ArtPower at UC San Diego

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the myriad of dance styles that Mandeville hosts. Nothing is stagnant. Every performance I’ve experienced has been a challenge, both to my knowledge of convention and of art.
From the breathtaking Compania Nacional de Danza to the comical Akram Khan Company to the still-​disturbing memories of Compagnie Ea Sola, each performance will leave an indelible impression on your mind.
Also, if you purchase your ticket early enough, you can chance a seat at such close proximity to the stage that you can hear the dancers’ breathing. Amazing.

World-​class performing artists spanning many genre and media make for an impressive season each new year. Many performances are accompanied by pre– and post-​performance talks, «tasting» and classes.
The artistic director clearly favors chamber music (enough quartets already!) and may be catering to the La Jolla crowd. But each seasons there are a few surprises adding flavor with dance companies, satirists (David Sedaris is a regular), and traditional and world music. As with any arts company, they are at the mercy of benefactors’ preferences, but more variety would definitely help to move ArtPower to premier status.
The venues are all about the UC San Diego campus depending on the scope and popularity of performance. Mandeville Auditorium is perfectly tuned for classical music. The Loft @ UCSD leaves something to be desired.
The price tags again favor the La Jolla crowd for season support but on a show here and there it is worth the splurge UCSD students can get a special and well-​discounted ticket rate.