*A festive performance awaits fans of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre in Los Angeles as the beloved troupe celebrates their 45th anniversary at The Ford.
Lula Washington embarked upon her dance journey with immense talent, blind ambition and indelible faith aiming to make a difference for herself and her community.
From day one, it was a family affair. Lula’s vision was vigorously supported by her husband Erwin Washington, who co-founded the dance company. He anchored the business infrastructure so that Lula could focus on the creative development.
Erwin Washington: “They told us it could not be done. They named the big names who had tried it and not succeeded. We realized that what we wanted was attainable as a non-profit. We were looking for the fulfillment of doing something meaningful.”
Lula and Erwin met when he held the door for her in high school in the eleventh grade. He’s been holding the door for her every since. Their love blossomed. They married and produced their beautiful daughter Tamica Washington-Miller. Long time Lula Washington fans have experienced Tamica’s evolution from a dancing tot to an elegant force on par with her legendary mother.
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Tamica Washington-Miller: “I want to first acknowledge that Bella Lewitzky became a champion for my mother. So did R’Wanda Lewis, who had an African Dance ensemble in LA. My mother danced with R’Wanda and taught for R’Wanda and she got her first building because of R’Wanda. It was very important to create space for art to happen and develop. Our space was not just for dance.”
Tamica has been cultivated as an accomplished dancer/choreographer and businesswoman. The Lula Washington legacy also adds Tamica’s son Veritus, whose father is renown bassist Marcus Miller. A talent in his own right, Veritus will also perform at the 45th Anniversary event. He will conduct The Creator Has A Master Plan, a tribute to the late Pharoah Sanders with Marcus L. Miller Music Director and special guest Dwight Trible.
Veritus Miller: “I went with them on tour to Russia, China, Hawaii and Mexico. It was all so normal to me. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized that everyone’s family wasn’t doing this.”
Lula Washington has traveled the world, making a name for herself and her dance company. Her home base is in the Crenshaw district, in the heart of Los Angeles.
Erwin Washington: “We wanted to stay in the community, inspire the community and hold up the community.”
More than a dancer and choreographer, Lula’s presence in the community provides a cultural oasis where she and her team present opportunities for groundbreaking, socially conscious dance events. The center welcomes numerous other cultural events as well.
As for the dance, the Lula Washington Dance Theater is known for blending contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and African movement that explores the history and resilience of Black communities in America.
The 45th Anniversary celebration features two U.S. premieres alongside iconic works from the company’s repertoire, offering a sweeping look at Lula Washington’s visionary choreography, along with special guests.
Erwin Washington also expresses an abundance of gratitude for working with a major organization like LA Phil. This is a celebration of dance, art, culture, community and foremost, a triumph for a family that birthed and cultivated a vision of body language and storytelling in motion with many fluent chapters. The 45th Anniversary performance is supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.
For tickets and more information visit: Lula Washington Dance Theatre | The Ford
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