LA's Best Upcoming Dance Performances
Ted Shawn, a male pioneer of American modern dance, once said, "I believe that dance communicates man's deepest, highest and most truly spiritual thoughts and emotions far better than words, spoken or written." That may be precisely why there is so much beauty in a dance performance, allowing the viewer to feel and experience a plethora of emotions. There are several opportunities for you to discover the power of dance. Following are five events that promise to inspire audiences in Los Angeles in the upcoming months.
American Ballet Theatre
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7211
July 11 to 14
www.musiccenter.org
The American Ballet Theatre, recognized as one of the top dance companies in the world, will perform for a 16th time at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Its presentation will first showcase the company's prime dancers with a variety of numbers. It will then continue with "Le Corsaire," the ballet based on a poem by Lord Byron that tells the story of three Mediterranean shipwrecked pirates rescued by two Greek women and the love and the perils they must face.
Ross Dance's 2013 Los Angeles Praise Dance Festival
Barnsdall Gallery Theatre
4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-6272
July 28
www.rossdance.com
This dance concert will feature performances by Ross Dance, gospel artists from around the country and children and adult praise groups. It will showcase inspiring and passionate ministers who use their dance ability to invigorate their audience and to bring praise to the gospel. Ross Dance promises that you will leave this concert with a happy heart and thankful for the gift of life.
"Fire & Powder" at The Ford
Ford Amphitheatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 461-3673
Aug. 3
www.fordtheatres.org
This show should satisfy lovers of hip hop, Bollywood and Shakespeare. How does that work? The Blue13 Dance Company has adapted the stories of "Romeo and Juliet" and "West Side Story" in its "Fire & Powder." The Capulets dance hip-hop. The Montagues perform Bhangra and other Indian dance styles. The show includes a live drum line and an energetic Indian soundtrack. This should be a fantastic and imaginative performance.
Ansuya at Live Arts Los Angeles
4210 Panamint St.
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 739-0804
Aug. 9 to 11
www.ansuya.com
Ansuya is an international bellydancer who has taught thousands of people and who has won multiple awards for her craft. This show (Aug. 9) at Live Arts Los Angeles will include a long line-up of belly dancing performers, ending with a grand performance by Ansuya. The event is the kick-off for a weekend of workshops (August 10 to 11) that the artist will be conducting at this same venue. You are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy some recorded music selected by DJ Shoop2, and perhaps get a henna tattoo.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet & Lula Washington
Ford Amphitheatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 461-3673
Aug. 10
www.fordtheatres.org
Entitled "An Evening of Dance," this event will combine the talents of the Complexions Contemporary Ballet and the Los Angeles' Lula Washington Dance. Complexions will deliver an impressive show through its seasoned performers, with a combination of physical strength, technicality and prowess. In turn, Lula Washington will present its signature contemporary dance numbers steeped in African American tradition and experience.
Dena Burroughs is a freelance writer living in Azusa, CA. She is a CSULA graduate with specialties in Creative Writing and Communications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
