Murder Ballades, featuring an original score by Bryce Dessner (Image credit: Rose Eichenbaum)

 

L.A. Dance Project presents a fusion of top-notch balletic technique, choreographic innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Founded in 2012, L.A. Dance Project is led by powerhouse choreographer and director Benjamin Millepied. Having established his career in the traditional centers of the dance world—as a principal dancer and choreographer at the New York City Ballet and later as artistic director of the Paris Opera Ballet—Millepied is most widely known for having choreographed the movie Black Swan. But as head of L.A. Dance Project, he is charting new frontiers for ballet in the 21st century.

 

Dancer Rachelle Rafailedes shared a few thoughts with us about her own take on L.A. Dance Project’s unique verve.

 


What would you say distinguishes L.A. Dance Project from other repertory companies?

 

I think what distinguishes L.A. Dance Project from other repertory companies is the wide spectrum of dance that the company performs as well as the means in which it presents work. In a single evening, LADP’s repertory can stretch from early American modern dance such as Graham and Cunningham to Ohad Naharin and new creations by Benjamin Millepied. The extreme diversity in the repertory is unlike many other companies. Another aspect of L.A. Dance Project that is unique is that the company often performs in unconventional venues and via unconventional methods such as exclusively online live performances. From Los Angeles’ Union Station to Philip Johnson’s Glass House and the gardens of Versailles, LADP pushes the boundaries of where and how dance can be presented. 

 


Rachelle Rafailedes and Nathan Makolandra in Second Quartet (Image credit: Lawrence Ho)

 


How does Los Angeles affect the making of the work somehow, especially now that L.A. Dance Project has a permanent home in Los Angeles?

 

As a dancer, Los Angeles as a city is a breath of fresh air. It feels like there is an excitement about dance and art in general. In other cities that have established histories in dance, things can start to feel predictable; however, in LA there is a feeling of spontaneity and risk-taking that is refreshing. I think that vibrant energy finds its way into the work that is made. I also believe that the city inspires our director, Benjamin Millepied, to want to create dance films in the beautiful locations that LA has to offer.  

 


L.A. Dance Project performs Hearts and Arrows (Image credit: Rose Eichenbaum)

 


Los Angeles is often associated with its film and entertainment industry but also has an established visual arts scene. Do the visual arts influence the making of the work?

 

Benjamin is very interested in collaborating with artists from all different genres when he is making or commissioning new work. He is very in tune with what is happening in many aspects of the art world, and I think he is excited to collaborate with artists that he admires and respects, regardless of the medium. We have had beautiful sets made by Barbara Kruger, Mark Bradford, Liam Gillick, Christopher Wool, and Sterling Ruby. Original scores by Nico Muhly have been commissioned as well as costumes designed by Rodarte and Alessandro Sartori. A focus of L.A. Dance Project is to bring many art forms together to create work that is fresh and forward-thinking.  


 

Upcoming Event: Jan 26 & 27
Memorial Auditorium
L.A. Dance Project

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