La Danserie began in 1997 with three main choreographers working in highly distinctive styles, and over time it evolved into a chamber ballet company primarily articulating choreography by its founding artistic director, Patrick Frantz. While the company name and the title of many of its danceworks reflect Frantz’s French influence (he was formerly with the Paris Opera Ballet), some distinctly Southern Californian elements have been evident from the beginning, and continue to distinguish the company as its dancers segue between classical and contemporary ballet idioms. A guest appearance by Alexandre de la Caffiniere from the Berlin Opera Ballet in the premiere of Frantz’s Ibou highlights a program that also includes the premiere of his Appassionato, set to piano music by Rachmaninov, and the premiere of choreographer Judy Pisarro-Grant’s No Way/Any Way, with music by George Antheil. In early August the ensemble will reprise the program in Santa Barbara, but L.A. gets the first look at The Unknown Theater, 1110 Seward St., Hlywd.; Fri., July 21, & Sat., July 22 & 29, 8 p.m.; Sun., July 23 & 30, 6 p.m.; $24, $20 online, $18 students & seniors. (323) 466-7781 or www.unknowntheater.com.

—Ann Haskins

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