Decades before dancers from New York and other dance centers around the world started to migrate to Los Angeles in droves, Rudy Perez made the transcontinental trek to make our city the base for his teaching, his performing and his life. 

At 93 years of age, Rudy passed away late in September. Even as his eyesight started to fail him, he continued to create and teach.  He was active in the local dance community up until very recently.  As the performing arts community heard about his death, the internet lit up with eulogies and remembrances about his many contributions to dance, dancers, actors, and the community in general. For those unfamiliar with his legacy, the Los Angeles Times ran a beautiful notice on October 3, 2023. 
 

He sustained a performing and teaching career in Los Angeles which has a history of being very hard on the dance community. The absence of consistent philanthropy to support companies put the burden on the backs of the dancers, choreographers and company administrators who struggled to keep their companies solvent and progressing. He joins a short list of dance heroes who committed themselves to their art and to making that art in Los Angeles.

He was a friend of Grand Performances. GP helped him manage a few grants that supported, among other things, the transfer of his archives to USC. Rudy was a trailblazer and icon in LA's dance community. Grand Performances is honored to have Rudy and his ensemble as part of its legacy.

Written By: Michael Alexander, Director, Public Programming of CalTech Presents. Former Executive Director of Grand Performances.