Artists and Activists for Health Equity (AAHE) partnered with LA Pride and the Ebony Repertory Theatre to host the highly anticipated second annual Dance for Life Festival (DFL) on Saturday, June 24th, 2023. This vibrant event brought together a dazzling array of talent and highlighted the importance of health equity in the arts.
The Dance for Life Festival boasted an exceptional program, featuring renowned dance companies and choreographers from across the nation. For the first time, the festival welcomed the prestigious Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Pacifico Dance Company, Blue13 Dance Company, AIM by Kyle Abraham, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, with the incredible Yannick Lebrun leading the way. Dancers from each organization graced the stage, mesmerizing the audience with their skill and passion.
Returning for its second year, the festival also showcased captivating performances by BalletRed, BodyTraffic, Ido Tadmor Dance Project with Chasen Greenwood, Latin Rage by Lyrik Cruz, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, featuring the exceptional April Watson. These esteemed artists thrilled the spectators with their artistry and innovation, pushing the boundaries of dance.
The festival’s lineup was further elevated by the presence of Tessandra Chavez, an Emmy award-winning Contemporary and Hip-hop choreographer. Chavez mesmerized the audience with her inventive and powerful routines. Additionally, the sensational soloist Addison Ector, known for his electrifying performances as “Legs_4_Lyfe,” left the crowd in awe with his incredible talent and stage presence.
This VIP event attracted the crème de la crème of Los Angeles, as artists, influencers, and philanthropists came together to support the cause of health equity in the arts. Hosted at the magnificent Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, the venue provided a fitting backdrop for the evening’s festivities. The theater’s elegant ambiance perfectly complemented the artistry unfolding on stage.
In addition to the breathtaking performances, the festival offered a private art gallery showcasing extraordinary masterpieces. Attendees had the opportunity to appreciate and engage with these awe-inspiring works of art, further enriching the overall experience.
The second annual Dance for Life Festival, presented by AAHE in collaboration with LA Pride and the Ebony Repertory Theatre, proved to be a resounding success. The event celebrated the power of dance, uniting diverse artists and activists in their shared mission to promote health equity and foster creativity within the community. It left an indelible mark on all who attended, highlighting the transformative nature of the arts and its capacity to inspire change.
Dance art featured by Lela Christine
