BELLY UP TO THE BALLET

Comments (0) By Ann Haskins Thursday, Sep 17 2009

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A recent addition to the local dance scene, Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles has already recruited some impressive talent, including some current and former dancers with Los Angeles Ballet, as well as alumni from Ballet Zurich, Hubbard Street and Ballet West. The company's preview performance earlier this summer displayed a distinctive combination of contemporary ballet and aerial performance. Last weekend, the company's debut concert in Long Beach earned an enthusiastic reception. This week, Luminario moves to NoHo for an encore performance. The challenging program reflects director Judith FLEX-Helle's lofty ambitions for her troupe and some impressive choreographic connections. Former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Evelyn Cisneros staged Bouquet by the late Michael Smuin; Bianca Sepetto from Cirque du Soleil set excerpts from LedZAerial; and former Bella Lewitzky dancers Diana MacNeill and John Pennington have restaged the local dance icon's Recuerdo. New choreography by Josie Walsh (NYO Dance), Jamal Story (Complexions NYC) and Emmy-nominated choreographer/producer Doriana Sanchez complete this young company's calling card program.
Sept. 18-19, 8 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 20, 3 p.m., 2009