A Holiday Celebration of Song and Dance

Keeping with the spirit of the holidays--and with the diversity of Los Angeles--the 36th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration offers an array of music and dance troupes, choirs and performance artists that encompass the multicultural essence of the city.

“We represented the Jewish population the first year we performed,” says Genie Benson, a dancer who is managing director of the Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble, which is making its third appearance at the annual show. There are now several Jewish music and dance troupes among the more than 30 professional and community groups that will converge on the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Sunday.

“It’s a very nice thing to do for the holidays,” says Benson. “We’re all celebrating a happy time of year, peace on earth and all that goes with it.”

The Keshet Chaim is a contemporary Israeli dance group based in the San Fernando Valley, and will be joined by other groups such as the Children of the World Choir of Beverly Hills, the Taiwanese Presbyterian Church Chorale of Pasadena, the Jazz Tap Ensemble, Bob Baker Marionette Theatre, the Gay Men’s Chorus, Danza Floricanto U.S.A., Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Theatre and the Mary Star of the Sea Croatian Choir.

“A lot of people may not otherwise come to the Music Center, Benson says. “And it’s always a thrill for us to perform here.”

The most inspiring part of the upbeat holiday show is that it’s free. Reservations are not required, but seating is on a first come, first served basis. The six-hour show begins at 3 p.m., and will be televised on KCET-TV. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles. Free parking. (213) 974-1396.