We are excited to announce the next episode of our series LuckmanSessions, Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet: The Architect of Los Angeles Dance premiering on International Day of Dance — Wednesday, April 29 2026

In this special episode, we dive into the creative process of internationally acclaimed, Los Angeles–based choreographer Raiford Rogers, who has, to many, been a central force in Los Angeles dance since the early 1990s. A two-time recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer Fellowship, Raiford has created numerous ballets with prominent musicians around the globe. We follow him and his company from the early rehearsal process to opening night, learning about the hard work and dedication it takes to bring a ballet to life.

Through the years Raiford has premiered many of his ballets here at The Luckman, maintaining a close connection to the stage as the vital space within the city. Dance in Los Angeles can sometime feel isolating, but Raiford builds a community of artists, from musicians, performers, painters, assistants, and crew who uphold the beauty of the art form in a place where there can often be a disconnect from the arts. Some of his most notable collaborative ballets include Islands in the Sea (Arlo Pärt), Glassworks and Etudes (Phillip Glass), Seeds of Rain (Zbyněk Matějů), and Naïveté of Flowers (Lloyd Rogers), with art projections for each piece by artist Mike Nava.