beverly Hills, a trio of ballets including iconic Balanchine in Santa Monica, new contemporary dance in El Sereno, flamenco in Glendale, a contemporary preview in the Arts District, plus more SoCal dance this week and a peek at next week.
Live This Week
Star-Crossed Wake Up Call
Not a balcony in sight as Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo presents Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Romeo & Juliet. A blend of classical and contemporary ballet, the choreographer’s 1996 version of Shakespeare’s tragic romance takes a cinematic approach. At Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Fri., April 15, 7:30pm, Sat., April 16, 2 & 7:30pm, Sun., April 17, 1pm, $29-$99.https://www.scfta.org/events/calendar.aspx?mode=grid
Les Ballets de Monte Carlo – “Romeo and Juliet” – Photo © Alice Blangero
Three for one
Two important contemporary ballet talents and one certified legend provide the triptych of ballets in Los Angeles Ballet’s mixed bill under the banner Bloom. One of George Balanchine’s signature ballets, Apollo, with music by Igor Stravinsky is joined by the company premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Ghosts and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Bloom. The Saturday performance is tied to a gala and is already sold out, but two other shows to choose from. At The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Thurs.-Fri., April 21-22, 7:30pm, Sat., April 23, 5pm, $68-$114. https://www.losangelesballet.org/bloom
Los Angeles Ballet – Balanchine Black and White – Petra Conti, Jasmine Perry, Laura Chachich, with Tigran Sargsyan in APPOLLO – Photo by Los Angeles Ballet – Blanchine Black and White – AGON – Julianne Kinasiewicz with Jeongkon Kim and Magnus Christoffersen – Photo by Reed Hutchinson
Going for the star(dust)
Choreographer Dwight Rhoden and his Complexions Contemporary Ballet arrive at the first of two venues. The initial shows offer the west coast premiere of Rhoden’s Snatched Back From the Edges along with Stardust, the choreographer’s tribute to pop star David Bowie. The opening show includes a post-performance discussion with the artists. Later this month, the company moves to Orange County with a program that includes Stardust and a work set to Bach’s music. At Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; Thurs.-Sat., April 14-16, 7:30pm, $39-$99. https://thewallis.org/complexions. Also at Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine; Fri., April 29, 8 pm, $30-$130. https://www.thebarclay.org/
Complexions Ballet Company. Photo by Hagos Rush.
Keeping it in the family
For this performance by kevin williamson + company. Williamson created all over, a new trio for Kaia Makihara, Alexandra Rix and Chelsea Roquero and pays homage to other choreographers in from the inside out. Having danced in companies led by choreographers David Roussève (Reality), Maria Gillespie (Oni Dance), and Kate Hutter Mason (LA Contemporary Dance Company), and with those choreographers’ permission, Williamson’s new solo includes recovered dance fragments from those dancemakers. At the Stomping Ground, 5453 Alhambra Blvd., El Sereno; Fri.-Sat., April 15-16, 8pm, Sun., April 17, 4pm, $22. https://fromtheinsideout.bpt.me/
Kevin Williamson. Photo courtesy of the artist.
A first look
Previewing a new work by founder Benjamin Millepied, LA Dance Project takes the stage with music by composer Andy Akin and a prelude by Caroline Shaw. Additional weekend performances are scheduled for June. 2-24. At LA Dance Project studios, 2245 E. Washington Blvd., Arts District; Fri., April 15 & Thurs., April 21, $30, $10 30 years & under. https://ci.ovationtix.com/35353/production/1113077
LA Dance Project. Photo courtesy of Lucinda Lent.
Luxuriating feet
The plot promises a passionate tale as Barcelona Flamenco Ballet offers Luxurîa (Lust). Dancers include David Gutiérrez and Paula Reyes, singer Joel de Pepa, guitarist Jordi Centeno, and percussionist Gerardo Morales. At the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., April 16, 8pm, $31-$106. https://alextheatre.org/event/the-alex-theatre-presents-luxuria
Museum dancing
As part of its exhibition Poussin and the Dance, the Getty Center commissioned several notable LA choreographers to create dance films that respond to Poussin’s art. The results, Poussin Projected: Screening Contemporary Dance Films, are viewable online and the Poussin artworks are viewable in person until May 8. Exhibition at the Getty Center, Harold M Williams Auditorium, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood; thru Sun., May 8. Dance films viewable at https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/poussin_dance/
Chris Emile for “Poussin and the Dance.” Photo courtesy of the artists
The bugs have it
The world of insects is the topic as the incomparable Cirque du Soleil returns with OVO. Expect the signature combo of acrobats, dance, comedians and other daredeviltry at Microsoft Theater, 777 Chick Hearn Ct., downtown; thru May 1, various dates, times & prices at https://www.microsofttheater.com/events/detail/cirquedusoleilovo22
Cirque Du Soleil. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Studio to stage
Showcasing a line-up of LA-based artists over six weeks, this edition of REDCAT Studio includes DeLanna Studi (4/19-24), Tarrah Krajnak (4/26-5/1), and Christina Catherine Martinez (5/3-8). At REDCAT Gallery, Disney Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown; thru Sun., May 8, free. https://www.redcat.org/exhibition/studio-2022
Dancers in the park, drummers in the library
LA-based dance, music, and drumming ensembles offer free performances at parks and libraries throughout LA in the Music Center’s Arts Grown LA. Performances include folkloric troupes, Taiko drummers, and more, continuing into June. A complete list of groups, venues, and performance details at https://www.musiccenter.org/experience-learn/experience-learn/for-all-ages/the-music-center-performing-artists-in-schools-communities/arts-grown-la/
TAIKOPROJECT in “Arts Grown LA”. Photo courtesy of the artists
Venturing out
Making its debut at this venue, USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance showcases its polished students performing works by acclaimed choreographers including Justin Peck, Ohad Naharin, Tessandra Chavez, Doug Varone, Achinta S McDaniel, and Toyin Sogunro. at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; Thurs-Fri., April 21-22, 7:30pm, Sat., April 23, 3 & 7:30pm, $25-$55. https://thewallis.org/
A Peek at Next Week
Mixed eMotion Theatrix’ The Great Gatsby at Greystone Mansion, 455 N. Rexford Dr., Beverly Hills; Wed.-Fri., April 27-29, 7pm, $15. http://beverlyhills.org/departments/communityservices/cityparks/greystonemansiongardens/gatsbyreduxatgreystone/web.jsp?NFR=1
Mixed eMotion Theatrix – “Gatsby Redux” for Los Angeles Music Center, Moves After Dark. Performed in the Blue Ribbon Garden of Disney Hall – Photo Credit: Barry Weiss
2022 Contemporary Dance Festival at Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater, Cal State University, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach; Thurs.-Fri., April 21-22, 8pm, Sat., April 23, 2 & 8pm, $20, $15 students, $15 livestream. https://www.csulb.edu/dance/article/2022-contemporary-dance-festival-april-21-23
LA Dance Festival Fringe Festival at Brockus Project Studios, 618B Moulton Ave., Lincoln Heights; Fri.,-Sat., April 22-23, 8pm, Sun., April 24, 7pm, https://ladancefest.org/
Luminario Ballet in L’Invalide choreography by Judith FLEX Helle – Photo by Ted Soqui
Dance for Life a gala benefit to fight HIV & AIDS. At Nate Holden Performing Arts Center Ebony Rep Theater, 4718 W. Washington Blvd., West Adams Sat., April 23, 7pm, $50-$1,000. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dance-for-life-tickets-232427646347
Featured Image: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Photo by Alice Blangero
Ann Haskins Blog appears at CulturalDaily.com
