Lula Washington: A life changed by dance

"There is no gum chewing allowed anywhere inside Lula Washington Dance Theatre," a sign warns on the dance academy's front door. Dwarfed by the big-box retail stores of Crenshaw Boulevard, the unassuming low-rise shell belies its explosive contents -- dance, music, kids, creativity. Enter the House That Lula Built, headquarters for Washington's school and her touring modern dance troupe and a place where you'd better leave fooling around on the sidewalk.

By Debra Levine

January 31, 2010