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LA Dance History

I have always loved history. The more I learn, the more I realize how much remains to be uncovered. In 2020, I began research for a History of Dance in LA exhibition that was never fully realized, but the work sparked a deep curiosity. Since then, I’ve committed to uncovering the stories of those who have moved and created on this land we now call Los Angeles.

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One day I may become an LA Dance scholar, but for now here is a collection of links exploring the city’s relationship with dance. Each opens a window into artists who shaped the ecosystem we move through today.

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This list is far from complete. Knowing there is always more, please email me to connect or share your own findings and stories.

Choreographers & Directors

American Modern Dance:

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Hollywood, Film, and Television: 

Performing Arts Venues & Studios

1915 — Denishawn School opens

1922 — Nestor Studios, the first movie studio in LA opens AND The Hollywood Bowl opens on July 11, 1922

1928 — The Dunbar Hotel opens 

1946 — Dance Theater, co-founded by Lester Horton, Bella Lewitzky, William Bowne, and Newell Reynolds opens at 7566 Melrose 

1931 — The Ford Theatre opens

1945 — Studio Theatre at St. Denis Building opens

1964 — The Music Center opens

1970 — CalArts opens a Dance Department 

1979 — Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio opens, closed October 2018, but not without a fight.

1982 — Studio A Dance opens

1984 — Madilyn Clark Studios opens

1989 — Highways Performance Space opens

1992 — The Edge (closed July 2021) + Millennium Dance Complex open

2000 — Debbie Allen Dance Academy opens

2008 — The Broad Stage opens

2013 — The Wallis opens

Books, articles, movies, and podcasts

Book List:

Scholars, Critics, and Educators: ​

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Articles: 

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Documentaries:

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Podcasts: 

...even more resources! 

Virtual Archives + Resources:

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Virtual Dance History Archives, not specific to LA:

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