The striking, 1950s-era Mimoda Studio's floor-to-ceiling windows frame long-necked ballerinas, freewheeling movers and shakers, and bendy improv dancers. Guests enter through the adjacent and ever-happening Paper or Plastik Café, where on the second-story mezzanine they can eye elegant twirls and spins as they brunch. The ballet classes are led by instructor Stefan Wenta, who grew up in communist Poland before becoming a Los Angeles icon of the dance scene known for his rigor and tough-love approach. To watch a few minutes of Wenta's practice is to be reminded of why fashion, art and pop culture — and not-so-sly voyeurs such as yourself — have never lost interest in the graceful art form. But ballet isn't the only offering at Mimoda Studio. Visitors also can spy on free-form dance parties headed by Mimoda Jazzo Gruppa theater company, the occasional laughter-filled tap class, and other gutsy evening performances in the multipurpose space that looks like part airport hangar, part stunning downtown loft. After you exit the studio, don't be surprised if you find yourself pirouetting on Pico Boulevard.

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