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![A live musical performance in a dimly lit venue, featuring a band of four musicians playing instruments including drums, violin, double bass, and keyboard, with an audience seated and watching.]()
Music
Motivo LA presents creative music that transcends the boundaries of genre. Utilizing the warm and intimate space, artists and audience come together, building a community that is founded on artistic substance, sincere connection, and meaningful creation.
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![A dark ballroom filled with people dancing under round disco balls hanging from the ceiling, with draped curtains and soft lighting.]()
Dance
At Motivo LA, dancers of all levels come together to explore the art of true social dancing—where improvisation, connection, and musicality take center stage, nurturing a culture rooted in presence, authenticity, and shared movement.
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Intro Classes
At Motivo LA, our Intro Series are designed for absolute beginners to explore the foundations of social dancing in a welcoming, supportive environment. Through rhythm, connection, musicality, and movement, students build confidence step by step while discovering the joy of dance, community, and shared experience.
All Events
Creative Music at Motivo: The Daniel Rotem Quartet
We’re delighted to welcome saxophonist Daniel Rotem, pianist Miro Sprague, bassist Karl McComas-Reichl, and drummer Christian Euman for the September edition of the Creative Music Series.
Milonga del Sol
Milonga Del Sol at Motivo LA! We're looking forward to sharing a beautiful afternoon with you - filled with lovely tandas, warm hugs, delicious snacks and twilight ambience.
FusionVibe: a Fusion & Micro Social Dance
Fusion dance is a world in which everyone is free to express themselves through movement, regardless of their dance background and experience.
Samba de Gafieira: Intro Series
Each week, we’ll break down new material step by step and review what you’ve learned before - helping you develop a strong, confident foundation by the end of the series.
✔ No partner required
✔ All levels welcome
Intro Series: Balboa
This is a progressive Balboa series designed for brand-new dancers.
✔ Absolute Basic Movements & Patterns
✔ No partner or experience required
Body Movement for Bachata: Intro Series
No partner or experience needed to join the Intro class! In this Bachata dance class, you’ll learn foundational steps, body movement, and partner patterns. This class is perfect for brand-new dancers and those who want to feel more comfortable with their movement and self-expression.
Bachata: Intro Series
No partner or experience needed to join the Intro class! In this Bachata dance class, you’ll learn foundational steps, body movement, and partner patterns. This class is perfect for brand-new dancers and those who want to feel more comfortable with their movement and self-expression.
West Coast Swing (part 2): Whip Series
Whip Fundamentals & Intro to Eight-Count Patterns
✔ No partner required
✔ Complete the Intro series before joining the Whip series
Intro to Salsa On2: The Crossbody Series
Each week, we’ll break down new material step by step and review what you’ve learned before - helping you develop a strong, confident foundation by the end of the series.
✔ No partner required
✔ All levels welcome
Noche Azul
Join us for Noche Azul! A night of Salsa and Bachata dancing, community, and connection in our vintage-inspired ballroom. 💙✨
Intro to Salsa & Bachata Dancing
Come experience the magic of Noche Azul — a Latin dance night that just might be one of LA’s best-kept secrets!
Hidden away inside the most unassuming space, Noche Azul feels like stepping into a secret speakeasy with welcoming vibes, an amazing dance floor, and complimentary lite bites all night long.
Milonga del Sol
Milonga Del Sol at Motivo LA! We're looking forward to sharing a beautiful afternoon with you - filled with lovely tandas, warm hugs, delicious snacks and twilight ambience.
Angel City Jazz: Jon Armstrong’s Voluntary Breath + Bridge to Everywhere
Bridge to Everywhere is a Los Angeles-based transcultural music ensemble and nonprofit arts organization that explores connections between contemporary musical practices from around the world.
Jonathan Armstrong is a musician, composer, and educator serving as the Director of Jazz Studies and Commercial Music at Idaho State University. He moved to Pocatello in 2015 after living and working as a professional musician in Los Angeles for nine years.
Angel City Jazz: Lisa Mezzacappa 5(ish) + Fay Victor’s Herbie Nichols SUNG
Fay Victor’s Herbie Nichols SUNG
Described as “an avant-garde Nina Simone with the performance punch of Betty Carter” (MOJO Magazine), New York-based sound artist, composer, educator, and bandleader Fay Victor uses performance, improvisation, and composition to examine representations of modern life and blackness.
Lisa Mezzacappa’s Five(ish)
With Five(ish), Mezzacappa brings together five improvisers—sometimes more, sometimes less—in a flexible format that encourages spontaneous musical dialogue and creative risk-taking, reflecting Mezzacappa’s commitment to collaboration and exploration.
Creative Music at Motivo: LADO B BRAZILIAN PROJECT - Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruiz
We’re thrilled to welcome Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruiz to Motivo on Friday, October 16 for a very special concert.
Salsa On2: Intro Series
Each week, we’ll break down new material step by step and review what you’ve learned before - helping you develop a strong, confident foundation by the end of the series.
✔ No partner required
✔ All levels welcome
Milonga Gavito
Milonga Gavito at Motivo LA 1st Friday of the month! We're looking forward to sharing a beautiful evening with you - filled with lovely tandas, warm hugs, delicious snacks!
FusionVibe: a Fusion & Micro Social Dance
Fusion dance is a world in which everyone is free to express themselves through movement, regardless of their dance background and experience.
Creative Music at Motivo: Sam Hirsh
We’re thrilled to welcome Sam Hirsh to Motivo on Friday, November 20th for a very special concert.
the Ensemble
TBA
Tickets:
Doors: 7:45pm
Show: 8:30 - 10:00pm
One set. Open seating.
General admission: $30.00 pre-sale | $35.00 at the door
Student Price: $15.00
Limited parking on site on first come, first serve basis. Additional parking spaces available on Casitas Ave and Minneapolis St. Lots of street parking, safe and walkable neighborhood!
About Sam Hirsh
Pianist, composer and educator Sam Hirsh has been an active member of the Los Angeles jazz community for over a decade and is gaining recognition for his soulful, energetic sound.
Sadamu Samuel Hirsh was born in Kyoto, Japan. He and his family moved to Portland, Oregon, USA, when he was four years old. Sam started playing piano shortly after, and eventually acquired classical training. He began playing jazz his freshman year of high school and one year later was working professionally, leading his own piano trio and working with various local artists.
In 2009, Hirsh moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music where he was mentored by Alan Pasqua, Russ Ferrante and Otmaro Ruiz. He can be seen playing as the leader of the Sam Hirsh Trio/ Quartet and as a sideman with John Clayton, Willie Jones III, Charles McPherson, Terrace Martin, Gilbert Castellanos, Ralph Moore, Chuck Redd and John Holiday, among others. Sam has performed at many notable venues including Lincoln Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, SF Jazz Joe Henderson Lab and Mezzrow Jazz Club.
Hirsh’s debut album Quite Frankly (2020), featuring saxophone icon Ralph Moore and bassist John Webber made JazzWeek Radio Chart’s top 20. His second album Quarantine Dreams (2022), features the immense talent of various Los Angeles based artists. Hirsh aims to carry on the tradition of this art form and simultaneously create his own voice in the music.
Sam is also a dedicated educator. Along with a thriving private practice, since 2017, he has accompanied UCLA undergraduate Jazz Vocal classes with Ruth Price and Luciana Souza. Hirsh was named piano faculty at the first annual Quincy Jones Jazz Camp in the summer of 2019 and was invited to be on faculty of the COJAC Monterey Jazz Festival Summer Camp alongside Gerald Clayton and Katie Thiroux in 2020. In 2024, he accepted a faculty position at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. He has given masterclasses at several institutions internationally.
Milonga del Sol
Milonga Del Sol at Motivo LA! We're looking forward to sharing a beautiful afternoon with you - filled with lovely tandas, warm hugs, delicious snacks and twilight ambience.
Club Velvet - Live Swing Band Social
Join us for Club Velvet - a night of live music, swing dancing, and community ♥️
Milonga Gavito
Milonga Gavito at Motivo LA 1st Friday of the month! We're looking forward to sharing a beautiful evening with you - filled with lovely tandas, warm hugs, delicious snacks!
Noche Azul
Join us for Noche Azul! A night of Salsa and Bachata dancing, community, and connection in our vintage-inspired ballroom. 💙✨
Intro to Salsa & Bachata Dancing
Come experience the magic of Noche Azul — a Latin dance night that just might be one of LA’s best-kept secrets!
Hidden away inside the most unassuming space, Noche Azul feels like stepping into a secret speakeasy with welcoming vibes, an amazing dance floor, and complimentary lite bites all night long.
Noche Azul
Join us for Noche Azul! A night of Salsa and Bachata dancing, community, and connection in our vintage-inspired ballroom. 💙✨
Intro to Salsa & Bachata Dancing
Come experience the magic of Noche Azul — a Latin dance night that just might be one of LA’s best-kept secrets!
Hidden away inside the most unassuming space, Noche Azul feels like stepping into a secret speakeasy with welcoming vibes, an amazing dance floor, and complimentary lite bites all night long.
Intro to Swing Dancing & Live Band Night
Come experience the magic of Club Velvet — a one-of-a-kind night out in Los Angeles where live music, vintage ambiance, and social dancing come together for an unforgettable evening.
Club Velvet - Chris Dawson, Jim Ziegler, Josh Collazo Swing Trio
Join us for Club Velvet - a night of live music, swing dancing, and community ♥️
Intro to Salsa & Bachata Dancing
Come experience the magic of Noche Azul — a Latin dance night that just might be one of LA’s best-kept secrets!
Hidden away inside the most unassuming space, Noche Azul feels like stepping into a secret speakeasy with welcoming vibes, an amazing dance floor, and complimentary lite bites all night long.
Noche Azul
Join us for Noche Azul! A night of Salsa and Bachata dancing, community, and connection in our vintage-inspired ballroom. 💙✨
Salsa On2: Intro Series
Each week, we’ll break down new material step by step and review what you’ve learned before - helping you develop a strong, confident foundation by the end of the series.
✔ No partner required
✔ All levels welcome
Heels Fusion: Intro Series
Join us for Intro to Heels Fusion with Brielle!
For new dancers ready to stretch themselves with a different style. You’ll be learning a fusion heels combo to Christina Aguilera’s “Come On Over Baby” You can take this class in heels, flats, or bare feet.
Absolute beginners welcome!
West Coast Swing (part 2): Whip Series
Whip Fundamentals & Intro to Eight-Count Patterns
✔ No partner required
✔ Complete the Intro series before joining the Whip series
FusionVibe: a Fusion & Micro Social Dance
Fusion dance is a world in which everyone is free to express themselves through movement, regardless of their dance background and experience.
Milonga Gavito
Milonga Gavito at Motivo LA 1st Friday of the month! We're looking forward to sharing a beautiful evening with you - filled with lovely tandas, warm hugs, delicious snacks!
West Coast Swing: Intro Series part 1
In this beginner-friendly intro series, you’ll build comfort with the rhythm, connection, and structure that form the backbone of West Coast Swing!
✔ No partner required
✔ No previous experience
Latin Hustle: Intro Series
This is a progressive Latin Hustle series designed for brand-new dancers.
✔ Absolute Basic Movements & Patterns
✔ No partner or experience required
Lindy Hop: Intro Series
The Level 1 Intro Series is an introduction to Lindy Hop basics and fundamentals. You’ll learn fundamental figures as well as 6 count patterns.
Intro to Swing Dancing & Live Band Night
Come experience the magic of Club Velvet — a one-of-a-kind night out in Los Angeles where live music, vintage ambiance, and social dancing come together for an unforgettable evening.
Club Velvet - Dave Stuckey & The Hot House Gang
Join us for Club Velvet - a night of live music, swing dancing, and community ♥️
Intro to Salsa & Bachata Dancing
Come experience the magic of Noche Azul — a Latin dance night that just might be one of LA’s best-kept secrets!
Hidden away inside the most unassuming space, Noche Azul feels like stepping into a secret speakeasy with welcoming vibes, an amazing dance floor, and complimentary lite bites all night long.
Noche Azul
Join us for Noche Azul! A night of Salsa and Bachata dancing, community, and connection in our vintage-inspired ballroom. 💙✨
Elmo Verano: The Music Edition
Join us for more than 24 hours of dancing with an incredible lineup of DJs, along with special live music experiences woven throughout the weekend — featuring both traditional tango music and alternative tango music.
Creative Music at Motivo: Emma Dayhuff
We’re thrilled to welcome acclaimed bassist and composer Emma Dayhuff to Motivo on Friday, August 14 for a very special concert.
the Ensemble
Emma Dayhuff — Bass
LoloKamill — Voice
Devin Daniels — Alto Saxophone
Andrew Renfroe — Guitar
Luca Mendoza — Piano
Myles Martin — drums
Tickets:
Doors: 7:45pm
Show: 8:30 - 10:00pm
One set. Open seating.
General admission: $30.00 pre-sale | $35.00 at the door
Student Price: $15.00
Limited parking on site on first come, first serve basis. Additional parking spaces available on Casitas Ave and Minneapolis St. Lots of street parking, safe and walkable neighborhood!
About Emma Dayhuff
Emma Dayhuff is a dynamic bassist and composer renowned for her soulful playing and innovative approach. With a performance career spanning over two decades, she has shared the stage with jazz luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, David Murray, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and Patricia Barber.
Rooted in Chicago’s rich avant-garde tradition, Emma’s musical style is deeply influenced by mentors Vincent Davis, Kahil El’Zabar, and Robert Irving III. Her playing seamlessly blends elements of jazz, experimental improvisation, and contemporary music, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience.
Emma is an educator committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Her teaching philosophy, cultivated under the guidance of bass masters Ron Carter, Gerald Cannon, and Peter Dominguez, emphasizes technical proficiency, cultural understanding, musicality, and creativity. A Doctor of Musical Arts, she is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and is on faculty at the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass and the Richard Davis Young Bassists Foundation.
Her journey, from the rugged landscapes of Montana to the vibrant heart of the global music scene, is a testament to her unwavering passion and artistic vision.
Samba de Gafieira: Intro Series
Each week, we’ll break down new material step by step and review what you’ve learned before - helping you develop a strong, confident foundation by the end of the series.
✔ No partner required
✔ All levels welcome
Milonga Gavito
Milonga Gavito at Motivo LA 1st Friday of the month! We're looking forward to sharing a beautiful evening with you - filled with lovely tandas, warm hugs, delicious snacks!
Bachata: Intro Series
No partner or experience needed to join the Intro class! In this Bachata dance class, you’ll learn foundational steps, body movement, and partner patterns. This class is perfect for brand-new dancers and those who want to feel more comfortable with their movement and self-expression.
Solo Jazz: Intro Series
Each week, we’ll break down new material step by step and review what you’ve learned before - helping you develop a strong, confident foundation by the end of the series.
✔ All levels welcome
Intro Series: Balboa
This is a progressive Balboa series designed for brand-new dancers.
✔ Absolute Basic Movements & Patterns
✔ No partner or experience required
West Coast Swing: Intro Series (part 1)
Beginner Fundamentals & Intro to Six-Count Patterns
✔ No partner required
✔ Complete the Intro series before joining the Whip series
FusionVibe: a Fusion & Micro Social Dance
Fusion dance is a world in which everyone is free to express themselves through movement, regardless of their dance background and experience.
Intro to Salsa & Bachata Dancing
Come experience the magic of Noche Azul — a Latin dance night that just might be one of LA’s best-kept secrets!
Hidden away inside the most unassuming space, Noche Azul feels like stepping into a secret speakeasy with welcoming vibes, an amazing dance floor, and complimentary lite bites all night long.
Noche Azul
Join us for Noche Azul! A night of Salsa and Bachata dancing, community, and connection in our vintage-inspired ballroom. 💙✨
Intro to Swing Dancing & Live Band Night
Come experience the magic of Club Velvet — a one-of-a-kind night out in Los Angeles where live music, vintage ambiance, and social dancing come together for an unforgettable evening.
Club Velvet - Jonathan Stout & his Rugcutters feat. Hilary Alexander
Join us for Club Velvet - a night of live music, swing dancing, and community ♥️
Milonga del Sol
Milonga Del Sol at Motivo LA! We're looking forward to sharing a beautiful afternoon with you - filled with lovely tandas, warm hugs, delicious snacks and twilight ambience.