Neon Tommy was presented with a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the 53rd Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration.

A rehearsal held on Saturday, December 1st took place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles.

The event gave insight into the extensive preparation it takes for the 23 Los Angeles-based performing groups to put on the annual show. The festive, talent-filled show is held on Christmas Eve each year.

Performers ranging from professional dancers, musicians and community-based groups to children's choirs and dance ensembles prepared all day to light up the stage with Christmas cheer this holiday.

A glimpse into what it takes for performers to prepare warrants appreciation for the dedication of over 500 individual performers, as they strive to perfect each aspect of the performance, down to the stage logistics.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. those inside the rehearsal halls of the historic theater, where renowned events such as The Oscars have been held in past years, could hear live, joyous music resonating through the halls. There were children singing, musicians playing with their bands, and dancers performing in colorful costumes.

Representing the diversity of Los Angeles, there were many multicultural groups as well, such as Indian, Samoan, Korean and Mexican acts.

Attendees can experience the cherished holiday tradition again this year for free with the entire family on December 24th, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Those unable to make it will still be able to tune in. The show will be broadcast live on KCET and kcet.org, and will air again on December 24th, 2012 at 8 p.m. and on December 25th at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Audiences also have the option to listen live at 90.7 KPFK.

 

 

The list of diverse performers includes:

Salvation Army Tabernacle Children’s Chorus

Invertigo Dance Theatre

Vox Femina Los Angeles

Elliot Deutsch Big Band

Jouyssance Early Music Ensemble

Las Cafeteras

Palmdale High School Choral Union

Mariachi Sol de Mexico

Colburn Children’s Choir

Shin Dance Company

South Bay Children's Choir

Vaud & the Villains

Immaculate Heart of Mary Children's Choir

Harmonic Bronze Handbell Ensemble

Family Life Sanctuary Choir

Pacifico Dance Company

Spirit Chorale of Los Angeles

Shakti Dance Company

Second Samoan Congregational Church Choir

Double G and Strings

 

Whether attending the annual show has been a Christmas Eve tradition in past years, or you are looking for a new family-friendly way to immerse yourself in the performing arts this holiday season, this uniquely L.A. event is sure to please.

 

Reach Tanaya Ghosh here or follow her on Twitter.