The Southern California Dance Connection

The Southern California Dance Connection
Spring Issue, No. 9
January 15, 2008

Dear SCDC subscribers,
Thank you so much for all your wonderful submissions and please enjoy this latest newsletter. Heather Jurgensen, originally from Carlisle, Pennsylvania and former dancer with the New York City Ballet, has contributed a wonderful article on her initial impressions of seeking professional work in Europe. Heather became a principal dancer with the Hamburg Ballet in 1994, and her long and vibrant career with the Hamburg Ballet was celebrated this past summer with her retirement performance. It is my hope that her article will inspire other dancers who may also be considering traveling to Europe to seek performance opportunities.
Though SCDC is at the present time largely informational in its content, it is my goal to include more and more dance articles and reviews for the future. If you would like to submit an article you have written for publication in SCDC, or are interested in writing reviews of current dance performances, please let me know! (info@lorinjohnson.com)

Advisory Board
Glenn Edgerton: Director, Colburn Dance Institute
Charles A. Maple: Director, Maple Conservatory of Dance
Julie McLeod: Executive Director, Santa Barbara Dance Alliance
Colleen O'Callaghan: Artistic Director, Ventura County Ballet Company; Co-Director, American Ballet Intensives
Peter Pucci, NYC, NY: Choreographer/ Movement Director; Artistic Director/ Peter Pucci Plus Dancers
Denise Warner Limoli: Professor of Dance, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Sara Wookey: Choreographer and Artistic Director, Wookey Works.

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I arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport with a large suitcase full of books, no job, few prospects and a box containing a panting and bewildered cat. Despite appearances, I was feeling surprisingly excited about the adventure that was unfolding and I suppose this has remained a driving force behind my dancing career and what turned out to be 18 years working as a dancer in Europe. I left the New York City Ballet for the unknown and I have never regretted it.

I spent the next months as an itinerant, with Puppy, my disgruntled cat in tow, taking classes in Paris, (I was granted access to the Paris Opera’s hallowed studios by Nureyev, wearing his ubiquitous woolen hat and playing the piano) Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and eventually ending up in Hamburg on the recommendation of a friend. I wanted to stay where it felt right and was naive enough not to feel like I needed to jump at any contract that was waved under my nose. I believe that since then jobs in a dance company are harder to come by as money becomes scarce, companies shrink and government subsidies are no longer a given. Years ago it seemed that almost every city boasted its own opera house/ ballet company. This can no longer be sustained. Unfortunately even here in Europe, the very heart of cultural achievement of the last centuries, art may become a mere luxury. Still, although I generalize, I have felt that it is possible to live here as a dancer. Dance, ballet included, is considered a legitimate and respectable career choice, also for men. Dancing for the Hamburg Ballet also means that I work for the State Opera and so I am an employee of the state with the benefits that that implies. I take paid holidays; have a pension plan and health insurance. I have come to appreciate these things with time; they are only of peripheral importance when all you want to do is dance!

A real asset for a dancer is proximity. To be knowledgeable, one needs to have seen what is out there; comparison is one of our greatest tools for self-improvement. One can cross a border or two into a completely different land and culture in no time; on a day trip I can go to Denmark to see the latest premiere at the Royal Theater, or journey into Belgium to see a choreographic competition. During the years I have lived in Europe, accessibility (and curiosity) has allowed me to see more types of dance, of dancers, than I ever dreamed could exist. As everywhere, quality ranges from dubious to astonishingly inspirational. It is wonderful to see how much is possible. We can find out that our concept of our selves, our range and capabilities, are so much greater than we ever dreamed possible! And we are incredibly lucky to have a profession that travels; you don’t need to conquer a new language to get a job on the other side of the world.

As everywhere there will always be an audience for a dependable full-length classical ballet. But the “freie Szene” here is a very vital scene with its own engaged audience. Many European dance groups, of those working independently, may come together for the length of a project, exploring or collaborating on a theme-based work. Audiences are remarkably forbearing and support these efforts with dogged concentration. And they applaud with stamina! Our curtain calls are often still winding down in the time in which New Yorkers have collected their gear, hopped on their trains and made it home.

I got a contract for the Hamburg Ballet by doing men’s class with my pointe shoes on. I did have to wait all day for the verdict, but when it came a funny French guy ran across the street to the creperie to buy a bottle of cidre, a mildly alcoholic drink, so that we could all have a toast. I have never forgotten that welcoming gesture.

Admittedly I suffered a lot at first from culture shock and the uncomfortable newness of everything. Even what I knew best, work, the studio, the stage, felt foreign to me. My range of experience had been rather narrow up till then. I was required to do things I never had before. Some things just seemed weird! The dancing going on all around me was unlike anything I was accustomed to: very varied, more classical, and more contemporary, much more theatrical too. I had to get used to a completely different system, the details of another routine. I did not relish the idea that everything seemed so regimented: that someone else did my hair for me before a show, that after the show my tights were swept away in order to be washed and returned to me for the next performance, neatly folded (had they ironed them?!) And then there were the painful 9:15 a.m. warm-ups before a stage call. Not much has changed since then, I just adapted and grew accustomed to most things (except for doing barre at an ungodly hour.) And that is the nature of familiarity.

My first trip to Paris was just the beginning. Each time you set off down a path, you change along with its course. This one revealed to me many of my unknown wishes. I’ve especially loved taking on different roles; becoming someone else, another character, at least for the length of a performance. I have colleagues that respect and support each other. I also always love going on tour. By now I’ve danced my way around the planet several times. Trying out the unknown is invigorating and it shakes your habits and stereotypes right out of you. A new beginning, a continent away, made me feel like I was getting a fresh start, one where no one knew me and where I alone would have to battle it out with the intricacies of the dreaded German grammar.

I know with certainty that my youthful fantasy of living in Europe was over-romanticized. But no matter how often I’m there, I never get tired of looking out over the rooftops of Paris.

MASTER CLASSES, DANCE CLASSES, AND FESTIVALS

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Pre-Professional Summer Intensive
Los Angeles Audition, Sunday, March 2
Colburn Dance Institute
244 S. San Pedro St .
Los Angeles, California

Registration: 10:30 a.m.
Audition: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ballet class followed by contemporary repertoire. Please bring resume and a photo. Open to advanced dancers ages 17-23.
Pre-registration is required for this audition. For pre-registration and questions: kprovost@hubbardstreetdance.com

Led by Glenn Edgerton, Associate Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Center and Director of the Colburn Dance Institute in Los Angeles, this summer program offers an exclusive opportunity to learn company repertoire with former HSDC dancers Cheryl Mann and Tobin DelCuore. Additionally, the two-week intensive includes daily ballet and modern classes, Pilates, video lectures and discussions about health and wellness, culminating in a studio showing, July 18.
The 2008 Pre-Professional Summer Intensive will take place July 7-18 at the Hubbard Street Dance Center in chicago. Program fee is $800, not including housing. Housing is available for an additional fee.

Winter Dance Classes taught by Sara Wookey
Starting Januray 6th!!! Sundays 4-6pm at 616 Moulton Ave (Diavolo Studio Lab) Downtown, Los Angeles (FREE PARKING) Single class: $14 Five-class series: $60 -- Sara's movement classes are highly physical and engage basic repetitive movements in an organic structure that builds stamina and a more refined kinesthetic knowledge. This class is a place to explore your movement potential in a supportive and non-competitive environment. Sara is a choreographer, performer and director who relocated to Los Angeles from Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2006.
Download PDF

The Colburn Dance Institute presents Music Coordinator Michael Robert’s class “Training the Dance Piano Accompanist”.
Mr. Roberts received his training playing for London’s Royal Ballet School, was senior ballet accompanist for the Stanley Holden Dance Center for fourteen years, and Music Coordinator for CalArts for fifteen years. His many dance class recordings are considered the gold standard in the industry. Class focus is on accompanying ballet and modern dance. Starts Feb. 2nd for four sessions, ($175/series) culminating in observing David Howard's Master Class, February 23. The Colburn Dance Institute, 200 S. Grand. Call 213-621-2200. Reserve your space today!

The Colburn Dance Institute presents world-renowned Master Teacher David Howard’s Teacher-Training Workshop and Master Class Series.
Howard will focus on teaching instructors and dancers skills for formulating the optimum ballet class. Howard’s unique methodology is founded in a scientific philosophy of movement involving kinetics and anatomical principles. His approach is based on the dynamics of movement, musicality and energy, eliminating undue tension and preventing injury often associated with technique when taught conventionally. February 22-24. 11am-6pm. $250/full workshop, $20/class (participants), $10/class (auditors). Colburn Dance Institute Gallery Studio. 244 S. San Pedro Ave. Contact Monica Nomura to reserve 213-621-1050.

Backhausdance Summer Intensive
July 28-August 9
Chapman University
www.backhausdance.org
Backhausdance is thrilled to announce the 4 th Annual Backhausdance Summer Intensive! This year’s students will have the opportunity to share the stage with the company in their 3 rd annual concert: “Backhausdance Deconstructed”. The Backhausdance Summer Intensive will be held at Chapman University in Orange, CA.This summer program is designed for dancers who wish to improve their technique while experiencing a variety of new and exciting movement styles. It is geared towards dancers 16 and older with a strong dance foundation. Backhausdance Summer Intensive is offered in 2 week sessions, or single-day passes. Students are encouraged to take both weeks. Dancers attending both weeks will have the opportunity to perform with the company in their summer concert: “Backhausdance Deconstructed”

Maple Conservatory of Dance 2008 Summer Intensive Programs
The Maple Conservatory of Dance is proud to announce our upcoming Summer Intensives that will provide a unique opportunity for serious students to work with world-class instructors in an environment that is both meaningful and effective.

Technique Intensive Program (June 16-20) A five-day program for intermediate dancers ages 12-14 and advanced dancers ages 13-23 who wish to prepare for their upcoming summer intensives. The program will feature three "intensive" technique classes that will take place from 4pm-8pm each day,

4-Week Intensive Program (June 30-July 26, 2008) A four-week program for male & female dancers ages 12-22 who want to receive a high caliber of dance training with an internationally renowned faculty; supervised, dormitory-style housing is available. The program will feature director Charles Maple and SI Program director Chris Martin, as well as Cynthia Gregory , former principal dancer, American Ballet Theatre; Michael Vernon , Chair, Jacobs School Ballet Department, Indiana University; Brian Reeder , renowned choreographer and formerly with ABT; Evelyn Cisneros , former principal dancer, San Francisco Ballet; Gilma Bustillo DeQuattro , former principal dancer, Basel Ballet and formerly with ABT ; Alicia Head , certified trainer for GYROKINESIS™ & GYROTONIC™; Lorin Johnson , formerly with ABT and San Francisco Ballet; Laura Martin , formerly with ABT, Miami City Ballet and Washington Ballet; Shawn Stevens , formerly with New York City Ballet and Twyla Tharp's Company

Junior Intensive Program (August 4-16) A two-week program for young male & female dancers ages 9 to 11 who want to build a solid foundation in ballet technique and learn about a variety of dance-related topics. No pointe experience is required for female dancers. The junior intensive faculty will feature the Maple Conservatory Faculty.

Admission to the summer programs is by audition only. Students are strongly urged to audition in person at one of the two audition classes below. Audition fee is $20, payable by cash or check. Students should bring two full-body photos: 1) first arabesque and 2) developpe second position, wearing practice clothes and no skirts. Write the dancer's name, address and phone number on the back of both photos.Auditions will be held at the Maple Conservatory studios 1824 Kaiser Ave, Irvine , CA 92614 on the following dates:
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Ages 9-12 at 2pm-3:30pm (Registration at 1pm)
Ages 13-23 at 4:00pm-6:00pm (Registration at 3:00pm)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Ages 9-12 at 2pm-3:30pm (Registration at 1pm)
Ages 13-23 at 4:00pm-6:00pm (Registration at 3:00pm)
Students may optionally contact the Maple Conservatory at 949 660 9930 to make an appointment to audition at our studio if they are unable to attend one of our audition classes.

DANCEbank
Get a taste of something different every week with this ongoing nomadic series of classes led by Los Angeles' dance experimenters, improvisers, interdisciplinary boundary blenders, somatic investigators, and damn-fine movers....
Thursdays, 7-9pm $10
For updates go to: http://www.myspace.com/dancemegwolfe
DANCEbank schedule update:
Andrea Mills - (1/3/08) - Diavolo Main Space - 616 Moulton St.
Taisha Paggett - (1/10/08) - Diavolo Main Space Mira Kingsley - (1/17/08) - The Open Space - 209 S. Garey St.
Carol McDowell - (1/24/08) - Kidz N Motion -1814 14th St Anneliese Euler - (1/31/07) - The Open Space Andrea Mills - (2/7/08) Flora Wiegmann - (2/14/08) Hassan Christopher - (2/21/08) Rae Shaolan Blum - (2/28/08) Nehara Kalev - (3/6/08) Christine Suarez - (3/13/08) Sara Wookey - (3/20/08) Hana van der Kolk - (3/27/08) Michael Sakamoto - (4/3/08) Sue Roginski - (4/10/08) Teri Carter - (4/17/08) Kristen Smiarowski - (4/24/08) Rachael Lincoln - (5/1/08) Magali Caillet-Gajan - (5/8/08)
Locations:
DIAVOLO (616 Moulton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031)
THE OPEN SPACE - (209 S. Garey St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 - at 2nd St., just east of Alameda)
KIDZ N MOTION SPACE - (1814 14th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404)
Get current info on teaching artists and locations at: http://www.myspace.com/dancemegwolfe

Adult Ballet @ WCDA
Monday through Friday 10:00-11:30 am
Saturday 11:00-1:00 (with pointe)
West Coast Dance Academy
25732 Taladro Circle
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Students and Professional Rate: $12
www.wcdanceacademy.com

Open Company Class with Backhausdance
Friday 9:30-11:00
Intermediate-Advanced Modern with Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus and company members
25732 Taladro Circle
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
www.backhausdance.org
Class Fee: $12

THE COLBURN DANCE INSTITUTE WILL HOST THE AMERICAN BALLET THEATER TEACHER TRAINING CURRICULUM.
MARCH 24-30 GALLERY STUDIO.
ACCOMPANIST MICHAEL ROBERTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ABT AT 212 477 3030 OR VISIT ABT.ORG.
American Ballet Theatre has announced the introduction of its National Training Curriculum, a program of ballet technique combining artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. Under the direction of Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie, ABT’s National Training Curriculum was devised by Franco De Vita and Raymond Lukens in collaboration with an artistic advisory panel and a medical advisory board. The Curriculum will be implemented through a series of teacher training intensives and a teacher certification program to be conducted throughout the United States.

Studio BDC Classes - Open to the Public
Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Road, Studio #201
San Diego, CA 92106
2008 Schedule: Tue. 5:30-7:00 Int/Adv Modern Wed. 5:30-7:00 Beg/Int Modern Wed. 7:00-8:30 Beg/Int Ballet Thur. 4:00-5:30 Beg Modern ( NEW! Sat. 9:00-10:30 Modern Tricks & Inversions
Sat. 10:30-12:00 Beg/Int Ballet Check out: www.butterdance.org for Class Descriptions and other information.
$12 - Single Class
$44 - 4 Class Card
$80 - 8 Class Card
Be sure to check out LibertyStationSanDiego.com for Studio BDC discounts!!!

Experienced Male Dancers wanted, modern, with strong ballet and jazz background, for contracted performance and teaching activities through May 2008.
Strong stage presence, expressiveness, musicality, and technique. Floor work is important. All ethnic types. Performance pay and rehearsal honorarium. Our new work is "The Reality Series", to be performed in March and in May. Besides the qualities listed above, this piece needs dancers who are also strong in improvisation developing characters. The next section is about identity theft and called "Identity". Other sections are "Los (t) Angeles" and "The Shampoo".
http://www.LAChoreographersAndDancers.org
For an appointment or for more information call 213- 385-1171 or e-mail: louisehr@lachoreographersanddancers.org

Irvine Valley College is having auditions for its Spring Season in their new theatre on January 25th at 1pm in Studio 160.
Artistic directors Marie de la Palmeand Fabienne Levenson are looking for intermediate/advanced dancers with solid Ballet and Modern technique. To see excerpts of the repertoire, go to YouTube and type: Perspectives/Marie de la Palme. Questions: mariedelapalme@yahoo.com

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

LA Dance Invitational
The producers of the LA Dance Invitational—Howard Ibach, Richard Kuller and Jamie Nichols— will begin accepting submissions for their 9th annual concert on March 1, 2008. The concert will take place at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 8 PM. Please visit www.ladanceinvitational.org after February 1 for updated information and complete submission guidelines. Invitees to LADI 8 are ineligible for consideration.

Jan. 17 - Jan. 27
Hollywood Ballet
Unknown Theater

1110 Seward St., L.A.
Sundays: 6 p.m., Thursdays: 8 p.m., Fridays: 8 p.m., Saturdays: 8 p.m.
Members of the company's pre-professional arm join the program of contemporary ballet and modern jazz choreographed by artistic director Rick Heiman. Premieres include "RQ 21," set to Mozart's "Requiem," and "Ghost Frog," set to music by Parisian experimental jazz guitarist Pascal Vaucel. Also on the program: "Green," a modern ballet solo, and "Strange Visit," a modern ballet quartet.
$18-$24 323-466-7781

Friday, January 18: 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 19: 8 p.m.
Hood, Veil, Shoes
Cheng-Chieh Yu's latest work, choreographed for the Taiwan-based Sun-Shier Dance Theatre, depicts action-charged scenarios of overcrowded urban transit in Taipei, where gender-based rites of passage for young women permeate their daily journeys. Presented by the UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures.
Tickets: $15 Phone: 310-825-2101

iDfest In-Site Collaboration Performance
Friday, Saturday, January 18th & 19th, 2008 @ 8:30pm
Sunday, January 20th, 2008 @ 2:00pm
$20 General, $15 Student/DRC, Friday Pay-What-You-Can
@ DIAVOLO DANCE THEATRE SPACE
Downtown Brewery Arts Complex
616 Moulton Street
Los Angeles , CA 90031
An exciting new approach to improvisational performance, which matches up renown artists from all over the world to collaborate on new improvisation structures, crossing disciplines, and creating new territory. This year’s focus is site-specific works and ensemble performance for a unique and enigmatic performance experience each night. New lineup each show, come to all!
Tickets Online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/24658 <http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/24658>

January 25-26, 8pm
Company Ea Sola
Drought and Rain Vol. 2
Vietnam National Opera Ballet – Hanoi
Royce Hall
Box 951529
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1529
Raised in Vietnam during the war and trained in Paris, choreographer/performer Ea Sola creates vital, enthralling contemporary works grounded in the traditional culture, music, dance, and history of Vietnam. With 12 young dancers from the Vietnam National Opera Ballet and a traditional Vietnamese music ensemble performing new music, Drought and Rain Vol. 2 is a reflection on the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of the next generation.
Tickets: $40, 30, 22
UCLA Central Ticket Office
Tel: 310.825.2101
tickets@uclalive.org

February 1 and 2, 2008 at 8pm
False Documents
An evening of theater-dance works choreographed by Kingsley Irons.
UCLA's Glorya Kaufman Dance Theater, Glorya Kaufman Hall
120 Westwood Plaza. Enter through Sunset and Westwood Boulevard.
Parking is available to the public for $8. For more information visit: www.wac.ucla.edu.
Admission is $15 for the general public and $8 for students.
To purchase tickets: www.tickets.ucla.edu or call 310.825.2101

February 6-7, 8pm
Ballet Flamenco Eva Yerbabuena
Santo y Seña (Signs and Wonders)
Royce Hall
Box 951529
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1529
Routinely called the most exciting flamenco dancer of her generation, the legendary Seville-based Eva Yerbabuena and her company of five dancers ignite the Royce stage with passionate emotion, explosive footwork and stylish, finger-snapping syncopations.
Tickets: $54, 40, 28 UCLA Central Ticket Office Tel: 310.825.2101tickets@uclalive.org

February 7, 2008 8:00 PM
February 8, 2008 8:00 PM
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Carpenter Performing Arts Center
6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach 90815-4500
The Trocks have delighted critics and audiences worldwide with their playful parody of classical ballet—complete with silly Russian ballerina stage names, extra-large tutus, loaf-size toe shoes—and most importantly, remarkable ballet technique!
Phone: (562) 985-7000 Website: www.carpenterarts.org/0708/lesballets.html

Thursday, February 7- Sunday, February 10
UCI Dance Visions
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive in Irvine
A concert of premieres with featured guests, hip-hop artist Rennie Harris and Korean choreographer Dr. Sam-Jin Kim. Faculty choreographers Donald McKayle, David Allan, Jodie Gates, Molly Lynch, Loretta Livingston, and Lisa Naugle will all be presenting exciting new work.
Box Office tickets@thebarclay.org Phone: (949) 854-4646

Saturday February 9, 2008 at 2PM
“The Museum Project”
Regina Klenjoski Dance Company with composer/musician Mark Fitchett
Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 E. Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-439-2119 Tickets: Free event with paid museum admission. $7 at the door. No reservations necessary.
Directions: www.lbma.org or (562) 439-2119 x228
Information: www.rkdc.org or (310) 292-7024
Regina Klenjoski Dance Company will make its hometown debut at the Long Beach Museum of Art in their second installment of “The Museum Project.” For just the price of admission to the museum, patrons are treated to a unique artistic collaboration between dance, music and visual art. While browsing the Long Beach Museum of Art's current exhibitions, "About Face: Portraiture Now" and "Picturing Identity," museum goers will experience dancers and musicians traveling the galleries, creating a series of vignettes reflecting the exhibition’s themes of identity and personal expression.

Sunday, February 10th, 2008 at 2:30 PM
ST. PETERSBURG BALLET THEATRE- "ROMEO & JULIET"
Fred Kavli Theatre
Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers is presented in a refreshing and innovative interpretation through the technical brilliance of the dances of the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre.
Tickets: $49.00, $44.00, $34.00
Tickets are available at the Civic Arts Plaza Box Office: 805-449-ARTS (2787)
or visit ticketmaster

February 13-17
Diana Vishneva - Beauty in Motion
Orange County Performing Artscenter
Segerstrom Hall and Founders Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Acclaimed as one of the world’s reigning prima ballerinas, Diana Vishneva has triumphed in every major ballet role. Now she returns to the Center in three world premiere works created just for her by some of today’s leading choreographers.
Pierrot Lunaire Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky
With members of the Kirov Ballet, Orchestra and Opera
Flow Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Three Point Turn Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
With special guest artist Desmond Richardson and members of the Kirov Ballet
Tickets: $92 - $20 Phone:714.556.2787

Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:00 PM
Sat Feb 16, 2008 8:00 PM
Moiseyev Dance Company
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
12700 Center Court Drive -- Cerritos, CA 90703Proclaimed by audiences and critics alike as the greatest of all the Folk dance troupes, Russia’s Moiseyev Dance Company continues to pay tribute to the artistic traditions of the world, melding them with the refined virtues of Classical Ballet, and setting ever-higher standards in the performance of Folk dance.
Info Line: 562.916.8501 Ticket Office: 800.300.4345 or 562.916.8500 TicketOffice@CerritosCenter.com

FEBRUARY 20-23, 2008
CSULB Graduate Dance Concert
Wed-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm
MFA students from California State University, Long Beach present their choreography in this evening of stimulating dance. Performed by undergraduate and graduate dancers, each piece is an original work and represents a diverse perspective and interpretation of today’s world.
Martha B. Knoebel Theater, CSULB
CSULB Arts Ticket Office, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach, CA 90815
Tickets: $16 general, $10 students Phone: 562-985-7000

February 21-24
State Ballet of GeorgiaWith Nina Ananiashvili
Royce Hall
Box 951529
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1529
On the heels of their first American performances at the Spoleto Festival this summer, Ananiashvili (in select performances) and the company will perform one of the most beloved ballets of all time, Giselle, and a mixed repertory program including Balanchine’s Chaconne; a new ballet by Yuri Possokhov, resident choreographer of San Francisco Ballet, set to traditional Georgian music; and a new work by the Bolshoi’s Aleksei Ratmansky.
Tickets: $90, 70, 50, 34
UCLA Central Ticket Office Tel: 310.825.2101 tickets@uclalive.org

February, 22 & 23, 2008 at 8pm
Saint Joseph Ballet brings a rare gathering of contemporary dance performers to Orange County with New Dance -
New Dance features cutting edge world premieres by local Southern California artists, including casebolt and smith, contra-tiempo, NUGENT DANCE, Rebecca Pappas and Saint Joseph Ballet Artistic Director, Melanie Ríos Glaser. Performances take place at: The Saint Joseph Ballet Studio Theater 1810 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92706 Tickets are only $10 and very limited! Call 714-541-8314 to reserve your tickets today.

February 22
Belly Dance Superstars
Orange County Performing Artscenter
Segerstrom Hall and Founders Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Awash in swirls of colors and exotic sounds, the most intoxicating of dances comes to the Center with Bellydance
Superstars. From the Follies Bergere, Monte Carlo, the Lollapalooza Festival or London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, this acclaimed troupe creates a sensation wherever they perform.
Tickets: $52 - $23 Phone:714.556.2787

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 8:00 PM
CoisCéim Dance Theatre
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive in Irvine
Pronounced “kush came,” this company will make its first West Coast appearance en route to New York. Controversial, startling and aggressive in movement and text, this dance-theater piece is based on the studies of couples’ relationships by noted psychologist R.D. Laing. Widely acclaimed on the international festival circuit, this award-winning evening, bursting with high-octane choreography,is both brutal and touching — and at times, hilarious. Virtuoso choreographer Liam Steel (of Stan Won’t Dance) directs the six performers of CoisCéim in a show that tries to untangle the complexity of human relationships.Content and language may be disturbing or offensive to the sensitive adult viewer. Not suitable for children
Box Office tickets@thebarclay.org Phone: (949) 854-4646

Saturday March 1st at 7:00 pm and Sunday March 2nd at 2:00 pm
South Bay Ballet presents BRAVO! The Contemporary & Classical Dance Experience
James Armstrong Theatre at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center
The program includes original works by Lorin Johnson, Robert Kelly, Diane Lauridsen, and Jon Cristofori. In keeping with the South Bay Ballet’s tradition of cultivating choreographic talents of young dancers, senior company member Elizabeth Simeons premieres her first original work. The Maple Youth Ballet will be performing with South Bay Ballet and presenting Balanchine's timeless classic Valse Fantaisie.
All seats $20. Call 310-781-7171 or visit www.southbayballet.org.

March 1, 7:30pm
LA Ballet
World Premiere, Tarantella, Four Temperaments
Alex Theatre, Glendale
216 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, California 91203
Purchase Tickets online or call the Alex Theatre box office at 818-243-ALEX (2539).
http://www.losangelesballet.org/html/performances_boxoffice.htm

Sunday March 9, 2008 @ 1:00 and 4 pm
The Reality Series The Shampoo, Los(t) Angeles, Identity
Louise Reichlin & Dancers in a first look at their new interactive series.
The Rosalie and Alva Performance Gallery
1417 W. 8th St. San Pedro CA 90732
$15 general, $13 DRC/senior/student (with ID) Reservations: Call 213-385-1171. Limited seating.
Both performances include a dialogue with audience as the new work develops. Each work uses the audiences as part of the piece. Also on the program, a revival of sections from "The Tennis Dances" including "Harem". http://www.LAChoreographersAndDancers.org

Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Shen Wei Dance Company
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive in Irvine
A 2007 MacArthur Foundation “Genius Award” recipient, Shen Wei’s trademBox Office
tickets@thebarclay.org
(949) 854-4646
Shen Wei's trademark style is a fusion of art forms—dance, theater, Chinese opera, painting and sculpture—resulting in a
unique hybridization of western and eastern cultures.
Tickets: $38.00, $33.00

March 11-16
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Orange County Performing Artscenter
Segerstrom Hall and Founders Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Highlights include Alvin Ailey’s most famous work, Revelations - a glorious celebration of the rousing gospel and spiritual music of the 1930s which inspires audiences whenever it is performed.
Tickets: $85 - $25 Phone:714.556.2787

MARCH 12-15, 2008
CSULB Contemporary Dance Concert
Wed-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm
Undergraduate dance majors from California State University, Long Beach present original choreography in an evening of diverse dance styles showcasing their unique creative voice.
Martha B. Knoebel Theater, CSULB
CSULB Arts Ticket Office, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach, CA 90815
Tickets: $16 general, $10 students Phone: 562-985-7000

Saturday March15, 2008 at 8:00PM
CELEBRATE DANCE 2008
CELEBRATE DANCE is fast becoming a coveted event for dance companies to participate in, as many have received Lester Horton Dance Award nominations and awards from showing their work in this highly produced festival presented by “impresaria” Jamie Nichols. This year will be no exception as Nichols raises her “barre” again for Los Angeles dance to be presented at its finest with smashing premieres from: BackhausDance, Baker& Tarpaga Dance Project,Contra-Tiempo, Lux Aeterna Dance Company,Viktor Kabaniaev and Dancers, Method Contemporary Dance and Motion Tribe.
WHERE: Alex Theatre 2116 North Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA. 91023
WHEN: Saturday, March 15th, 2008, 8:00pm
TICKETS: $17-$35 with discount rates available for children, students, seniors and DRC Members. Excellent group rates for 15 or more @ 25% off are available by calling the Box Office.
HOW: Alex Theatre Box office 818-243-2539 orhttp://www.alextheatre.org/events/08_0315.html Visit - http://www.celebratedance.org - for more info

Backhausdance at the Barclay
March 21 & 22, 8pm
The Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
Tickets $20 and $30
www.thebarclay.org
www.ticketmaster.org
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Orange County's critically acclaimed Backhausdance is pleased to announce "Backhausdance at the Barclay", an evening of company repertory at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Performing three new works, and audience favorite "Sitting on January", Backhausdance brings to the stage the athleticism and grace that has propelled Orange County's premiere dance company into the forefront of modern dance since its inception in 2003.

March 27-30
American Ballet Theatre "Swan Lake"
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA USA 90012
American Ballet Theatre (ABT) returns to perform the world's most beloved ballet Swan Lake, a romantic tale of love, betrayal and forgiveness. This stunning production offers breathtaking choreography, lavish costumes, visually spectacular sets and Tchaikovsky's glorious score.
To purchase single tickets online or by phone via Ticketmaster, please visit: www.ticketmaster.com or call (213) 365-3500

Friday, April 4th, 2008 at 7:30 PM
TCHAIKOVSKY BALLET- "SWAN LAKE"
With its roots extending back as far as 1870, The Tchaikovsky Ballet and Orchestra, located in Perm, is one of Russia's most distinguished artistic companies and is widely considered to be Russia's third most prominent ballet company, behind the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets.
Fred Kavli Theatre
Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Tickets are available at the Civic Arts Plaza Box Office: 805-449-ARTS (2787)
or visit ticketmaster Tickets: $49.00, $44.00, $34.00

April 4-5, 8pm
La La La Human Steps
Amjad
Royce Hall
Box 951529
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1529
Known for its high-energy, acrobatic dance and punkish cool, Montreal’s most daring dance company returns with another thrilling production. Inspired by Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, Amjad audaciously deconstructs the romantic ballet and probes the schism between classical and modern dance.
Tickets: $48, 36, 24 UCLA Central Ticket Office Tel: 310.825.2101 tickets@uclalive.org

Saturday April 5 th 8:00 pm Tickets $20 (no credit cards)
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre
Diavolo Performance Space
616 Moulton Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Join us for an evocative evening of contemporary dance exchange with choreographers Louie Cornejo ( Los Angeles), Kerstin Stuart ( Monterey), and Misa Kelly of SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre ( Santa Barbara).
Reservations: sonneblauma@hotmail.com or (805) 569-0389

April 11-13
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA USA 90012
Conceived by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, two former stars of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Complexions Contemporary Ballet has received numerous accolades for its powerful and thought-provoking performances.
To purchase single tickets online or by phone via Ticketmaster, please visit: www.ticketmaster.com or call (213) 365-3500

Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:00 PM
AXIS Dance Company
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
12700 Center Court Drive -- Cerritos, CA 90703
Since 1987 AXIS Dance Company has been creating an exciting body of work developed by dancers with and without disabilities. The company has become internationally recognized for its high artistic standards. Under the artistic direction of Judith Smith, the 10-member company has developed a powerful repertory that includes works by Bill T. Jones, Joe Goode, and Joanna Haigood, as well as by its own company members.
Info Line: 562.916.8501 Ticket Office: 800.300.4345 or 562.916.8500
or e-mail us at: TicketOffice@CerritosCenter.com

April 18-19th, 2008
Butterworth Dance Company in Concert
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre - Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
www.butterdance.org

Tuesday, April 22 - Sunday, April 27
Mark Morris Dance Group - Dido and Aeneas
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive in Irvine
In a remarkable collaboration, Irvine Barclay Theatre, Pacific Symphony and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County present Henry Purcell's opera in a masterly interpretation by renowned choreographer Mark Morris. Morris’ adaptation of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas takes a fresh approach to this landmark opera.
Tickets: $125.00, $75.00, $50.00, $40.00 tickets@thebarclay.org Phone: (949) 854-4646

April 24-25th, 2008
BINARY Youth Company in Concert
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre - Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
www.butterdance.org

APRIL 30-MAY 3, 2008
CSULB Faculty-Guest Artist Concert
Wed-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm
This Fall, the Department of Dance at California State University, Long Beach is proud to present a diverse slate of faculty choreographed works and the work of guest artist Holly Johnston, artistic director of LA based Ledges and Bones Dance Project.
Martha B. Knoebel Theater, CSULB
CSULB Arts Ticket Office, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach, CA 90815
Tickets: $20 general, $15 students Phone: 562-985-7000

May 2-3, 8pm
Ultima Vez
Spiegel
Royce Hall
Box 951529
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1529
For 20 years, Belgian choreographer Wim Vandekeybus and his company Ultima Vez have created daring, confrontational and intensely physical works that push dancers and technology beyond their limits.The French newspaper Le Soir described this master of movement, film and sound as “a cross between Trisha Brown and John Woo.” Vandekeybus’ latest endeavor, Spiegel (Mirror), is a retrospective exploring the explosive energy and emotions of his world-renowned creations.
Tickets: $42, 30, 22 UCLA Central Ticket Office Tel: 310.825.2101 tickets@uclalive.org

Friday, May 9th, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Rubberbandance
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive in Irvine
Rubberbandance’s captivating perspective on the freedom of urban dance, music and movement includes a crowd-pleasing duet set to a recording by Luciano Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland.
Tickets: $38.00, $33.00 tickets@thebarclay.org Phone: (949) 854-4646

May 16 & 17 at 8 pm and May 18 at 2:30 pm
IN/EX Dance Project
The Open Space
209 S. Garey Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Featuring the collaborative work of contemporary L.A.-based choreographers Julia Ferguson, Sarri Sanchez, Ally Voye and Maya Zellman.
Email inexdanceproject@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/inexdanceproject
www.facebook.com – IN/EX Dance Project

SANTA BARBARA

Sunday May 25 th 7:30 pm
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre
Join us for an evocative evening of contemporary dance exchange with choreographers Louie Cornejo ( Los Angeles), Kerstin Stuart ( Monterey), and Misa Kelly of SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre ( Santa Barbara).
Tickets $20 (credit cards accepted)
Center Stage Theatre
Upstairs in the Paseo Nuevo Mall, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Reservations: (805) 963-0408