Dance

For five years now, Jamie Nichols has brought her exuberant vision of dance performance to Glendale, and it’s not all about pink tutus and demure pliés. At Sunday’s gala event Celebrate Dance 2010 at the Alex Theatre, Nichols drew together nine dance companies of energetic talent and creative choreography to illustrate that dance, thrillingly, is for all audiences and all ages. Nichols, executive producer of Celebrate Dance, invites dance companies from around the country to participate in a show that gives each act 10 minutes or so to wow the audience, and all delivered.

For those who have been lucky enough to enjoy a long, illustrious performance career, a turn behind the scenes can offer its own kind of magic. Jamie Nichols found that several decades in the spotlight was enough. The Glendale native relished her 23 years at the helm of Fast Feet dance company, earning numerous accolades in one year, including three prestigious Lester Horton awards, which are presented annually by the Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles. But then, said Nichols, at a characteristically vibrant clip, “I just didn’t feel compelled to continue.

Bethune Theatredanse is celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary in a new city with a tip of the hat to nature. “Silent Roar” was inspired by the marine environmental artist who goes by one name, Wyland, said Artistic Director Zina Bethune, who wrote, directed and choreographed the production coming Feb. 5 to 7 to Glendale Community College Theatre. The performance relays the plight of whales as they travel from Alaska to Baja California with the help of original music, graphics, film and other digital elements, she said.

GLENDALE — The owner of the Minx Restaurant and Lounge has agreed to get permits before any dance and live music event, capping off a city-imposed clampdown after several raucous incidents. If the Minx wants to host dancing or a deejay, the owner must receive dance and live entertainment permits from the city. The Minx, at 300 Harvey Drive, cannot allow live entertainment or dancing if the permits are denied, according to an agreement reached with the city in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

For Latin Dance Pro salsa dance instructor Sergio Leal, teaching dance comes down to one thing: the fundamentals. “My philosophy is to really start them off at the very beginning,” Leal said, as salsa music pumped through the speakers of the dance hall of Stardancers Horizon on Wilson Avenue in Glendale. These fundamentals to salsa, he said, make reaching the intermediate level a lot easier. He begins by teaching his students basic steps used in most forms of salsa, Leal said.

A company known for its annual “Nutcracker” performance is breaking tradition and dancing only excerpts from the holiday ballet while not straying far from the story. Media City Ballet of Los Angeles will integrate five companies that feature different ethnic styles of dance into the show “A World of Holiday Dance” on Tuesday night at the Alex Theatre. The theme mirrors Clara’s visit to the Land of the Sweets in the holiday tale, said Artistic Director Natasha Middleton.