The new L.A. dance scene

There was a lot to choose from if you wanted to see some dance in L.A. this last weekend. Alvin Ailey was at the Music Center, Trey Mcintyre was at The Broad, and North West Dance Project was at the Luckman. Whew, that's a whole lot of really good dance in one place. The dance scene in L.A. is changing and this dancer could not be happier. In the past if you were not a commercial dancer there was not a whole lot to do in L.A. With the exception of the few classical ballet companies, who always seemed to struggle, making it in L.A. was rough.



However now, in the last few years L.A. is making a name for its self as a legitimate dance city. In addition to The Los Angeles Ballet which was founded in 2004, there is also an eclectic group of contemporary companies cropping up. Bodytraffic founded by two dancers, Lillian Barbeito and Tina Finkelman Berkett, was named one of Dance Magazines 25 to watch in 2013. With their exquisite taste in choosing choreographers they are quickly making a name for themselves as an internationally recognized company, and really are one to watch. Then you have the highly publicized L.A. Dance Project. Headed up by choreographer (and movie star husband) Benjamin Millepied. Mr. Millepied shocked the dance world in January when he announced that he would be leaving L.A. to direct the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet. L.A. Dance Project claims that they will continue on with out him, but only time will tell.

So, next time you are bored on a Saturday night in L.A. go see some dance. You might be pleasantly surprised.