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In the ever-evolving landscape of dance, Laguna Dance Festival organizers hope it will stand as a beacon, embodying values that challenge the traditional confines and identify systemic inequities of the art form. As the festival approaches its 2024 engagement in Laguna Beach, the spotlight is not only on the performances that await, but also on the visionary leadership of founder and artistic director Jodie Gates. She is the driving force behind an initiative that seeks to redefine dance through the lenses of diversity, inclusivity and community.
Gates's commitment to fostering an environment that mirrors the broader spectrum of human culture is evident in the festival's programming choices. The festival opens on Friday, Feb. 23 with New Zealand’s Black Grace, which will showcase choreographer Neil Ierema's fusion of contemporary dance with traditional Samoan movement. Los Angeles Ballet and the all-female tap ensemble Syncopated Ladies will join in subsequent days.
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