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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.

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.

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:

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

...even more resources! 
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