Inside its signature tent at the Santa Monica pier, the last show of 2024 also claims the title as the first show in 2025; also, visitors from China dance into downtown. After this slow week, a new year of dance is warming up in the wings. Watch this space.
Live This Week
New year, last chance
After a two-month run, Cirque du Soleil, the granddaddy of all the cirques, prepares to take down its signature giant tent after final performances of its acrobat and clown-filled Kooza. Under the Big Top at Santa Monica Pier, 1550 Pacific Coast Hwy., Santa Monica; thru Sun., Jan. 5, $58-$344. Details on remaining dates and times at the website. Cirque du Soleil.

Cultural classics
Presented by the Orange County-based China Oriental Performing Arts Group, this performance and gala offers The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting along with Chinese folk and classic dance. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Sat., Jan. 4, 7:30 pm, $79-$270. Oever.

A Peek at Next Week (January 10-16)
Lula Washington Dance Theatre — 45th Season Anniversary Launch at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., WLA; Thurs., Jan. 16, 8:30 pm, $40, $25 students/seniors. Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz.

Alejandro Perez & Gretchen Ackerman — Losing the truth of the thing at Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2955 S. Sepulveda Blvd., WLA; Sat., Jan. 11, 8 pm, Sun., Jan. 12, 2 pm, $25. Odyssey Theatre.
Brandon Mathis — Vitellaria Paradoxa at Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2955 S. Sepulveda Blvd., WLA; Thurs.-Sat., Jan. 16-18, 8 pm, Sun., Jan. 19, 2 pm, $25. Odyssey Theatre.