Dance Group To Step It Up At Hotel Gig

0

The L.A. Dance Project returns to the Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown’s Historic Core for two shows this weekend after making its debut at the renovated historic venue nearly three years ago.

The downtown-based touring company, a nonprofit founded in 2012 by dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, will perform four pieces on Dec. 9 and 10, continuing the hotel’s mission of hosting a unique mix of live performing arts events. 

“They’ve been doing something from a dance perspective that’s very cutting edge,” said Kelly Sawdon, partner and chief brand officer at the Ace, who noted that the Dance Project was the first to perform at the theater after its restoration in 2014. “It married really well with what we wanted to do with the theater – using it in lots of different ways to help support the creative cultures in the city.”

The theater has nearly doubled its event calendar over the last 12 months, going from 99 shows in 2015 to 188 this year – something Sawdon said helps distinguish the venue from others in the area. Events at the 1,600-seat theater have included everything from a live read of Quentin Tarantino’s “Hateful Eight” film to a special performance by the L.A. Opera.

“The Ace is one of the theaters that comes from the wonderful golden era of movie theaters on Broadway downtown,” said Millepied. “It tends to bring in a younger audience, a very hungry and excited audience to have a home company performing.”

Sawdon echoed that, saying said artists and groups have been lured to the theater by prospect of exposure to new audiences. The increased foot traffic also helps generate revenue for Ace’s other offerings, including the hotel, restaurant, and bar. The hotel and theater are owned by Chesapeake Lodging Trust of Annapolis, Md.

Event pricing varies greatly depending on the show. Tickets for the upcoming Dance Project performances range from $30 to $80.

– Kristin Marguerite Doidge

No posts to display