LOS ANGELES -- Naomi Goldberg's L.A. Modern Dance and Ballet returns to the Ford Ampitheatre on July 25 as part of the 2003 Summer Season, bringing with it its trademark brand of lyricism, wit and high-velocity dancing. IMMEDIATE STATES takes its audience through a series of sudden, vivid segments of life ranging from passion and possession to joy and celebration. Ballet collides with hip-hop, Mozart shares the stage with Keith Jarrett, and a dancer might enter blindfolded or perform a tango with a wheelchair.
      

      
Goldberg founded her company in 1989. A key component of the company's activities has been community outreach, in which neighborhood people are invited to learn and participate directly in dance.

Also featured at the Ford this summer will be a slew of
multi-ethnic groups--Anglo, African, Mexican, Filipino and African-American.

HYSTERICA DANCE CO. comes first (July 5 at 8 PM). The provocative, high-energy company led by Kitty McNamee will perform in Sticks & Stones, powered by Matt Sims' original live score. The costumes are by L.A. designers Grey Ant and Rock 'n Sissy,

Woven Web presents JULIYAA: MUSIC, STORIES & DANCE BENEATH AN AFRICAN MOON on Sat. July 8 at 8 PM. A pulsating mixture of drums interlaced with ethereal kora music (West African harp), dance, chant and storytelling, the show plumbs the heart and soul of Africa.

Two of L.A.'s finest world dance companies will strut their stuff on Sat. July 13 at 8 PM and Sunday July 14 at 6 PM: DANZA FLORICANTO & KAYMANAN NG LAHI--FROM ACAPULCO TO MANILA, AN UNTOLD PACIFIC RIM STORY. The Mexican-Filipino connection is explored through sensuous movement, exotic rhythms and opulent spectacle.

On Aug. 2 at 8 PM the AGUALUNA DANCE COMPANY will investigate Tabasco and Veracruz dances in a bill titled REFLEJOS/REFLECTIONS, followed the next night by AFRICAN VILLAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL at 7 PM. Headliner Kanda Bongo Man combines Congolese rhumbas with a lilting, rippling dance groove that smiles from every register. Additional musicians will add Brazilian and Cuban flavor to the musical stew. Audience dancing on stage!

CATCH! DIAVOLO CHILDREN'S SHOW will be performed on Aug. 17 at 10 AM. Children will be admitted free (adults $4; reservations necessary). Diavolo is known for its athletic leaping, flying and spinning on custom-made props.

The JAZZ TAP ENSEMBLE, which lit up the Ford last year with its Next Generation revue, returns Aug. 23 at 8 PM. Led by Lynn Dally, JTE will reprise some of its favorite routines, plus the work of such newcomes as Channing Cook Holmes, a former member of the Riverdance Company.

The 1200-seat Ford Ampitheatre is located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. in E. Hollywood. Call 323-461-3673 or visit www.fordampitheatre.org Pre-show picnic dinners are available. Call 310-652-3797.