2024/2025 Dance Season Brochure

Embark on a season of limitless creativity and breathtaking artistry in the 2024–2025 season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center.

From Urban Bush Women’s dance-driven jazz club spectacular and Batsheva Dance Company’s enthralling MOMO, to Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo’s vibrant Gira and Boston Ballet’s sumptuous rendition of Swan Lake, each dance residency reflects our shared humanity through common grounds of expression and emotion, with every leap, every bound and every exciting movement. Experience fearless performances, classes, special events and more. Be a Part of It!

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s James Gilmer.

Photo by Dario Calmese.

Venue

The Music Center’s Mark Taper Forum

Dates

Friday, November 22, 2024 / 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 23, 2024 / 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 23, 2024 / 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 24, 2024 / 2:00 p.m.

Program SCAT!... The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar

Live Music on Stage

West Coast Premiere

URBAN BUSH WOMEN

Building upon a repertoire of bold, lifeaffirming dance works, Urban Bush Women celebrates its 40th anniversary with the world premiere of SCAT!... The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar, a new dance-driven jazz club spectacular that tells the story of two people on a journey from the Great Migration to Kansas City. Urban Bush Women founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar grew up performing in floor shows in Black neighborhoods in a segregated Kansas City in the mid-20th century post-World War II an era when Black businesses were booming, and there was great hope of upward mobility. Performed with a live band on stage and set to an original jazz score by Craig Harris, SCAT! tells the powerful journey of the Zollar family and what happens when dreams encounter the harsh

realities of American life in the 1940s and 1950s. In Zollar’s words, “SCAT!... The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar is modeled after the structure and content of the great tradition of the Black floor show, which included comic MCs like Moms Mabley and Pigmeat Markham, flash acts such as the Nicholas Brothers or the Crackerjacks, eccentric dancers like Earl “Snakehips” Tucker, storytelling orators, kiddie acts, striptease/exotic dancers à la Josephine Baker or Sahji, and the Shim Sham Shimmy a traditional tap dance finale.” Urban Bush Women promotes artistic legacies, projects the voices of the underheard and people of color and addresses issues of equity in the dance field and beyond, under the artistic direction of Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis.

Urban Bush Women’s Courtney Cook & Chanon Judson

Photo by Rick McColloug.

Venue

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Dates

Friday, February 14, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 15, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 16, 2025 / 2:00 p.m.

Program MOMO

BATSHEVA DANCE COMPANY

The critically acclaimed Batsheva Dance Company presents a shared passion of deep sorrow and beauty in its newest eveninglength work MOMO, from master choreographer Ohad Naharin. In the company’s words, “MOMO has two souls. One sends long roots to the depths of the earth a soul that embodies archetypes and myths of hardened, raw masculinity, and the other is in a constant search for an individual and distinct DNA; one moves within its own autonomous and independent force field, and the other is a constellation of elements that spin around the same nucleus alternately drifting away and

towards it, making room for necessary tenderness and catharsis.” The company performs this new work to a soundtrack from the iconic Laurie Anderson and Kronos Quartet’s work Landfall, with additional music by Philip Glass, Arca, and Maxim Waratt. Established in 1964 as a repertoire company, Batsheva Dance Company is one of the world’s most prominent and renowned dance troupes. The company stands at the forefront of the international dance world, thanks to the bold choreographic voice of Naharin and the uncompromising quality of the company’s dancers.

Batsheva Dance Company’s MOMO.

Photo by Ascaf.

Venue

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Dates

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 3, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 4, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, 2025 / 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 6, 2025 / 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 6, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Program

Mixed Repertory including Revelations

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

Drawing from his early experiences at Lester Horton’s studio and his upbringing in Los Angeles, Alvin Ailey cultivated a profound understanding of dance as a vehicle for cultural expression. This foundation laid the groundwork for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which has since become a beacon of artistic excellence, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of the African American cultural experience, transcending boundaries and reshaping the art form itself. Ailey’s pioneering spirit not only transformed modern dance, but also sparked a dedication to education, community engagement and cultural diplomacy. Returning to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part of an exclusive Southern California multi-year residency, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presents cutting-edge contemporary premieres and classics including Mr. Ailey’s signature work Revelations.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jacquelin Harris. Photo by Dario Calmese.

Venue

The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre

Dates

Friday, May 2, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 3, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 4, 2025 / 2:00 p.m.

Program

21  & Gira

GRUPO CORPO

Founded in 1975 by brothers Artistic Director Paulo Pederneiras and choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras, the Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo (meaning “Body Group” in Portuguese) is renowned for its unparalleled blend of popular Brazilian culture, African rhythms and classical technique. The program opens with Pederneiras’ 1992 work 21, a ballet divided into three movements that weaves rhythmic and timbral combinations around the number 21. Audiences will be captivated by the musical score’s unique sounds, emanating from composer Marco Antonio Guimarães’ unusual instrumental creations. For Gira, Pederneiras immersed himself in the history and practices of Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian religions, particularly Umbanda, transforming the rituals into a universal expression of humanity and emphasizing the trance-like turning and movement that characterize these ceremonies.

“It is the sheer physical virtuosity of the company that is so impressive the sinuous, athletic bodies seemingly inexhaustible.”

The Guardian, London

Grupo Corpo.

Photo by José Luiz Pederneiras.

Venue

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Dates

Thursday, June 26, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 27, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 28, 2025 / 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 28, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 29, 2025 / 2:00 p.m.

Program

Swan Lake Live Orchestra

BOSTON BALLET’S SWAN LAKE

Step into the enchanting world of Swan Lake, a masterpiece of classical ballet that has mesmerized audiences for generations with exquisite dancing, enchanting music and a timeless tale of love and loss. Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen’s exquisite production follows the Swan Queen Odette and Prince Siegfried in a tale of romance, sorcery and deceit. The second act, originally choreographed by Lev Ivanov, is historically considered the finest piece of classical choreography for the corps de ballet. The production showcases the

technical precision and emotional tonality of dozens of dancers, brilliantly transformed by Robert Perdziola’s impeccable costume design and set to the timeless score by Tchaikovsky. Since 1963, Boston Ballet’s internationally acclaimed performances of classical, neo-classical and contemporary ballets, combined with a dedication to world-class dance education and community initiatives, have made the institution a leader in its field, with a 61-year history of promoting excellence and access to dance.

Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake photo by Rosalie O’Connor; courtesy of Boston Ballet.

EXPAND YOUR DANCE SEASON

Our exclusive partnership with The Wallis brings you a curated selection of vibrant Los Angeles-based dance companies to expand your dance season. Add any of these performances and save 10%!

For pricing and additional information on any of the below performances, please visit thewallis.org.

THE WALLIS & L.A. DANCE PROJECT PRESENT

ROMEO & JULIET

OCT 11–12, 2024

Experience choreographer Benjamin Millepied’s innovative take on Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet, blending film, dance and theatre in a contemporary urban setting. Each performance showcases a unique cast, breaking gender norms and reimagining the classic love story.

THE WALLIS & BODYTRAFFIC PRESENT

BODYTRAFFIC

DEC 6–7, 2024

Don’t miss BODYTRAFFIC’s return to The Wallis, promising a captivating program filled with its trademark theatricality and sophistication and showcasing its international acclaim and mastery of contemporary dance.

THE WALLIS & LOS ANGELES BALLET PRESENT

MEMORYHOUSE

JAN 31–FEB 1, 2025

Experience Los Angeles Ballet’s Memoryhouse, a poignant full-evening work by Artistic Director Melissa Barak, commemorating World War II and the Holocaust. Powerful vignettes are set to Max Richter’s evocative music, reflecting on both somber and heroic moments of this historic period.

THE WALLIS & L.A. DANCE PROJECT PRESENT

GATHERINGS

JUN 13–14, 2025

Don’t miss this specially curated program showcasing a U.S. premiere by L.A. Dance Project’s Artistic Director Benjamin Millepied, alongside his 2024 work Me.You.We.They and a signature piece from Artists-in-Residence Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber.

The Music Center’s DANCE Extension (DANCEx®) program introduces dance students from Los Angeles-area dance studios and schools to live dance performances. DANCEx broadens their perspective of the art form as they experience dance residencies presented by Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center.

This FREE program is open to all dance schools and studios. For more information, or to join, visit musiccenter.org/dancex.

Photo by John McCoy for The Music Center.

Batsheva Dance Company’s MOMO.

Photo by Ascaf.

JOIN US

The Music Center is a cultural anchor in Los Angeles. Rooted in equity, excellence and access, TMC Arts, The Music Center’s programming engine, presents and produces performances and events that speak to the needs, passions and interests of the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Offered year-round, these programs connect people with participatory and immersive experiences that offer the chance to be creative and learn. TMC Arts programs include Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, K–12 arts learning for hundreds of thousands of students annually, free and low-cost concerts and dancing events, immersive encounters and many other innovative arts experiences. Explore all The Music Center has to offer by visiting musiccenter.org.

Invest in the Arts for All

By being a donor to Friends of TMC Arts, The Music Center’s annual fund, you invest in a vision to deepen the cultural lives of all Angelenos, empowering creativity through relevant, engaging arts experiences. Explore the wide breadth of our programs with special perks and benefits while being an ambassador for the arts for everyone. We invite you to give a gift that is meaningful to you.

Contact us at (213) 972-4349 or visit musiccenter.org/membership.

Elevate Your Dance Experience

Become a member of Center Dance Arts and join our most passionate dance lovers to support the presentation of world-class dance companies, resources for local dancers, participatory dance programs and innovative dance learning initiatives for students. Experience dance beyond the stage with engaging discussions, rehearsals and other exclusive members-only events. Membership begins at $1,000.

Contact us at (213) 972-3359 or visit musiccenter.org/centerdancearts.

15 Viktorina Kapitonova in Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake photo by Rosalie O’Connor; courtesy of Boston Ballet.

Photo by Will Tee Yang for The Music Center.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Step into a world of unparalleled artistic expression with the world’s most innovative dance companies. As a valued subscriber, you’ll have exclusive access to prime seating, unbeatable prices, complimentary ticket exchanges and a host of special offers. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in a season of fearless performances!

Subscribe by June 7, 2024 and enjoy a 10% savings on your subscription.

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS

Priority Seating

Full subscribers receive the best seats in the house at the best prices of the season.

Locked-in Pricing

Would you like to share your dance experience with family and friends? Looking for a great gift idea? Or just want to come back to see a different program? You’ll receive subscriber pricing for any upcoming shows at the same low, locked-in prices, even if a show is in high demand.

Save on Service Fees

Subscribers save on service fees such as reduced box office handling fees ($6/ticket vs. $11/ticket for single ticket buyers) and FREE advance exchanges into any performance in the season (you pay only for any seat location upgrades).

One-Time Upgrade

Or Bring A Friend

Once a season, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your seats OR get an extra ticket at $25 so you can bring a friend.

Behind-The-Scenes Access

Once a season, you’ll be invited to a technical rehearsal of one of our productions for an inside look into the process.

Photo above: Viktorina Kapitonova and Lasha Khozashvili in Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake;

photo by Gabriel Lorena; courtesy of Boston Ballet.

Full series packages available through November 22, 2024.

Prices below reflect a 10% savings if you subscribe before June 7, 2024. FULL

Urban Bush Women / SCAT!... The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar

The Music Center’s Mark Taper Forum

November 22–24, 2024

Batsheva Dance Company / MOMO

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

February 14–16, 2025

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Mixed Repertory including Revelations

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

April 2–6, 2025

Grupo Corpo / 21 & Gira

The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre

May 2–4, 2025

Boston Ballet / Swan Lake

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

June 26–29, 2025