For L.A.'s far-flung dance community, the annual Lester Horton Dance Awards is part reunion, part awards ceremony and a performance sampler of the range and depth of the vibrant and diverse local dance scene. Presented by the Dance Resource Center, the awards are named for Lester Horton, the modern dance legend who passed on New York and chose to remain in L.A. to create his legendary works. During the rest of the year, the DRC provides a range of services for dancers and dance fans, including ticket discounts at dance events, but each spring the DRC hosts the Horton Awards. In addition to performance, choreography and technical awards, three special awards will be presented to Jamie Nichols for raising the visibility of dance; Ron Brown for excellence in teaching; and Carol Zee (pictured) and Everybody Dance! for service to the community. Like chefs cooking for other chefs, special things happen onstage when the audience brims with other dancers. Join the party.

Sun., May 16, 5 p.m., 2010

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