Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Nothing does a city good like hosting a flavorful array of dance shows, bringing in instructional professionals and stars of lyrical movement. Coming together in one highly concentrated soup of expression, DancerPalooza is a chance for the public to see the work of choreographers and dancers that the entire industry is buzzing about.
DancerPalooza, dubbed the Coachella for the dance world, is coming to the Long Beach Convention Center for a week-long event from July 22 through July 27. The six-day festival is geared toward those who love dance but don’t dance, or those who do dance and want to take multiple classes from leading professionals in the field. “America’s Ultimate Dance Festival” offers several opportunities for anyone even slightly moved by a decent beat.
Beat Street
Offered July 25 through July 27, Beat Street is a free public expo hall with dance performances, popular dance industry vendors and a meet and greet with professional dance stars.
Crash Courses
Instead of committing to a full intensive program (see below), crash courses are offered for three days (July 25-27) and allow students to choose from over 36 types of classes.
Intensives
These week-long courses concentrating on a variety of styles from contemporary dance to jazz funk and Broadway, culminate in a performance or video presentation of the week’s work. The intensive team leaders are a collection of some of the most known dancers working today that provide all students with professional level training. Styles offered include The Collective, Pool Party, Slide, KaMotion, Bobby’s Beat Camp and Marquee.
Performances
For spectators wanting to enjoy a performance or two, five different dance productions are open to the public and are held nightly at the Center Theater.
Shaping Sound – Tuesday, July 22, 8pm and Saturday, July 26, 8:30pm
VIP Exclusive Sneak Peek Performance
Shaping Sound is a visionary mash-up of contemporary music genres and dance styles. Watch the 35-minute preview featuring “So You Think You Can Dance” stars Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson.
Royal Flux Dance in SHINING – Wednesday, July 23, 8pm
Royal Flux, an LA-based Contemporary Dance Company, features some of Los Angeles’ most talented dancers using innovative lighting techniques and artistically inspired choreography by Jaci Royal.
Still Motion Presents: Moments Defined – Thursday, July 24, 8pm
Stacey Tookey’s LA-based dance company combines fresh young talent with her expertise and passionate choreography. This multi-disciplinary dance performance captures the raw emotion from the moments that shape our existence.
MOVEMENT LIFESTYLE Presents: mL to GO – Friday, July 25, 6pm and 9pm
A community based and globally connected urban dance brand, Movement Lifestyle aims to expose its audience to a night of cultural and creative movement.
A MAN’S WORLD – Saturday, July 26, 5pm
This full-length work tells the story of a lonely man looking for love in a less distracted era where music and dance can still bring two people together.
Over 5,000 dancers and enthusiasts are expected to participate in this one-of-a-kind dance experience. Don’t miss out.
For more information, tickets for the nightly performances and rates to attend all workshops and intensives can be found at www.dancerpalooza.com.