Class Schedule Update: Come JOIN Kairos Dance Company taught by Dancer: Haley Loeffler
March 29, 2020 4-5pm  10852 Burbank Blvd Studio C - NOTE: All participants must sign a Participation Waiver that you as a participant will not hold Rubans Rouges and its members and staff responsible should you become injured, ill, etc. This is a customary release form, we'v only updated it. $11 per class per student pay cash at the door.


​​​​​PROGRAM SCHEDULE  -  The Festival runs January 3 - June 30, 2020 - That's right, it's not a typo, for 6 glorious months. We're calling for all festies to have fun with us as we celebrate the tenth installment of our festival. We will be extending our festival out as long as needed until we get a performance venue either at Diavolo or an equivalent for 2020. Stay tuned and keep festing with us!


Please use the form and link above for application submissions. (We are still accepting submissions. Diavolo had our performance date of January 25, 2020 double booked but we're all working to resolve this. Due to this blessing in disguise and need for survival, we have expanded our festival for 6 months filled with: events, activities, master class throughout Los Angeles. Due to our no budget year we've managed to thrive in much adversity. We decided not doing our festival for 2020 was not an option as two tragic car accidents took our 2019 festival away from us. We certainly hope no one in the community will try to kick us while we're down because we fight back. We are handling all matters respectfully, professionally, inventively.)

The theme for 2020 is: "BREATHE"  THEN: It's up to you artists to interpret that in your work. "There is no wrong answer, only good art."™ Trademark slogan owned by the Board of Rubans Rouges Dance, The Andressen Estate, "The Awakenings & Beginnings International Dance Festival" Trustees. However, the Board of Rubans Rouges reserves the right to deny entry for any reason if they believe it does not fit within the theme. In other words don't take the quote and stretch it, it's a slogan, if your piece doesn't come close to the theme it will be rejected. All entries must be professional and must be known artists that have festival experience with choreography and performance. If you are a brand new beginner that has never danced or choreographed before, this may not be the festival for you. However, our "ANYONE CAN DANCE™ Program" may be the avenue for you to get your feet wet as they say. Otherwise, we are strictly professional skill level Emerging Artists who are at the beginning of their careers, mid - career level artists, and Seasoned Artists who all have professional and good standing within the community. Of note: We don't appreciate other artists using our trademarks such as using ANYONE CAN DANCE™. We've been using this for a few years.


RED Ribbons VIP RED CARPET GALA (TBA)
Opening Night (TBA)

Info Meeting January 3, 2020

Master Class Series January 5, 2020 + Download Schedule Here - Updates posted weekly  

Anyone Can Dance™ Program (TBA)
Main Stage Performance (TBA) 2020  Location: Diavolo - again we're working to remedy this asap!
Other performances, events, and happenings TBA

​​Our deepest kudos & heartfelt gratitude to supporters, crew and artists who make this festival possible. Thank you to the dance community! We LOVE YOU!!! Our theme for the year 2018: "TRUTH!" It's up to you artists to interpret that in your work. There is no wrong answer, only good art. Thus far we've celebrated women, equal rights, strength, honor and many more truth themes. The theme for 2019 was "BLOOM & GROW".

So what happened to 2019's Festival?
A major motor vehicle incident. Additionally, 3.5 weeks later our director and her family suffered another severe life threatening motor vehicle incident. Both cases were no fault of their/our own. We cannot share more at this time due to the nature of our case, but we can say this much: Sometimes as human beings we need to take care of our selves. We've always taken care of others and put them before us, Miss Andressen is the driving force of this principal, however, this time we couldn't facilitate that. Miss Andressen will have much more to share soon enough, photos, videos, all of it. You can be sure this will be covered in full in her next book series, film, and documentary. We've already gotten a peak into it, it's quite the story. Unfortunately, a few of us were also involved in these "accidents", we were glad to contribute to the truth.


Despite all of that...

Our company and our festival is strong and growing. All our members are also strong and growing. We appreciate the support from those who supported us during this time. The rumors about ours or anyone of our member's demise was greatly exaggerated. 

KUDOS & Kind Wishes from our colleagues

Awakenings & Beginnings International Dance Festival™ 2020 Applications

Sponsors for Jan 2018

Pay your EARLY Application fee here via PAYPAL use button here. $35.00

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SQB4WW98E5NBE

January 3 - July 30, 2020 - 10th Awakenings & Beginnings International Dance Festival™ Schedule

"AWAKENINGS & BEGINNINGS International Dance Festival" - 2019 has grown again. This festival has seen the largest growth of all the festivals in Los Angeles. It now runs from Jan 4 - 27 comprised of fun master classes, community building, dancer development, performance excitement, art, education, music and of course dance performances.

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Awakenings & Beginnings International Dance Festival Magazine

Our inaugural launch of our "Awakenings & Beginnings Dance Festival" Magazine is available for download on line. It features gorgeous photos of the event & brief editorials.

​​​​​​​​​​In The Beginning . . .
"Awakenings & Beginnings International Dance Festival" has a very special creation arc as it started out as a donation by Ms Andressen's mentors in the form of a space subsidy grant for DIAVOLO's downtown performance space. Ms Andressen's mentors had placed a deposit on the space and Rubans Rouges Dance assumed the contract and paid off the remainder of the rental. Ms Andressen and her mentors discussed the timing of the festival not wanting to conflict with other festivals in the area. Rubans Rouges Dance's Board did research and found there weren't any dance festivals in the Los Angeles area in January. January 19th would be the festival's inaugural launch date with future festivals around that date annually, schedules permitting. Some years we have doubled up on our festival and presented it in the summer as well such as St. Monica, Las Vegas, Manhattan, NY off Broadway. 2020 presents our 10th installment.

Wide Awake. . .
Brainstorming what to name the festival ensued knowing they wanted it to encapsulate the artistic feel of the space and a very inclusive work ethic. The words: "fresh starts" & "clean slates" were considered. What was birthed: "Awakenings & Beginnings". It plays on the festival being at the beginning of the year and symbolizes how our traditions like having a new start and attempting to begin all over again. There's something magical about beginning afresh and wiping the slate clean. It gives us all an opportunity to take in a deep breath and breathe. There's a dual meaning in the festival's name. It has the heartbeat of the artist in mind. 

"Awakenings" is for the established artist that wants to challenge themselves and their work in a new way of growth. It gives them an opportunity to reach out to our audience and gain valuable live feedback that enhances their ability to understanding the audience and their perception of their artwork.

"Beginnings" is symbolic of the emerging choreographer that desires to have an opportunity to share their work and develop their voice, thus reaching out for input from the fellow seasoned choreographers.

What then has birthed over the years within the unique program are beautiful mentoring relationships between the established-seasoned artists and the emerging talents. It also brings together artists from across the world to make life worthy connections to broaden and unite the global arts in dance.

All of the artists are professional and have made this festival a vibrant, elegant and artistic blend of community and expression and most importantly: a deep love for dance. We like to think of it as an "on-growing" family. In the past we offered two incredible shows: Opening & Closing Night Performances, both with great professional artists that present two completely different programs.

The first year was very exciting as the show sold-out and a lengthy wait list with standing room only left. It encourages us to know that we are appreciated as we work hard to bring you more in depth productions. Each year the festival announces new facets to the show that takes it to the next level. This year we present a 3 week long program with various events, master classes, formal and informal presentations, a red carpet gala and more surprises for both the viewer and the artist. Since we started our January festival 8 years ago, many other productions and festivals have joined in on the January presentation(s). Please know we were the originators of this trend. Also with respect to our fellow artisans, and to clarify, we love and present at their festivals as well.

THE PROCESS
There are currently two ways to be a part of this festival: Via submission or by our Artistic Director and our Board curating a portion of the program separate from the submission process, it is a more hand's on approach and of building relationships. We are looking for a certain level of technique, expression, and professionalism that also fits in with the chosen annual theme. The Board of Rubans Rouges Dance has decided to proceed in this manner as it gives more options and more opportunities to you the artist to be involved. We also have the "ANYONE CAN DANCE(tm) Program that is specifically for those artists who have little experience and just in embryo. This is a more appropriate program for those that aren't quite at the professional level of skill and artistry but have a strong heart for dance.

SUBMISSIONS
If you are submitting, you must pay the non-refundable $35.00 early bird submission fee. $45.00 for regular submissions. There is also a competition for an honorarium in two levels of artistry/skill. There will be one company/choreographer per level awarded an honorarium. This portion of our program is judged by person(s) (different panel every festival) unaffiliated with Rubans Rouges Dance. Not all submissions are accepted into the festival but we do encourage you to try again. MUST be professional level in artistry and skill. We welcome Emerging Artists at the beginning of their career, mid career, and seasoned professional artists who are established.

We enjoy seeing what the USA, other countries and of course where we began in L.A. and International dance has to offer. If you would like for us to see your piece, show, studio performance, to be considered for our festival program, please either email us directly using our form on our contact page – OR – call our Los Angeles office for west coast and our NYC office for east coast companies. If you are outside the US, please call our Los Angeles office or email. We will then request two (2) comps for your show.

MISSION STATEMENT & QUOTE FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
“Awakenings & Beginnings International Dance Festival” has an educational program which allows a mentoring from the more seasoned artists to help guide the emerging creative with their artistry and performance. Additionally, we have a facet of our festival that allows college students to perform and experience a professional venue and performance environment. Historically, we also desire to preserve the roots that Los Angeles has in modern dance.

"Ultimately, I want to provide all the artists an opportunity to show L.A. their best work and feel free to create pieces for the festival that cause a deeper awakening as a creator. I'm so grateful for all the dancers, companies, artistic directors, crew, supporters, my colleagues, teachers, mentors, friends & family that have been a part of this journey thus far. The company as a whole wants this to be a great experience for everyone involved including us and the audience. Los Angeles does have strong historical roots and background in modern-contemporary concert dance and currently even stronger, talented and very dedicated craftsmen and women who have a lot to say and share with movement. I love this dance community so deeply and I'm honored to be a part of it. This festival is a small way I want to give back that which was given to me." ​ Noelle Rose Andressen, Artistic Director 

Where we are now...

Awakenings & Beginnings INternational Dance Festival has not only become welcoming of international performers, but also traveling our festival around the globe. While we aren't the first to come up with this idea, Ms. Andressen credits her mentors that came before her that did this with their festival in prior years. They gave us their blessing to do so and follow in their footsteps. Ms. Andressen's policy has always been to keep the door and spaces open for her mentors to perform with us in the festivals as her appreciation back to them.


CRITICAL ACCLAIM
“Awakenings and Beginnings - the heartbeat of the independent dance scene in LA. Dance where artists come together to share and learn in a way that further drives the independent spirit forward with integrity and cultural capital. Starting the new year with a vibrant festival is an ideal way to launch artists into the year by giving them an opportunity to arrive with their current works and leave with a pocket full of inspiration...overall the show was a wonderful success and so well attended that audience members had to be accommodated by floor seating on the side of the performance space. I am most impressed with her (Noelle Rose Andressen's) courage, creative focus, and unrelenting persistence as an artist."

Beth Megill, LA  Dance Review/Dancing Poetess 

Here's your opportunity to be produced by Emmy nominated and EMA Media Award Winning Producers. 2020 Applications are now available. We have most of the program curated, however, there are a few openings still available. We are not just an indie dance festival any longer. We don't appreciate anyone in the community, media, corporation or any resource attempting to label or define our festival to suit their needs. We are a professional international dance festival that is not only inclusive of independent artists but also mainstream that includes: long standing, established professional artisans. Our brand has grown, if you cannot respect that, then perhaps this isn't the festival for you and that is fine. We allow others to grow, you need to show the same respect and professionalism as we do. If you can abide by that and our other guidelines, we welcome you as family and say "Enter". Submit your applications not only for the main performance (it's still TBA), but we are providing other venues, events, activities, master classes, performance opportunities and more for all of you as we await. NOTE: This is very important. If you were selected for 2019's festival and you have not gotten an email or phone call from us, please get in touch with us. Our email, site, and other things have endured being hacked & attacked among other things. Please let us make it right and re-invite you for 2020's festival. As we re-build our festival, its schedule of events, participants, etc. we will update all images to reflect that.

​​Here's some wonderful notes from our colleagues about "Awakenings & Beginnings Dance Festival":


"Thank you Jay, and Noelle, for an amazing artistic evening!" Hazel Clarke, Kairos Dance company


“Noelle, you have a wonderful, open spirit. Thank you so much for your support of me and of the dance community.” Janet Roston’s LA Rock Opera


“The Awakenings and Beginnings festival is an opportunity for discovery. Noelle Andressen creates a warm, welcoming environment for professional and emerging artists to showcase their work. For me the experience was incendiary—a festival full of sparks of inspiration and creativity.” Tess Jacobs, ArtBark International


“We had such a wonderful time with you. Thank you again for letting us be a part of your festival. I am really grateful for the opportunity. Your dancing was beautiful!” Marlita Hill, Hill Speak


“Noelle, Thank you to you! I appreciate you inviting me to participate. We truly enjoyed it! Congratulations to you and your dancers too. It was a great afternoon and evening of Dance! Till next year!” Albertossy Espinoza LA FUSION Dance Theatre

“Lovely to share a stage. So great to see you all there, great to be with you all, and I loved the dance blog, very complimentary to all!” JudithFLEX Helle, Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles


“Dear Noelle, I wanted to thank you again for including my work “The Crazies” and San Pedro City Ballet’s dancers on your program Awakenings and Beginnings this past weekend. I feel it was an invaluable experience for the girls to be involved in such a well-run professional production such as yours. The program was perfectly adjudicated, eclectic, and included something for everyone. The dancers in the other companies were a joy to watch and the girls could not stop talking about the amazing master class with Michael Nickerson-Rossi. It was truly a learning experience for them in every respect and one they will not soon forget.” Patrick Bradley, Artistic Director, San Pedro City Ballet


“Bravo choreographers! A nice evening of dance. Thank you for including Nickerson-Rossi as part of your community of artists and venue. Until next time!” Michael Nickerson-Rossi Dance 

"I was impressed how organized Noelle & her team were.   They got the festival up with all the t's crossed and i's dotted!  Usually with so much to take care of, and with little resources, this is not always the case, (even when producing my own productions.)  The promotions were excellent, both shows sold out.  But I have to admit, one of my favorite parts of the festival was Noelle has masseuses for backstage for us!  WHAT?  I tell you, after my wacky idea of creating a dance on a seesaw to the journey of it's performance, I was so happy to get some relief from my muscles having to stabilize me so much.  I also loved meeting new people in the dressing room, as well as the opportunity to try out new work."  Thanks Rubans Rouges! Paula Present, Artistic Director, PTERO Dance Theatre


“Many thanks to you, Noelle, for inviting us (The Nicole McKenzie Improv Group) to be part of the matinee of Awakenings & Beginnings. Diavolo is an amazing place, new to most of us -- it was wonderful to have so much space to move in! We felt welcomed, had nice interactions with your helpers and the other dancers, and we're truly grateful for the opportunity to be witnessed in our improvisational play.” Ruth Alpert, Nicole McKenzie Improv Group


“Thanks Noelle for having us! The show was wonderful and I was very grateful to be apart of such a diverse and exceptional line up of companies! Once again Noelle thank you for all that you do!!!” -Wendi, Relentless Dance Theater 


​“Merge Dance Theatre was thrilled to be part of Rubans Rouges Dance Companies, Awakenings & Beginnings Dance Festival, at Diavolo Dance Space in LA. Noelle and her crew made the production process simply and were incredibly sweet on top of everything. The Diavolo space was a dream space for any choreographer and dancers and made our staging easy during the technical process. MDT's dancers learned a lot from the company class lead by Michael Nickerson-Rossi. Plus our artist director had the opportunity to reconnect and make new connects with other choreographers and dancers around California's dance scene. MDT hopes to have the opportunity to work with Rubans Rouges Dance Company in the future!” Jennifer LaCurran MERGE Dance Theatre


“So nice to have been invited to play with the LA peeps!” Love Robin, Robin Bisio Films & Arna Bee​

Awakenings & Beginnings International Dance Festival's History