Lewitzky’s Approach to Dance Audiences

Bella Lewitzky’s inspired idea of a series entitled “In the Works” deserves the attention of the arts organizations of Los Angeles (“Lewitzky Series Offers Therapy for the Intimidated” by Douglas Sadownick, Jan. 20).

Instead of blaming the absence of new audiences on the lack of arts education programs in the schools--a convenient escape hatch--she has taken responsibility all too frequently shirked by arts organizations to enliven the dialogue with audiences in a creative and refreshing new way.

She is inviting the public to become a participant in the equation of artist, arts organization and audience.

Arts organizations need to explore further such innovations: Why not invite audience members to voice informed responses to productions in some printed form? What about focus-group sessions to query audiences about what they would like to see in the printed programs? Why do we insist on keeping audiences passive and silent spectators, rather than active and vocal participants?

DOLO BROOKING, Director, Arts Administration Program, Cal State Dominguez Hills

“In the Works,” sponsored by Lewitzky’s Dance Gallery, presents dances, each of which is preceded by an introduction by Lewitzky and the choreographer and is followed by a discussion between the audience and the dance’s creator.