Emergence Vehicle

Exchange: Above Ground at Diavolo Performance Space

Comments (0) By Ann Haskins Wednesday, May 9 2007

Amid L.A.’s decentralized arts landscape, artists and audiences too often must work hard to find each other. Fortunately, enclaves have emerged that not only foster cross-pollination among artists, but become destinations for audiences. The Music Center is L.A.’s highest-profile example, but Highways and the 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica have nurtured less-well-heeled choreographers over the years, including Jacques Heim and his Diavolo Dance Company. In turn, the Diavolo Performance Space in downtown’s Brewery Arts Complex now provides a home base for several other contemporary dance companies. Choreographer Holly Johnston’s ledges and bones aptly selected this venue to launch a two-week showcase for emerging choreographers otherwise scattered all over metro L.A. Each weekend boasts a different lineup, with the first spotlighting Louie Cornejo, Efren Corado, Chelsea Asman, Rebecca Pappas, Erin Longhofer, Stephanie Jamieson, Rachel Butler-Green and Johnston. The second weekend features choreographers Eva Aymami, Chad Michael Hall, Kate Hutter, Laura Karlin, Nichol Mason, Nguyen Nguyen, Erin Scheiwe and Esther Baker Tarpaga. Enclaves make it easier to find what’s happening. This festival, with its focus on emerging talent, should make it easier to find what is coming next. Diavolo Performance Space, 616 Moulton Ave., dwntwn.; Thurs.-Fri., 8:30 p.m.; Sat., 5 & 9 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.; thru May 20; $20, $17 students. (323) 319-6497 or tickets@ledgesandbones.org.