Theatre Raymond Kabbaz is proud to present two intimate evenings with Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal (BJM) on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Thursday, Oct. 8. These unique shows will feature meticulously chosen excerpts of BJM repertoire including works by Benjamin Millepied, Wen Wei Wang, Cayetano Soto, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Barak Marshall.
Culture Spot LA readers can win a pair of free tickets to either show. Please email editor@culturespotla.com with “TRZ” in the subject line and indicate which day you would like tickets for.
This hybrid dance company whimsically infuses classical ballet with a host of interloping modern styles. Since its founding in 1972, BJM has been praised for its energetic spirit of exploration and for its sexy and accessible performances. In tune with the times, the company works with some of the world’s most exciting choreographers, showing a stunning fusion of contemporary style with jazz and hip-hop in a polished technique. The company’s classically trained artists boast a broad skill set showcasing the immense physicality and theatricality that has become their hallmark.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Louis Robitaille, BJM is committed to expressing each dancer’s individual personality, giving the company a distinctive style that speaks to both seasoned dance lovers and those who are new to the art form.
This show will include excerpts from:
The sublime pas de deux Closer (2006), by choreographer Benjamin Millepied. A voluptuous and vibrant dance, imbued with an intense yet simple sensuality, transporting audiences into the couple’s passionate relationship, music by composer Philip Glass (Mad Rush).
Harry, by Israeli-American choreographer Barak Marshall. Set to a score combining jazz, Israeli folk songs and traditional music, this new opus is imbued with hope and humor, alternating group sequences, trios and duets in a fabulous extravaganza of dance.
Night Box by Wen Wei Wang, is a high-voltage work in which love, loss, sexuality and joy are intertwined. In a state of perpetual movement, it combines contemporary ballet with street dance in alternating sequences for group, trio, duet and solo.
Zero in on by choreographer Cayetano Soto. In Zero in on “you have to get in and on with your energy and power” said Cayetano. This is the structure beneath the duet.
And more, including work by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.
The 75-minute performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will take place at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., LA 90064 (310-286-0553). Individual tickets are $50 for premium seating, $40 for regular seating and $30 for students. A no host bar will be available. To learn more about this event and Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, please visit https://www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com.
Watch a BJM performance at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqsMgHnHFjs.