For a decade, Burbank-based Media City Ballet drew attention for its loving re-creations of works made famous by Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo, as well as a popular Nutcracker. In 2012 the professional ballet company morphed into Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre. Its Ford appearance last summer marked both the name change and a shift in focus away from early–20th century Ballet Russes to a more contemporary period, incorporating ballet with popular dance styles all set to American pop music. This summer, the company turns its attention to the British music invasion with The British Beat. Choreographer/artistic director Natasha Middleton can’t resist a nod back a bit to Sir Edward Elgar but also emphasizes the musical sea change that began with the Beatles and the Stones in the ’60s and the legacy that flows from Elton John and David Bowie to Adele. More info on the company at pacificballetdancetheatre.org. The Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hlywd.; Sat., Aug. 24, 8 p.m.; $15-$65, $12 students & children 12 & under. (323) 461-3673, fordtheatres.org.

Sat., Aug. 24, 8 p.m., 2013

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