Dance companies intertwine for new series
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Alex Theatre has entered into a partnership with a dance
company that is already making great strides at the box office, Alex
Executive Director Barry McComb said.
“SPLIT: Dance In and Out of LA” premieres at 8 p.m. Jan 10 at
Glendale’s historic theater. It’s a new series of quarterly dance
concerts featuring local companies and an out-of-town ensemble. New
York City’s renowned Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Company will be
the headliner for this premiere performance.
Early box-office figures show the event will be a success, McComb
said.
“Ticket sales are ahead of what I would expect for a first-time
presentation, and at a time of year when people’s focus is not
necessarily on buying tickets,” he said.
The “SPLIT” concept was created by Deborah Brockus, artistic
director of the Brockus Project Dance Company of Long Beach. Brockus,
along with co-producer Daisy Kim, has coordinated the successful
Spectrum Dance in LA.
In an effort to expand its dance season, The Alex has been forming
partnerships with dance companies, McComb said. The first such
liaison began with the American Repertory Dance Company last
September. Brockus approached The Alex last fall about bringing her
series to Glendale.
Combining a national company with those in and around Los Angeles
piqued interest because its that kind of unique feature that brings
value to the programming at the theater, McComb said.
The co-partnership benefits the dance company and theater, because
each shares the risk of a possible loss of ticket sales, which could
have long range effects on The Alex dance programming.
“With the fluctuations in the economy, you can’t foresee how
popular a dance performance is going to be. This is a formula I used
with success in my past jobs,” McComb said.
It’s also an answer to the nationwide problem arts programs are
having trying to obtain grants in this shaky economy, which is how
The Alex has afforded to underwrite dance programs in the past.
Joining Forces of Nature for this premiere will be the
award-winning local companies Fast Feet, based in Pasadena, and
Brockus Project Dance Company. A highlight of the performance is a
world-premiere work by Los Angeles-based choreographer Robert
Gilliam.
Subsequent “SPLIT” performances are March 1, May 10 and Aug. 30.
Tickets range from $10 to $35 and can be reserved by calling The Alex
box office, 216 N. Brand Blvd., at 243-2539.
* JOYCE RUDOLPH’s In the Spotlight column runs Wednesdays in
Enjoy! Find out what entertainment events are happening this weekend
in her 48 Hours column on Saturday. Reach her at 637-3241.