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Los Angeles Ballet video gallery presents behind-the-scenes rehearsal and promotional videos spanning sixteen years of performances. Home / Video Gallery Video Gallery The Nutcracker 2019 Choreography by Christensen/Neary, Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

A celebration of George Balanchine’s life, choreography and his time working in Hollywood with performances of seven of his greatest ballets and discussions with noted dance critics, historians and répétiteurs of The George Balanchine Trust Home / News / New Item Los Angeles Balanchine Presents the Balanchine Festival February 1, 2013 LAB Public Relations Balanchine GOLD (March/April 2013) and Balanchine RED (May/June 2013) A celebration of George Balanchine’s life, choreography and his time working in Hollywood with performances of seven of his greatest ballets and discussions with noted dance critics, historians and répétiteurs of The George Balanchine Trust at: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center Royce Hall – UCLA Valley Performing Arts Center – CSU Northridge Alex Theatre – Glendale Carpenter Performing Arts Center – CSU Long Beach Los Angeles Ballet presents its Balanchine Festival , celebrating the genius of the most important and influential choreographer of the 20th century. Extending over three months, the Festival centers on seven of Balanchine’s greatest ballets performed in two programs (GOLD and RED), presented at each of LAB’s five home theaters. Special Festival events will include discussions and interviews with those who worked with Balanchine, and an examination of Balanchine’s Hollywood years with screenings of his film choreography. Los Angeles Ballet co-artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary assembled the program to represent Balanchine in his many styles and eras. Both Christensen and Neary danced with Balanchine’s New York City Ballet. Balanchine personally selected Neary to stage his ballets, and to become a répétiteur for The George Balanchine Trust. She has staged his ballets for major companies in America and internationally, including the Paris Opera Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the Mariinksy (formerly Kirov Ballet) and American Ballet Theatre, to name a few, as well as for Los Angeles Ballet. “Selecting only seven ballets from the rich trove Balanchine created over the decades was not easy,” Christensen said. Neary added, “Each of these ballets has a specific mood and reflects a distinct musical and choreographic composition and style. Each ballet also has stories surrounding its creation, the music, and those who danced it, which will be part of the conversations that ticket holders can also experience as part of the performances.” Balanchine GOLD includes La Sonnambula , a one-act story ballet with love, jealousy, murder and a mysterious sleepwalker; Concerto Barocco, one of Balanchine’s signature works set to Bach’s Concerto in D-minor for Two Violins ; Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux , a bravura duet set to what was the original music for the Black Swan pas de deux; and Four Temperaments, with music Paul Hindemith composed at Balanchine’s request and wherein the choreographer fused classical and contemporary movement to explore the medieval “humors” attributed to the human body. Balanchine RED opens with another one-act story ballet, La Valse , where Maurice Ravel’s music is the backdrop for a young woman’s fascination with a sinister figure at a ball. Agon employs Igor Stravinsky’s score for a series of contests among the dancers, and Balanchine returns to Stravinsky for Rubies , the jazzy, exuberant center section of the full length ballet, Jewels . George Balanchine, (or Mr. B as he was called by those who knew and worked with him), began his career in Russia, built his reputation as a choreographer at Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, then came to the United States where he established the School of American Ballet and built what became the New York City Ballet. But Balanchine also spent time in Hollywood, often choreographing for his then wife Vera Zorina. Balanchine’s time in Hollywood is one of the aspects of his career that will be explored by a rotating roster of guest commentators that includes arts journalists Lewis Segal, Victoria Looseleaf, and Sasha Anawalt, and Balanchine répétiteurs including Colleen Neary, her sister Patricia Neary, Kent Stowell and Francia Russell. During his life Balanchine selected répétiteurs authorized to stage his ballets. Since his death in 1983, The Balanchine Trust and its répétiteurs have continued to ensure the integrity of the staging of Balanchine’s ballets while introducing new generations to Balanchine’s legacy. (The George Balanchine Trust, established in 1987 with the mission of preserving and protecting Balanchine’s creative works, is the center from which the business operations relating to the licensing of George Balanchine’s creative output emanate. The Trust has the responsibility of disseminating and protecting the integrity and the copyrights of George Balanchine’s work in the present and for the future, and assigns répétiteurs to teach and coach Balanchine ballets around the world.) “April 30, 2013 marks the 30th anniversary of Mr. B’s death,” Christensen noted. “We had added two more theaters for a total of five home venues, and as Los Angeles Ballet was entering its seventh season in 2012-2013, it seemed the appropriate time for a festival to celebrate Balanchine’s genius and life. It was a happy coincidence when the Music Center announced its festival celebrating the 100th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, L.A.’s Rite: Stravinsky, Innovation, and Dance. ” “Our Balanchine Festival fit like a glove with the Stravinsky festival,” Neary said. “Balanchine and Stravinsky were great friends and loved to collaborate. With Agon and Rubies already part of Los Angeles Ballet’s Balanchine Festival, we were very pleased with the invitation to perform those ballets this summer as part of the Stravinsky festival to honor both Balanchine and Stravinsky at the same time.” DOWNLOAD PDF

For all the opening-night jitters and imperfections, Los Angeles Ballet gave a credible, even moving, performance of “Giselle” on Saturday at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The essential Giselle experience remained intact: Love survives the grave, bestows forgiveness on an unworthy bad boy and transforms him into a decent human being. Home / News / New Item Los Angeles Ballet Dances 'Giselle' May 15, 2011 Los Angeles Times by Chris Pasles For all the opening-night jitters and imperfections, Los Angeles Ballet gave a credible, even moving, performance of “Giselle” on Saturday at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The essential Giselle experience remained intact: Love survives the grave, bestows forgiveness on an unworthy bad boy and transforms him into a decent human being. Hmm. Sounds like the plot of a movie or two, or a dozen. Giselle is a village girl courted by a prince disguised as a peasant. She falls in love with him, but when she finds out his identity -- and that he’s engaged to someone else -- she loses her mind and dies. End of ballet? Not by a long shot. In Act 2, she appears as a spirit newly enrolled in the ranks of the Wilis, night creatures that wreak vengeance on perjured suitors. Giselle resists her new duties and saves her prince. Allyssa Bross danced the title role with appealing sweetness and vulnerability. She made her mad scene nuanced and sparked with creepiness, and if she had some unsteadiness in her ghostly extended balances, she more than compensated elsewhere with poise. Giselle’s character is straightforward, but that of Prince Albrecht is ambiguous. Is he merely dallying, really in love, torn between court and country? Unfortunately, Christopher Revels gave no clear take on the prince’s motives, although his repentance and sense of loss at the end looked genuine. Revels danced with princely bearing, partnered with consideration, and executed his second act marathon challenges with strength, though he looked more on the edge of real rather than dramatic exhaustion. Chehon Wespi-Tschopp was an intense Hilarion, a villager also in love with Giselle. His prestissimo spins to his death at the hands of the Wilis were terrific. Kate Highstrete made Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis, an other-worldly creature of pitiless steel. The Peasant Pas de Deux was danced by Allynne Noelle and Zheng Hua Li (who alternates in the role of Prince Albrecht). Noelle was sunny and graceful. Li had crisp, flashing legwork, but tended to land badly. The corps looked well-schooled, although earthbound. The company danced to pre-recorded music. The production was from the Louisville Ballet. Ben Pilat provided the dramatic lighting. L.A. Ballet company co-director Thordal Christensen tweaked the traditional Coralli-Perrot-Petipa choreography, cutting some virtuosic demands, adding some mime, and inventing a poor couple who provide their cottage as the prince’s local digs. Christensen’s wife and company co-director, Colleen Neary, enacted Giselle’s mother, Berthe, with fuss and worry. With this touchstone Romantic ballet, LAB closes its fifth season with a stronger than ever claim for community support. Performances continue Saturday at the Alex Theatre in Glendale and the following weekend at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. DOWNLOAD PDF

It takes commitment, nerve, and ridiculous sums of money to build a successful ballet company. And that’s just the kindling. Home / News / New Item Returning in Full Force Los Angeles Ballet Kicks Off Its Third Season March 9, 2009 Los Angeles Times by Laura Bleiburg It takes commitment, nerve, and ridiculous sums of money to build a successful ballet company. And that’s just the kindling. To get a real blaze going, it helps to have the high-powered dance connections of Los Angeles Ballet’s co-directors, Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary. For their fl edgling company’s third repertory season, launched Saturday at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Christensen and Neary brought out their big-gun friends and family, and there was noticeably more heat onstage. Colleen’s sister Patricia Neary, a former principal dancer with New York City Ballet, staged the George Balanchine-Sergei Prokofi ev 1929 masterpiece “Prodigal Son.” One of that ballet’s greatest interpreters of the title part, Miami City Ballet director Edward Villella, loaned them costumes and sets (modeled on Georges Rouault’s originals). Karin von Aroldingen, another former City Ballet powerhouse, was brought in to help stage “Stravinsky Violin Concerto” (1972), one of Balanchine’s neoclassical gems. Finally, there was a snazzy premiere, “An American Camelot” by Jennifer Backhaus, with party costumes by Franco Martinez and hanging light shades by Tony Kudner. “Prodigal” requires an oversized acting style of another era, yet the L.A. Ballet dancers managed it and the dance’s quirky athleticism fl awlessly. This century-old ballet, based on the biblical parable, crackled with freshness. L.A. Ballet shares Cuban-born leading-man dancer Eddy Tovar with Orlando Ballet, and thank them very much. Tovar has dark good looks, not to mention that classic, unfussy Cuban technique. He inscribes beautiful, open shapes with his etched, muscular body. His son took us on a believable journey, leaving home full of insolent bravura and crawling back a repentant, broken man. Ballerina Melissa Barak, coached also by Westside Ballet’s Yvonne Mounsey, came to inhabit the Siren’s wily personality more slowly. She had the moves and an exacting style. Barak wrapped the Siren’s red cape seductively around her thigh and unfurled her turned-out legs in high sideways kicks and those provocative lunges. Barak more fully became the temptress in her pas de deux with Tovar. In one pretzel coupling after another, Barak emotionally reeled Tovar in, and when she became his, her raised hand signaled triumph. The L.A. Ballet men made a notable transformation as the grotesque Drinking Companions. Flopping and rollicking about the stage, they took to this weirdness with all-out freedom. Backhaus’ “An American Camelot” was her second piece for L.A. Ballet. The fi rst work misfi red so badly (last season’s “she said/he said”) that the latest commission came as a surprise. This time, Backhaus and the six couples she cast were on much fi rmer ground. “An American Camelot” advocates dancing through your troubles, and Backhaus’ loose, hip choreography was persuasive. How can you go wrong with Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Eartha Kitt, singing “Bal Petite Bal”? (The night’s music was taped.) The choreographer melded jitterbug, jazz and classic steps in six sections. Male dancers were given virile leaps and push-ups. The women did the Charleston -- never comfortable in toe shoes -- but pointe work too. The tall and loose-limbed Andrew Brader was in his element as leading man. “Stravinsky Violin Concerto,” on the other hand, was occasionally effortful. But the corps de ballet held heads high, and that deer-in-the-headlights expression everyone used to wear has vanished. Hallelujah. Barak and Peter Snow made a complementary match in the fi rst duet. Paired with Brader in the second duet, Corina Gill was a shining light of newfound strength and complexity. Her continued growth and onstage joy were infectious. That’s the fun of having a local ballet company -- watching it grow and develop. Experience it yourself. -- Laura Bleiberg READ ARTICLE AT SOURCE

Kudos to the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the LA Board of Supervisors, for supporting Los Angeles Ballet’s completely credible “Swan Lake” in five venues around LA County. The Arts Commission’s major funding of the production acknowledges our city’s worthiness of LAB’s continuing presence as LA’s own world-class ballet company. Home / News / New Item Los Angeles Ballet's "Swan Lake" March 18, 2012 CultureSpotLA by Penny Orloff Kudos to the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the LA Board of Supervisors, for supporting Los Angeles Ballet’s completely credible “Swan Lake” in five venues around LA County. The Arts Commission’s major funding of the production acknowledges our city’s worthiness of LAB’s continuing presence as LA’s own world-class ballet company. The quintessential classical ballet, “Swan Lake” first appeared in 1877. The earliest of the great Tchaikovsky ballets, the music uses Russian folk music, leitmotif, and orchestral color to tell the Romantic tale of a lovestruck prince, an enchanted maiden, and an evil sorcerer. LAB’s four-act “Swan Lake” is a towering accomplishment for the 6-year-old company. As staged by artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, the piece retains its magical 19th-century style and flavor, while simplifying and clarifying some of the more arcane elements. In a bold departure from most modern productions, Christensen and Neary restore the original 1877 ending, in which Von Rothbart, the evil sorcerer, is vanquished by the Prince, and dies a particularly gruesome death. Principal dancer Allynne Noelle takes on the demanding central role — playing both the Swan Queen and her treacherous, look-alike rival. A Southern California native, Noelle has spent the better part of the past decade honing her considerable skills in such companies as the National Ballet of Canada and Miami City Ballet. Now at the peak of her artistry, her revelatory interpretation of Odette/Odile places her among the greatest of today’s American ballerinas. Noelle’s technique is perfection — her gorgeous extensions, precision footwork, spellbinding ports de bras, and extraordinary turns take one’s breath away. But beyond these virtuoso aspects of her dancing, it is her stillness in Act 2 that is most compelling. Here is an artist imbued with that indefinable quality we name Presence. Her virtuosity has no limits. All radiance and shimmer, Noelle’s Odette is a tortured soul, yearning for release, transformed by love. Her Act 3 Odile exudes a raw sexuality that culminates as the bravura 32 fouetté turns explode in a burst of depraved triumph. Opposite her, Kenta Shimizu’s Prince Siegfried is flawless. The steadiness of his support and ease in the lifts enhance his partner’s transcendent performance. Currently enjoying an ever-increasing international career, Shimizu’s cool elegance and regal bearing are a perfect complement to Noelle’s emotional style. Alternating with Noelle and Shimizu as the hapless lovers are Allyssa Bross and Christopher Revels. Discovered by Christensen and Neary during the month-long 2010 LAB Summer Intensive, Bross entered the company as a soloist during season five, rising within months to principal dancer. Her performances as Marie in “The Nutcracker” and as last season’s ethereal Giselle garnered national attention. In her first “Swan Lake,” Bross impresses with her stylistic purity and luminous characterization of the Swan Queen. Her Act 3 Black Swan is icy, treacherous; in her ultimate victory over Revels’ callow Prince, her seductive smile becomes a sneer of contempt. Gifted with exceptional grace and beauty, a solid technique, and formidable physical stamina, this young artist is clearly one to watch. Audience favorite Revels brings an earthy sensuality to his first performances as the Prince. Having partnered Bross for “The Nutcracker,” “Raymonda Variations,” and “Giselle” last year, the pair have an easy rapport and a convincing chemistry together. This young man is gifted with a charismatic presence and a devil-may-care fearlessness that make his every entrance electrifying. Particularly impressive are his huge floating leaps, great strength in the lifts, and phenomenal endurance. Last year a nominee for the prestigious Princess Grace Award, at 20 years of age he continues to develop his prodigious talent under the inspired mentoring of Christensen and Neary. As the evil von Rothbart, Nicholas De La Vega owns the stage. His dancing has about it a fatal glamour. LA balletomanes will remember his definitive Drosselmeyer in last December’s “The Nutcracker,” and his powerful performance in last season’s Sonia Tayeh world premiere, “My Greatest Fear.” De La Vega’s rapier-thin physique and flashing eyes are also featured in the April issue of Marie Claire magazine. The production is replete with highlights. Guest artist Akimitsu Yahata dances the Jester with great wit — and spectacular leaps and turns. Act 3’s Court Scene features a plethora of folk-inspired dances. A bravura Neapolitan Dance features Isabel Vondermuhll and Christopher McDaniel; Kate Highstrete and Alex Castillo lead a spirited Hungarian Dance; and Chelsea Paige Johnston and Julia Cinquemani offer a mesmerizing Russian Dance. Brilliant soloists aside, “Swan Lake” ultimately succeeds or fails on the strength of the women’s corps de ballet. Perhaps the greatest achievement of this production is LAB’s peerless ranks of swans. Every back has the same arch, every arm exhibits the same pure line from shoulder to fingertip, every neck is identically poised. Gliding across the stage in perfectly synchronized bourrées they are stunningly beautiful; in their moments of stillness, they are a living work of art. The second act Dance of the Cygnets is hypnotic as a petite foursome, arms interlaced, drill out perfectly coordinated pas de chats and échappés. This tour de force is all the more impressive considering that apprentice Sophie Silna, a product of the LAB School, stepped in to replace an injured colleague on a mere two days’ notice. —Penny Orloff, Culture Spot LA Performances continue at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach on Saturday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. and at the Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge on Saturday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. For information and tickets, visit www.losangelesballet.org . DOWNLOAD PDF

The Nutcracker 2019 Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky LAB Ensemble Hannah Keene & Clay Murray Petra Conti, Tigran Sargsyan & LAB Ensemble Mackenzie Moser & LAB Ensemble Joshua Schwartz & Magnus Christoffersen LAB Ensemble Brittany Rand & Mackenzie Moser Laura Chachich & Magnus Christoffersen LAB Ensemble Mackenzie Moser Petra Conti & Eris Nezha LAB Ensemble Hannah Keene & Clay Murray Petra Conti, Tigran Sargsyan & LAB Ensemble Mackenzie Moser & LAB Ensemble Joshua Schwartz & Magnus Christoffersen LAB Ensemble Brittany Rand & Mackenzie Moser Laura Chachich & Magnus Christoffersen LAB Ensemble Mackenzie Moser Petra Conti & Eris Nezha LAB Ensemble Hannah Keene & Clay Murray Petra Conti, Tigran Sargsyan & LAB Ensemble Mackenzie Moser & LAB Ensemble Joshua Schwartz & Magnus Christoffersen LAB Ensemble Brittany Rand & Mackenzie Moser Laura Chachich & Magnus Christoffersen LAB Ensemble Mackenzie Moser Petra Conti & Eris Nezha Previous Gallery All photos by Reed Hutchinson Click on image for a fullscreen presentation. Next Gallery

Los Angeles Ballet staff are comprised of talented non-profit arts professionals dedicated to supporting and producing outstanding productions for the LA community and southern California. Home / Staff / Artistic Staff Catherine Kanner Design Director Catherine Kanner worked as a founding Board Member and Design Director for Los Angeles Ballet from 2005 to 2022. During that period she oversaw and provided all promotional materials for Los Angeles Ballet. For more about Catherine Kanner catherinekanner.com Previous Artistic Staff

Los Angeles Ballet photo gallery presents a complete suite of season performance photos beginning with LAB’s inaugural season in 2005. Los Angeles Ballet performance photographer: Reed Hutchinson Media Gallery / 2014/2015 Photo Gallery / 2014/2015 Photo Gallery Swan Lake The Nutcracker The Sleeping Beauty Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2 The Moors Pavane Sechs Tänze

Now is the perfect time to secure your seats for the season!  With a subscription, you’ll lock in your pricing and enjoy exclusive benefits. 2025/2026 Season / Subscribe / Matinee Series / Matinee Series (Available Shortly) GALA 2024 Eleve $1000 Pas de Deux $2,500 Grand Piroutte $5,000 Grand Jete $10,000 Tour de Force $25,00.00 Benefactor $50,000 Director's Circle $100,000 I cannot attend, but I wish to support Purchase Levels Series F SELECT The Nutcracker Dec 3, 2023 – 2 PM Pasadena Civic Auditorium Next Steps Mar 24, 2024 – 2 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade May, 12 2024 – 2 PM Pasadena Civic Auditorium Start Now Series G SELECT The Nutcracker Dec 9, 2023 – 12 PM Royce Hall Next Steps Mar 23, 2024 – 2 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade Jun 1, 2024 – 2 PM Royce Hall Start Now Series H SELECT The Nutcracker Dec 16, 2023 – 12 PM Redondo Beach PAC Next Steps Mar 23, 2024 – 2 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade May 25, 2024 – 2 PM Redondo Beach PAC Start Now Series I INQUIRE with Box Office The Nutcracker Dec 23, 2023 – 2 PM Dolby Theatre * Next Steps Mar 23, 2024 – 2 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade May 11, 2024 – 2 PM Pasadena Civic Auditorium Start Now Series J INQUIRE with Box Office The Nutcracker Dec 24, 2023 – 2 PM Dolby Theatre * Next Steps Mar 24, 2024 – 2 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade May 12, 2024 – 2 PM Pasadena Civic Auditorium Start Now Select Venue

The evening includes Balanchine’s jazz-infused delight Rubies—an energetic reprise from LAB’s first season. Hans Van Manen’s Frank Bridge Variations pairs Benjamin Britten’s lush score with an abstract expression of sensuality and, at times, explosive emotion. Rubies Frank Bridge Variations World Premiere by Melissa Barak 2025/2026 Season / 20 Years of LAB / JANUARY 29–31, 2026 20 Years of Los Angeles Ballet: Rubies, Frank Bridge Variations , World Premiere by Melissa Barak Balanchine/Manen/Barak | Stravinsky/Britten/Lawrence Los Angeles Ballet and The Wallis present 20 Years of Los Angeles Ballet: Rubies, Frank Bridge Variations , World Premiere by Melissa Barak . Prepare to experience this milestone, triple bill of iconic works and bold new beginnings, all brimming with heart and spirit. The evening includes Balanchine’s jazz-infused delight Rubies —an energetic reprise from our very first season. This is the sparkling second movement of his full-length ballet Jewels, bursting with energy. Set to Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, it blends jazzy rhythms with classical ballet technique, showcasing sharp angles, athletic jumps, and witty choreography. With its bold red costumes and dazzling pace, Rubies captures the glamour of Broadway while remaining rooted in Balanchine’s neoclassical style. It is a celebration of speed, brilliance, and modern American spirit. Also on the program, Hans Van Manen’s Frank Bridge Variations pairs Benjamin Britten’s lush score with an abstract expression of sensuality and, at times, explosive emotion. The ballet weaves together solos, duets, and ensemble work that shift between elegance, wit, and quiet intimacy. Van Manen’s choreography emphasizes clean lines, subtle gesture, and musical precision, allowing the dancers’ relationships to unfold with understated drama. The result is a work of refined beauty that balances restraint with striking expressiveness. Finally, in a moment charged with anticipation, LAB’s Artistic Director Melissa Barak will unveil a world premiere, set to music by David Lawrence. This bold new creation embodies the forward momentum that continues to define Los Angeles Ballet. Choreography Rubies – George Balanchine Frank Bridge Variations – Hans van Manen World Premiere – Melissa Barak Score Rubies: Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra (1929) – Igor Stravinsky Frank Bridge Variations : Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge (1937) – Benjamin Britten Melissa Barak World Premiere: David Lawrence Costume Design Costume Design Collaboration by Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby of LAB and ETRO by Marco De Vincenzo SUBSCRIBE Perfomance Schedule Schedule The Wallis Thursday, January 29 | 7:30 pm Friday, January 30 | 7:30 pm Saturday, January 31 | 7:30 pm LAB's ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Melissa Barak Melissa Barak Barak is a former leading dancer with Los Angeles Ballet where she performed for five seasons commencing in 2006 and choreographed Lost In Transition in 2008. Her career also includes New York City Ballet (NYCB), where she performed in numerous works by George Balanchine, as well as originating roles in new ballets by Christopher Wheeldon, Elliot Feld and Robert Garland, among others. LEARN MORE LOS ANGELES BALLET History Read the history of the company from the premiere performances of LAB’s original production of The Nutcracker in 2006. Learn about LAB’s Leadership, Mission, Outreach initiatives, commissions of original works and more. LAB HISTORY

As Los Angeles Ballet celebrates its 20th Anniversary, the 2026 Gala will be a landmark evening honoring the company’s extraordinary journey — from its founding vision to its place today as a premier American ballet company. Gala 2026 April 11, 2026 20 Years of Los Angeles Ballet Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future. Gala 2026 Saturday, April 11, 2026 Beverly Wilshire Hotel 5:30 pm – Cocktails 6:30 pm – Dinner & Program RESERVE NOW As Los Angeles Ballet marks its 20th Anniversary, the 2026 Gala promises to be a landmark evening celebrating two decades of artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural impact. This unforgettable night will honor the company’s remarkable journey — from its founding vision to its position today as one of America’s premier ballet companies. Through captivating performances, rare archival moments, and compelling storytelling, the evening will pay tribute to the artists, supporters, and milestones that have shaped Los Angeles Ballet’s first twenty years, while casting an inspiring vision for the future. Distinguished patrons, cultural leaders, artists, and friends of LAB will gather for a celebration of artistry, legacy, and possibility. This year, Los Angeles Ballet proudly honors three extraordinary women whose contributions have profoundly shaped the performing arts. Receiving the Global Impact Award is Anita Mann — Emmy Award–winning choreographer, dancer, actress, philanthropist, and Founder and Creator of the Dance Hall of Fame, where she serves as President of the Board. Her visionary leadership and enduring influence have left an indelible mark on generations of artists. Receiving the Director’s Award are acclaimed collaborators Lesli Linka Glatter and Elisabeth Moss , whose upcoming project Imperfect Women features Los Angeles Ballet dancers. Lesli Linka Glatter is an award-winning film and television director celebrated for her work on Mad Men and Homeland , while Elisabeth Moss is an internationally acclaimed actor, director, and producer known for her iconic performances in Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale . In addition to the awards presentation, guests will experience three exceptional dance selections from recent and upcoming productions, offering a intimate glimpse into the company’s dynamic artistic repertoire. Proceeds from this premier fundraising event support Los Angeles Ballet’s performances, education initiatives, and community engagement programs — expanding access to the transformative power of ballet throughout Los Angeles County and ensuring artistic excellence for generations to come. Seating Packages & Benefits DIRECTOR — $100,000 (Three VIP tables for ten) Director–level recognition on step & repeat, from the stage, and in all print & web materials Diamond Gala Tribute Premium orchestra-level seating & backstage tour for eight at Giselle MAESTRO — $50,000 (Two VIP tables of ten) Maestro-level recognition in print & web materials Diamond Gala Tribute Premium orchestra-level seating for six at Giselle ARABESQUE— $25,000 (One VIP table of ten) Arabesque–level recognition in print & web materials Ruby Gala Tribute Premium orchestra-level seating for four at Giselle GRAND JETÉ — $15,000 (One table of ten) Grand Jeté–level recognition in select print & web materials Sapphire Gala Tribute Seating for two at Giselle GRANDE PIROUETTE — $6,000 (Seating for four) Grande Pirouette–level recognition in select print & web materials Emerald Gala Tribute PAS DE DEUX — $3,000 (Seating for two) Pas De Deux–level recognition in select print & web materials Topaz Gala Tribute PREMIER INDIVIDUAL TICKET – $2,500 (Premier seating for one) INDIVIDUAL TICKET — $1,000 (Seating for one) PURCHASE SEATING If your schedule does not permit you to attend, please consider supporting Los Angeles Ballet’s mission with a Gala tribute or donation. Digital Gala Tributes Digital Tributes will be displayed on multiple screens throughout the evening during the Gala reception and program, becoming part of this landmark celebration. A Digital Tribute is a lasting way to be part of LAB’s 20-year story — recognizing the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future of ballet in Los Angeles. Diamond – $25,000 (Includes 2-page spread) Ruby – $15,000 Sapphire – $10,000 Emerald – $5,000 Topaz – $2,500 Pearl – $1,200 LAB will contact you to collect tribute content following purchase. Tribute Deadline: March 30, 2026 PURCHASE A DIGITAL TRIBUTE DONATE TO GALA LAB Thanks Our 2026 Gala Sponsors Directors: Koni and Geoff Rich Maestro: Governor Gray and Sharon Davis (Ret) Merkin Family Foundation Erica and Sung Min Arabesque: Jennifer Bellah Maguire & Stephen Maguire Monica Garcia Duggal Ghada Irani Shireen Lee Karen & Walter Loewenstern Grand Jete: Anne Brilliant Roberta Dahl Michael and Hannah An Dreyer Lisa Winship Hankin and Rockell Nathan Hankin Jenny Danzi Elias ETRO Jack and Goldie Nomberg Foundation | Sandra and Lewis Kanengiser Matilda and Stephen Sung UCLA Health - Johnese Spisso Questions? Contact Olivia O'Connor Director of Development (310) 477-7411 ext 1006 oloconnor@losangelesballet.org Gala Co-Chairs Sharon Davis Koni Rich Erica Min Gala Committee Jennifer Bellah Maguire Elisa Shyu Bolduc Laura Breckenridge Bethany Coffee Linda David Sharon Davis Hilary Fey Ghada Irani Sue Jandial Joanne Jones Dina Leeds Debbie Lustig Lori Milken Bari Milken-Bernstein Erica Min Koni Rich Claudette Rickett Corrine Sands Matilda Sung

LAB’s Membership Circles are designed to build a community through a shared love of ballet and to provide a deeper appreciation of the art form through unique experiences and exclusive programs. Membership Circles 2025/2026 Season / Membership Circles / Membership Circles Connection. Creativity. Community. Los Angeles Ballet’s Membership Circles bring you closer to the art form you love. Members enjoy behind-the-scenes access through company class viewings, rehearsal invitations, and artist salons, as well as exclusive pricing and priority access to special events. With experiences designed to deepen your appreciation of ballet and connect you with fellow supporters, there is a circle for everyone. Join today with a tax-deductible gift and become part of LAB’s creative community. Why Give Membership support is vital to sustaining and growing Los Angeles Ballet. Your generosity fuels new artistic initiatives, enhances productions, and expands LAB’s community impact. Each season, LAB donates 10% of tickets—free of charge—to more than 36 local social service organizations, and our company dancers lead free monthly dance classes for all ages and levels. By joining, you help build a vibrant future for ballet in Los Angeles and ensure that the joy and transformative power of dance remain accessible to all. Membership Circles – Season 20 (2025/2026) Ensemble Circle — $249–$499 Recognition in season playbill Access to all Membership Event Calendar experiences Invitation to view 2 company classes 10% of all Season 20 tickets Member newsletters (2x annually) Soloist Circle — $500–$999 All Ensemble benefits, plus: Exclusive members-only presale for Nutcracker Tea & Gala LAB branded welcome gift Principal Circle — $1,000–$2,499 All Soloist benefits, plus: Invitation to occasional behind-the-scenes add-on moments (e.g., open dress rehearsal seating upgrade) Concierge ticketing service Premiere Circle — $2,500–$5,000 All Principal benefits, plus: Private backstage tour & dancer meet-and-greet (by appointment) Season 20 Membership Event Calendar September 2025 Exclusive Reception with Board Members & Distinguished Donors: Mingle with LAB’s leadership and closest supporters at a private gathering hosted at The Maybourne Hotel, celebrating the community that sustains our art October 2025 Inside the Studio: Class or Rehearsal Viewing: Step inside LAB’s studios to observe dancers in class or rehearsal and experience the discipline and artistry that shape every performance. November 2025 Members-Only Pricing: The Nutcracker Tea at the Waldorf Astoria: Enjoy exclusive rates to this beloved holiday tradition filled with festive elegance and family magic. Contact oloconnor@losangelesballet.org to secure your spot. Exclusive Choreographic Insights Series: Rubies / Frank Bridge Variations / Barak New Work: Enjoy an exclusive look into Melissa Barak’s new work with composer David Lawrence, alongside a screening of their short film Breathe In. Members will also hear insights into their creative process and collaboration. December 2025 The Nutcracker Final Rehearsal + Champagne Reception @ Dolby Theatre: Be the first to see the holiday classic come to life, followed by a festive toast. The Nutcracker Backstage Experience @ Dolby Theatre: Go behind the curtain for an insider’s look at LAB’s largest production of the season. January 2026 Member Newsletter – Winter: Enjoy exclusive updates from Artistic Director Melissa Barak on the Season 20 repertory, plus behind-the-scenes stories and rehearsal photos from the studio. Members will also get an early look at upcoming membership events and ticket opportunities. April 2026 Members-Only Pricing: Season 20 Gala : Join LAB’s most glamorous evening of the year at an exclusive member rate. Ballet Talk: Giselle in Context: A special conversation with ballet historian Elizabeth Kaye on the history of Giselle, paired with studio rehearsal viewing or a post-performance discussion. May 2026 Member Newsletter – Spring: A special edition featuring insider notes on the making of Giselle, commentary from dancers preparing for the role, and a sneak peek at summer and fall membership programming. Company Class Viewing on stage at Ahmanson: Watch us prepare for our final show of the season. Questions? Contact Olivia O'Connor Director of Development (310) 477-7411 ext 1006 oloconnor@losangelesballet.org PARTICIPATE Become a Member Today! LAB’s Membership Circles are donor benefits designed to build a community through a shared love of ballet and to provide a deeper appreciation of the art form through unique experiences and exclusive content. DOWNLOAD MEMBER BROCHURE LOS ANGELES BALLET History Read the history of the Company and learn about LAB’s Leadership, Mission, and Community Outreach initiatives. LAB HISTORY