With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
World-Famous Joffrey Ballet Returns To L.A. This Weekend
Back in the day, and by this we are referring to the early 20th century, Los Angeles was a very young American city. Ably fitting into the label of "the wild west," our town was home to many innovative pursuits that have since become part of the normal day-to-day. Film, television and lots of artistic energies were housed here, given direct and indirect support and thrived. Nascent cinema brought writers now considered part of the foundation for the century's literary development into "the hood," and new music was given sanctuary here, as well.Enter Russian immigrant/composer Igor Stravinsky in the 1930s. Already globally acknowledged as a musical convention-breaker with (amongst other work) his 1913 score for Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes' scandalous production of Vaslav Nijinsky's "Le Sacre du Printemps" ("The Rite of Spring"), the composer settled here in Hollywood. Having previously lived in France and Switzerland, 50-ish Stravinsky remained here for the bulk of his life.
In honor of this homeboy pride and the 100 year anniversary of the dance's premiere in France, the 10th anniversary of the Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center series brings the nationally-treasured Joffrey Ballet to The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for three performances this weekend.
Also included in this program are three other ballets of significant stature. At each evening or Sunday afternoon performance, the company presents the "Sacre" along with either the West Coast premiere of Stanton Welch's "Son of Chamber Symphony" (set on the John Adams aural composition of the same name) or ex-New York City Ballet resident choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's "After the Rain," internationally renownedWilliam Forsythe's "In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated" and globally active Edwaard Liang's Jane Austen-inspired "Age of Innocence."
Wow. Sounds like more than an impressive set of options and activities. There's also a daylong "Rite of Spring" symposium with academics and scholars going on Saturday and a year's worth of exciting related events worth attending thereafter. Click here for more info, and buy tickets here.
.
Support for LAist comes from
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist