For Jessica Kondrath, the dancer who decided to take over the nonprofit Long Beach Dance Foundation (LBDF) following former leader Jonathan Fly, Long Beach doesn’t have a lack of dancers more than it has a lack of opportunities for dancers.
Her deep desire to foster the art of dance in Long Beach will, in her eyes, hopefully begin this Saturday as she heads her first fundraiser to garner money for LBDF’s inaugural production.
“I want to make this work,” Kondrath said. “‘Making it work’ sounds insular but there’s not a sense of interaction amongst dancers in Long Beach–and really, the hope is discourse and creating art.”
In Kondrath’s view, the work of LBDF is essential since Long Beach doesn’t create or offer enough opportunities that engage dancers and foster the art. And hopefully, her fundraiser–an 80s-themed dance party hosted by Hamburger Mary’s–will help showcase the need for this art within the city.
“Too often, big companies–and I don’t blame them–leave Long Beach and go to LA for things like Celebrate Dance or Dancing Under the Stars at the John Anson [Ford Amphitheatre],” Kondrath said. “They have a following [in Los Angeles]. But Long Beach has such a vibrant art scene and I know that we can have a following of our own.”
The “Salon Night” production, revolving around dance performance and dance film, will be held at The Collaborative on August 24.
The fundraiser will take place this Saturday, June 29, at Hamburger Mary’s, located at 740 E Broadway. The event will have a $5 cover and is open to only those over the age of 21. A live performance by drag legend Psycadella Facade as well as live music spun by DJ Smuckers will highlight the evening. All proceeds will go to LBDF.
Follow LBDF on Facebook by clicking here.
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