Top African-American Dance Ensembles to Perform at Luckman

The International Association of Blacks in Dance is holding its 17th annual conference in L.A. this year; the critically acclaimed Lula Washington Dance Theatre is the host for the event.

The conference will bring together leading African-American dance companies, choreographers, students, dancers and educators to explore issues they face in dance.

In addition to events at other venues, highlights of the conference will include two public showcase performances at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State L.A., 5151 State University Drive in Los Angeles, by some of the country’s top African-American dance ensembles on Jan. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. There will be a pre-curtain talk on both nights at 7:30 p.m. with various artistic directors and choreographers.

Scheduled lineups include:

Jan. 28

at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-show talk with: artistic directors & choreographers.

Performances by: Tap Dance Explosion, with Chester Whitmore (choreographer); Donald McKayle’s Rainbow Etude Ensemble, UC Irvine - Games; Duke Ellington School of the Arts; Ka-Ron Lehman, L.A. High School for the Arts - Grace; Lula Washington Dance Theatre - Spontaneous Combustio, which includes a live band; Jamal Story, a solo; Jeremy Tatum, a solo; Creative Outlet; Washington Reflections; Dance Company; and others to be announced.

Jan. 29

at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-show talk with: Arthur Mitchell, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Michael Kaiser, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Performances by:

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company - Escapades by Alvin Ailey; Dallas Black Dance Theatre; Philadanco - “Blue” by Christopher Huggins

Lula Washington Dance Theatre - “Nutcracker Swings;” Stephanie Powell performs a Donald McKayle solo, “Angelitos Negros;” and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

Tickets are $30 to $40 and may be purchased by calling the box office at 323-292-5852.

For more information, call 323-292-5852, or visit www.lulawashington.com.