Ann Haskins
This week's dance shows include the return of BODYTRAFFIC, protest dance by a roaring fire and two Sleeping Beauty ballets.
Dancers Anthony Nilcolchev and Annie Sanders in The Day Shall Declare It; Credit: Photo by Anka Bogacz
5. Tennessee meets Studs on the dance floor
Drawing on sources ranging from Tennessee Williams and Studs Turkel, The Day Shall Declare It explores issues of personal work and living in a world fractured by recession and income inequality. Presented by L.A. Performance Practice in collaboration with Wilderness, the work premiered in London in a warehouse district, but moves to an arts studio for the U.S. premiere of this choreography-infused physical theater that lasts approximately one hour with the audience mostly standing. Wear comfortable shoes. Imperial Art Studios, 2051 E. 7th St., dwntn.; opens Thurs., Feb. 26, 8:30 p.m., then Wed.-Fri., 8:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 7 p.m.; thru Sun. March 22, $25. artful.ly/los-angeles-performance-practice/store/events/4856.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo; Credit: Photo courtesy of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
4. Trock’n roll
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo are the original men in tights and toe shoes. What has made this male troupe so popular is they really can dance and really know their classical ballets. They don’t just know how to balance on pointe, but can also balance this oh-so-serious artform against hilarious send up. Beckman Auditorium, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena; Fri., Feb. 27, 8 p.m.; $30-$40, $10 youth. 626-395-4652, caltech.edu.
3. Hands Up dance
The dance component of Fireside at the Miles continues with two nights Suchi Branfman & Friends with HANDS UP…dance in dire times. Branfman has assembled a varied group of dancers in this performance dedicated to those who have been killed at the hands of police violence. Performers include Sheetal Gandhi, Brianna Skellie, Brigette Dunn-Korpela and Branfman. Cozy up to the fireplace for thoughtful, politically infused dance in this intimate, informal setting. Reservations strongly recommended, e-mail MilesPlayhouse@SMGov.net.. Miles Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., Feb 27-28, 8 p.m.; $10 adults, $5 students, seniors and youth 17/under. 310-458-8634, smgov.net.
BODYTRAFFIC; Credit: Photo by Christopher Duggan
2. Traffic onstage
Named one of Dance Magazine's 25 to Watch, the L.A. based contemporary company BODYTRAFFIC has drawn national attention, partly for the dancing, partly for the ability of its directors Lillian Barbeito and Tina Finkelman Berkett to attract internationally recognized choreogaphers to set works on its dancers. The troupe returns with the program that had a successful run last month at New York City’s Joyce Theater including new works from hot choreographers Hofesh Shecter, Victor Quijada and Richard Siegel. While the choreographers are compelling, so are the dancers. The New York Times reviewer praised BODYTRAFFIC’S “wonderfully precise dancers; they shimmer even when the choreography dims.” Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica; Thurs.-Fri., Feb. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; $32-$55. 310-434-3200, thebroadstage.com.
Los Angeles Ballet's Sleeping Beauty; Credit: Photo by Reed Hutchinson
1. Sleeping Beauties Go Toe to Toe
His music is everywhere in ballet, but Tchaikovsky actually composed only three—Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. This week, Los Angeles Ballet and American Ballet Theatre unveil different visions of Sleeping Beauty, each a world premiere. Having already presented Swan Lake and the Nutcrackert his season, Sleeping Beauty concludes LAB’s Tchaikovsky Trilogy. Co-artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary choreographed after Marius Petipa’s 1890 original. (Look for Neary as the evil Carabosse). Inspired by the 1921 Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo version, ABT’s Sleeping Beauty boasts choreography by former Bolshoi Ballet artistic director Alexei Ratmansky. ABT runs through the weekend. LAB continues through March. ABT at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Tues.-Fri., March 3-6, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 7, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., March 8, 1 & 7 p.m.; $19-$149. 714-556-2121, scfta.org. LAB at Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; Sat. Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.; the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., March 21, 7:30 p.m.; UCLA Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr., Wstwd.; Sat., March 28, 7:30 p.m.; $35.50-$103.50; $29-$83 seniors, students & children. 310-998-7782; losangelesballet.org.
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