Ann HaskinsThis week’s dance shows include two Israeli contemporary troupes, Josie Walsh’s cutting edge ballet and new choreography in Long Beach, both of the latter with live music.
5. When dancers go clubbing
Batsheva Dance Company has left, but continuing the recent parade of Israeli-based contemporary dance companies, L-E-V arrives with its adventurous program House, an improvisationally-inspired dance club-riff. Led by Gal Behar and Batsheva alum Sharon Eyal this troupe is known for its collaborative, multi-media productions and this venue allows for everything to be up close and personal. At REDCAT, 631 West 2nd Street, dwntwn; Nov. 20-22, 8:30 p.m.; Sun. Sept. 23, 7 p.m., $25-$30, $20-$25. 213-237-2800, redcat.org.
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L-E-V in House; Credit: Photo by Christopher Duggan
4. It’s not about you; it’s about us
Led by choreographer Rami Be’er, the Israeli modern dance company Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company (KCDC) brings If At All considering how humans begin as individuals then connect with others forming a community. Community is a central theme for KCDC which was founded on a kibbutz by Yehudit Arnon, an Auschwitz survivor who established a company in 1959 and developed a Dance Village which functions as the company’s home base. Be’er who has led the company since 1996, continues the tradition having first joined the company as a dancer in 1980. At the Bram Goldsmith Theater, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills; Thru Fri., Nov. 21, 8 p.m., $39-$99. 310-746-4000, thewallis.org.
Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company in If At All; Credit: Photo by Uri Nevo
3. The eve of destruction
Axiom Dance Theater choreographers/artistic directors Denna Thomsen and Zak Ryan Schlegel audaciously tackle the story of creation and destruction in Lilit. Dancers are Gabriella Cataldo, Jamie Donovan, Jonathan Fors, Juliette Irons, Jordan Johnson, Kenzie McClure, Loren Picciarelli, Dani Scaringe, Derek Tabada and Thomsen. At Inner City Arts, 720 Kohlet St., dwntwn.; Thru Sat., Nov. 22 8 p.m., $30, $25 students & seniors. axiomprojekt.com, 213-627-9621, inner-cityarts.org.
Axiom Dance Theater in Lilit; Credit: Photo courtesy of Axiom Dance Theater
2. Fusing dance and music
With dance too often at the bottom of the artistic food and funding chain, live music is usually a financial, not an artistic choice. Fusion: A Performance of Dance and Live Orchestra is one of two dance shows this weekend with live music. Johannes Müller-Stosch conducts the Cole Conservatory Symphony Orchestra backing new choreography by faculty members Rebecca Bryant, Keith Johnson, Lorin Johnson, Rebecca Lemme and Sophie Monat. At Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Cal State Long Beach, 6200 Atherton; Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 8 p.m.; $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors & students. 562-985-7000, csulb.edu/dance.
Ballet RED; Credit: Photo courtesy of Ballet RED
1. From music video to the stage
Known for her rock music video with ballet dancers shod one foot in a pointe shoe and the other in a stiletto heel, Josie Walsh and her Ballet RED revel in ballet’s renegade side. The choreographer and her dancers comfortably move from music video to live stage for Urban Angels. With credits that include commissions from Los Angeles Ballet and a prior aerial influenced company MYOKYO, Walsh was dubbed an L.A. Times 2014 “Someone to Watch.” Urban Angels takes flight with three contemporary works backed by live music from Jealous Angel led by stilt-walking Paul Rivera. Tickets at balletred.tix.com. The show is at the Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica; Sat., Nov. 22, 8 p.m., $35-$60. 310-434-3200, www.thebroadstage.com.
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