This weekend and next, the Invertigo Dance Theatre will be presenting Flip Flops and Platforms, with original work by Artistic Director Laura Karlin and guest choreographer Jones Welsh, to an LA audience. Invertigo Dance Theatre does a great job at not only interesting choreography for the well trained eye, but also puts an enjoyable and innovatice show for the ballet novice. It’s refreshing to see a company perform for the mere excuse that they love to dance. The movements, music, and choreography is original and a must see for all you Angelinos.

In today’s political climate, soundbites and certainty are valued above willingness to debate or cross into the uncertain grey spaces.  The dancers use dynamic movement to explore how we stand firm on platforms or waver in our beliefs.  Invertigo sets out not to condemn or applaud our political stances, but to reveal the subtleties of how we communicate them.  The piece explores how we frame an issue and each other, how we choose to view someone and what things look like from different perspectives.  All this happens utilizing interactive set pieces, dialogue and of course an array of flip flops and platform shoes.

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Located on the second floor on the 6700 block on Hollywood Boulevard is the home of International Dance Academy. Nestled snugly above and across the Ripley Museum between Highland and McCadden Place, it is conveniently accessible to those looking for it. Having arrived fresh off the Metro Red Line last Wednesday evening, I didn’t know what to expect - other than perhaps leotards, gym bags, and some good beats - but let’s just say that the first impression most definitely delivered.

Passing through its narrow unassuming entrance and up two flights of stairs is revealed to the public a different view than that which could be suggested from standing on the street. If Heaven were a dance studio, this would be the place. With many rooms and glistening wooden floors, crystal clear windows with a view of the city, and a central hub with which to run into fellow students from all walks, it is easily a place that any burgeoning talent could call home. Of course, any reputable studio is entitled to its share of self-acknowledged splendor, but a highlighted feature was pleasing to this observant femme - while its name graces every other wall in red-and-black print, the message and aura is simple: ‘It’s so nice to have you here with us. Let’s dance’.

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FILM

• American Graffiti | Monday, May 12, 2008 | 7:30 p.m. | $11-14 | Arclight Sherman Oaks - Map | The weekend doesn’t have to end on Monday. Head on over to the Arclight Sherman Oaks to watch one of George Lucas’ first classic pre-Star Wars films, American Graffiti, starring Ron Howard and Harrison Ford.

ART

• Deharavath Art Show | Monday, May 12 through Wednesday, May 14, 2008 | Free | GR2 - Map | It’s the last 3 days to catch this group art show featuring the work of Yukinori Dehara, David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim.While Dehara’s work has garnered a cult of collectors around the world, Horvath and Kim are best known for creating UglyDolls, the indie plush dolls that have gained a rabid worldwide following. Horvath and Kim will be making one-0f-a-kind framed prints, drawings, paintings and handmade plush surprises.

FOOD AND DRINK

• Entertaining with Wine | Thursday, May 15, 2008 | 6 p.m. | $25 reservation fee (which will be redeemed for a $25 Bloomingdale’s gift card at the event) | Bloomingdale’s Home Store - Map | St. Francis Winery presents “Savvy Summer Style…Entertaining with Wine. Celebrity Event Styling Guru Wendy Creed will share her A-list event secrets and Wine Expert Chris Silva will guide you through an extensive selection of Sonoma Country wines. While enjoying tips and tricks, sample signature dishes from original menus and sip on St. Francis wines. To RSVP, call 714-824-4562

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In the wake of ABT’s migrating swans last week, a small inner-city dance academy in the heart of Compton won honors and recognition of excellence.

Compton is more known for gangster rap than for ballet.

Carol Bristol-Henry and Compton Dance Theatre received the Addie Patterson Award for Outstanding Service in Community Development from the City of Compton. The U.S. House of Representatives bestowed a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, and the California legistlature presented a Certificate of Recognition.

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American Ballet Theatre is recognized as one of the world’s great dance companies. Considered a living national treasure since its founding in 1940, ABT is the only major cultural institution to annually tour the United States. Probably the most representative of American ballet companies, during its nearly 70-year history the ensemble has appeared in 126 cities in 42 countries, often sponsored by the U. S. State Department.

Los Angeles audiences have enjoyed regular opportunities to see productions of the venerable institution. This Thursday through Sunday, March 27 through March 30, ABT brings 5 performances of Tchaikovsky’s immortal “Swan Lake” to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The tragic love story of the enchanted swan princess and her hapless prince has been part of the ABT repertory, in one form or another, since the 1960s. This production, staged by ABT artistic director Kevin McKenzie, had its world premiere at Washington DC’s Kennedy Center in 2000.

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ART

• Tribute to Hot Wheels and Other Toys | Tuesday, April 1, 2008 | 7 p.m. | Free | Gallery 1988 - Map | Revisit your childhood with this exhibit that showcases paintings and customized toys created by the gallery’s most popular artists. The exhibit runs through April 25.

MUSIC

• Serge Gainsbourg Night | Wednesday, April 3, 2008 | 7:30 p.m. | $10 | Bordello - Map | Serge Gainsbourg is the ultimate definition of cool, and although he passed away more than a decade ago, his music lives on at the Bordello where local talents perform all of his classics.

DANCE

• Viva Los Angeles Burlesque | Friday, April 4, 2008 | 8 p.m. | $5 | 21 + | Bordello - Map | Get your burlesque on with “A Naughty Joke,” a night of music and sexy burlesque, starring Violet Valentine, jami Deadly, Amie Nicole, and musical guests Lil’ Mo and the Unholy 4. All proceeds go towards paying performers. Make sure to there early, as the last show was sold out before 10 p.m.

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A round up of all things happening in L.A. this week.

FASHION

• California Market Center Monthly Sample Sale | Friday, March 28, 2008 | 9 p.m. | Free | California Market Center - Map | Get your shop on by loading up on dramatically marked down designer duds every Friday at California Market Center. Looking good for cheap is always, well, good.

DANCE

• Swan Lake | Thursday, March 27, 2008 | 7:30 p.m. | $25 - $115| Dorothy Chandler PavilionMap | Tchaikovsky’s celebrated ballet masterpiece comes to Los Angeles via The American Ballet Theatre. Enjoy this romantic story that is full of love, betrayal and forgiveness.

MUSIC

• Paul Potts | Wednesday, March 26, 2008 | 8 p.m. | $35 - $50 | Wiltern Theatre - Map | “Britain’s Got Talent” winner and true rags to riches story Paul Potts comes to Los Angeles to share his magnificent and powerful voice at The Wiltern Theatre.

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