There’s quite a bit of ‘competition’ out there. Los Angeles has performing arts centers in abundance–dotted all around the Southland, in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Costa Mesa, Northridge, and Malibu. But there’s only one mothership, and that is the Los Angeles Music Center, a cultural anchor in our city since 1964. Home to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Walt Disney Concert Hall, ya’d think the precious jewel may have lost luster after all these years.
No such thing. A major redo of the Center has given rebirth to a people’s plaza, where Angelenos brave traffic and scant downtown parking to kick it, joyfully, in the cool night air. They also shake it, motor it, and jam it as part of DANCE DTLA sponsored by the Music Center. Smart move, guys! The big urban space now called the #JerryMossPlaza stands where the solemn Jacques Lipshitz sculptural fountain once splashed and spurted. It’s paved paved with its wonderful wood dance floor. Dancers by the droves — and we’re talking every shape, size, color, age, and skill level, took the opportunity on Friday June 17 to buddy up with their neighbors and dance the night away to the crisp salsa tunes, courtesy of a handsome deejay. There were queues for coffee,queues for cokes, queues for beer and wine. (I was a bit disappointed that ladies bathroom queues are still a Music Center signature …) The place was packed. Some watched, but most danced — and just look at the fun in these photos.
We also enjoyed absolutely amazing Swing dancing that was part of the ticket (a kind of outdoors Part Two, perfect for a pandemic) as part of the joyous performance of SW!NG at the Ahmanson Theater over the weekend.
Los Angeles Music Center, dance on!
A big artsmeme thanks to @willteeyang, who must have been flying around in a drone to get these fabulous photos!
DANCE DTLA | Jerry Moss Plaza | Summer Friday nights July 8 – Sept 2
