One of the joys of living in multi-cultural L.A. is the chance to experience an unmatched array of rich holiday traditions. It's possible to segue from Hanukkah to Christmas to Kwanzaa, move on to the Three Kings Day in January and even extend into February with Asian new year's events. But the week from December 26 to January 1 belongs to Kwanzaa, celebrating the African American and Pan-African experience over seven days, each reflecting on one of seven laudable principles. Among the local festivities, Lula Washington Dance Theater's annual Kwanzaa! is a standout with the company's high energy dancers joined by dance students, company alumni and guest artists. Exuberant dancing, live jazz music and African drumming are hallmarks of this L.A. tradition. For more on Kwanzaa go to www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org. For details on Kwanzaa! 2011 go to www.lulawashington.org. At the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd.; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 29-30, 7 p.m., $40-$100, $25 students & seniors. (323) 964-9768.

Dec. 29-30, 7 p.m., 2011

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