Strengthening Bonds: Joffrey Ballet Brings Dance Workshops to Los Angeles County Senior Centers

The Joffrey Ballet, one of the world’s premier dance companies, enriched the cultural landscape of Los Angeles County as part of its residency with the 21st season of “Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center.” Amid preparations for its stunning production of Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina,” The Joffrey Ballet dedicated time to conducting dance workshops at four senior centers operated by the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department.

Carly Liegel, a professional teaching artist from The Joffrey Ballet, led these workshops over the span of two days, June 12–13, 2024. Designed to engage and inspire older adults, these one-hour sessions were tailored to accommodate all mobility levels, ensuring that participants could enjoy the health benefits of dance regardless of their physical abilities. Locations for the workshops included senior centers in East L.A., South Los Angeles, Whittier, and Altadena.

“We were thrilled to partner with The Music Center and The Joffrey Ballet to bring these enriching dance workshops to our senior centers,” said the director of the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department, Dr. Laura Trejo. “This collaboration highlighted the importance of accessible art programs for older adults, promoting physical health, mental well-being, and community engagement.”

Workshop participants have been invited to attend The Joffrey Ballet’s dress rehearsal for “Anna Karenina” on June 21, 2024.

Rachel, enjoying the Potrero Heights Park Community and Senior Center workshop, enthused, “It was an extreme honor, because I have been a dancer since I was a little kid. So being exposed to someone as professional and gifted as our teacher is absolutely a dream come true. I’m 80 years old, and this was invigorating!”

At the Altadena Senior Center workshop, Philip remarked, “I’m kind of new at this Senior Center, and it’s a great introduction. My body has been feeling creaky, not as fit as it used to be. This was done so perfectly paced. It was so much fun!”

This initiative not only brings the art of dance to those who might not otherwise have had access but also integrates them into the vibrant cultural fabric of the county.

The Joffrey Ballet’s production of “Anna Karenina,” which premieres at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion from June 21–23, 2024, is a breathtaking adaptation of Tolstoy’s 19th-century novel. Celebrated for its impeccable costume design, captivating choreography, and live orchestral accompaniment, this production garnered critical acclaim since its world premiere in Chicago. Choreographed by Yuri Possokhov with an original score by Ilya Demutsky, “Anna Karenina” was lauded as “a feat of artistic genius” by the Chicago Tribune.

For more details and media coverage of these workshops please, visit Spectrum News.

This collaboration highlighted the transformative power of dance, bringing joy and inspiration to older adults and the wider community.

View photos from East L.A., South Los Angeles, Whittier, and Altadena.