Choreographers Ball Anniversary

At the Key Club, Jan. 31

Comments (0) By Ann Haskins Wednesday, Jan 24 2007

Working on music videos, commercials, film, television and concert tours does pay the bills for choreographers and dancers, but often their best moves are edited into shards or marginalized as shadowy movements behind a spotlit star. Eight years ago, choreographer Carey Ysais forged an alliance with one of L.A.’s premier live-music venues to create an alternative. Once a month, choreographers and their dancers take over the club to strut their stuff — center stage, with an uninterrupted chance to test their artistry before a live audience. The event, which frequently sells out, has spawned similar showcases in New York and London. In celebratory style, the eighth anniversary resembles a reunion, with participation from 120 dancers and 18 high-profile choreographers, including So You Think You Can Dance? judges/choreographers Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks and Brian Friedman. To mark the occasion, a lifetime-achievement award will be presented to master choreographer Kenny Ortega (Dirty Dancing, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, St. Elmo’s Fire). Don’t miss the party! Key Club, 9039 Sunset Blvd., W. Hlywd.; Wed., Jan. 31, 9 p.m.; $20. (310) 274-5800 or www.dmkworld.com.