Los Angeles Ballet Scene Thrives with Diverse Venues and Pioneering Productions

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Los Angeles has a rich and evolving ballet scene, marked by a history of both struggle and innovation. The city's key venues, including the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Historic Glendale Theater, the Ahmanson Theatre, Royce Hall, and the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, have all played a role in cultivating and supporting the art form. The scene has also been shaped by pioneering figures like Lester Horton and the First Negro Classic Ballet, who helped break racial barriers. Today, companies like the Los Angeles Ballet and American Contemporary Ballet are contributing to a thriving environment, with some productions even incorporating modern technologies like fiber-optic costumes.

Why it matters

The stabilization of the Los Angeles ballet scene with the establishment of permanent companies represents a significant turning point after decades of difficulty in sustaining a flagship ballet presence in the city. This suggests a growing commitment to the art form and the potential for continued growth and innovation within the L.A. ballet community.

The details

Los Angeles' ballet landscape is anchored by several key venues, each offering unique experiences for audiences. The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is considered the city's premier ballet destination, with its world-class stage and acoustics hosting top-tier companies like American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet. The Historic Glendale Theater, also known as the Nocturne Theatre, provides a more intimate setting and is home to the innovative Ballet of Lights production that utilizes fiber-optic and glow-in-the-dark costumes. The Ahmanson Theatre, while primarily known for Broadway tours, also serves as a venue for large-scale ballet performances, including productions by the Los Angeles Ballet during its 20th-anniversary season. Royce Hall in Westwood and the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica are also important venues, hosting the Los Angeles Ballet and other renowned dance companies and choreographers.

• The Los Angeles Ballet celebrated its 20th anniversary season at the Ahmanson Theatre.
• The Ballet of Lights production at the Historic Glendale Theater, also known as the Nocturne Theatre, currently features fiber-optic and glow-in-the-dark costumes.

What’s next

As Los Angeles continues to cultivate its ballet scene, these venues will likely need to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of both performers and audiences, potentially incorporating more cutting-edge technologies and programming to stay at the forefront of the art form.