On Saturday, Aug. 23, at 8 p.m. at the Ford Theatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E. in Hollywood, Lula Washington Dance Theatre (LWDT) will present its 45th Anniversary Celebration Performance.
The company was founded in 1979 by acclaimed African American choreographer Lula Washington, and has since become a leading force in American contemporary dance.
For over four decades, Washington has created groundbreaking works rooted in cultural diversity and social issues, establishing a significant presence in the world of contemporary dance. Her distinctive choreographic style blends African, modern, ballet, and performance art, expressing human dignity and hope while engaging directly with the pressing concerns of society.
In addition to the stage, her work has also reached global audiences through film, including choreography contributions to "Avatar" and Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
This milestone program will not only showcase Washington's choreography but will also feature works by three legendary figures of American modern dance: Martha Graham, widely recognized as the founder of modern dance; Talley Beatty, noted for his incisive depictions of Black culture and social realities; and Donald McKayle, celebrated for works that powerfully embody the African American experience.
A new work by choreographer Tamica Washington-Miller, Washington's daughter and associate director of LWDT, will also premiere.
Dancer Kozue Kasahara will perform Graham's solo "Satyric Festival Song" (1932), McKayle's "Songs of the Disinherited" (1972), as well as works by both Lula and Tamica Washington-Miller. Each piece reflects deeply on the history, culture, and social context of American modern dance.
Kasahara approaches these works not only as choreography to be performed, but as historical and cultural expressions to be studied and embodied through the body. Her commitment to understanding the context and meaning behind each dance highlights her depth as an informed and thoughtful artist.
To perform as a principal dancer in such historically significant works is a rare honor for her, underscoring her artistic excellence and expressive power.
Kasahara was born in Yokohama and began studying classical ballet at the age of four at T.K. Ballet Academy under Tazuko Kakinuma and Toshihisa Kanai. She graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University with a degree in English and American literature, and later moved to Los Angeles to study dance at Santa Monica College.
In 2019 she joined Lula Washington Dance Theatre, where she has performed in major productions, assisted in teaching company classes, supported artistic direction, and engaged in dance education programs in local schools.
Although LWDT's 40th anniversary performance in 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has since returned to the stage, including recent international performances in New Zealand. This year's 45th anniversary at the Ford Theatre marks both a celebratory milestone and a powerful comeback.
For Kasahara, the opportunity to take part in such an important occasion is not only a personal honor but also a chance to share her artistry with a wider audience. While she may not yet be a household name, her dedication to embodying historic works, engaging with cultures beyond her own roots, and confronting the issues of our time through dance offers quiet inspiration to all who continue to pursue their dreams.