Smart dance moves for the summer
As Southern California’s dance scene picks up the pace this summer, here are five promising shows to mark on the calendar:
Eifman Ballet
Fresh off dancing “Red Giselle” in Costa Mesa this weekend, Russian choreographer Boris Eifman’s St. Petersburg company heads north to the Music Center next weekend to dance “Tchaikovsky” — a piece that a 2003 Times review noted for its “richness and daring.” Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, L.A. (213) 972-0711, musiccenter.org.
Barak Ballet
Melissa Barak’s company will premiere new work Saturday with music by Emmy-winning composer David Lawrence and designs by media artist Refik Anadol. Broad Stage, Santa Monica. (310) 4343200, thebroadstage.org.
Teatro Alla Scala
The Milan ballet company is bringing “Giselle” to Southern California with a familiar name for opening night: L.A. native Misty Copeland as Giselle, with Roberto Bolle as Albrecht. The Royal Ballet of England’s sensational principal Marianela Nuñez, rarely seen here, is scheduled to dance Giselle in two of the four performances July 28-30. Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, Costa Mesa. (714) 556-2787, scfta.org
Ballet Now
New York City Ballet principal Tiler Peck has gathered dancers from various companies, including American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, to perform works by Christopher Wheeldon, George Balanchine and others July 28-30. Tap dance sensation Michelle Dorrance appears July 28, and Tony Award-winning actor Bill Irwin joins Peck in a duet on July 29. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, L.A. (213) 972-0711, musiccenter.org.
National Choreographers Initiative
For those interested in the process of dance-making, artistic director Molly Lynch brings in four choreographers for a three-week workshop. They show what they came up with at this July 29 performance, which includes a question-andanswer segment. Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine. (949) 854-4646, thebarclay.org.