This week's dance shows include a dancers who practice Gaga, a last chance to see Los Angeles Ballet's Swan Lake and modern dance meets tap.

5. Before gaga was a lady

Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company once was known in the United States primarily because Martha Graham was a founder, along with the Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild. Today it’s known as the base camp for artistic director Ohad Naharin, who assumed the helm in 1990. Naharin is the choreographer responsible for the dance technique/style known as Gaga, an approach that emphasizes Butoh-esque, slow movement countered by explosive, percussive moments. Naharin’s approach, which includes banishing mirrors in class and rehearsal, will be on view as this most au courant company arrives to celebrating its golden-anniversary year with two performances of Naharin’s Sadeh21. Sadeh translates roughly as “field,” as in a field of study, while 21 refers to the number of segments illustrating the elements of Gaga, from a solo for a bendy dancer in No. 1 to the soundtrack of a screaming woman in No. 20. This anniversary visit extends beyond the performances with workshops and other activities including a dance installation with L.A.'s own Ate9 Dance Company led by Batsheva alum Danielle Agami. Details on all the events at www.cap.ucla.edu/calendar/details/537. At UCLA Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Wstwd.; Sat., Nov. 1, 8 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 2, 4 p.m.; $29-$89. 310-825-2101, www.ticketmaster.com.

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4.  Tapping out the blues

Blending tap and modern dance, Michelle Dorrance and her Dorrance Dance bring on The Blues Project. The dancers are backed by live music from Toshi Reagon and her band. At the Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Sat., Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.; $47-$75. 310-434-3200, www.thebroadstage.com.

Ramaa Bharadva; Credit: Photo courtesy of Ramaa Bharadva

Ramaa Bharadva; Credit: Photo courtesy of Ramaa Bharadva


3.  A friendly hello from India

From India, the respected choreographer and teacher Ramaa Bharadvaj stops off on a 10-city U.S. tour for dance intensives and workshops as well as performing her solo Bharatanatyam dance-story MITRA – Dance Hymn to Friendship. The show benefits local public school dance programs. At the Moss Theater, New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica; Mon., Nov. 3, 7 p.m., $15. 323-301-8900, www.californiadanceinstitute.org/events.

2.  Vets show their moves

Dr. Donna Ames, MD and Los Angeles-based movement artists, Sarah Wilbur and Christine Suarez lead a team of dance teachers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and staff that has been conducting weekly dance classes for veterans. This event offers insight into the four year old program and the chance to meet participating veterans who will perform. At the VA West L.A. Medical Center, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Bldg. 500, Rm. 1281, W.L.A.; Mon., Nov. 3, noon; free. www.swilburdance.com.

Kenta Shimizu and Allynne Noelle in Los Angeles Ballet's Swan Lake; Credit: Photo by Reid Hutchinson

Kenta Shimizu and Allynne Noelle in Los Angeles Ballet's Swan Lake; Credit: Photo by Reid Hutchinson


1.  Last swan swarm

Last chance to see Los Angeles Ballet artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary’s elegant and romantic version of Swan Lake that launches LAB's 2014-2015 season. When it premiered in 2012 thisSwan Lake sold out most of the performances which made it a logical choice for this expanded four program season which promises to delight lovers of story ballets. With Swan Lake, the Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, LAB tackles the daunting task of performing all three full-length ballets for which Tchaikovsky composed the music during this season plus a contemporary Directors Choice program with works by George Balanchine and Jyrie Kylian. Don’t miss the corps’ whose ability to move as a single unit is one mark that L.A. has its major professional ballet company. Video previews and tickets at www.losangelesballet.org or 310-998-7782. At the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.; $31-$99, 20% discount students & seniors. 310-998-7782, www.losangelesballet.org.

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