Body Weather Laboratory (BWL) Los Angeles, a forum for movement investigation, is rooted in a philosophy of social consciousness to address oppressive systems of thought. Their classes and performances now based at the Venice community theater Electric Lodge have non-biased movement research at the core of their training. In their dance programming, they seek out a wide range of artistic voices representing the diversity in the dance community and to reach a large audience citywide. They make classes and performances accessible or free for participants and audiences. The choreography sometimes slows the moment down and uses humor and surprise elements to provoke thought, challenging viewers and participants to see things in new ways. They have been included at Highways Performance Space in events for AIDS awareness, The Women’s Festival and the Asian Pacific Islander Festival.

Body Weather Laboratory is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

History: In 1970s Japan, dancer Min Tanaka joined sculptors, dancers, architects, and scientists in experimental body-based practices for public engagement. Journalist/curator/translator/activist Kazue Kobata articulated the radical reevaluation of societal structures with racial-equity activists, feminists and international social justice movements, parallel to Experimental Theater. In the 1980s Tanaka started a farm working intimately with nature and the environment - this is where Oguri and Roxanne Steinberg met. In 1988 Roxanne introduced BWL training at LACE (Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions) Oguri joined in 1990. They started the La Boca program with dancer Melinda Ring and Sarah Elgart at Sunshine Mission/Casa de Rosas which was the oldest shelter for homeless woman in Los Angeles. Their classes and performances, free to shelter residents invite audiences breaking communication barriers. Large-scale site-specific works, include over 60 performers of varied background, experience, age and body-type. Collaborating with FLAX (France Los Angeles Exchange), the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and Venice Community Housing, they bring the work to the commons contributing to public cultural vibrancy.

BODY WEATHER LABORATORY RACIAL EQUITY STATEMENT

  • We believe human dignity is irreplaceable. 

  • We have a responsibility to create a socially and economically just society. 

  • Our generation has responsibility for future generations. 

  • We, human beings are a part of nature. 

  • We respect cultural diversity. 

Body Weather Laboratory seeks engagement from people of all experiences, ages, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, ethnicities and cultural identities. Diversity is our essential resource and vital to our creative process and dialogue. We understand that Venice, our home, is experiencing a period of rapid gentrification. Since the influx of tech start-ups, the cost of living has skyrocketed, a homelessness crisis has increased, and much of the diversity that used to define the Venice community has been erased. The disproportionately non-white low-income population which is currently being forced out is unrepresented by the changing Venice culture. Body Weather Laboratory provides the opportunity for diverse populations to share a creative experience and collective vision for our community. The ability to listen, not only to words but to the needs of others is at the heart of our practices. Rather than ‘entertaining’, Body Weather Laboratory explores how dance can best serve the community. We maintain a public base, providing free and low-cost classes and performances and engage a broad public with community partnerships and outreach programs. We strive to include and engage a multitude of cultures and communities, and to put forth the value of radical inclusivity. We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of race or income, is guaranteed a place and a voice in a culture of art and creativity. 

Executive Director: Roxanne Steinberg

Artistic Director: Oguri

Board: Joel Shapiro, Linda Lucks, Robert Scott, Nancy Dahan