#United States #Laguna Beach #Dance Festival #Laguna Dance

Laguna Dance Unveils Bold Season of Innovation, Intimacy, and Celebration

Laguna Dance, a hallmark of the Southern California arts scene, has proudly announced its upcoming 2025-2026 season. After an impressive 20 years of showcasing world-class dance and educational programs, the upcoming year promises to deliver a rich tapestry of performances designed to captivate audiences and deepen community ties.

The season will kick off on October 2 with the First Thursdays Art Walk, a cherished monthly event in Laguna Beach that opens doors to local art galleries, museums, and venues for public enjoyment. Laguna Dance enhances this cultural experience by featuring live performances within these creative environments, offering audiences a unique and intimate look at professional dancers in action, all at no cost.

Following this grand start, on October 17, the organization invites audiences to Thriller: A Cinematic Soirée at the Rivian South Coast Theater. This spine-chilling evening pays tribute to Michael Jackson's iconic music video through dance, film, culinary delights, and a celebration of community. Attendees will not only enjoy live performances but also have a chance to learn the famous Thriller choreography.

On November 7, Laguna Dance collaborates with the Laguna Art Museum for its 13th Annual Art + Nature festival. This event aims at exploring the intersection of artistic expression and environmental consciousness. The festival will feature a site-specific performance choreographed by Artistic Director Jodie Gates, transforming Main Beach into a vibrant canvas as dancers from Orange County and Los Angeles celebrate the unity of performance and nature.

As the season unfolds into 2026, on January 24, the Nature of Dance program will offer attendees a captivating opportunity to witness the spontaneity of choreographic creation in real-time, as dancers, musicians, and artists collaborate within an intimate venue. This unique aspect aims to deepen the audience's appreciation for the creative process behind dance.

A highlight of the season is the Laguna Dance Festival: Love Letters, running from February 13 to 15 at the Laguna Playhouse. Each performance night will showcase different artists, including the internationally renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) on February 13, followed by the romantic Heart 2 Heart duets on February 14, culminating with Sunday Funday: The Best of SoCal Dance on February 15. This festival marks DCDC's debut performance in Laguna Beach, celebrated for its powerful storytelling through movement and rich history of preserving the African American experience in dance.

In conjunction with the festival, audiences will have the rare chance to enjoy a free backstage event featuring DCDC on February 12, offering insights into the rigorous process of professional dance presentation, showcasing the artistry and commitment involved in bringing performances to life.

On Valentine's Day, Heart 2 Heart returns, presenting a perfectly romantic evening featuring intimate duets along with wine, champagne, and an exclusive after-party for VIP attendees. This celebration embraces the warmth and connection that dance fosters among couples and individuals alike.

The season will conclude with an Annual Gala and Fundraiser at the Surf & Sand Resort on May 31, offering a festive evening filled with dining, live performances, and celebrations aimed at supporting Laguna Dance's scholarship and educational initiatives.

Artistic Director Jodie Gates expressed her excitement regarding the upcoming season: *