L.A. Dance Journal

A digital diary on dance in Los Angeles

[ladancejournal-blog]

The Montagues and Capulets may be feuding once again, but in Los Angeles Ballet's forthcoming production of "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare's tragic love story is a happier family affair.

In my latest piece for the L.A. Times, I discovered the nuances and history of Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Romeo and Juliet.” 

Los Angeles Ballet's 'Romeo and Juliet' a happy alliance between dance families https://t.co/EKHtxLn4UW

— LAT Culture Monster (@culturemonster)

April 30, 2016

And to my delight the piece appeared in print in THE SUNDAY TIMES!

My first piece in the Sunday Times! #latimes #losangelesballet #romeoandjuliet

A photo posted by Christina Campodonico (@christinajcampo) on May 1, 2016 at 2:56pm PDT

[ladancejournal-blog]

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has been splitting its home base between Colorado and New Mexico, but over the weekend the dance company took its first leap toward calling Los Angeles home too.

I decided to take a look at dance through a cinematographer’s perspective for this review on Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s program at Valley Performing Arts Center, which launched their three-year residency in Los Angeles. You can read the review here. 

Video consists of excerpts from Alejandro Cerrudo's "Silent Ghost" which appeared on the program.

[ladancejournal-blog]

Shakespeare with a Bounce

“Tempest Redux” punctuates The Bard with unexpected bursts of physical drama By Christina Campodonico Shakespeare’s plays are known for their linguistic leaps — playful puns, rhythmic rhymes, beaut…

I recently wrote about “Tempest Redux” at the Odyssey Theatre for The Argonaut. 

This was one of the most amazing productions of a Shakespearean play that I’ve ever seen. The movement really made the words come to life in a whole new way. 

After seeing the show, the next day I went to a local bookshop in Mar Vista and bought a copy of The Tempest and Marjorie Garber’s Shakespeare and Modern Culture. Still working my way through these books, but I’m glad that I saw this production, which continues through April 23. A truly magical and haunting piece of theatre.  

[ladancejournal-blog]

Spiritual Movements

Choreographer Ronald K. Brown creates “soul-to-soul conversation through the body” By Christina Campodonico The works of choreographer Ronald K. Brown are known for evoking spiritual elements, but …

In anticipation of Ronald K. Brown/Evidence’s March visit to the Broad Stage, I interviewed its founder, choreographer Ronald K. Brown. It was a fascinating conversation about religion, dance and how to overcome the fear of embracing your most true and hidden self. 

“I think that’s why in dance I try to look at what are the different spiritual dances from around the world that talk about putting God first and having him come through your body to make connection with people who are in the audience. For me, it’s a kind of heart-to-heart or soul-to-soul conversation through the body.” - Ronald K. Brown

[ladancejournal-blog]

Companhia Urbana de Danca knows how to throw one heck of a dance party.

My latest L.A. Times review was one heck of a dance party. Pictures by Marcus Yam came out really nicely, too! 

Absolutely loved 📷 these folks: Companhia Urbana de Dança has #REDCAT crowd on its feet. 👏🏽 https://t.co/sjgsq7xfbg pic.twitter.com/t4vvthGyuD

— Marcus Yam (@yamphoto)

March 24, 2016

[ladancejournal-blog]

“If break dancing and concert dance had a baby it would be the Jacob Jonas Company...” Read the rest of my L.A. Times review of Jacob Jonas The Company’s “Side Door Series” here. 

[Break dance meets ballet in “In a Room on Broad St.” (2014) by Jacob Jonas, (also leaping overhead). Photo by Brandon Aufiero.]