Dancing is for everyone
Performing company employs artists from various backgrounds
By Elizabeth Bull
Daily Bruin Contributor
Liz Lerman, the creator of her own performing company, finally
realized its power when an older woman thanked her after a
show.
"She said to me, ‘I’ve finally seen myself onstage – thank you –
you have liberated old women!’"
The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, which uses dancers of all ages,
ethnic, and religious backgrounds, is in residence during the
winter quarter at the department of world arts and cultures. They
will perform tonight in the Dance Building. Lerman, who developed
the company in 1975, believes its success lies in the diversity of
the performers.
"I couldn’t imagine making the pieces I’m interested in if
everybody was 19 with a thin body, wore their hair the same way and
had the same cultural background," Lerman says. "If you imagine a
theater company where everybody looked the same, you might wonder,
‘What’s the drama?’ It’s the same thing in dance."
And the company does bring more drama and innovation to the
world of dance. Using different music, from Tchaikovsky to Willie
Nelson, and dancers from 20 to 70, the group creates an eclectic
performance of dance, music and spoken word.
Rome Quezada, 27, is a 1993 UCLA graduate who performs with the
company. "When I first saw it in rehearsal I was taken aback – it
was so shocking and beautiful. It had such an effect on me – and
still does. That’s why I’m still with the company."
He also believes the UCLA student community will appreciate its
originality.
"We’re a very diverse group, culturally speaking," he says. "To
be together dancing onstage at the same time – it’s powerful.
"Even before we speak, we are already changing people’s minds
about a dance company."
Lerman agrees, "I changed a lot, the dancers changed a lot. Now,
the audience is starting to change, too.
"To me, this is the way the world is," she says. "This is the
world I want to see," Lerman says.
"I think I’ve opened a few minds. I think that when people see
our work they feel differently afterwards. I hope they think
differently."
DANCE: Tonight at 8 in Theater 200 of the UCLA Dance Building.
Tickets are $8 for students. Call (310) UCLA-ART for more info.
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