Hip-hop to positive activity

Launching what might be called a Lulathon against youth violence, the Lula Washington Dance Theatre will join 10th District Councilman Martin Ludlow tonight at Jim Gilliam Park, next to Baldwin Village, in an attempt to focus young people on positive activities.

From 7 p.m. until 1 a.m., tonight through Sunday -- and every Thursday to Sunday until the end of the month -- Washington will offer free hip-hop dance workshops in the park to prepare youth crews for inclusion in her hip-hop-inspired “Urban Themes” at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre on Aug. 22.

Honoring black dance matriarch Katherine Dunham, that performance will also celebrate Washington’s 23rd anniversary as a locally based dancer-choreographer.

Washington’s company is also set to pay tribute to choreographer Donald McKayle at Cal State L.A. on Oct. 10 and 11.

Washington recently settled a three-year lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the Community Redevelopment Agency over the seizure of land previously earmarked for dance studios in South-Central L.A. The settlement, and tax-deductible contributions, will allow the company to renovate a new center, on a different site, at Crenshaw Boulevard near Leimert Park.

-- Lewis Segal

Lula Washington Dance Theatre hip-hop dance workshops, Jim Gilliam Park, 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Baldwin Hills. Also: “Dancing Under the Stars,” John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood. Aug. 22, 8:30 p.m. $12 (children, students) to $30. (323) 461-3673. Donations and group rates: (323) 936-6591.