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Taylor Hugens Hometown Pasadena, CA Seasons with LAB 2024/2025 Taylor began her dance training at the age of three with Pasadena Civic Ballet, where she studied until her graduation in 2023. Throughout her formative years, she had the privilege of training under accomplished instructors and performing lead roles in various productions there. In addition to her foundational training, Taylor further honed her skills at programs, including the School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre, New York. For the 2023/24 season, she joined Los Angeles Ballet as a trainee, where she performed in notable works such as The Nutcracker , George Balanchine’s Serenade , and Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird . She also had the honor of guesting at Westside Ballet's gala, performing as First Violin in Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco , staged by Patricia Neary. Taylor will continue her journey with Los Angeles Ballet as an apprentice for the 2024/25 season.

2024/2025 Season / The Nutcracker / December 6, 2024, 7:30pm / Need Assistance? Email / (310) 998-7782 Login

2014-2015 Season Expansion June 1, 2014 LAB Public Relations LAB’s 9th season includes three full-length romantic story ballets with music by Tchaikovsky and a mixed bill program Los Angeles Ballet Co-Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary are excited to unveil LAB’s 2014-2015 season, which includes the Tchaikovsky Trilogy, with three full-length ballets featuring the music of Peter Tchaikovsky, plus a mixed bill program of 20th century masterworks. LAB’s ninth season marks the addition of a fall program for a total of four programs, an expansion from 3 productions in all of its previous seasons. A major goal of Los Angeles Ballet’s long-term plan, LAB is pleased to achieve this in Season 9! The Tchaikovsky Trilogy includes a new production of The Sleeping Beauty , the return of the company’s critically-acclaimed productions of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker all with choreography by Artistic Directors Christensen and Neary, and closes with a mixed bill program that will include works by 20th century choreographic masters. Continuing LAB’s mission to offer world-class professional ballet to greater LA, its programs are performed at LAB’s home theaters: UCLA’s Royce Hall, Glendale’s Alex Theatre, Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge and Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. In addition, LAB is proud to announce that in December of this year it will present four performances of The Nutcracker at its newest venue - the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. LAB opens the season and its first fall program with the full-length Swan Lake (October/November 2014). The company premiered this production during the 2011-2012 season with sold out shows. “After Swan Lake sold out most performances, we had many requests to bring it back. Swan Lake is the perfect way to launch this expanded season and respond to our audience requests.” Mr. Christensen explained. The holidays welcome LAB’s popular The Nutcracker set in 1913 Los Angeles (December 2014). Additional matinees offer more opportunities to see this family favorite and enjoy some of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved music. Spring 2015 opens with the premiere of LAB’s new production of The Sleeping Beauty (February/March) with choreography by Mr. Christensen and Ms. Neary after the original choreography by Marius Petipa. “We have wanted to present The Sleeping Beauty for several years. The Tchaikovsky score is irresistible, but it is a big, classical ballet that requires a lot from all of the dancers, not just the Principals,” Ms. Neary said. “It’s an important measure of how the company has grown that we know LAB is ready to bring this magnificent ballet to life.” The season will close with Directors’ Choice , a mixed bill program that will include Theme and Variations by George Balanchine, (also with music by Tchaikovsky), and two other choreographic luminaries (May/June 2015). The specific repertoire will be announced later in 2014. About Los Angeles Ballet Founded in 2004 by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, and Executive Director Julie Whittaker, Los Angeles Ballet is known for its superb stagings of the Balanchine repertory, stylistically meticulous classical ballets, and its commitment to new works. LAB has become recognized as a world-class ballet company in eight seasons, presenting 24 productions encompassing 50 works, including 15 commissioned world premieres. Los Angeles Ballet ‘tours’ throughout LA County, regularly appearing at four venues. In 2013, the Los Angeles Music Center presented Los Angeles Ballet at Grand Park, with more than 3,000 attending the outdoor performance. In June 2014, Los Angeles Ballet will tour outside of California for the first time, presenting La Sylphide and Serenade to Seattle, Washington audiences at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. Since its inception in 2006, LAB’s Power of Performance (POP!) program has provided thousands of free tickets to underserved or disadvantaged children, seniors, veterans, and their families. LAB's A Chance to Dance Community Days outreach program was launched in October 2012. About Thordal Christensen Among Thordal Christensen’s many credentials are an impressive performing career, successful leadership of one of the world's major ballet companies, critically applauded original choreography, and a proven commitment to dance education. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Christensen received his ballet training at The Royal Danish Ballet School and at the School of American Ballet in New York City before a performance career that included the Royal Danish Ballet, New York City Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Christensen then returned to Denmark where he was Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet. This blend of Bournonville and Balanchine tradition is one of the defining themes of his career, and has shaped the unique artistic vision that Christensen, along with his wife Colleen Neary, bring to Los Angeles Ballet. In 2002, he was made Knight of the Dannebrog by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. About Colleen Neary Colleen Neary brings to Los Angeles Ballet the benefits of her vast experience as one of George Balanchine's quintessential ballerinas. In her experience as a dancer, teacher, and ballet mistress, she also worked closely with other luminaries of 20th century dance, including Rudolf Nureyev, Maurice Béjart, and Jiří Kylián. Born in Miami, Florida and trained at The School of American Ballet, Neary danced in New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine, then for Maurice Béjart's Ballet du XXième Siecle , and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Neary was personally selected by Balanchine to teach his choreography to major companies all over the world as a repetiteur for The George Balanchine Trust. DOWNLOAD PDF Home / News / New Item

Los Angeles Ballet Center Opens June 1, 2008 Company News from the Staff at LAB Los Angeles Ballet announces the opening of the Los Angeles Ballet Center, the new home of LAB and the Los Angeles Ballet School. Home / News / New Item

Bryce Broedell Hometown Hobesound, FL Seasons with LAB 2024/2025 Bryce began his formal dance training at age 6 at Artstage in Palm Beach County, Florida. At 11, he was cast as the Prince in Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker , a role he performed for two consecutive years. This pivotal opportunity launched his pre-professional training at Ballet East Palm Beach, leading to further professional training with Miami City Ballet, the School of American Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. At 16, he moved to Los Angeles to attend The Colburn Dance Academy. After graduating in 2023, Bryce joined Los Angeles Ballet as a trainee, earned his apprenticeship that spring, and was promoted to Company member for the 2024/2025 season.

Hannah Keene Hometown Wellesley, Massachusetts Seasons with LAB 2016/2017, 2017/2028, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 Hannah began her training at Boston Ballet School at the age of 5. She was hired as a member of Boston Ballet II at age 17 where she spent two seasons. She then danced for three years at the Kansas City Ballet before joining Los Angeles Ballet in 2017. During her career, she has enjoyed dancing featured roles in ballets by George Balanchine, Val Caniparoli, Annabelle Ochoa Lopez, Septime Weber, and Christopher Wheeldon among many others. Hannah is also a ballet teacher and certified Pilates teacher.

Andrew Conrad Hometown Seasons with LAB 2023/2024 Bio Available Shortly

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.

Video Gallery Choreography by Christensen/Neary, Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker 2019 Home / Video Gallery

News Browse by Year Review: The Los Angeles Ballet Steps Out With Barak’s MemoryHouse July 5, 2023 Memoryhouse, Melissa Barak's first full evening length ballet, choreographed to the 2002 Max Richter album of the same name, was performed at Broadstage in Santa Monica for three nights, June 15-17, 2023, as the concluding pieces of Barak's first season as Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Ballet. READ ARTICLE Los Angeles Ballet Enchants with Nutcracker Tradition December 28, 2022 After seeing Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker this past Thursday during a 2pm matinee at The Dolby Theatre, I am convinced it’s the only time of day to see the ballet. READ ARTICLE LAB's Open Children's Audition for The Nutcracker September 19, 2022 KTLA filmed children attending The Nutcracker audition at Dolby Theatre, hoping to obtain a role in children's scenes of this holiday tradition in LA. READ ARTICLE For the first time, Los Angeles Ballet will have one artistic director: Melissa Barak August 24, 2022 On Wednesday the Los Angeles Ballet announced that its Board of Directors has appointed dancer and choreographer Melissa Barak as the company’s artistic director. READ ARTICLE Review: Los Angeles Ballet Blooms Exquisite April 27, 2022 The opening season of the Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary’s Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) 2021-2022 on The Broad Stage was a major growth spurt for the company. It showed the strength of the fe/male dancers, and an excellent inclusion of new blood into the company. READ ARTICLE Jennifer Bellah Maguire Elected Chair of Los Angeles Ballet Board of Directors December 2, 2021 Attorney Jennifer Bellah Maguire was elected Chair of LAB Board of Directors on November 18, 2021. She joined the Los Angeles Ballet Board as a founding member in 2005, and has been a passionate advocate for building and sustaining the company. READ ARTICLE Behind the Scenes of Los Angeles Ballet November 21, 2021 Los Angeles Ballet has grown to become a world-class ballet company known for its classical ballets, innovative performances and a repertory inspired by George Balanchine. Here, Colleen Neary takes us behind the scenes. READ ARTICLE A Wonderfully Refreshing Los Angeles Ballet Performs at The Alex Theatre October 10, 2018 Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary’s, wonderfully refreshing Los Angeles Ballet opened their 2018/19 season at the Alex Theatre on Saturday, October 6, with the prolific and brilliant Aszure Barton’s Les Chambres des Jacques. READ ARTICLE Review: LA Ballet season opens with adventurous and flirtatious ‘Modern Moves’ October 7, 2018 Like adventurous pioneers, Los Angeles Ballet stepped into uncharted territory Saturday for its season opener, “Modern Moves,” which introduced Aszure Barton’s “Les Chambres des Jacques” and Alejandro Cerrudo’s “Lickety-Split” into the company’s repertory at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. READ ARTICLE Point Magazine features LAB Dancer Jasmine Perry February 27, 2018 Los Angeles Ballet’s Jasmine Perry on her effortlessly cool looks in an out of the studio. READ ARTICLE Los Angeles Times Covers LAB Gala 2018 February 1, 2018 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. READ ARTICLE Balanchine Casts a Spell March 13, 2017 Dancers who were new to every role gave the challenging three-part program by Los Angeles Ballet on Saturday the thrills of a high-wire act without a net. Would anyone fall? READ ARTICLE LA Observed End-of-Year 2016 Review December 27, 2016 Call them a team. Some team. They are, arguably, the greatest living theater artist and the greatest living dancing actor, in magical cahoots with each other. Namely, Robert Wilson and Mikhail Baryshnikov. READ ARTICLE Los Angeles Ballet At the Top of its Form October 20, 2016 Los Angeles Ballet ended its benchmark 10th season in June as the first American company to dance Frederick Ashton’s distinctively intimate and poetic “Romeo and Juliet.” Unfortunately, that season left the company fiscally overextended, so the 11th season, which opened Saturday, has cutbacks in the roster and the repertory. READ ARTICLE 11th Season Opening September 1, 2016 Los Angeles Ballet Co-Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary present classical and contemporary productions and honor the legacies of August Bournonville and George Balanchine for LAB’s eleventh season. READ ARTICLE LAB Dancer Elizabeth Claire Walker featured in Harvard Magazine June 1, 2016 "...A native of New York City, [Elisabeth Claire Walker] studied at American Ballet Theatre’s elite Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School as a teenager. READ ARTICLE LOAD MORE Home / News

Press Releases Home / Press Releases Press Releases Los Angeles Ballet Announces 2024-2025 Season August 21, 2024 The season includes a return of Artistic Director Melissa Barak's critically acclaimed Memoryhouse , Edwaard Liang's fairytale Cinderella , and Holiday favorite The Nutcracker . Plus the debut of the new program Off Balance in collaboration with artist Shantell Martin. DOWNLOAD PDF Los Angeles Ballet Announces the 2023/2024 Season, Artistic Director Melissa Barak's Inaugural Programmed Season September 20, 2023 The new season includes works by choreographers Justin Peck, Hans Van Manen, Yuri Po ssokhov, George Balanchine, and Melissa Barak DOWNLOAD Los Angeles Ballet Launches New Brand Identity Ahead of the 2023/2024 Season August 1, 2023 Los Angeles Ballet has released a preview of its reimagined brand identity under the new leadership of Artistic Director Melissa Barak. DOWNLOAD Los Angeles Ballet Announces Details of the 2023 Gala May 5, 2023 Los Angeles Ballet to honor philanthropists Jeff Polak and Alia Tutor at the 2023 Gala on Thursday, May 18 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. DOWNLOAD Los Angeles Ballet Announces 2022/2023 Season September 15, 2022 Los Angeles Ballet offers breathtaking contemporary masterworks, Los Angeles and LAB Premiers, a World Premier from Melissa Barak – LAB's new Artist Director, and LA's holiday tradition, The Nutcracker . DOWNLOAD Open Children's Audition for The Nutcracker Announced September 12, 2022 Los Angeles Ballet to hold an open audition on September 18, 2022 at Dolby Theater for classically trained child ballet dancers for a chance to perform in this season’s production of The Nutcracker . DOWNLOAD Melissa Barak Named New Artistic Director of LAB August 24, 2022 Los Angeles Ballet announced that its Board of Directors has appointed dancer and choreographer Melissa Barak as the company's artist director. DOWNLOAD LAB's NEW 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

Search Results / Search LAB 324 items found for "" LAB to Perform in Grand Park | Los Angeles Ballet LAB to Perform in Grand Park February 1, 2013 Company News from the Staff at LAB Los Angeles Ballet will perform at Grand Park on July 6, 2013 as part of The Music Center's L.A.'s Rite: Stravinsky, Innovation, and Dance, a festival honoring the 100th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky's Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring). The performance is free to the public and will be followed by a discussion with LAB Artistic Directors Colleen Neary and Thordal Christensen. "Los Angeles Ballet is pleased and honored to present collaborative masterpieces of George Balanchine and Igor Stravinsky for this occasion. George Balanchine was the innovator that changed classical dance forever, and is responsible for what it has become today. Together with his dear friend Igor Stravinsky they created works of pure musical and choreographic genius. These ballets remain timeless, an inspiration to us all," said Christensen and Neary. Home / News / New Item Jonas Tutaj – Company Dancer | Los Angeles Ballet Jonas Tutaj Hometown Chicago, Illinois Seasons with LAB 2022/2023, 2023/2024 Bio Available Shortly LAB Dancer Christopher McDaniel Gets Published | Los Angeles Ballet LAB Dancer Christopher McDaniel Gets Published August 2, 2013 Company News from the Staff at LAB Los Angeles Ballet dancer Christopher McDaniel has added published author to his long list of accomplishments. His story, "A Dance with Destiny," was included in the recently published Chicken Soup for the Soul: From Lemons to Lemonade. Purchase the book now to read Christopher's inspiring story. READ ARTICLE AT SOURCE Home / News / New Item Colleen Neary in Orlando | Los Angeles Ballet Colleen Neary in Orlando January 31, 2007 Company News from the Staff at LAB 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. Home / News / New Item Los Angeles Ballet polishes 'The Nutcracker" | Los Angeles Ballet Los Angeles Ballet polishes 'The Nutcracker" December 5, 2011 Los Angeles Times by Jean Lenihan Continuing to establish itself as a spirited and sophisticated -- if itinerant -- ballet company, Los Angeles Ballet opened its 2011-12 season over the weekend at the Alex Theatre in Glendale with a memorable cast for its distinctive, inspired “The Nutcracker.” As helmed by artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, Los Angeles Ballet’s “Nutcracker” delivers an admirable depth and intelligence of design combined with a light-handed approach to the ballet’s traditional Christmas-party characterizations and plot line. Catherine Kanner’s luscious Act 1 setting is 1912 Los Angeles, an interior drawing room so plush and timbered that even with its electric lights it still feels redolent of Tchaikovsky’s time. Inhabiting this velvety parlor, the pale, winsome Clara (Mia Katz) and her incandescent Uncle Drosselmeyer (Nicolas de la Vega) make a poetic pair, and it’s easy to root for their partnership. Usually an aged, menacing creature, Drosselmeyer is drawn here as blessedly young and gregarious. De la Vega’s sweeping gestures and scampering feet swell to light the whole stage. In lovely contrast, young Katz’s pale, long limbs move tentatively toward full expression, finally unleashing a full rush of joy when she receives her enchanting, full-sized Nutcracker doll (Nathaniel Solis). All the ensuing Act I scenes -- mice battles, tree expansion, blizzard of human snowflakes -- seem to extend from and amplify Clara’s core excitement over this special gift. Set in the amorphous “Palace of the Dolls,” Act 2 fails to sustain the momentum of Act 1, but that’s no shock. Few “Nutcrackers” figure out how to unify this hodgepodge of revved-up divertissements. Christensen and Neary attend to the structural flaw with some lovely touches (members of the different sections interact frequently on the sidelines; Clara comes from her viewing perch to hug the fairies before they depart), yet there’s room to improve their thematic grouping here. The divertissements -- a mix of Land of Sweets and Exotics (Arabian coffee, Spanish, Russian, Mother Gingerbread) combined with a reprisal of the commedia dell’arte dolls (in place of Chinese) and no Mirlitones section -- really become a smorgasbord of free-floating fairy-tale dreams. As Marie and her Cavalier, newly named company principals Allyssa Bross and Christopher Revels hit all the fouettés and fish dives, though Bross looks somewhat defrocked in Mikael Meybye’s short, simple tutu with three vertical red bows. Vivid power shone from standout soloists Chehon Wespi-Tschopp (Cossack doll) and Allynne Noelle (the Rose), while the crowd went mad for the repeat partnership of Julia Cinquemani and Alexander Castillo (Arabian). While Los Angeles Ballet certainly deserves its own theater, the troupe is a mightily impressive touring company. The quality of the recorded music, from musical director Michael Andreas, boosts this further. Los Angeles Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Los Angeles. 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18. Also: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redond DOWNLOAD PDF Home / News / New Item Los Angeles Ballet to Debut Giselle | Los Angeles Ballet Los Angeles Ballet to Debut Giselle April 19, 2011 ​ LAB Public Relations Season 5 Culminates with a Gala Celebrating the Achievements of Five Years April 19, 2011 – Los Angeles Ballet [LAB] Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary are pleased to present Giselle , the timeless story of a young peasant girl who, betrayed by her lover, dies of a broken heart. The Company continues to build a repertoire that underscores the creative leadership of its artistic directors, presenting timeless classics as well as innovative choreography from today’s contemporary artists. The full-length premiere of Giselle , with choreography by Artistic Director Thordal Christensen (after Coralli, Perrot and Petipa), is no exception. First premiered in 1841, Giselle is one of the most beloved romantic ballets of all time, and the title role has given the world its greatest ballerinas. Giselle tells the tragic tale of a maiden who falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman so enchanted by Giselle’s innocence and purity that he recklessly leads her to believe that he is a peasant. When his betrothed Bathilde reveals his true identity, Giselle dies of a broken heart. Albrecht visits Giselle’s grave, overcome with remorse. Giselle rises to protect him from the Wilis, vengeful female spirits that haunt the forest. Giselle’s forgiving, profound love saves Albrecht from certain death. The Season 5 Gala Celebration will take place Saturday, May 28th at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, following the 6:00 pm performance of Giselle. The event will hosted by LAB Board members/Gala Co-Chairs Lori Milken, Ghada Irani, and Jeanette Trepp. Designed by Billy Butchkavitz and catered by Wolfgang Puck, guests will be transported to an enchanting ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ setting. DOWNLOAD PDF Home / News / New Item Los Angeles Ballet's Season5 Gala Celebration | Broad Stage Santa Monica | Los Angeles Ballet Los Angeles Ballet's Season5 Gala Celebration | Broad Stage Santa Monica May 1, 2011 ​ ​ 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. READ ARTICLE AT SOURCE Home / News / New Item Shelling Out Dividends, Los Angeles Ballet's Version of The Nutcracker is a bright season opener... | Los Angeles Ballet Shelling Out Dividends, Los Angeles Ballet's Version of The Nutcracker is a bright season opener... December 15, 2008 Los Angeles Times by Victoria Looseleaf James and the Sylph soon meet their destruction, however, James has deeply though mindlessly offended the witch Madge earlier during the wedding day. Now, seeking to bring his ideal Sylph into his arms, he drapes a veil he doesn’t know has been poisoned by Madge over the Sylph’s shoulders and winds it around her arms. The Sylph immediately loses her wings, comes to earth and quickly dies. James is stunned and collapses in grief. DOWNLOAD PDF Home / News / New Item 2014-2015 Season Expansion | Los Angeles Ballet 2014-2015 Season Expansion June 1, 2014 ​ LAB Public Relations LAB’s 9th season includes three full-length romantic story ballets with music by Tchaikovsky and a mixed bill program Los Angeles Ballet Co-Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary are excited to unveil LAB’s 2014-2015 season, which includes the Tchaikovsky Trilogy, with three full-length ballets featuring the music of Peter Tchaikovsky, plus a mixed bill program of 20th century masterworks. LAB’s ninth season marks the addition of a fall program for a total of four programs, an expansion from 3 productions in all of its previous seasons. A major goal of Los Angeles Ballet’s long-term plan, LAB is pleased to achieve this in Season 9! The Tchaikovsky Trilogy includes a new production of The Sleeping Beauty , the return of the company’s critically-acclaimed productions of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker all with choreography by Artistic Directors Christensen and Neary, and closes with a mixed bill program that will include works by 20th century choreographic masters. Continuing LAB’s mission to offer world-class professional ballet to greater LA, its programs are performed at LAB’s home theaters: UCLA’s Royce Hall, Glendale’s Alex Theatre, Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge and Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. In addition, LAB is proud to announce that in December of this year it will present four performances of The Nutcracker at its newest venue - the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. LAB opens the season and its first fall program with the full-length Swan Lake (October/November 2014). The company premiered this production during the 2011-2012 season with sold out shows. “After Swan Lake sold out most performances, we had many requests to bring it back. Swan Lake is the perfect way to launch this expanded season and respond to our audience requests.” Mr. Christensen explained. The holidays welcome LAB’s popular The Nutcracker set in 1913 Los Angeles (December 2014). Additional matinees offer more opportunities to see this family favorite and enjoy some of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved music. Spring 2015 opens with the premiere of LAB’s new production of The Sleeping Beauty (February/March) with choreography by Mr. Christensen and Ms. Neary after the original choreography by Marius Petipa. “We have wanted to present The Sleeping Beauty for several years. The Tchaikovsky score is irresistible, but it is a big, classical ballet that requires a lot from all of the dancers, not just the Principals,” Ms. Neary said. “It’s an important measure of how the company has grown that we know LAB is ready to bring this magnificent ballet to life.” The season will close with Directors’ Choice , a mixed bill program that will include Theme and Variations by George Balanchine, (also with music by Tchaikovsky), and two other choreographic luminaries (May/June 2015). The specific repertoire will be announced later in 2014. About Los Angeles Ballet Founded in 2004 by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, and Executive Director Julie Whittaker, Los Angeles Ballet is known for its superb stagings of the Balanchine repertory, stylistically meticulous classical ballets, and its commitment to new works. LAB has become recognized as a world-class ballet company in eight seasons, presenting 24 productions encompassing 50 works, including 15 commissioned world premieres. Los Angeles Ballet ‘tours’ throughout LA County, regularly appearing at four venues. In 2013, the Los Angeles Music Center presented Los Angeles Ballet at Grand Park, with more than 3,000 attending the outdoor performance. In June 2014, Los Angeles Ballet will tour outside of California for the first time, presenting La Sylphide and Serenade to Seattle, Washington audiences at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. Since its inception in 2006, LAB’s Power of Performance (POP!) program has provided thousands of free tickets to underserved or disadvantaged children, seniors, veterans, and their families. LAB's A Chance to Dance Community Days outreach program was launched in October 2012. About Thordal Christensen Among Thordal Christensen’s many credentials are an impressive performing career, successful leadership of one of the world's major ballet companies, critically applauded original choreography, and a proven commitment to dance education. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Christensen received his ballet training at The Royal Danish Ballet School and at the School of American Ballet in New York City before a performance career that included the Royal Danish Ballet, New York City Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Christensen then returned to Denmark where he was Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet. This blend of Bournonville and Balanchine tradition is one of the defining themes of his career, and has shaped the unique artistic vision that Christensen, along with his wife Colleen Neary, bring to Los Angeles Ballet. In 2002, he was made Knight of the Dannebrog by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. About Colleen Neary Colleen Neary brings to Los Angeles Ballet the benefits of her vast experience as one of George Balanchine's quintessential ballerinas. In her experience as a dancer, teacher, and ballet mistress, she also worked closely with other luminaries of 20th century dance, including Rudolf Nureyev, Maurice Béjart, and Jiří Kylián. Born in Miami, Florida and trained at The School of American Ballet, Neary danced in New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine, then for Maurice Béjart's Ballet du XXième Siecle , and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Neary was personally selected by Balanchine to teach his choreography to major companies all over the world as a repetiteur for The George Balanchine Trust. DOWNLOAD PDF Home / News / New Item LA Ballet Opens Fifth Season with Exuberant 'Nutcracker' | Los Angeles Ballet LA Ballet Opens Fifth Season with Exuberant 'Nutcracker' December 16, 2010 Culturespot LA by Penny Orloff In an era of catastrophic personal belt tightening and calamitous corporate downsizing, too many promising arts organizations have fallen face-first into the chasm of disappearing dollars. When even an established, respected old organization like the Pasadena Playhouse had to close its doors for a time, it is beyond astonishing that a new classical ballet troupe not only survives, but thrives. Since the debut of its original production of “The Nutcracker” in November 2006, the Los Angeles Ballet has been met with critical and commercial success, nearly doubling its budget over five seasons without a penny of government support. “Considering the colossal events of the last five years – Katrina, the tsunami in Indonesia, the financial collapse and subsequent recession, the Haiti earthquake – LAB’s steady growth from $900,000 to $1,624,000 is nothing short of a miracle,” says Julie Whittaker, the company’s executive director. The central ingredient in LAB’s success is the consistent high quality of the product. Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary are clearly the stars of this enterprise. Their uncanny selection and inspired mentoring of some of America’s finest young dancers have resulted in a world-class corps de ballet and several important break-out soloists. Their vision and tireless dedication to the work have produced a large and reliable fan base, and ever-increasing ticket sales. LAB’s “Nutcracker” – playing in venues around LA County this month – is proof of the company’s stature as a game-changing force in the realm of international ballet. The original choreography by Christensen and Neary is fresh and exhilarating, demonstrating the technical skill, individual virtuosity, and razor-sharp precision ensemble work that distinguish this young company. After several reports, I am running out of superlatives to describe the exemplary work of the women’s corps de ballet in the Dance of the Snowflakes and the Waltz of the Flowers, two highlights of the production. Other highlights of this season’s LAB “Nutcracker” include the annual appearance of guest artist Sergey Kheylik as the Cossack Doll. The ecstatic cheers greeting his Act I entrance escalated to a roar as he flung himself into impossible leaps and turns. He was joined in Act II by LAB newcomers Aaron Bahadursingh and Christopher Revels, who matched Kheylik vault for astonishing vault. The off-the-charts athleticism of this Russian Dance whipped the audience into a prolonged, ear-splitting demonstration, literally stopping the show. Returning as Marie (Sugarplum Fairy), Monica Pelfrey remained serene and confident through the long and demanding pas de deux. Her dancing showed off clean stepwork, lovely ports des bras, and marvelous balance. She was partnered by Zheng Hua Li, her cavalier in last season’s Balanchine “Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2.” Li’s emotional physicality contrasts beautifully with Pelfrey’s cool elegance, creating a wonderful chemistry. The audience rewarded his big, floating jetees and effortless lifts with ample appreciation. Making her LAB debut in the Arabian Dance, Julia Cinquemani’s jaw-dropping beauty managed to stun a fairly demonstrative crowd into pin-drop silence. Wrapping her supple, snakelike torso in coils around her partner, newcomer Alexander Castillo, she mesmerized adults and children alike. The breathless silence was broken by an extended, vociferous ovation. Also new this season is Allyssa Bross as the Rose in the Waltz of the Flowers. This young ballerina clearly won over the crowd, her incandescent smile radiating throughout her performance. Thirteen-year-old Helena Thordal-Christensen plays Clara with fragile beauty and dramatic intensity. Having danced the role for the first time last season, this year she exhibits complete confidence and authority. Her long, slender legs extend forever, making an event of each arabesque. She has an arresting innocence about her, a lack of artifice which made her nightmare scene all the more harrowing as she darted, terrified, around the vast stage of Glendale’s Alex Theatre. Perhaps the most moving moment in the performance, for me, came when Clara’s mother – played by Thordal Christensen’s real-life mother, the great Balanchine ballerina, Colleen Neary – kissed the little girl before walking off the stage, a symbolic passing of the torch from the past to the future. Clara’s Nutcracker-turned-Prince is 18-year-old Jordan Veit of the Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s Professional Division. Dancing with strength and ease, and resembling a young Leonardo Di Caprio, this young man exudes charm. The long line of infatuated little girls waiting to meet him after the performance may be the harbinger of good things to come for Veit. Fans in search of guaranteed holiday magic have several chances remaining for performances of LAB’s “Nutcracker” in venues around LA: UCLA’s Royce Hall, Dec. 18 at 1 and 5 p.m., and Dec. 19 at 1 and 5 p.m.; and at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on Dec. 24 at 2 pm., and Dec. 26 at 1 and 5 p.m.. Tickets and information are available at (310) 998-7782, or at www.LosAngelesBallet.org . DOWNLOAD PDF Home / News / New Item Supporting Los Angeles Ballet | Los Angeles Ballet Supporting Los Angeles Ballet October 1, 2009 Company News from the Staff at LAB Guests came from the worlds of entertainment, finance, healthcare and other industries to a gala at the Bel-Air home of Stephanie Murray in support of Los Angeles Ballet. Guests enjoyed dinner in the garden and a performance of "The Evangelist," originally created for Neary and Christensen, and selections from the great choreographer George Balanchine. Home / News / New Item A ballet's next steps | Los Angeles Ballet A ballet's next steps October 11, 2006 Company News from the Staff at LAB Los Angeles Ballet announces its first season, to be presented in three areas of the sprawling city By Lewis Segal, Times Staff Writer October 11, 2006 Aiming to become what artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary call "a major company that belongs to L.A. - that has a local flavor at an international level," the newly formed Los Angeles Ballet has announced its first season of performances and placed subscription tickets on sale. The company's debut will take place Dec. 2 at the Wilshire Theatre in a brand-new Christensen / Neary "Nutcracker," with repeat engagements through December at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Programs dominated by the works of George Balanchine are scheduled for mid-March and early June at these same three venues."We feel that it's part of our mission to bring ourselves to audiences in all of the areas," Neary explained in a recent interview. Christensen added: "You can't blame audience members for not wanting to sit in traffic when they go out at night. By being in the Wilshire Theatre, we're covering the Westside. By being at the Alex, we're covering Glendale and Pasadena. And by being down in Redondo, we're covering the beach communities." Christensen danced with Pacific Northwest Ballet before becoming artistic director of the Royal Danish Ballet. Neary (his wife) danced with New York City Ballet and has staged Balanchine choreography for a number of major companies. Their Los Angeles Ballet has no connection with the company of the same name run by New York City Ballet alumnus John Clifford from the early 1970s to the mid-'80s, or with Clifford's attempt to restart that company 10 years later. The current roster includes 21 resident professional dancers on 21-week contracts. Home is the Malibu Performing Arts Center. The projected annual budget is $1.7 million, and Christensen said that enough money is on hand, from unspecified sources, to carry the company through the "Nutcracker" engagements "without selling any tickets. We have paid for our production, we have paid for the theaters, and on top of that we have a cash reserve of approximately two- to three-hundred-thousand dollars." "Nutcracker" costumes are being donated by the Royal Danish Ballet, but the sets are newly created by locally based designer Catherine Kanner. "They'll be traditional but a little bit different," Christensen promised. "We wanted to make something very specifically for Los Angeles." Negotiations continue with musicians needed for the "Nutcracker" orchestra and with guest dancers as well. American Ballet Theatre principal Paloma Herrera has been signed for three "Nutcracker" performances. In addition, the company subscription brochure lists Artem Shpilevsky of the Bolshoi Ballet and five principals from New York City Ballet (Yvonne Borree, Nikolaj Hübbe, Maria Kowroski, Nilas Martins and Benjamin Millipied) as guest artists, but who will appear when has to be determined. Christensen and Neary have been working for years for this moment of launch. "Los Angeles is ready for its own ballet company," Christensen declares. "The timing is right for this. We're going to have to develop our own audience — to prove ourselves, to show that the level of excellence that we put on is at a very high level. That's going to be our challenge. But we feel now that we're ready to begin." 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