Archive
2006
"The finale and stand-out of the evening was...Backhaus Dance"
"Celebrate Dance, in its inaugural year, showed promise as an annual vehicle for choreography premiers. The theatre crowded with families was proof of the renewed appeal of dance as mainstream entertainment, an alternative that can compete with TiVo and movie megaplexes. There was no MC, no competition, no awards given - just the pieces presented with pauses in between. In its simplicity, Celebrate Dance honored the work itself."
Rachel Levin, Explore Dance
Photos by Allen Birnbach
2007
2008
"[Celebrate Dance] creates new bridges. I think the community needs this desperately, and I'll continue doing it."
Jamie Nichols
quote from video by Dance Channel TV (below)
2009
"Producer Jamie Nichols is proud to present 2009’s rendition of the annual dance extravaganza known as “Celebrate Dance”. For a few years now, this award-winning producer has been putting together this limited engagement/ one-night-only event in which up some of the most cutting edge dance companies get to showcase their talent and what they’re all about. While there is no theme tying these performances together, the universal language of dance makes its voice heard through these nine diverse and edgy dance companies. Fortunately for the audience, “Celebrate Dance” is quite an eclectic spectacle, hay de todo un poco: hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and even Brazilian."
Keith Herron
Al Borde
2010
"Don't miss this one night only dance experience - it sales out!"
Dance Channel TV
2011
Community Impacted by Celebrate Dance:
Continuing her commitment to community outreach, Ms. Nichols has donated free tickets to underserved students every year. This year, again with the generosity of
The Flourish Foundation, Nichols will bring 100 middle school students to the Alex Theatre following master classes taught by two of the participating choreographers, Mike Esperanza (BARE Dance Company) and Terri Best (Terri Best Dance).
"From the ethereal to the visceral, the showcase Celebrate Dance 2011 promises to reflect the full spectrum of dance in California..."
Vicki Smith Paluch
LA TIMES
"For three years the event has been a sell-out show with enthusiastic audiences of all ages."
Unkown
Dancer Within
"...a leg up to deserving artists and maintains standards of excellence that make the show a tremendous opportunity for audiences."
Anna Reed
Culture Spot LA
"Celebrate Dance 2011 was a smashing success, with its strong and varied program, mature artistic statements, and outstanding young talents performing before a packed theater."
Lisa Michiko Kato
The Daily Fichett
"A seamless (and ever-punctual) production, gorgeous lighting (by designer Eileen Cooley), consistently high-quality concepts and choreography, and a real (not virtual) chance to connect with knock-out dancers..."
Rachel Levin
Explore Dance
2012
“I know what it's like to struggle to get into a venue like the Alex,” Nichols said, adding that many venues don't have dressing rooms, a green room, water backstage, or a stage with wings. Nichols takes care of all the details, from making sure performers have their names on their dressing room doors to recording the performance for the companies. “All they have to do is rehearse and perform … it's my gift to them.”
LA TIMES
"Celebrate Dance 2012 held up to its reputation as one of the leading concert dance events of Los Angeles."
Dancer Within
"...spring came as a blossoming of concert dance. All of the pieces in this year's program, which moved from modern and contemporary to ballet and improvisation, had a fresh, just-picked feel."
Rachel Levin
Explore Dance
Community Impacted by Celebrate Dance:
"(This program) means so much to (my students). It's a chance for them to see real, professional choreographers in the classroom. Not only that, but then to come to the theatre, (like the Alex Theatre), they (would) not get the chance to come to. They see the work and they feel part of the work, because they know the steps, they've seen the person who's choreographed the piece, and then they see it on the stage. It's wonderful for them."
-Diane Hula
Dance Director at Bancroft Middle School