In 1999, not knowing any better, dance fan Howard Ibach decided to organize the first Los Angeles Dance Invitational (LADI) to raise funds for programs benefiting gay and lesbian youth. He recruited an eclectic array of tap, contemporary, ballet, jazz and street dancers for a rollicking event that took root as a must-see showcase for the established and the unexpected. Over the years Ibach recruited co-producers, including revered local ballet teacher and former Royal Ballet star Stanley Holden, who died earlier this year — and to whom this eighth LADI is dedicated. This year’s invitees feature Patrick David Bradley for San Pedro City Ballet, Amy Ernst, Kate Hutter for L.A. Contemporary Dance Company, Jacob Lyons for Lux Aeterna, Adam Parsons for Commonality Dance Company, Anandha Ray for Moving Arts Dance, and Nicole Haskins (yes, a relative) for Sacramento Ballet. Holden was first and foremost a ballet dancer and teacher but loved all dance. What better tribute to him than an evening of dance, and appropriately at the Nate Holden (not a relative) Performing Arts Center? 4718 W. Washington Blvd.; Sat., Sept. 15, 8 p.m.; $25. (800) 595-4849 or www.ladanceinvitational.org.

—Ann Haskins

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