In celebration of 45 years since their founding in 1980, the Lula Washington Dance Theatre brings its artists and dancers to The Ford on Saturday, Aug. 23. With over four decades of giving back to the South LA community under the belt, as well as a talented artistic family working behind the scenes where each person is worthy of their own spotlight, it’s safe to say the show will be a one-of-a-kind experience. Tickets currently start at $29, but be on the lookout for a giveaway through our newsletter. Subscribe here so you don’t miss it!

Leaving an impact since the beginning

Since the Aug. 23 show commemorates the dance theatre’s 45th anniversary, it’s only right to start at its inception. In 1980, recent UCLA graduate Lula Washington, co-founder and artistic director, had an idea for giving dancers from underrepresented groups in Los Angeles a creative outlet. Washington hoped to give people who, despite coming from communities with centuries worth of contributions to dance culture, lacked the necessary resources to foster their talents; she especially wanted to help communities within South LA.

The dance company would later turn into the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, which featured a diverse troupe of dancers and had a motto: “I Do Dance, Not Drugs.” Their success would reach beyond the South Central neighborhood it was born out of, with national and international tours following in the years to come.

From then on, Washington’s infusion of global music, community outreach, and influence on the zeitgeist, having contributed to the world of James Cameron’s “Avatar,” put the dance company and theatre in a position to inspire and help underrepresented groups.

A family affair

If the Washington family name sounds familiar to you, then it might have to do with the fact that Lula’s nephew is composer and saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who has become one of the leading faces in contemporary jazz. However, the family’s talents can be found within the dance company. Next to Lula, her husband and current executive director, Erwin, helped co-found their dance theatre in 1980.

From there, their daughter Tamica Washington-Miller would later join as director of programs for the theatre, having built up experience as a performing artist in her own right. All of that to say it’s especially worth noting all three – Lula, Erwin, and Tamica – were involved in putting together the concert in celebration of the 45th anniversary. Considering they’ve been going strong for nearly five decades, all while remaining true to their initial hopes and keeping it in the family, says a lot about their staying power as respected artists across dance and music.

A finely tuned setlist

Kicking off the evening is a tribute to late saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. While best known in the world of dance, Lula’s work with jazz legends like McCoy Tyner of John Coltrane Quartet fame means she knows how to honor giants like Sanders. Like her, Sanders understood the transcendent power art had on minority groups, something that will be communicated through the marriage between dance and music, as well as help from LWDT music director Marcus L. Miller and singer Dwight Trible.

Then, Tamica’s own “And We Can Fly” follows up the tribute. Her choreography and writing take inspiration from “The People Could Fly,” a folk tale that explores African American spirituality and other lost corners of culture that the story and, in extension, Tamica’s work seek to revive. The finale turns to Donald McKayle’s “Songs of the Disinherited,” a piece that the LWDT is reviving. Also included are two Martha Graham solos, “Deep Song,” “Satyric Festival Song,” and “Mourner’s Bench” from Talley Beatty.

Tips on maximinzing your show experience at The Ford

Given the show is on a Saturday, you won’t have to factor rush hour traffic too much into your commute to the venue. However, mapping your way to The Ford ahead of time and getting there early is more than worth it, especially for a show like this, where you won’t want to miss a minute of it.

We recommend arriving 60-90 minutes before the 8:00 PM show, as the gate opens at 6:30 PM. For parking and other travel options, be sure to check out The Ford’s “getting here” page, with alternatives including shuttles and off-site parking options.

If you’re planning on eating, snacking, or drinking during the show, it’s worth mentioning that The Ford allows outside food and drinks brought in by guests, as outlined by their rules. While concessions are available at the venue, it’s never a bad idea to make sure the experience is tailor-made to your liking. The Ford has their outside food and drinks rules outlined here.

Like fellow amphitheater the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford has lots of exciting shows in the coming months, representing a broad range of tastes. Two days after the Lula Washington Dance Theatre celebration, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones come to The Ford on Aug. 25. For a show similar to the dancers of the LWDT, the WonderLAnd! of UniverSOUL Hip-Hop Dance Company will be performing on Aug. 17.

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