South Coast Dance Arts Alliance Presents LA So-Cal Dance Invitational Today

LA So-Cal Dance Invitational, presented by South Coast Dance Arts Alliance, has been announced tonight, August 31 at 8pm at the Ford Theatres. Five acclaimed Southern California dance companies will perform - Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre, Andy Vaca's Jazzworks-Long Beach, LA Contemporary Dance Company, Luminario Ballet, and Regina Klenjoski Dance Company. More than 55 performers are set to participate.

Founded in 1986, Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre is a Dance Company of drama, wit, joy and invention, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. For the Invitational, NBDT will present "Let Them Eat Cake," the company's anniversary piece (choreographed by Nannette Brodie) which was first performed in January 2013. NBDT will also offer "Night Blooms," a premiere piece inspired by the flora and fauna of the Ford Amphitheatre. www.nannettebrodiedance.org

Andy Vaca's Jazzworks-Long Beach is dedicated to preserving jazz dance as a viable concert dance form. Under the direction of Andy Vaca, the Chair of the Department of Dance at California State University Long Beach, the company will present "LA-a-Go-Go," a fast-paced and joyful dance recalling the era of Laugh-In, teen beach party movies and the early James Bond girls.

LA Contemporary Dance Company is a nonprofit repertory Dance Company offering innovative dance experiences to Los Angeles audiences through a diverse repertoire of modern, ballet and jazz influenced works reflective of LA culture. Choreographed by LACDC artistic director Kate Hutter, the company's piece for the Invitational will be a work they debuted in the spring of this year, "Prite Oef Stringh," which re-imagines Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring." www.lacontemporarydance.org

Luminario Ballet is a contemporary ballet and aerial dance repertory company highlighting the diverse cultures and energies of the Southern California region. Luminario will present "Brace ... yourself - a Flying Experience." The choreographer is Debra Lynne Brown, veteran choreographer of 13 Cirque du Soleil shows. www.luminario.org

Regina Klenjoski Dance Company has been captivating audiences since 1999 with inventive choreography, fierce athleticism and poetic storytelling. The company will present "One-Two-Many," a fast paced, hyperkinetic piece that poses the question, "Are you buying what they're selling?" Choreographed by Regina Klenjoski, the piece had its premiere in March 2012 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. www.rkdc.org

The LA So-Cal Dance Invitational, presented by South Coast Dance Arts Alliance, will play one performance only, on Saturday, August 31, at the Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East, in Hollywood, 90068. Showtime is 8pm, and tickets are on sale now. Admission prices are $50 for a VIP package (includes premium seating, pre-show reception, gift bag and post-performance meet and greet with the artists), $30 (general admission), $20 (students), and $12 (children 12 or under). To purchase tickets, go to www.fordtheatres.org or call (323) 461-3673. General admission tickets purchased prior to August 24 receive a $5 discount. For more event information, visit www.socaldanceinvitational.org.

The grounds at the Ford Theatres open two hours before showtime for picnicking. The Ford offers a number of dining options: a variety of food and beverages is available on site and box dinners for evening events may be ordered in advance. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink.

The Ford is disabled accessible. Portable wireless listening devices are available upon request. On-site, stacked parking costs $5 per vehicle for evening shows and $1 per vehicle for morning family shows. FREE non-stacked parking serviced by a FREE shuttle to the Ford, for evening amphitheatre performances only, is available at the Universal City Metro Station lot at Lankershim Blvd. and Campo de Cahuenga. The shuttle, which cycles every 15-20 minutes, stops in the "kiss and ride" area.

The LA So-Cal Dance Invitational is part of the Ford Theatres 2013 Summer Amphitheatre Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations. For a complete season schedule, directions to the amphitheatre and parking information, visit www.FordTheatres.org.

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