Since 1980, Lula Washington Dance Theatre has captivated audiences with its dynamic fusion of African, Afro-Haitian, and African American dance styles, set to vibrant jazz, R&B, and original beats. This Los Angeles-based contemporary ensemble brings passion, energy, and two international premieres to the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Lula Washington Dance Theatre’s latest performance was an experience unlike any other—bold, expressive, and unapologetically modern. Known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance, the company delivered a performance that blended high-energy athleticism with thought-provoking themes. While its structure presented challenges for the audience, there was no denying the passion and commitment of the dancers.
From the outset, the show signaled that it would be more than just a display of technical dance skills. The opening piece, a stirring meditation on love, hope, and faith, was deeply rooted in the African American experience. The dancers moved with fluid grace and powerful intent, their movements accentuated by a minimalist set featuring a screen projecting historical and contemporary images of civil rights struggles. The visual storytelling added depth to the performance, creating an immediate emotional impact.
However, what initially seemed like a single cohesive narrative soon revealed itself to be a series of distinct and loosely connected pieces. The abrupt interludes between segments disrupted the natural rhythm of the performance, leading to moments of confusion. Each time the lights came up, many audience members mistakenly assumed the show had reached it's conclusion, only to be informed that it was just a brief pause. This fragmented structure made it difficult to fully engage with the performance, as any emotional momentum built during one segment was often lost in the transition to the next.
Despite this, the thematic core of the first half remained strong. Many of the pieces explored the idea of wearing a mask—both literally and figuratively—reflecting the societal pressures to conform while concealing one’s true identity. The dancers alternated between moments of poised elegance and bursts of chaotic, almost frantic energy, reinforcing the tension between control and unrest. The accompanying music followed a similar trajectory, starting with smooth, jazz-infused melodies before building into discordant, overlapping layers of sound. This intentional shift created a sense of unease, drawing the audience into the emotional complexity of the themes.
The second half took a noticeably different approach, shifting away from overt storytelling and instead focusing on showcasing the dancers’ versatility and technical prowess. The music adopted a more upbeat tone, incorporating Latin and modern house influences, which allowed the performers to engage in more playful, dynamic routines. The energy in the theatre began to lift, as the pieces became more vibrant and engaging. Unfortunately, the extended runtime of the show, which exceeded its advertised duration by nearly an hour, meant that many audience members had already begun to drift away.
It was in these final moments, however, that the performance truly found its stride. The closing numbers were exhilarating, with dancers moving in perfect harmony and embracing the sheer joy of movement. The renowned piece "I Will Survive" provided a powerful and celebratory conclusion, reinforcing themes of resilience and strength. Those who remained until the end were rewarded with a display of both technical mastery and emotional depth, leaving the audience on a high note.
The Lula Washington Dance Theatre is undeniably a company of extraordinary talent. Their ability to seamlessly blend jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and performance art is a testament to their versatility, and their commitment to addressing social issues through dance adds a layer of meaning to their work. However, the structure of this particular performance may have hindered its overall impact. The repeated interludes, coupled with a lengthy runtime, created an experience that was at times disjointed and difficult to fully engage with.
That said, the production was an ambitious and deeply personal exploration of identity, struggle, and hope. While some aspects of its execution may not have fully resonated with the audience, the sheer dedication and passion of the performers were impossible to ignore. It was a performance that demanded attention and reflection—perhaps not an easy watch, but certainly an unforgettable one.
Lula Washington Dance Theatre runs from 13-16 March, 2025
Venue: Kiri Te Kanawa, Aotea Centre
Duration: 2.5 hours, including interval
Tickets can be purchased here