Flamenco goes electric in Silverlake, uncut choreography in Hollywood, contemporary meets hip hop in West L.A., dance now from NOW downtown, and more SoCal dance this week.
5. Filling the stage
Choreographers working in music videos, commercials and facets of the entertainment industry often see their work sliced and diced in the final product. For two decades, the Choreographer’s Ball has provided a monthly stage for commercial choreographers to fully present their dance and dancers. For the 20th anniversary show, twenty choreographers and more than 100 dancers are expected to perform and Janet Jackson will appear to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 N. Vine St., Hollywood; Wed., Jan 30, 10:30 p.m., $22, $32 age 18-20. http://www.choreographerscarnival.com.
4. Electric flamenco
The long-running, mostly monthly, and mostly accoustic flamenco series goes electric in the first show of the new year. Led by guitarist Kai Narezo, this edition of Forever Flamenco features dancers Vanessa Albalos and Briseyda Zárate with percussionist Jorge Perez Gonzales, basist Rufus Philpot, Narezo and a singer to be announced. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Silverlake; Sun., Jan. 27, 8 p.m., $40-$50, $30 students & seniors. http://www.fountaintheatre.com.
3. A rose by any other name
Named for the part of a rose that holds nectar, Sebastian Hernandez’ Hypanthium launches a trio of performers in a consideration of queer femme moving bodies in L.A. An earlier incarnation was part of REDCAT’s NOW Festival and went on to a viral life that led to this new version that includes contributions by artists Rafa Esparza and Maria Meae. REDCAT, Disney Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown; Thur.-Sat., Jan. 24-26, 8:30 p.m., $18-$20, $14-$16 students, https://www.redcat.org.
2 The Odyssey continues
After more than forty years as one of L.A.’s most vibrant live theaters, the Odyssey Theatre began opening its stage to dance and three years ago launched its own dance festival. Over six weeks, Dance at the Odyssey 2019 offers a splendid curated sampling of contemporary dance from L.A.-based artists, most having their own evening. The fourth week finds the stage collectively shared by contemporary dance and hip hop. In the contemporary realm, choreographer Micaela Taylor’s The TL Collective offers Drift, exploring how life changes life plans. Choreographers Jordan Johnson and Aidan Carberry’s The JA Collective bring a commercial, hip hop vibe to contemporary dance (and strobe lights, for those who need warning). Details on the full festival at www.OdysseyTheatre.com. Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., W.L.A.; Fri.-Sat., Jan. 25-26, 8 p.m., Sun., Jan. 27, 2 p.m., $25. 310-477-2055, www.OdysseyTheatre.com.
1. After the fires
Postponed by November’s ravaging wildfire damage that included a two week closure of the Getty Villa, Four Larks’ Katabasis finally arrives to take over the museum halls and grounds with a distinctive blend of immersive theatre, dance, music, song and ritual. An exploration of the afterlife, Katabasis translates from the Greek as “descent into the underworld” and is presented in conjunction with an important current exhibition of Greek and Italian funerary depictions. Led by Four Larks co-founders Mat Sweeney (creator/composer) and Sebastien Peters-Lazarol (designer/choreographer), Katabasis promises a participatory ritual procession with the dancers, singers and musicians expanding ancient musical elements and mythic themes into their world folk and art pop music. With no seating, comfortable shoes for walking are advised. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades; Thurs.-Sat., Jan. 24-26, 7:30 p.m., $30. http://www.getty.edu/museum/programs/performances/villa_premiere_presentation.html.
Other dance of note
LA-based choreographers Alexsa Durrans and Miles Brenninkmeijer join forces for The Halftime Show. Pieter, 420 West Avenue 33, Unit 10, Lincoln Heights; Sat., Jan. 26, 8:30 p.m., non-monetary contribution to refreshments or boutique. https://pieterpasd.com.
The performers may earn their living in jobs that are more Monday through Friday than in the theatre, but Living Room to Ballroom offers the chance to work with professional choreographers and to polish their dancing skills. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the troupe’s showcase brims with salsa and burlesque plus a post-show dance party with DJ Tito el Guayaco (no hard-soled shoes or heels on the new dance floor). Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice; Sun., Jan. 27, 7 p.m., $15. http://livingroomtoballroom.com/lrbr-showcase.
Take a hike and see a dance performance as choreographers/dancers Sarah Ashkin and Paolo Speirn’s Ground Series join Mountain House for Unsettled. The work explores less considered aspects of the great outdoors. Big Santa Anita Canyon, Chantry Flats Rd., Arcadia; Sat., Jan. 26, 1 p.m., free with reservation. reachout@mountainhouse.family
A harbinger of 2019 centennial activities celebrating the life and legend of the late modern dance choreographer Merce Cunningham, Clouds and Screens, includes two large works by Andy Warhol and Charles Atlas, both artists associated with Cunningham’s company. The installation also includes two early videos of Cunningham’s work with performances and more to come during the exhibition’s run. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Hancock Park; Thurs.-Tues., thru March 31, $25, $21 students& seniors (museum admission). http://www.lacma.org/event/memprev_merce2.