In the city that spawned Esther Williams’ aquatic dance-pageantry, I really like the commissioning of fun, site-specific water dances fashioned by a cadre of top Los Angeles choreographers. Some of the names may not be fully known to followers of “concert” dance. And that’s not right.
The list comprises four highly successful film, television, stage and music video choreographers — all talented, veteran dance professionals:
It’s part of Dance Camera West’s 2013 film festival. The “Get Wet” part of the festival is a celebration of live dance and water in and around some of LA’s most iconic and beautiful fountains.
“Get Wet” is the long-nurtured fantasy of dance agent Julie McDonald, a fan of Williams’ outré pool-and-lagoon forays at MGM. Julie had the vision to empower her choreography clients with this unconventional assignment.
The performances are brief but they must be clever and fun. Fifteen minutes only.
“Get Wet” schedule:
- Thursday May 2
Sarah Elgart fountain dance
The Music Center, 7 pm
- Friday May 3
Tony Testa fountain dance
LACMA, 3 pm, 6:45 pm
- Saturday May 4
Daniel Ezralow fountain dance
Kitty McNamee fountain dance
The Getty, 4 pm, 7 pm, followed by movies
After the splish-splash at LACMA on Friday night, we’re looking forward to viewing a documentary about choreographer Vincent Paterson’s work with Michael Jackson and Madonna, Man Behind The Throne, screening at the museum’s Bing Theater. What a fantastic subject.
Dance Camera West | May 2 – 5 | all ’round town