Never too old to reinvent dance

On the cusp of turning 75, postmodern dance icon Rudy Perez is not only alive and kicking -- thank you very much -- but still making relevant work. One of the co-founders of New York’s seminal Judson Dance Theatre in 1962, Perez nearly 30 years ago moved to Los Angeles, where he continues to blaze trails despite failing eyesight.

Celebrating Perez and his work, MOCA Grand Avenue is hosting the world premiere screening of “Countdown: Reflections on a Life in Dance.” The 62-minute film, produced and directed by the father-daughter team Severo and Rachel Perez (no relation), features archival footage, interviews with current and former dancers, and critical commentary. The focal point is Perez’s re-creation of his 1964 signature work, “Countdown,” for a former pupil, Victor Quijada.

“I’ve been blown away by Rudy’s movement and use of space,” says 63-year-old Severo Perez, a longtime admirer. “The film grew from an eight-minute segment we produced for the PBS series ‘Visiones.’ We needed more time to tell the story of Rudy’s journey from poverty in Spanish Harlem to international recognition.”

Rudy Perez, who will be honored with the Lester Horton Lifetime Achievement Award in April, says his teaching and work -- he staged a piece in a men’s gymnasium last month -- keep him going.

“It’s a matter of having faith, believing and not giving up. The best revenge,” he added, “is longevity.”

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“Countdown: Reflections on a Life in Dance,” at MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 3 p.m. Sunday. Free with museum admission. (213) 626-6222.