Dance

Ballet dancers in white costumes perform on stage, surrounded by a snowy backdrop and falling snow. The scene is reminiscent of a winter wonderland with dancers gracefully positioned in various poses.

Marat Daukayev Nutcracker

The Marat Daukayev Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a holiday classic that will enchant audiences of all ages.

Witness the magic unfold as young, talented dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life. From the fierce battle between mice and soldiers to the ethereal beauty of the Snow Queen, this full-length ballet is a visual and auditory feast.

Led by acclaimed former Kirov Ballet star Marat Daukayev, who takes on the role of the enigmatic Drosselmeyer, this production features over 100 dancers and 400 stunning costumes. Daukayev, a renowned dancer and choreographer, imparts his passion and expertise to his students, ensuring a performance that is both technically brilliant and emotionally captivating.

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Raiford Rogers ballet dancers in perfect unison mid-jump against a painted backdrop, exhibiting the artistry and athleticism of a dance performance.

Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet

A captivating new production choreographed by Raiford Rogers, set to the entrancing sounds of the Philip Glass masterpiece, “Glassworks.” The landmark composition serves as the heartbeat of this innovative ballet performed by Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet. Pianist Hui Wu brings the music to life with virtuosic flair, providing a sonic track that enhances the emotional depth of Rogers’ choreography.

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Cirque Kalabante performer wearing a headpiece and feathered attire raises drumsticks above their head while standing behind a large drum.

Cirque Kalabanté

Cirque Kalabanté presents Afrique en Cirque, a show by Yamoussa Bangoura, inspired by daily life in Guinea. A colorful show beyond its scenery, costumes, and staging — it showcases the strength and agility required to perform its gravity-defying acts. Accompanied by live Afro-jazz, percussion, and kora.

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Ballet Folklorico dancer performs on stage in traditional Mexican attire, gracefully holding up a flowing white dress adorned with intricate embroidery.

Ballet Folklórico de México

Founded in 1952 by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández brings together the music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations to the modern era. The Ballet has a permanent residence at the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, and has choreographed over 120 ballets, comprised of 60 folk dancers and musicians who continue to perform extensively across Mexico and abroad.

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Nutcracker 2023

Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

The Marat Daukayev Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker features dancers whose artistry and poise belie their young ages. This full-length ballet complete with battling mice and soldiers, an enchanting snowy forest, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, is an audience favorite.

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Raiford Rogers Tetyana Seeds

Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet: Études

The Luckman will present the world premiere of Études by choreographer Raiford Rogers, set to Philip Glass’ Études 5 & 12, and Prophecies from Koyannisquatsi (a Hopi word meaning “life out of balance”).

Études, a coda for Rogers’ acclaimed ballet Seeds of Rain, are constantly evolving abstract narratives. Glass described them as being about the language of music itself. Performed by pianist Hui Wu.

An encore performance of Seeds of Rain will complete the program. The ballet is set to Philip Glass’ masterwork Mad Rush with Mark Alan Hilt (organ) and Czech composer Zbyněk Matějů’s Three Stones Concerto featuring pianist Helena Suchárová-Weiser and the Hradec Králové Philharmonic Orchestra (created specifically for this ballet collaboration).

The artwork (painting progressions) for both ballets is by painter Mike Nava.

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ballet nepantla

Ballet Nepantla presents Valentina

Ballet Nepantla presents “Valentina”: a collection of stories that speak to the strength and resilience of women during Revolutionary Mexico. By fusing contemporary ballet with traditional Mexican folklorico, “Valentina” tells stories of wealth and power, hope and despair, struggle and loss, and triumph.

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Three ballet dancers on stage in a moment of dynamic movement, with one dancer in the foreground holding another's hand, suggesting a fluid and expressive performance.

Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet | Seeds of Rain

The Luckman Fine Arts Complex will present the world premiere of Seeds of Rain by choreographer Raiford Rogers, with musical compositions by Philip Glass and Zbyněk Matějů — featuring organist Mark Alan Hilt and pianist Helena Suchárová-Weiser. The performance will feature guest dancers Tetyana Matyanova (Ukraine) and Tigran Mkrtchyan (Armenia).

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Elegant dancers in vibrant traditional costumes perform a lively and colorful folk dance with a joyful expression, capturing the essence of cultural celebration.

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández

n 2022, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández celebrates its 70th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the company returns to the Luckman for three evenings featuring renewed performances of their most celebrated classic choreography. 

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Step Afrika!

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

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A woman mid-leap against a backdrop of a clear sky, her colorful skirt flowing with the motion.

Dance on Camera

This series presents the work of filmmakers from Denmark, Canada, Israel, and the United States, ranging from expressive narratives to experimental short films, plus five illuminating panel discussions with filmmakers and contributors.

Dance on Camera presents a broad range of films including documentaries, shorts, features, experimental works, and music videos that celebrate the immediacy of dance combined with the intimacy of film.

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Ballet folklorico dance performance in front of an ornate building, showcasing traditional costumes and dynamic movement.

Ballet Folklórico de México Amalia Hernández Virtual

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández make their highly anticipated return with an acclaimed repertory that brings together the music, dance, and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Columbian civilizations through the modern era. Their repertory includes more than 40 ballets of exquisite choreography that pay homage to local dance traditions from over 60 regions of Mexico. Amalia Hernández founded the Ballet Folklórico de México in 1952, having embarked at a very early age on a quest to preserve the dancing traditions of her beloved country. More than six decades later, the company is admired as the best of its kind in the world.

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Los Angeles Dance Festival

The Los Angeles Dance Festival brings talented creators and companies together for twelve evenings of extraordinary works that showcase a wide breadth of dance styles.For over two decades, the Luckman has presented acclaimed dance ensembles from around the world. The Los Angeles Dance Festival features artists who are recognized locally and internationally for their extraordinary talents. The dancers and choreographers in the festival work in both the concert and commercial industries. Their work is frequently presented on stages, in theaters, feature films, television shows, music videos, commercials, and concert tours.

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