Vive LA DiF! (Live Arts Dance Festival)
Live Arts and Dance go way back. All the way back…to the days of our (collective and institutional) youth. As Live Arts started we threw dance parties to pay the rent. Along the way we’ve commissioned work from dance companies, collaborated with choreographers, and presented the best of what’s around.
For two weekends this January, we’re proud to showcase the work of six companies we really believe in. The first weekend features Ground Zero Dance Company and Zen Monkey Project. On the second weekend we present new work from UpRooted, InFlux, Good Foot and R2 (R squared, not R two).
All these companies all have local roots and a commitment to this community. We love that. They work hard, ask interesting questions, and refuse to play it safe. We like what they’re up to, and believe you’ll find it really compelling. The range of work is impressive with several world premieres, some live music, and a whole lot of very tight abs. Not much fat on these dancers, or on this festival. Dance; Straight Up. No Chaser.
Program One features new work from
Zen Monkey Project and Ground Zero Dance Company in the Downstage and performs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Jan 23-25, at 8 pm.
Program A features new work from
InFlux Dance, UpRooted Dance, Good Foot and R2 (squared, not 2)
in the Downstage and performs
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, January 29-31, at 8pm.
The Zen Monkey Project will host Masterclasses in Rehearsal A, January 23-25 and 29-31 from 5:30 to 7 pm. These classes are open to more experienced dancers.
Company classes will be offered in Rehearsal A on the following schedule:
Saturday January 24
10am -1pm UpRooted
2-5 pm Ground Zero
Sunday January 25
2-5pm InFlux
Sat January 31
10am-1pm-R2
2-5pm -Good Foot
All performances are $14 ($12/Live Arts members). Class prices are $10-25, with PWYC scholarships available upon advance request.
Above: Ground Zero Dance Co’s “Poor Edward” created and performed by Rob Petres and Kat Legault
Photo by Sarah Ferguson
Sweeney Todd
It’s not about the meat pies; passion, vengeance, betrayal and lust are the real raw ingredients of the epic thriller. The grand sweep of unforgettable emotion and unthinkable, unstoppable action are joined with the most thrilling theatrical music of our time. Attend the tale of Benjamin Barker, tonsorialist extraordinaire and serial singer. Razor sharp wit, cutting lyrics, rich veins of musical genius and culinary madness make for a bloody good time.
What Play Changed Your Life?
In connection with the opening of Live Arts' production of Sweeney Todd, the play Director John Gibson credits with getting him interested in theatre, we asked people around Live Arts a simple question: What play changed your life?
Live Arts “Sweeney Todd” Podcast
Ray over at C-villePodCasts was kind enough to feature our upcoming production of Sweeney Todd is this week’s podcast. Check it out, won’t you?
Clicky Here! (opens in a new window)
C-Ville Weekly Talks Todd
The C-Ville Weekly has some exciting things to say about our production of Sweeney Todd. Check it out here.

