When men take the stage in ballet, the action suddenly shifts to midair. Choreography for men tends to show off their athleticism in soaring leaps and whirring vertical turns. With seven men superstars in one program, “Kings of the Dance,” it’s time to install air traffic control. David Hallberg performs the solo “Dance of the Blessed Spirits” by Frederick Ashton. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Joaquin De Luz, left, and Jose Manuel Carreno take to the sky as part of “For 4,” choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. “Kings of the Dance” is at the Ahmanson Theatre Feb. 16 and 17. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Denis Matvienko performs in “Vestris.” (Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times)
Guillaume Cote, above, and Marcelo Gomes perform the pas de deux “Morel et Saint-Loup” from the Roland Petit ballet “Proust ou les Intermittences du Coeur.” (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Three become one in “Remanso”: from left, David Hallberg, Marcelo Gomes and Guillaume Cote. The choreography is by Nacho Duato. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Desmond Richardson in “Lament,” choreographed by Dwight Rhoden. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Marcelo Gomes in “Remanso.” (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
