Moving with the seasons
Pasadena dance organizations spring into fall with dance events for all tastes
By Carl Kozlowski 08/26/2010
Dance is an incredibly diverse art form. Classical, modern, interpretive, ballroom, ballet, swing or bump-and-grind — there are countless ways to express meaning through movement.
Whether you prefer to get involved or sit back and watch the professionals do their thing, Pasadena offers plenty this fall to get you into the groove.
In the 11 years since its formation, Lineage Dance has proven itself a vibrant and innovative contributor to the art of dance. The organization unveiled a new performing arts space in June to host an aggressive and eclectic performance schedule.
Sept. 17 to 19, “Defining Moments” will mix interpretive dances by the eight-member Lineage main troupe with the soulful tunes of musician Chris Pierce.
Oct. 15 to 17, “Healing Blue” will feature video vignettes of breast cancer survivors telling their stories, with the Lineage troupe performing interpretive dances for each.
Both are fundraisers, with the “Moments” show benefiting the troupe’s new performance space and “Blue” benefiting local breast-cancer organizations.
“We’ve been working for years on putting a show together with Chris Pierce’s music,” said Lineage Artistic Director Hilary Thomas. “We did a cancer benefit six years ago, and I said ‘I dance to his voice,’ and that was the beginning of working with him.”
Meanwhile, those looking to break in their own dancing shoes will find plenty of choices with Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association, launched in 1983 by sisters Erin and Tami Stevens.
PBDA offers lessons in Swing, Jitterbug/East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa and ballroom, tango and salsa, with classes in each running year-round in six-week series that cost $75 per person or $15 per class.
Lessons are popular with couples but also a great way for singles to meet, as partners rotate around a dozen times an hour.
The nonprofit Pasadena Civic Ballet Company also offers a variety of classes for children, teens and adults — and not only in ballet, but hip-hop, modern and jazz as well. Students get to perform in special company showcases and public productions, including the “Nutcracker Ballet.”
On Oct. 1, the Alex Theatre in Glendale will host a unique evening of art and entertainment in motion with the Bellydance Superstars’ show “Bombay Bellywood.” The evening features 19 dancers who aim to bring the flavor of Bollywood big-screen musicals to life on the stage, extravagant costumes and all.
The other most unique dance event of fall is an interactive choreography contest to be held by the Pasadena Dance Theatre on Sept. 25 at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Pasadena Dance Theatre will assign a team of eight dancers to each of three accomplished choreographers who will have just 12 hours to develop a unique routine.
“At the end of the evening the audience decides which choreographer was most successful in the challenge, and they win a $500 prize,” said Artistic Director Cynthia Young. “We’ve done this the last three years, but in our school performing space. It was pretty intimate, allowing audiences to ask lots of questions. The Playhouse is bigger, but still intimate — 500 seats. It’s a warm venue to perform in, not to mention historic.”
Please see the listings sidebar on this page for details related to each show.
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