From July 17 through July 21, the Dance for Life Festival showcased the work of renowned dancers and choreographers at the mid-city Los Angeles gem, the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center.
This festival, conceived by Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s co-founder and co-artistic director, and Phil Wilson, Black AIDS Institute founder, was also a fundraiser to support the end of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
On July 21, communities from across L.A. gathered at the Nate Holden Center’s Ebony
Repertory Theatre to watch over 20 companies present their works, namely Complexions Contemporary Ballet, A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham, Laurie Sefton Creates, Kybele Dance Theater, Luminario Ballet, and Peridance Contemporary Dance Company.
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“We were so honored to bring these works here and bring this art form to this specific community. It’s been such a joy to bring it to life,” said actress Vanessa Estelle Williams, the festival’s matinee host.
Guests were gifted with an interactive performance from Seda Aybay’s Kybele Dance Theater as they filtered into the lobby. Kybele company members slowly pulled guests toward the center of the room, silently guiding them to mimic their dance, which left many in the crowd nervously anticipating when they’d be led into the center as well. Kybele’s performance culminated in a unison dance, juxtaposing the popcorn-style pattern of movement that permeated most of the piece.
As the audience took their seats within the theater, they were greeted by the evening’s host,
Shangela. An American drag queen, reality TV personality, and actor with credits including “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” and “Dancing with the Stars,” Shangela entertained the audience and prepared them for the evening’s performances.
The styles of dance ranged from contemporary ballet to aerial ballet to Bollywood and every style in between. Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s dancers April Watson and Joe Gonzalez received multiple standing ovations, and the crowd sat in awe at A.I.M.’s Gianna Theodore’s cat-like dexterity as she bounded across the stage.
Among the few choreographers to break the fourth wall, Laurie Sefton Creates stood out. as company members ran center stage and engaged with the audience through subtle – but clear- movement.
The festival supported research and community outreach for the AMAAD Institute, amFAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Better Brothers Los Angeles Scholarship Fund, and St. John’s Community Health.
