Usually seen downtown at the venerable Music Center, New York's celebrated Complexions Contemporary Ballet enjoys a more al fresco environment this week in a joint concert with L.A.'s own Lula Washington Dance Theater. Built around the compelling choreography of Dwight Rhoden and the extraordinary dancer Desmond Richardson, Complexions brings a stunning group of dancers to this venture. Well known locally, Washington and her namesake ensemble have gained national and international attention for their high-energy dancing. The companies combine for Rhoden's I Wonder Why, set to music by Stevie Wonder, and also perform separately. Among Complexions' scheduled works are Rise, set to the music of U2, and Moonlight, a solo showcasing Richardson's riveting talent. Washington's troupe offers repertoire works as well as the premiere of Turn the Page, a response to Trayvon Martin's fatal encounter with George Zimmerman. Earlier this year, the Music Center brought Chicago's Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and San Francisco's Alonzo King's LINES Ballet together in a similar shared program, which proved to be a highlight of the dance season. This pairing of New York and L.A. dance companies promises to be an equally eventful evening of dance under the stars and an auspicious debut for the Zev Yaroslavsky Signature Series, which promises similar match-ups as part of future Ford summer seasons. Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hlywd.; Sat., Aug. 10, 8 p.m.; $45-$85. (323) 461-3673, fordtheatres.org.

Sat., Aug. 10, 8 p.m., 2013

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.