Ballet legend and founding Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet to appear at LADI 9.


Edward Villella is America’s most celebrated male dancer.


For almost 20 years he danced with the New York City Ballet.


In the 1950s and 60s, the Royal Ballet and the New York City Ballet began a long affiliation.


That was how he met Stanley Holden, who danced with the Royal Ballet for 25 years. They remained friends for over 40 years.


When our friend and mentor Stanley Holden passed away last year, Mr. Villella recorded a video tribute to his friend that was featured in LADI 8, A Tribute to Stanley Holden.


This year, Mr. Villella has graciously agreed to personally accept the LADI Award for Distinguished Lifetime Achievement.


And to present the Holden Award on behalf of his late friend.


We are honored and privileged to welcome this American legend to our stage.


Terri Best, beloved Edge teacher and mentor, receives Holden Award for Distinguished Teaching.


Ask anyone who has ever studied with Terri Best at the Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, and the response is almost universal.


“I love her class! And I love Terri.”


In her 25+ years as a dancer, choreographer and teacher, she has inspired countless dancers with her inimitable jazz style and sensibility.


We are thrilled to add her name to our growing list of distinguished teachers in Los Angeles.


In a first for LADI, Terri is also an Invitee this year, allowing you to see for yourself what so many of her students love most about her.

 

LADI producers announce line up for 9th annual.


LADI producers–Howard Ibach, Richard Kuller, Jamie Nichols and Mimi Stabile–are pleased to announce the Invitees to the 9th annual LA Dance Invitational:


Terri Best, jazz (Holden Award honoree)

Genevieve Carson, modern

Marie de la Palme, contemporary ballet

JT Horenstein, tap

Kim Eung Hwa, Korean

Malathi Iyengar, Indian

Linda Lack, modern

Christopher Liu, modern

Jose Reynoso and Jia Wu, modern


LADI 9 will be presented on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles.


LADI 9 to raise money for  Holden Scholarship Fund.


LADI and the California Dance Theater are collaborating to raise funds for the Stanley Holden Scholarship Fund, established last year after the passing of the ballet legend on May 11, 2007.


For more information, please contact California Dance Theatre.


The Los Angeles Dance Invitational (LADI).


It all began in 1999 as a fund-raising event for at-risk gay and lesbian youth in Los Angeles.


In the following  years, the LA Dance Invitational would raise over $70,000 and earn a reputation as a model showcase for new and established dance makers.


Today, having been nominated four times for the prestigious Lester Horton Award for Best Production, Series or Festival, in five years, LADI is proud of its role in the LA dance community.


In the coming years, inspired by the memory of our late friend and mentor Stanley Holden, the producers of LADI look forward to new challenges and opportunities.


LADI is always looking for new volunteers and donors to keep our annual event financially sound and healthy. We’d love to hear from you.


Thank you for your support, Los Angeles. As we like to say, “The best things happen while you’re dancing...”


Break a leg!

Edward Villella to accept

Lifetime Achievement Award.

Terri Best to receive the Holden Award

at LADI 9 on September 13, 2008.