Dance

As usual, some of the strongest, most challenging dance comes packaged in series during the summer--notably Feet Speak in the Keck Theater at Occidental College, Summerdance at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, Summer Nights at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood and Dance Kaleidoscope, this year bringing five different programs to three venues.

Not to be eclipsed, the series at the Watercourt in California Plaza, downtown, presents distinctive work in an inviting environment.

Some people love it, others don’t, but at the very least Roland Petit’s “Chaplin Dances” (a.k.a. Charlot Danse Avec Nous) will have Altynai Asylmuratova, perhaps the greatest ballerina of the decade, prominently displayed when this Ballet National de Marseille vehicle visits the Orange County Performing Arts Center, June 9-14.

Otherwise, the major touring attractions look awfully familiar this summer. Luis Bravo’s “Forever Tango” brings its Tony-nominated choreography back to the Southland for performances at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, June 23-28, and at Royce Hall, UCLA, June 30-July 12. “Tap Dogs” visits the Long Beach Terrace Theatre, June 23-28.

‘Stomp” also returns, playing Royce Hall, UCLA, July 14-Aug. 2. And “Lord of the Dance” reappears as well, though the performances at Greek Theatre, Aug. 26-28, will reportedly be without Michael Flatley. Isn’t that like “Hamlet” without the ham, a turkey sandwich without the turkey, a gallery of classic clowns without a Bozo?