2 2023/2024 Season > Photo Gallery > 2013/2014 Quartet 2014 Allynne Noelle, Christopher Revels & Alexander Castillo Allynne Noelle & Alexander Castillo Allynne Noelle & Alexander Castillo Allyssa Bross, Zheng Hua Li & Dustin True Allyssa Bross, Zheng Hua Li & Dustin True Allyssa Bross, Zheng Hua Li & Dustin True Allyssa Bross, Zheng Hua Li & Dustin True Julia Cinquemani, Kate Highstrete, Chelsea Paige Johnston, Alyssa Bross & Bianca Bulle LAB Ensemble Chelsea Paige Johnston, Alexander Castillo & Zheng Hua Li Alexander Castillo & LAB Ensemble Allynne Noelle & Dustin True Allynne Noelle & Dustin True Chloe Sherman & Robert Mulvey Julia Cinquemani & LAB Ensemble Julia Cinquemani & LAB Ensemble Julia Cinquemani Bianca Bulle Allynne Noelle & Kenta Shimizu Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross, Kenta Shimizu & LAB Ensemble Allynne Noelle, Christopher Revels & Alexander Castillo Allynne Noelle & Alexander Castillo Allynne Noelle & Alexander Castillo Allyssa Bross, Zheng Hua Li & Dustin True Allyssa Bross, Zheng Hua Li & Dustin True Allyssa Bross, Zheng Hua Li & Dustin True Allyssa Bross, Zheng Hua Li & Dustin True Julia Cinquemani, Kate Highstrete, Chelsea Paige Johnston, Alyssa Bross & Bianca Bulle LAB Ensemble Chelsea Paige Johnston, Alexander Castillo & Zheng Hua Li Alexander Castillo & LAB Ensemble Allynne Noelle & Dustin True Allynne Noelle & Dustin True Chloe Sherman & Robert Mulvey Julia Cinquemani & LAB Ensemble Julia Cinquemani & LAB Ensemble Julia Cinquemani Bianca Bulle Allynne Noelle & Kenta Shimizu Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross, Kenta Shimizu & LAB Ensemble Return to a Strange Land – Kylián / Janácek, Beneath One's Dignity – Tayeh / Sigurðsson, Cipher – Stowell / Agruss,Stars and Stripes – Balanchine / Kay after Sousa Previous Gallery Next Gallery All photos by Reed Hutchinson Click on image for a fullscreen presentation.

LAB's Open Children's Audition for The Nutcracker September 19, 2022 Los Angeles Ballet held open auditions for children who want to be part of the 2022/2023 Season production of “The Nutcracker” on Sunday. The event at the Dolby Theatre was attended by children ages 6 to 13. ​ ​ READ ARTICLE AT SOURCE 2023/2024 Season > News > Previous Item Next Item

2 2023/2024 Season > Photo Gallery > Season 2012-2013 Christensen/Neary Mia Katz & Nicolas de la Vega in 'The Nutcracker' by Christensen/Neary Bianca Bulle in 'The Nutcracker' by Christensen/Neary Zheng Hua Li in 'The Nutcracker' by Christensen/Neary Snowflakes Ensemble in 'The Nutcracker' by Christensen/Neary Helena Thordal-Christensen, David Block & Nicholas de la Vega in 'The Nutcracker' by Christensen/Neary Julia Cinquemani & Alexander Castillo in 'The Nutcracker' by Christensen/Neary Allynne Noelle & Ulrik Birkkjaer in 'The Nutcracker' by Christensen/Neary Allynne Noelle & Zheng Hua Li and Ensemble in George Balanchine's 'La Sonnambula' Allynne Noelle & Zheng Hua Li in George Balanchine's 'La Sonnambula' Chelsea Paige Johnstin & Zheng Hua Li in George Balanchine's 'La Sonnambula' Chelsea Paige Johnstin & Zheng Hua Li in George Balanchine's 'La Sonnambula' Julia Cinquemani & Alyssa Bross and Ensemble in George Balanchine's 'Concerto Barocco' Julia Cinquemani & Alexander Castillo and Ensemble in George Balanchine's 'Concerto Barocco' Allynne Noelle & Kenta Shimizu in George Balanchine's 'Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux' Allyssa Bross & Ulrik Birkkjaer in George Balanchine's 'Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux' Ulrik Birkkjaer in George Balanchine's 'Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux' Kenta Shimizu & Ensemble in George Balanchine's 'The Four Temperaments' Allyssa Bross & Christopher Revels in George Balanchine's 'The Four Temperaments' Kenta Shimizu & Ensemble in George Balanchine's 'The Four Temperaments' Kate Highstrete & Christopher Revels in George Balanchine's 'The Four Temperaments' Chelsea Paige Johnston & Alexander Castillo and Ensemble in 'La Valse' Allyssa Bross & Zheng Hua Li in 'La Valse' Allyssa Bross & Zheng Hua Li in 'La Valse' Allyssa Bross & Zheng Hua Li in 'La Valse' Previous Gallery Next Gallery All photos by Reed Hutchinson Click on image for a fullscreen presentation.

Colleen Neary in Orlando January 31, 2007 In January and February of this year, Colleen Neary is traveling by invitation to Orlando, Florida to set George Balanchine’s Agon and stage his Serenade and Who Cares? for Orlando Ballet. Company News from the Staff at LAB 2023/2024 Season > News > Previous Item Next Item

2023/2024 Season > Dancers > Joyce and Aubrey Chernick & Richard J. Riordan Character Artist James Zhenghua Li Hometown Shen Yang, China Schools Shen Yang Arts Academy Companies Guangzhou Ballet Los Angeles Ballet 12th Season Next Dancer Previous Dancer

2023/2024 Season > Dancers > Santiago Paniagua Hometown Boston, Massachusetts Seasons with LAB 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 Santiago started dancing at the age of 8 through Boston Ballet's inner city outreach program 'Citydance.' He joined Boston Ballet School soon after and completed his training at 18. He then joined Philadelphia Ballet 2 and was promoted to Apprentice after two years. Santiago joined Los Angeles Ballet in 2021 and is currently dancing his third season with the company. MEET THE DANCERS LOS ANGELES BALLET Repertoire Learn about the comprehensive and varied seasons of Los Angeles Ballet since its debut in 2006. Repertoire includes stunning classical ballets, exceptional stagings of Balanchine repertory, and relevant works by many of today’s most innovative dance-makers. VIEW REPERTOIRE LOS ANGELES BALLET 2023/2024 Season This season includes exciting works by master choreographers Justin Peck, Hans van Manen, Yuri Possokhov and George Balanchine, and another world premiere by LAB Artistic Director, Melissa Barak. Plus, LA's holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Subscriptions and Single Tickets on Sale Now! DOWNLOAD SEASON BROCHURE

2023/2024 Season > Subscribe > Saturday Night Series Saturday Night Series Series B SELECT The Nutcracker Dec. 2, 2023 – 6:00 PM Pasadena Civic Auditorium Next Steps Mar. 23, 2024 – 7:30 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade May 11, 2024 – 7:30 PM Pasadena Civic Auditorium Start Now Series C SELECT The Nutcracker Dec. 9, 2023 – 5 PM Royce Hall Next Steps Mar. 23, 2024 – 7:30 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade June 1, 2024 – 7:30 PM Royce Hall Start Now Series D SELECT The Nutcracker Dec 16, 2023 – 5:00 PM Redondo Beach PAC Next Steps Mar 23, 2024 – 7:30 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade May 25, 2024 – 7:30 PM Redondo Beach PAC Start Now Series E INQUIRE with Box Office The Nutcracker Dec. 23, 2023 – 7:30 PM Dolby Theatre * Next Steps Mar. 23, 2024 – 7:30 PM The Broad Stage Firebird & Serenade May 11, 2024 – 7:30 PM Pasadena Civic Auditorium Start Now Select Venue

2 2023/2024 Season > Photo Gallery > 2014/2015 The Sleeping Beauty 2015 Allyssa Bross as Aurora Allynne Noelle as The Lilac Fairy Fairy Ensemble Colleen Neary as Carabosse Allyssa Bross with LAB Ensemble Allynne Noelle Kenta Shimizu as Prince Desire & Allynne Noelle as The Lilac Fairy Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Bianca Bulle as The Diamond Julia Cinquemani as Princess Florine Julia Cinquemani as Princess Florine & Luke Schaufuss as The Bluebird Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu LAB Ensemble Allyssa Bross as Aurora Allynne Noelle as The Lilac Fairy Fairy Ensemble Colleen Neary as Carabosse Allyssa Bross with LAB Ensemble Allynne Noelle Kenta Shimizu as Prince Desire & Allynne Noelle as The Lilac Fairy Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Bianca Bulle as The Diamond Julia Cinquemani as Princess Florine Julia Cinquemani as Princess Florine & Luke Schaufuss as The Bluebird Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu Allyssa Bross & Kenta Shimizu LAB Ensemble Christensen and Neary after Petipa / Tchaikovsky Previous Gallery Next Gallery All photos by Reed Hutchinson Click on image for a fullscreen presentation.

Los Angeles Ballet opening weekend of ‘Swan Lake’ March 5, 2012 Bird-watchers flocked to UCLA’s Royce Hall over the weekend as Los Angeles Ballet, now in its sixth season, continued to prove its pointe shoe prowess with the premiere of “Swan Lake.” And while everything was not always picture-perfect Saturday, husband-and-wife directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, who choreographed the four-act work after Petipa and Ivanov, continue to confound balletic naysayers with their little company that could. A classic bipolar drama of joy and tragedy set to Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score (heard here, alas, on tape), “Swan Lake” lives and dies -– literally –- by its Odette/Odile, the sweetly vulnerable white swan/cunningly malevolent black swan. (Additional performances with cast changes are on tap in four other venues). A sturdy, stylish corps is also a must. And though Allynne Noelle’s Odette captivated with fragile, fluttering arms and superb footwork (Allyssa Bross alternates in the role), the dancer’s Odile was more smiles than seduction, her Act III fouettés less a study in surety than traveling –- or was it fatigue? One hopes, over time, that Noelle will come to fully embody both avians. The well-drilled corps, though lovely in held poses, is short on emotionally expressive steps, a cygnet requirement for representing unadulterated femininity. In the challenging pas de quatre (Bianca Bulle, Julia Cinquemani, Ariel Derby and Sophie Silna), technique again trumped finesse, another sign of LAB’s youthful makeup. As every Swan Queen needs a noble Siegfried, Kenta Shimizu was not only a gallant partner but also a thrilling soloist. His Act III variations shimmered with airy-as-meringue leaps, his landings rock solid. Also notable: Guest artist Akimitsu Yahata’s Jester generated heat with splashy split kicks, Christopher Revels’ Benno made easy work of his jetés and Christopher McDaniel’s Neapolitan dance (with Isabel Vondermuhll) was sassy and precise. A requisitely nasty Von Rothbart, Nicolas de la Vega as the bare-chested, cape-swooshing sorcerer, boosted the drama, especially in his final death throes. Kudos, also, to Oregon Ballet Theatre’s scenery and costumes: Neo-opulent castle and moonlit forest backdrops accentuated plush royal garb and crisp, sparkly tutus. While this “Swan Lake” may feature a bit of fowl play, its heart is in the right place. Long may Los Angeles Ballet spread its wings. -- Victoria Looseleaf Los Angeles Ballet’s “Swan Lake,” Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. 7:30 p.m. March 10; Also: Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. 7:30 p.m. March 17; Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 7:30 p.m., March 24; Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 7:30 p.m., March 31. $24-$95. (310) 998-7782. www.losangelesballet.org Los Angeles Times by Victoria Looseleaf DOWNLOAD PDF 2023/2024 Season > News > Previous Item Next Item

2 2023/2024 Season > Photo Gallery > Season 2008-2009 George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine Jennifer Backhaus George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine August Boumonville August Boumonville August Boumonville August Boumonville August Boumonville August Boumonville Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine Jennifer Backhaus George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine George Balanchine August Boumonville August Boumonville August Boumonville August Boumonville August Boumonville August Boumonville Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Previous Gallery Next Gallery All photos by Reed Hutchinson Click on image for a fullscreen presentation.

Passing the Balanchine Baton May 15, 2013 An elite group of artists called “repetiteurs “ carry on the works of one of the greatest choreographic masters of all time, George Balanchine. For 30 years since his death on April 30, 1983, these human “style guides” for the Balanchine aesthetic have served as guardians of his expansive repertoire of nearly 400 works, and storytellers of his legacy. Many have danced the roles themselves under his tutelage, such as Colleen Neary, co-artistic director of Los Angeles Ballet. She, along with about 30 other New York City Ballet disciples -- the acclaimed ballet company that he founded in 1948 -- have the stamp of approval from the Balanchine Trust to stage the choreographer’s works. As such, they travel the world ensuring that professional ballet companies who present Balanchine on their playbill, perform it, just so. “There was always a style and way of dancing the role that was very important to him,” Neary says. “He gave you the freedom to do what you wanted but not to the extreme where it took the piece another direction. And we grew up around that style - we saw what he wanted. We all respect each other but we all have differences in the years we danced with Balanchine and for versions we danced in. When I danced “Rubies” and “Symphony in C” in the same roles as my sister, [Patricia Neary for whom many roles were created by Balanchine], she was a decade before me, and he may have changed it for me, or changed his mind on certain timings. He changed as he went along. We always say ‘Before Death.’ Those are the years we look at. And after he died, things kept changing, so we try to keep it as tight as we can,” she says. Noelle “Rubies” Neary danced as a soloist from 1969 to 1979 in The New York City Ballet under the direction of Balanchine. Like her sister, she also had numerous roles created for her by Balanchine, as well as by other acclaimed choreographers such as Peter Martins, Jacques d’Amboise and others, throughout her career. Now Neary is poised to pass the Balanchine baton to a new generation of dancers at her own company, which she founded nine years ago with husband and former Royal Danish Ballet and New York City Ballet dancer Thordal Christensen. To commemorate Mr. B’s death (as he’s called fondly) and to celebrate his work, Los Angeles Ballet recently launched a Balanchine Festival 2013. Having just wrapped “Balanchine Gold” in March and April, Los Angeles Ballet recently launched part two of the series, “Balanchine Red” across Southern California that runs through June 9. Balanchine Red features his works, “Agon,” “La Valse,” and “Rubies.” The next performance takes place Saturday, May 18 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, followed by a night at the Valley Performing Arts Center May 25, an afternoon at the Alex Theatre May 26 and ending at Royce Hall June 9. Each performance is accompanied by lectures prior to curtain by experts in Balanchine’s work, including Kent Stowell, Francia Russell, Lewis Segal, Victoria Loos leaf, and of course, Neary herself. One of Los Angeles Ballet’s principal dancers is Southern California native Allynne Noelle. A tall, lithe figure who crackles on stage, Noelle has been with the company since 2011, coming from Miami City Ballet where she also performed Balanchine under the direction of Eddie Villella, another former principal dancer with New York City Ballet. Kenta, Noelle, “TchaiPas” “I like ‘Rubies’ ‘Tall Girl.’ LOVE Jewels as a whole ballet. Oh, and ‘Tchai Pas’ is fun (that’s ballet slang for 1960’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux),” she says, ticking off her favorite Balanchine ballets similar to how someone of a different milieu might rattle off pop music hits. “I really like “Apollo” too, but I’ve never performed it.” In Los Angeles Ballet’s “Balanchine Festival Red,” Noelle will dance the Pas de Deux in the notoriously challenging Agon (1957) an abstract masterpiece in which nary a note is lost on movement; and she will revisit “Tall Girl” in Rubies (1967). The fact that Neary has coached her in a masterpiece that Neary herself has danced for the master is clearly not lost on her. “I was a little scared at first because I know [Neary] has done the role,” she says. “Colleen gives me the freedom to do what I want with the role as an artist, but if there’s a step that isn’t right she lets me know. Even though it’s crazy hard technically, it’s artistically freeing.” Neary is quick to dispel any notion that she expects a cookie cutter interpretation of how she performed the part. “It’s perfect for Allynne. I give her feedback as to how I did it, but I don’t like to say: ‘This is MY role!’; even though you might feel like it’s your role. I want to train the next generation who are dancing the Balanchine ballets and dancing them well so eventually The Balanchine Trust might approve them to stage the ballets. The Balanchine Trust is very tight with [its] mechanism, and typically, they come from New York City Ballet. But I think it’s important for those of us who are with other companies to train the next generation to be able to rehearse his work,” she says. Mr. B, Pat, Colleen. Meanwhile Neary’s next repetiteur “gig” will be with the Paris Opera Ballet staging the original “Symphony in C” called “Palais de Cristal.” Neary also invites other repetiteurs to Los Angeles to stage Balanchine on Los Angeles Ballet dancers. “It’s good for the dancers to work with someone different. Although sometimes it’s hard for me to keep my mouth shut,” she laughs. Noelle, a self-proclaimed repetiteur in waiting, is one of six dancers with Los Angeles Ballet from Southern California. Noelle grew up in Huntington Beach and began classical ballet training at age 5. She remembers limited exposure to professional productions beyond seeing New York-based companies like New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and “the occasional Russian company” breeze through to perform. “The cultural growth (in Southern California) has been exponential since then,” Noelle says. “I’m so happy to be back here dancing in a company that offers the opportunity to perform such great ballets. Last time I was on stage performing ‘Tchai Pas’ I thought, ‘Wow, this is my job. Should I really be having this much fun?’” KCET by AC Remler DOWNLOAD PDF 2023/2024 Season > News > Previous Item Next Item

Colleen Neary travels to Portland & Moscow January 1, 2008 The ballet ends with a terrible image. Madge pulls the fallen James up by the hair to see his beloved but dead Sylph float up into the heavens. With insouciant flicks of her wrists, Madge then dismisses James’ lifeless form. All in a day’s work, she seems to say, and easy work at that. Final curtain. Company News from the Staff at LAB 2023/2024 Season > News > Previous Item Next Item