Ann HaskinsThis week's dance events include the last Nutcracker of 2013, a Kwanzaa festival and several different ways to dance into 2014.
5. Stompin at the Saban
They may have started as street performers, but the intoxicating percussive movement that is Stomp has captured the imagination of the world. The current generation of Stomp performers is in town for two weeks of shows. At the Saban Theatre, 8440 W. Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; Fri., Dec. 27, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 28, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 29, 1 & 6:30 p.m. $28.60-$103.35. 323-655-0111, www.sabantheatre.org.
4. Celebrating Kwanzaa
For its annual Festival of Kwanzaa, Lula Washington Dance Theatre company members are joined by dance students for the three performances. Ask about the special discount for Metro riders. Details and tickets at www.lulawashington.org/school/kwanzaa/. Lula Washington Dance Theatre, 3773 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Crenshaw; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 27-28, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 29, 3 p.m., $25. 323-292-5852, www.lulawashington.com.
See also: 5 Artsy Things to Do in L.A. This Week
Los Angeles Ballet's “Nutcracker”; Credit: Photo by Reed Hutchinson
3. Last Nutcracker of 2013
Last chance to see Los Angeles Ballet's polished and professional Nutcracker. Set in 1912 Los Angeles, this Nutcracker is an L.A. original, choreographed by company co-artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, with set design by L.A. artist Catherine Kanner. Now in its eighth season, L.A.'s own continues to demonstrate how well it understands this city. With home theaters in Glendale, Westwood, Northridge and Redondo Beach, LAB brings ballet to the audience rather than expecting folks to overcome hours of gridlocked traffic. The company dancers are a home team to root for, splendid performers who make the challenging choreography look effortless. Plus, since the company performs throughout the year, the ticket income will be spent on stage here, not taken back to some other city as occurs with touring productions. At Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 28, 1 & 5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 29, 2 p.m., $30-$95, $24-$76 seniors, students & children 12 & under, 310-998-7782, www.losangelesballet.org. www.rbpac.com
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2. Samba into the New Year
Celebrate the start of 2014, the year Brazil hosts the World Cup, with a Brazilian White New Year's Eve filled with Joany's and her samba dancers, the band Brasilidade, the aptly named DJ Chris Brazil and other music makers. Guests are invited to garb themselves in white, the symbolic color of peace in Brazil. Details and tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/white-brazilian-new-years-eve-party-tickets-9687779409. Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, 207 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach; Tue., Dec. 31, 9 p.m., $45-$65 in advance, $55-$75 at door, 818-566-1111. www.sambaredondo.com.
See also: Our Latest Theater Reviews
Angelita at El Cid; Credit: Photo courtesy of El Cid
1. 50th flamenco New Year's, but who's counting?
Two flamenco shows highlight El Cid Flamenco New Year's Eve, an evening with two seatings filled with dance, gypsy jazz music, a prix fixe dinner, and other entertainment as the Silverlake landmark El Cid marks its 50th New Year's Eve celebration. At El Cid, 4212 W. Sunset Blvd., Silverlake; Tue., Dec. 31, 5:30 & 8:30 p.m., $75-$95. 323-668-0318, www.elcidla.com
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