The new troupe learns from 'Nutcracker' and forges bravely ahead with Balanchine and Bournonville in March. By Lewis Segal Read the full article Home / News / New Item L.A. Ballet - after the Christmas dream January 1, 2007 Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Ballet gave its final performance of "Nutcracker" on Saturday at the Alex Theatre in Glendale: a rite of passage, for the next time we see this brand-new company it won't be dancing a homemade version of the Christmas kiddie classic but rather grown-up masterworks from the international repertory. That's a big step — one that dozens of Southland companies that present annual "Nutcracker" performances never take. It was brave of artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary to launch LAB with a ballet presented by virtually every classical school or troupe in the whole region plus visiting ensembles from Russia and Korea. And it's braver still to schedule serious Balanchine and buoyant Bournonville for the company's first 2007 performances in March. There's no place to hide in that kind of rep, and though guest artists will again ensure high standards in principal roles, the challenge will be to develop a company style beyond the well-drilled but essentially faceless corps dancing that "Nutcracker" provided. If that statement sounds cruel, consider that American Ballet Theatre — our nation's classical behemoth — seldom achieves anything beyond well-drilled and faceless corps dancing nowadays. But ABT doesn't dance Balanchine's super-refined "Concerto Barocco," and maybe that's just as well. "Nutcracker" looked better organized on Saturday than it had early in December, though the party scene again proved confused and there seemed no sense of purpose — dramatic or choreographic — in the battle between the toy soldiers and the mice. The important scenic and character transformations on view lacked magic. And it would have helped if the Nutcracker (Erik Thordal-Christensen, son of the artistic directors) actually looked like a nutcracker and not just another toy soldier. Act 2 confirmed the classical prowess and personal star power of Oleg Gorboulev and Corina Gill in the Arabian dance, provided a flashy showpiece for the 14-year-old wunderkind Lilit Hogtanian as Clara and allowed Maria Kowroski and Stephen Hanna (guests from New York City Ballet) to display formidable mastery in supported adagio intricacies. You could regret that their solos were moved earlier than Tchaikovsky intended and that the Mirlitons divertissement was cut, but the score was again given loving care by conductor Eimear Noone and her musicians. And, happily, the Alex Theatre offered more space for Catherine Kanner's scenic vistas than the cramped Wilshire Theatre stage allowed when this "Nutcracker" premiered. That's one lesson LAB learned in 2006 — that Southern California has many midsize theaters that look great from the seats but, because they are converted movie houses, have no room on the stage for elaborate scenery or large-scale choreographies. Another lesson — that the ballet public isn't interested in 5 p.m. shows — helped cause a cutback from 12 "Nutcracker" performances to nine. "We will consider everything we've discovered from this first run," the directors said in a statement, "and make necessary adjustments for our upcoming season." Necessary adjustments may be one key to LAB's survival in a ballet landscape haunted by memories of companies that started strongly and even flourished, for a time, without enlisting the longterm support of the public that flocks to touring attractions. There are always plenty of people who say they want someone to start a local ballet company with major artistic ambitions — but too many really mean they want ABT to relocate. Los Angeles Ballet estimates that it danced for more than 6,000 ticket-holders in December. That's a start, but not nearly a large enough audience base to sustain a year-round professional institution. If Christensen and Neary can't rely on the balletomanes in our community who yammer about homegrown classicism but don't show up at the ticket window, developing a new, loyal audience is the key to their future. And that will take more energy and imagination than everything they've done so far. DOWNLOAD ARTICLE (PDF)

Kirsten Turkle began as a Stage Manager with Los Angeles Ballet in 2019 for The Nutcracker. In summer 2022, she was promoted to Production Manager and took up her new responsibilities with enthusiasm. Kirsten started life as a performer, taking ballet lessons from age 2 to 13. She was singing and dancing in community productions through elementary and middle school, as well as taking piano and voice lessons. In high school she began Stage Managing and learning the technical arts, including lighting, costuming, and scenic carpentry. At UC San Diego she founded a Shakespearian theater group and helped produce 8 plays during her college career, most notably Cymbeline and Hamlet. She moved to Los Angeles in 2013 and worked with many different companies and venues for the next decade, including The Wallis Annenberg Performing Arts Center, AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performing Arts Center, Moving Arts, Jaxx Theatricals, and Royce Hall at UCLA. She looks forward to growing with Los Angeles Ballet, producing new works and classics, and touring this beautiful artform to even wider audiences. Home / Staff / Administrator Kirsten Turkle Production Manager Kirsten Turkle began as a Stage Manager with Los Angeles Ballet in 2019 for The Nutcracker. In summer 2022, she was promoted to Production Manager and took up her new responsibilities with enthusiasm. Kirsten started life as a performer, taking ballet lessons from age 2 to 13. She was singing and dancing in community productions through elementary and middle school, as well as taking piano and voice lessons. In high school she began Stage Managing and learning the technical arts, including lighting, costuming, and scenic carpentry. At UC San Diego she founded a Shakespearian theater group and helped produce 8 plays during her college career, most notably Cymbeline and Hamlet. She moved to Los Angeles in 2013 and worked with many different companies and venues for the next decade, including The Wallis Annenberg Performing Arts Center, AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performing Arts Center, Moving Arts, Jaxx Theatricals, and Royce Hall at UCLA. She looks forward to growing with Los Angeles Ballet, producing new works and classics, and touring this beautiful artform to even wider audiences.

Los Angeles Ballet Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary will tour its acclaimed rendition of the beloved classic The Nutcracker to five venues for the very first time. Home / News / New Item The Nutcracker in its Seventh Season at Five Venues November 1, 2012 LAB Public Relations Los Angeles Ballet Takes The Nutcraker to Five Venus to Launch its Seventh Season (Los Angeles, CA) Los Angeles Ballet [LAB] Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary will tour its acclaimed rendition of the beloved classic The Nutcracker to five venues for the very first time. Each weekend in December will feature evening and matinee performances at a different location, including the Alex Theatre, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Royce Hall (UCLA), Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach and Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge. “Seven years ago, The Nutcracker served as LAB’s introduction to the City of Los Angeles, and as the years have gone by it continues to produce new fans of all ages to the world of ballet,” said Christensen. “With this ambitious expansion to five venues, LAB will have the opportunity to reach new audiences and give them a chance to participate in what has become a holiday tradition.” Added Neary, “The Nutcracker is such a great showcase for our principal dancers Allynne Noelle and Allyssa Bross.” An original production choreographed by Christensen and Neary set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s illustrious score, The Nutcracker will see principal dancers Allynne Noelle and Allyssa Bross reprise their role as Marie at alternating performances, as well as principal dancers Christopher Revels and Kenta Shimizu as The Prince. Featuring sets with Los Angeles flair by LA designer Catherine Kanner and costumes originally designed by Mikael Melbye, The Nutcracker has become a staple for the city of Los Angeles, and LAB is excited to be able to bring this endearing ballet to broader audiences and new venues. DOWNLOAD PDF

Nearly 9,000 Angelenos applauded LAB's The Nutcracker last month at 9 performances at UCLA's Royce Hall, Glendale's historic Alex Theatre, and Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Home / News / New Item Los Angeles embraces Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker January 1, 2008 Company News from the Staff at LAB

A mother and her baby stood watching ballet dancers practice behind the closed curtains of a Seattle opera house. Home / News / New Item UCLA student poised in pursuit of ballet, education September 18, 2015 Daily Bruin by Shreya Aiyar A mother and her baby stood watching ballet dancers practice behind the closed curtains of a Seattle opera house. The mother, Lauri-Michelle Houk, was still on leave from her career as a company ballet dancer to take care of her 8-month-old baby, Madeline. Their eyes were trained on Lauri-Michelle’s husband Ben, also a dancer with the company. As Houk set her child down to let her crawl around backstage, the baby took her first wobbly steps toward her father. “(Madeline) wanted to perform too,” Houk said. “Even back then, ballet was her world.” After years of barre routines and wearing out countless pairs of pointe shoes, Madeline Houk, a fourth-year communication studies student, now dances professionally with the Los Angeles Ballet. Houk balances full-time dancing with her studies at UCLA, juggling lectures with rehearsals and midterms with shows. When Lauri-Michelle and her husband Ben danced professionally, she said they had neither the time nor the resources to drive their children to different activities. Their five children thus grew up in the dance studio, absorbing the fundamentals of ballet technique by watching the dancers practice. To Madeline Houk, the oldest of the five, attending ballet lessons and school classes was equally important. Even though her parents danced for a living, Houk said they never forced her to follow the same path. “(My parents) aren’t like those weird stage moms you hear about – they’ve always supported what I want to do,” Houk said. “I definitely chose this profession for myself.” During her senior year of high school, Houk contemplated pursuing ballet professionally or continuing on with academics. Though she weighed the pros and cons of both paths carefully, she said she still couldn’t make the choice. However, Houk received an apprenticeship with the Los Angeles Ballet the same year she was accepted by UCLA. She said the lucky coincidence gave her a way to dance professionally while also going to school nearby. To fit school and about 35 hours of rehearsals into one week, Houk said she typically prefers to enroll in 8 a.m. classes. For six consecutive days before shows, she said she drives to theaters around Los Angeles County in areas such as Northridge, Glendale and Long Beach so the company can optimize its use of space and acclimate to the different stages. “Sometimes we even go to Royce Hall, which is my favorite place,” Houk said. “I can just walk there from my apartment.” The Los Angeles Ballet’s dancers are hired on a seasonal basis, Houk said. Each dancer is given a 30-week contract that begins in September and expires in June, resulting in every dancer being laid off during the summer. Houk said most of the dancers work hard to support themselves with part-time or second jobs during the summer. However, she is grateful for the time off during the summer to catch up on schoolwork. John Kochian, a lecturer in the communication studies department and one of Houk’s past teachers, said he never would have found out about her love of ballet had she not mentioned it in a class speech about hobbies and interests. Only after he inquired further did he realize she danced professionally. Because of her positive outlook, Kochian said Houk can serve as a role model to struggling students looking to manage school and work. “I asked how long she’s studied, how much she practices, if she can stand on her toes, if she can assume the second position,” Kochian said. “She just didn’t bring attention to what she does, which was very humbling.” Christina Sturgeon, a third-year communication studies student and Houk’s friend, said Houk’s strong work ethic extends beyond the classroom to the stage. When she attends Houk’s shows to provide moral support, Sturgeon said she sees Houk backstage working on her homework while other dancers help each other with costumes, hair and makeup. Houk said she isn’t ready to choose between academics and ballet after graduating from UCLA. However, when she eventually retires from dancing, she would like to use her degree to work in public relations for ballet companies or arts organizations. “When I’m ready to stop dancing later in life, which I’m not sure when that’ll be, I’m going to have my UCLA degree,” Houk said. “But I’ll keep dancing for as long as I can not because of the salary, but because I love it.” READ ARTICLE AT SOURCE

The evening included fine food and wine, live music, and a first glimpse of Los Angeles Ballet! Exhibits of the new sets and costumes for Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker were also on display. Home / News / New Item Bergamot Station Hosts Art for the Arts November 1, 2006 Company News from the Staff at LAB The event, with Honorary Chair Anjelica Huston, offered works by celebrity artists Tony Bennett, Orlando Bloom, Jeff Bridges, Tommy Chong, Leonard Cohen, David Cowles, Tony Curtis, Gil Garcetti, Joel Gray, Buck Henry, Dennis Hopper, Anjelica Huston, Steve Martin, Joni Mitchell, Viggo Mortensen, Martin Mull, Jane Seymour, Richard Schiff, and Yoko Ono, among others. The auction was conducted live by Santa Monica Auction House auctioneer, Robert Berman. The evening included fine food and wine, live music, and a first glimpse of Los Angeles Ballet! Exhibits of the new sets and costumes for Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker were also on display.

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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 Home > Photo Gallery Photo Gallery Performance Photography by Reed Hutchinson 2021 / 2022 2019 / 2020 2018 / 2019 2016 / 2017 2015 / 2016 2014 / 2015 2013 / 2014 2012 / 2013 2011 / 2012 2010 / 2011 2009 / 2010 2008 / 2009 2007 / 2008 2006 / 2007 2017 / 2018 Rehearsal, Events & Outreach Photographers Sam Akins, Laura Chachich, Catherine Kanner Video Gallery The Nutcracker 2019 Choreography by Christensen/Neary, Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Los Angeles Ballet gratefully acknowledges the following donors who have provided support during the 2023/2024 Season. OUR SUPPORTERS Home / Our Supporters / Our Supporters Los Angeles Ballet gratefully acknowledges the following donors who have provided support during the 2025/2026 Season. FOUNDERS $250,000 – $499,999 Michael & Lori Milken Family Foundation BENEFACTORS $100,000 – $249,999 Governor Gray & Sharon Davis (Ret) Terri & Jerry Kohl Koni & Geoff Rich PATRONS $50,000 – $99,999 Roberta K Dahl Trust Sandra Kanengiser | Jack and Goldie Nomberg Fund Debbie & Jimmy Lustig De Marchena Huyke Foundation Richard Merkin MD Milken Community School Erica & Sung Min ARTISTS $25,000 – $49,999 Jennifer Bellah Maguire & Stephen Maguire Michael and Patricia Berns Charitable Trust Anne Brilliant Lee & Ann Cooper Kelvin & Hana Davis Monica Garcia Duggal The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Giorgio Armani Corporation Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc Mary & Peter Gross Anne Hilby & Kevin Lloyd Dr. Ray & Ghada Irani Leonard Green & Partners Karen & Walter Loewenstern Corrine & Lenny Sands The Shubert Foundation Bruce & Jina Veaco CHAMPIONS $10,000 – $24,999 Bari Milken Bernstein & Fred J. Bernstein Terri & Timothy Childs Michael & Hannah An Dreyer ETRO Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Lori & Rob Goodman Andi & Jim Gordon The Greene Gordon Foundation Lisa Winship Hankin & Rockell Nathan Hankin Hart-Prins Charitable Fund Rahul Jandial | Sacred River Wines The Atwater James Family Fund Johnny Carson Foundation Kabor Family Foundation Anita Mann Kohl & Allen Kohl Los Angeles County Arts Commission McWilliams Family Charitable Fund Lance and Hillary Milken Foundation The Nicole & Allan Mutchnik Charitable Fund Lee Perlman Family Fund John & Jill Peters The Fran & Ray Stark Foundation Matilda & Stephen Sung UCLA Health - Johnese Spisso Benjamin & Rosemarie Weinstein Trust SUPPORTERS $5,000 – $9,999 Katya Bakat & Jean-Marc Chapus Robert M. and Diane S. Ballantyne Charitable Fund Bank of America The Barth Family Foundation Sarah Christian Camelia Davtyan Jenny Danzi Elias Eris&Larry Field Family Foundation Tom Flesh The Greene Family Foundation Frank Hu & Vikki Sung French Heritage Society, Southern California Chapter Monique & Jonathan Kagan Carolyn Langelier Mrs Anne Lukowski Linda May & Jack Suzar Forrest McCartney Gregory And EJ Milken Family Foundation Cheryl Nadjarian Renee Niles Poppy Paulos Elisa Shyu Bolduc Sheryl Sokoloff SUSTAINERS $2,500 – $4,999 Charlene Achki Repko Gerry & Hank Alpert Denise Avchen Veronica Bates Whithorne | Squid & Squash Foundation Jill & Allen Chozen Jeffrey Deaven Jonathan and Susan Dolgen Family Foundation Inc. David Fey Hilary Fey Cynthia & Ralph Finerman Mary Garis Dr. Linda Haack Marian Hall Barbara Herman Gail Hershowitz – Private Escrow Brook Hinchman & Tamara Kagel Barbara & Joel Marcus Kristin Payne Tiffany Phan Janet Rosenblatt Richard and Ellen Sandler Family Foundation Ava Shamban Sue Tsao Alan Wilson ADVOCATES $1,000 – $2,499 Laura Adler The Armillei Family Arian Foundation Sue Baumgarten Tiffany Beck Nicole Behesnilian Sonia Behrman Afshin & Maryam Beyzaee Les & Lynn Bider Family Foundation Roxy Bijan Marla Bleavins Rocio Bonsall Christina & Thomas Cadwell Stephanie Chami Mary Cleary & Turk O'Connor Brooke Cohen Connor Cohen Kristin Cooper Victoria Danhakl Sandy Ellison Effie Epstein Lewis R. Fisher Joan & Larry Flax Noriko Fujinama Connie Gavin Vlad Ghenciu Howard Gleitner Letizia & David Goldenberg Carol Goldsmith Mark Held Dayna Hester Devin Homsey Heather Horn Tim Hughes Jane Jelenko Laurel Clark Kathleen Kane (Eberhardt) Michael & Hillary Kanigher Family Charitable Fund Elizabeth Kathrein Erin Kim & Boyoung Yoon Joo Kim Pat & Mike Klowden Vicki Kulukjian Shireen Lee Hollis Leech Jia Li Bridget & Ty London Jenny Lones Maltzman Family Fund Marc Mandel Pamela Mischel Stacy Morris Lauren Nilsson Kim Noltemy Laura Nova Julie Okun Tatiana Pavlova-Coleman Amy Perrette Emilia Pirro Mandel Alle Popkes David Pullman | Structured Asset Sales Jack Rayner Judith Reichman Irene & Eytan Ribner Laura & Jamie Rosenwald Sara Rutenberg Ana Sofia Sada Zambrano Pamela Schaff Susan Shapiro Kathryn Shemanek & Cape Studios LLC Kristin Sigala Donna Slavik Carrie Soppe Robert Strauss Amy Tamayo Kevin Tagucci Steve Taub Siena Toll Tiffany Vojdani Dawn Wazzan Annie Weisman Frederick R Weisman Philanthropic Foundation Mary Ann Weisberg and Bryce Perry Foundation Sheila Weisman Karla Williams Austin & Nicol Wilson Paula Winner Barnett Kelly Young Scott Zolke FRIENDS $500 – $999 Halina Alter Danielle Ames Priscilla Angelich Stan Bartosiak Alyssa Beck Metuka Benjamin Dr. Susan Berman Amanda Birkhofer Leslie Birnbaum Grace Boland Natalie Boren Chris and Jasmine Bryant Family Fund Michael Burke Stephanie Burton Collyn Condon Mary Connolly Alicia Corby Amanda Donahoe Rajan Dosaj Katie Drake Ellen Dusch Walt Fidler Kristan Griffith Ronita Hay Christine Hessler Melody Hildebrandt Nancy Hoyt Heidi Jackson Hillary Janneck Sel Kardan Christopher Koelsh Christopher Kokonian Joanne Corday Kozberg Annette LaBarca Andrea Laks Rachel Lifschitz Michelle Linovitz Linda P. Maggard, L.P. Maggard Foundation Anna Major Ariana Mateen Kristin Mayes Rachael McCracken Paul Miller Sandy Oard Violet Ouyang | Amanpuri Charitable Trust SF & RL Pepper Family Foundation Virginia Pereira Nan Rae Ashley Ribeiro Jaremy Rich Christina Ritter Hannah Rodriguez Olga Sajkowski Nisha Scapa Natasha Schalcher Kevin Schmidt Kathryn Sher Silvern-Meister Family Fund Pam Smith Smith Giving Fund Joanne Takahashi Shannon Totino Corbett Tuck Mark Walberg Maia Wapnick Kate Wessels Jan Zimelis COMMUNITY $250 – $499 Jerry Chang Vicki Chou Julie David Lynne & Irwin Deutch Debra Felgen Langer Teri Fellman Judith Gonda Matthew Kohorst Patricia Kourt Mr. James Kronman Cindy Kui | The Wonderful Company Hanna McKean Margarita Mendez Ms. Roni Mueller Weston Olson Helen Reale Ms. Cathleen Sibley Elisa Smith Christine Soussa Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Weitman Dr. Tracey Wilen Chris Wilkey

Los Angeles Ballet is launching an exciting new partnership opportunity for Season 19! If you are a luxury brand seeking to bridge and advance the art forms of design and dance, please consider joining our LAB Brand Collaborators. Ways to Give Ways to Give / MEMORYHOUSE BARAK | RICHTER LIVE ORCHESTRA FUND OFF BALANCE Six ways to support Los Angeles Ballet. Give Online Make a secure gift in any amount at any time. GIVE ONLINE By Check Payable to: Los Angeles Ballet Mail to: Los Angeles Ballet 11755 Exposition Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 Donor-Advised Fund Recommend a grant from your DAF to: Los Angeles Ballet Tax ID: 20-1819852 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Stock & Securities Gifts of appreciated stock can offer significant tax advantages. To arrange a transfer, contact our Director of Development. Olivia O'Connor Director of Development (310) 477-7411 ext 1006 oloconnor@losangelesballet.org Wire Transfer For bank wire instructions, please contact our Director of Development directly. Olivia O'Connor Director of Development (310) 477-7411 ext 1006 oloconnor@losangelesballet.org IRA Gifts (QCD) If you're 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA can be a tax-smart way to give — directly to LAB, counting toward your required minimum distribution. Tax ID: 20-1819852 Ask About IRA Gifts. Contact our Director of Development. Olivia O'Connor Director of Development (310) 477-7411 ext 1006 oloconnor@losangelesballet.org Giving to LAB Throughout the year, Los Angeles Ballet offers focused giving opportunities that support artistic excellence, accessibility, education, and the creative community. Each campaign supports a vital part of LAB's work, from the stage to the community. CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT ARTISTIC INNOVATION FUND DANCERS WELLNESS FUND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FUND COSTUME, SCENIC, AND STAGING FUND

In 2025/2026, Los Angeles Ballet proudly celebrates its 20th Anniversary Season — two decades of artistry, innovation, and community. As we mark this milestone, we embrace what has always made Los Angeles extraordinary: the place to dream big. LAB embodies LA’s imaginative spirit — daring, unique, and forward-looking. Ballet is a transcendent art form that thrives within a broader creative network, and we believe it should be shared with, and enjoyed by, as many people as possible About 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. BECOME A MEMBER LOS ANGELES BALLET History Read the history of the Company and learn about LAB’s Leadership, Mission, and Community Outreach initiatives. LAB HISTORY Home / About / About LAB In 2025/2026, Los Angeles Ballet proudly celebrates its 20th Anniversary Season — two decades of artistry, innovation, and community. As we mark this milestone, we embrace what has always made Los Angeles extraordinary: the place to dream big. LAB embodies LA’s imaginative spirit — daring, unique, and forward-looking. Ballet is a transcendent art form that thrives within a broader creative network, and we believe it should be shared with, and enjoyed by, as many people as possible Our Mission LAB is committed to: Presenting bold new works and staging existing works by today’s most innovative dance-makers. Collaborating with diverse movement creators and artists across genres and design worlds. Expanding access and appreciation for ballet through wide-reaching community engagement, education, and outreach programs. Celebrating the individuality of our dancers and fostering a company culture that prioritizes their artistic, emotional, and physical well-being. About the Company For 20 years, Los Angeles Ballet has been the city’s own professional ballet company, known for staging classical, contemporary, romantic, and neoclassical works, pioneering new creations, and presenting relevant works by today’s most compelling choreographers. LAB’s original production of The Nutcracker has become a beloved holiday tradition, enchanting Los Angeles audiences as well as visitors from across the nation and the world. Led by Artistic Director Melissa Barak and Executive Director Julia Rivera, LAB performs in theaters across Los Angeles County including Royce Hall at UCLA, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, among others. As part of its mission to nurture a lifelong love of ballet, LAB provides free tickets to thousands of residents in underserved communities through its arts education initiative Power of Performance (POP!) . In 2012, LAB launched A Chance to Dance (ACTD), a hands-on outreach program offering free ballet and movement instruction for all ages. Founded in 2004 by Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, Artistic Directors Emeriti, and Julie Whittaker, Executive Director Emerita, Los Angeles Ballet continues to inspire the city it calls home — now celebrating 20 years of extraordinary dance and looking ahead to the next era.

At the Los Angeles Ballet’s annual gala, the classical dance company honored three multi-talented, multi-hyphenates — Jenna Dewan Tatum, Derek Hough and Adam Shankman — all of them dancers among other accomplishments and passionate on the subject of dance. Home / News / New Item Los Angeles Times Covers LAB Gala 2018 February 1, 2018 LA Times by Ellen Olivier At the Los Angeles Ballet’s annual gala, the classical dance company honored three multi-talented, multi-hyphenates — Jenna Dewan Tatum, Derek Hough and Adam Shankman — all of them dancers among other accomplishments and passionate on the subject of dance. “Dance is my everything,” Dewan said during the cocktail hour. “All roads lead back to dance for me,” added the actress, dancer and host of “World of Dance.” “No matter what I do in my career, no matter what I do in my life, being a dancer informs me. It’s who I am.” A judge on “World of Dance,” Hough, an actor-dancer-author-choreographer, said he took his first official lesson at age 10, “but if I look at old home videos of myself and my family, and I can see we were dancing in our living room since we were born.” Hough holds a record on “Dancing With the Stars,” having won six mirror balls. Shankman said later from the podium, “As the story goes, I actually emerged from my mother doing cartwheels with a top hat and cane. … I dance to live and I live to dance, and God willing, I’ll die doing a cartwheel, still clutching my cane.” (The producer-director-choreographer’s current project is the “Enchanted” sequel, “Disenchanted.”) The Los Angeles Ballet celebrated “Swan Lake” on Feb. 24 with a black and white themed-gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. More than $1 million was raised for its programming and educational outreach. Artistic directors Colleen Neary and Thordal Christensen introduced the dancers, who performed excerpts from “Swan Lake.” The interpretation of Spanish, Neapolitan, Hungarian and Russian folk dances and elegant black swan pas de deux were then followed by a young troupe from “A Chance to Dance,” Los Angeles Ballet’s program of free classes. Disney star Sofia Carson said earlier in the evening that she had recently taught one of these classes, which are offered to children ages 2 and older. Attending the gala with her sister Paulina, Carson said, “I was 3 when I took my first dance lesson, and it changed my life forever.” (She also said that her film “Descendants 3” would shoot in Vancouver this summer.) Mark L. Walberg, host of “Antiques Roadshow,” emceed the affair, with presenters Nigel Lythgoe, Brad Goreski and Mark Ballas; guests Camilla Belle, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Kimberly and James Van Der Beek, and others. Kirsten Sarkisian and Leslie Kavanaugh were co-chairs of the event, along with honorary committee chairs Sharon and Gray Davis, Marilyn and Robert Day, Ghada and Ray Irani, Lori and Michael Milken, Linda La Kretz-Duttenhaver and Richard Merkin. Tickets for the 325-plus guests began at $500, and tables ranged to $100,000. Proceeds also included a silent auction and additional donations. After suggesting that the crowd raise a glass to Los Angeles Ballet, “our beloved home team,” which he’d earlier described as “my Dodgers,” Shankman spoke, not only of his love of dance but also of the importance of supporting the arts. “If we are to leave any legacy of value to the next generations,” he said, “then it is our responsibility to support in every way imaginable institutions like the Los Angeles Ballet, and to do everything in our power both to bring people to us, and also to go into the communities, and to help this generation know that there is more to life than darkness and division and the arduous fight for justice, or even simply to be seen to feel safe.” READ ARTICLE AT SOURCE