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5. Helios' Literary Bon Voyage
On the eve of its Canadian tour, Helios Dance Theater is throwing a bon-voyage party previewing its tour repertoire, followed by a post-performance discussion. Anyone who remembers Helios dancer Melissa Sandvig, the “naughty ballerina” finalist from So You Think You Can Dance, should have a good idea of the type of dancers who populate Helios: strong, fit, elegant, sensuous and versatile. All these traits are required by artistic director/choreographer Laura Gorenstein Miller's dramatic and evocative contemporary choreography and equally challenging subject matter. The Diary of Anne Frank was the starting point for About Anne: A Diary in Dance, which considers themes of a young girl's awakening to womanhood and the struggle to survive. The second work has a more traditionally masculine focus: The Lotus Eaters takes on issues of war, duty and honor that remain as timely as The Odyssey, which here was choreographer Miller's inspiration. Rob Cairns composed the score for both works; Lotus Eaters boasts additional music by Grant Lee Phillips and costumes by Project Runway finalist Rami Kashou. At the Broad Stage, the Edye at Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Fri., Feb. 15, 8 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 17, 2 p.m.; $20, $15 students. heliosdancetheater.org/tickets.html.
4. Flamenco Lives! And Tours!
Dancers Angel Mu–oz, Charo Espino and Daniela Tugues join the musicians and singers led by Paco Pen–a in Flamenco Vivo!! at two SoCal venues. At Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos; Fri., Feb. 15, 8 p.m., $25-$55. 562-467-8818, cerritoscenter.com. Also at Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; Sat., Feb. 16, 8 p.m., $20-$80. 818-677-8800, valleyperformingartscenter.org.
3. Japanese Dancer Meets Light Show
Described by The New York Times as moving “like a tin man with oil flowing freely through his veins,” Japan's Hiroaki Umeda is a solo performer based in Tokyo who creates light and sound environments in which he dances. This visit, he performs companion pieces haptic and holistic strata, which draw on dance forms from ballet to butoh to hip-hop. At REDCAT: Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, 631 W. Second St., dwntwn.; Thru Feb. 16, 8:30 p.m., $20-$25, $15-$20 students. 213-237-2800, redcat.org.
2. What Kind of Dance Would Argentina's Consulate Sponsor?
Makela Tango: Sueno Azul (Tango Blue) are tango performances sponsored by the Argentine Consulate of Los Angeles and featuring Makela Brizuela and Marcelo Molina. At Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice; Sat., Feb. 16, 3 & 7 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 17, 3 p.m., $25. 310-306-1854, electriclodge.org.
ACB principal dancer Theresa Farrell & Friends; Credit: Photo by Lauren Ward
1. Lincoln Jones and Musicians Discuss Dance and Music
L.A.'s Da Camera Society is known for presenting live music in historic sites and architecturally interesting venues. Last year Da Camera presented its first venture involving dance, partnering with locally based American Contemporary Ballet, led by choreographer Lincoln Jones. The first of this season's Music + Dance: L.A. events finds Jones in conversation with professional musicians plus short performances by ACB dancers at Gensler, 500 S. Figueroa St., dwntwn.; Sat., Feb. 16, 2, 7 & 9 p.m., $20. 213-327-3600.
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