Ann HaskinsThis week's dance events also include Australian dancers under the “Weather,” middle eastern dance, choreography in an art gallery and more flamenco.
5. The Furious Beauty of street dance
The evenings may be cooling off, but the Cahuenga Pass will feel the heat as Versa Style Dance Company takes the stage with Furious Beauty. Primarily known for its street-dance prowess, this troupe often moves beyond hip-hop, borrowing freely from L.A.'s cultural diversity with salsa, West African dance and meringue injected into its choreography. At John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hlywd.; Sat., Oct. 5, 8 p.m., $30, $12 children. 323-461-3673, www.fordamphitheatre.org.
4. Dance in an art gallery
The three-dimensional nature of both dance and art are considered in Base Sessions, a new series which seeks to present choreography as 3-D artwork, sculpture or architecture in motion. Curator Elizabeth Sonenberg has recruited Niv Acosta, Gina Dell'Amico, Nick Duran, Lauren Fisher, Madeline Hollander, Temra Pavlovic and Mårten Spångberg for the first Base Session. Complete listing of the sessions at www. humanresourcesla.com. At Human Resources, 410 Cottage Home St., Chinatown; Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-10 p.m. Thru Oct. 12, free. 213-290-4752.
3. Bellydancers in cowboy hats
Sure there are traditional finger cymbals and undulating bare midriffs, but also cowboy hats and 1920's flapper costumes suggesting Fosse's All That Jazz. It's Amara, returning with a this edition of An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance. Tickets and previews at www.eemed.com. At Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Continues through Oct. 6, $25, 310-306-1854, www.electriclodge.org.
50 Years of Flamenco; Credit: Photo courtesy of El Cid flamenco festival
2. El Cid proves 50 is the great new 50
With its elegant, Spanish-themed architecture, food and programs of flamenco dance with live music, El Cid has been an L.A. institution for 50 years. Following the success of its official golden-anniversary events in August, the party continues with October weekends offering a varied menu of traditional and innovative flamenco choices under the banner 50 Years of Flamenco. Go to www.elcidela.com for this weekend's lineup. El Cid, 4212 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake; Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 5:30 p.m.; through Oct. 27; $15, with food and beverages available for purchase. (323) 668-0318, www.elcidla.com.
Lucy Guerin Dance in Weather; Credit: Photo by Heidrun Lohr
1. Lucy Guerin Dance is still under the Weather
Six bodies dance beneath an enormous, puffy, snow-white, suspended ceiling that eventually erupts, releasing a blizzard of plastic grocery bags that float down to become part of the performance. It's Weather, the opening dance event of UCLA's 2013-14 season, and the calling card for Australian choreographer Lucy Guerin's local debut. Guerin was connected with several New York modern dance troupes before returning home to Australia, where her work is credited with raising that country's international profile in contemporary dance. In Weather, Guerin reflects on the way weather affects human behavior and emotion, as well as referencing Australia's heightened awareness of drought, wildfire and flood as meteorological consequences of climate change. With Colorado awash in flood water, the massive Yosemite wildfire finally under containment, and predictions of another record-breaking tornado season, Guerin's explorations certainly are timely. Come early for a chance to further explore the subject in a pre-performance event with UCLA's Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Studies. The announced Thurs. show has been cancelled due to visa issues (not the weather). Ticketholders can switch their Thursday tickets to the Friday show. At Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Wstwd.; Fri., Oct. 4, 8 p.m.; $30-$50. (310) 825-2101, www.cap.ucla.edu.
See also:
5 Artsy Things to Do in L.A. This Week
Our Calendar Section, Listing More Great Things to Do in L.A.
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