Frida, by Colombian-Belgian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa — with music by British composer Peter Salem, performed by a live orchestra — is inspired by the life story of Frida Kahlo. One of the most intriguing artists of the 20^th century, the Mexican-born Kahlo refused to bow to misfortune, zealously fought taboos, championed women’s rights and painted self-portraits that became famous the world over. In creating this full-length work, Ochoa’s aim was to flesh out the “expressive surrealism that dance — by analogy to Kahlo’s paintings — can embody.” The ballet delves even deeper into the loneliness that haunted Kahlo all her life, her relationship with her husband Diego Rivera, her bisexuality and the way she crafted her own image. Frida paints its own vibrant portrait of the subject’s life, art and enduring legacy through dance.

As part of this residency, The Music Center will launch its second dance film festival in collaboration with Dance Camera West, inviting Southern California dance filmmakers to submit films that reflect themes of self-portraiture and autobiographical dance inspired by Ochoa’s Frida. More information will be announced at a later date.