written by CHRISTINA CAMPODONICO
From contemporary choreography on mini skateboards to rhythmic hip hop, a wild and exciting range of styles was on display at the L.A. Dance Festival this weekend. Ampersand was there with DanceMapLA to connect with dancers and choreographers from all parts of L.A.’s dance community. We spotlighted festival producer and co-creator, Deborah Brockus of the Brockus Project, who talked about turning the emerging wave of dance in Los Angeles into a movement.
Deborah Brockus swirls her scarf at the DanceMapLA Launch Party | Photo by Christina Campodonico
L.A. Dance Festival producer Deborah Brockus senses the ground shifting for dance in Los Angeles.
“[It’s] fermenting. I have felt for years that L.A. is going to be a huge force in the dance world,” says Brockus. “The parts are all mixing and bubbling. When ready it will explode into the world.”
But Brockus is not one to let that combustion occur just organically. She is a catalyst for bringing L.A.’s various dance elements together. The longtime L.A. dancer, teacher, choreographer and studio owner started the L.A. Dance Festival four years ago with members from Diavolo, as a way to “strengthen” and “foster” a sense of community within Los Angeles’ widespread dance scene.
“We all work in separate little worlds, [but] when we come together we feel our strength,” says Brockus.
That force was powerfully present Thursday night, when Brockus opened the festival to a sold out crowd at the Brewery Arts Complex. Brockus introduced an evening program of dance companies “all with a Los Angeles voice,” including her company BrockusRED, Diavolo, Royal FLUX and Ate9. Nearly 30 L.A. based companies participated in the four day, weekend-long festival, including L.A. Contemporary Dance, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, JazzAntiqua and Versa-Style. From avant-garde contemporary to urban street dance, all genres were welcomed.
“This celebrates the diversity, ingenuity and tenacity of dancers in L.A.,” said Brockus of the festival.
“Individually each company is making waves, but seen together you realize it is a tidal wave.”
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Ate9 performs "Exhibit B." | Choreography by Danielle Agami | Photo by Denise Leitner -
Royal FLUX performs "Lost it to Trying." | Choreography by Jaci Royal | Photo by Denise Leitner
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A dancer from Versa-Style Dance Company performs in "Shirley" | Choreography by Jackie Lopez & Leigh Foaad | Photo by Denise Leitner
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Dancers from Versa-Style Dance Company cheer each other on at the L.A. Dance Festival. | Photo by Denise Leitner
& Extra
The L.A. Dance Festival ran from April 9-12 at Brockus Project Studios in The Brewery Arts Complex.