SPECIAL TO VIEWMembers of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre will perform Saturday at Lorenzi Park. Many of the dancers are from Los Angeles and used dance as a way to escape the streets.
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Dance, like many artistic mediums, can entertain, express and inspire.
Performers from the Los Angeles-based Lula Washington Dance Theater hope to do all of the above when they entertain Las Vegas crowds at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave.
"We hope that by bringing the troupe here, kids specifically, will be able to see firsthand that there is always hope, that people can rise from the ashes and do something positive with their lives," city of Las Vegas community events coordinator Darren Copeland said.
According to Copeland, many of the dancers grew up on the streets of Los Angeles and were forced to overcome tough circumstances.
"The vision of the dance company is unique in not just form and presentation, but intense political drive and emotion," Copeland said. "All of this you can see in each movement, each dance."
The 10-member dance company may be known for its choreographic interpretations, but the group's explosive and gifted cast is the heart of the organization.
"Most of the kids involved are inner-city youth, but you can see their passion, their love for dance, is so obvious," Copeland said.
Southeast Las Vegas resident Charmane Bryant said she's seen the troupe perform before and was glad to hear it was coming to Sin City.
"It's not just that the dancing is exciting," Bryant said. "It's beautiful. It's like a mixture of everything you've ever loved or wanted to see in dance. That's what I remember most from the shows, a blend of tribal dance with modern elements. It's spellbinding."
Dancers will offer a free dance workshop at 5 p.m. Friday at the West Las Vegas Community Arts Center, 755 E. Flamingo Road..
"The event is open to the public," Copeland said. "People can expect to learn the moves and history of certain dances. It's a wonderful opportunity for community members to work with real professionals and learn not just how to move, but where the dance came from."
According to Copeland, guests are welcome to bring a blanket or chairs to the concert.
Tickets for the evening performance are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, and can be purchased at the Charleston Heights Center box office, 800 S. Brush St., or by calling 229-6383.
LULA WASHINGTON DANCE THEATRE
* When: 8 p.m. Saturday
* Where: Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave. Blankets and chairs will be allowed.
* Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Available at Charleston Heights Center box office, 800 S. Brush St., or by calling 229-6383.
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