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Los Angeles Ballet's Artistic Director Colleen Neary travels to Berlin to give a lecture on the Balanchine Legacy for the German Dance Congress, 2006. Colleen Neary Travels to Germany April 1, 2006 Company News from the Staff at LAB Los Angeles Ballet's Artistic Director Colleen Neary travels to Berlin to give a lecture on the Balanchine Legacy for the German Dance Congress, 2006. She will give a history of George Balanchine, and discuss his revolutionary influence on dance. Included will be a demonstration by the dancers of the Staatsballett Berlin, performing excerpts of the Balanchine repertoire that Colleen has staged for that company. Home / News / New Item

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. A Wonderfully Refreshing Los Angeles Ballet Performs at The Alex Theatre October 10, 2018 LA Dance Chronicle by Joanne DiVito 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 . Barton is an eclectic inventive artist and choreographic activist, who in this piece combines Québécois folk rhythms and voice of Gilles Vigneault, and Les Yeux Noire, which were then soothed with the lush beauty of Vivaldi, and the humanity of the Cracow Klezmer Band. The cadences and pulse-like heartbeat, so beautifully executed by the now seasoned dancers of Los Angeles Ballet, was not only splendidly performed but enchanting to experience. The intelligent and courageous leadership of Christensen and Neary, L.A. Ballet’s Artistic Directors, and Julie Whittaker, Executive Director, is insistent that Los Angeles have their own ballet company…and succeed they have, as was revealed on Saturday. Tobin Del Cuore staged Barton’s signature choreography with devotional zeal, making sure, as Barton would, that every part of the body was addressed down to the eyes, face, mouth, and fingers. The breadth of the work was eloquently executed by the dancers Joshua Brown, Laura Chachich, Magnus Christoffersen, Dallas Finley, Madeline Houk, Leah McCall, Costache Mihai, Jasmine Perry; with special mention of Clay Murray’s surprising, wonderfully loose and rhythmic opening that mesmerized the audience with dance which came deeply from inside him. Another highlight was the wonderful pas de quatre, danced by Petra Conti, Tigran Sargsyan, Bianca Bulle, and Kenta Shimizu which delighted us with their unusual playfulness that moved shoulders, hips and bodies rolling together and apart with unanticipated changes. And with that, an amazing, subtle and soulful solo by Sargsyan to the Cracow Klezmer Band which harkened back to the shtetles of Eastern Europe as though it was clear to him the feeling of a heritage long gone. As if this were not dessert enough for us all, we were then treated to Alejandro Cerrudo’s sensual stand out piece, Lickety-split, which examined the dynamics of three couples, their interplay between each other and the group as a whole. Jasmine Perry, so beautifully partnered by Dallas Finley, was exquisite in her seamless interplay, her smooth transitions, and effortless soulful relationship with her partner done to the quiet sometimes raspy tones of Devendra Banhart, Equally langorous, was the smooth movements, as if on ice, drawn by the facile partnership of Tigran Sargsyan, and Bianca Bulle, Joshua Brown and Leah McCall. A kind of Greek chorus on the floor followed the scintillating Dallas Finley’s expressive and impassioned solo. Both the Barton and Cerrudo pieces alone would be a gift of creativity and brilliance, yet the last thank you by the entire company doing Balanchine, the Western Symphony, happily ended our joyous evening. This piece requires strength, endurance, charm, technique and…fun! It appears quaint and classic, yet a gift of another time, when cowboys and dancing girls were an accepted part of the American West in the mind of Mr. B. Restaged by Colleen Neary, who clearly understands the work of George Balanchine, having worked closely with this Master during some of his most prolific years. It is through Neary we get the essence of his work and his legacy. The corps did a fine job of creating superb energy as towns-folk, all the way to the rousing finale. In the first coupling we’re delighted by strong and lyrical Laura Chachich. She shares the stage with the talented, technically marvelous dancer, Eris Nesha, who charmed the audience with his sense of play, his strong presence and engaging charm, which was quite reminiscent of the young Edward Villella. In the second movement, the wonderful Petra Conti, and Tigran Sargsyan, took the lead in their engaging, pas de deux, with Bianca Bulle and Kenta Shimizu’s sparkling and flirtatious third movement. Bianca Bulle leads us through the iconic diagonal in competition with her partner to lead the entire company into the iconic pirouettes from fifth as the curtain goes down on the continuing dance which appears to go on forever. My hope is that it will go on forever with the grand legacy of the growing and thriving Los Angeles Ballet. READ ARTICLE AT SOURCE Home / News / New Item

Season 2010-2011 Balanchine Monica Pelfrey in Balanchine's 'Raymonda Variations' Monica Pelfrey & Ensemble in Balanchine's 'Raymonda Variations' Isabel Vondermuhll in Balanchine's 'Raymonda Variations' Sonya Tayeh Grace McLoughlin & Chehon Wespi-Tschopp in Sonya Tayeh's 'My Greatest Fear' Grace McLoughlin & Chehon Wespi-Tschopp in Sonya Tayeh's 'My Greatest Fear' Sonya Tayeh Sonya Tayeh George Balanchine Allyssa Bross and Ensemble in Balanchine's 'Western Symphony' Allyssa Bross and Ensemble in Balanchine's 'Western Symphony' Allyssa Bross in 'Giselle' Allyssa Bross & Ensemble in 'Giselle' Zheng Hua Li and Allynne Noelle in 'Giselle' Alyssa Bross & Christopher Revels in 'Giselle' The Willis in 'Giselle' Kate Highstrete & Ensemble in 'Giselle' Allynne Noelle & Ensemble in 'Giselle' Allyssa Bross & Christopher Revels in 'Giselle' Chehon Wespi-Tschopp in 'Giselle' Allyssa Bross & Christopher Revels, and Ensemble in 'Giselle' Christopher Revels and Ensemble in 'Giselle' Chelsea Paige Johnston & Kenta Shimizu in 'Giselle' Christensen/Neary Previous Gallery Next Gallery All photos by Reed Hutchinson Click on image for a fullscreen presentation.

Los Angeles Ballet presents a company of outstanding dancers from local communities and around the world. LAB dance artists master classical as well as contemporary techniques. Jacob Soltero Hometown Las Cruces, NM Seasons with LAB 4 Seasons with LAB Beginning ballet in Bremerton, WA, Jacob started his training at age thirteen at Peninsula Dance Theatre, where he built his foundation of ballet. During his college years, he began training at Pacific Northwest Ballet as part of the Professional Division Program while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. In his dance career, Jacob has danced ballets of diverse styles, including works by Justin Peck, Melissa Barak, George Balanchine, Edwaard Liang, and Kent Stowell. Jacob has spent his summers training at revered dance institutions, such as the Chautauqua Institution, Jacob’s Pillow, and the Royal Danish Ballet. Jacob dedicates his entire career to his mother, Julie Anne Soltero, who has inspired much of his dance journey. With her guidance and grace, he continues the legacy that she has left for him to lead on stage.

Los Angeles Ballet debuted in December 2006 with its original production of The Nutcracker, choreographed by founding Co-Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary. LAB offers a stellar classical and contemporary repertory. In 2009 the Los Angeles Ballet Guild, LAB’s free outreach program, was established to share the gift of dance with a wide audience, including underserved communities. History Home / History / LAB History Los Angeles Ballet debuted in December 2006 with its original production of The Nutcracker . Choreographed by Founding Co-Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, it featured a fresh take on the classic, complemented by a Southern California-themed set designed by Catherine Kanner. LAB’s repertoire was then focused on Balanchine masterpieces and Bournonville ballets as imparted by Christensen and Neary, Artistic Directors Emeriti. As a répétiteur for The George Balanchine Trust, Ms. Neary, staged and directed LAB’s interpretations of his masterworks. In 2009 LAB presented Bournonville’s La Sylphide , its first full-length classical story ballet after The Nutcracker . Under the artistic direction of Christensen and Neary, LAB also performed classical ballet standards such as Giselle , Swan Lake , Don Quixote , Romeo and Juliet , and The Sleeping Beauty , and commissioned 15 new works, two developed out of LAB’s Choreographic Workshop. In 2022, LAB welcomed Melissa Barak as its first ever solo Artistic Director. Barak’s first full-length ballet for LAB was 2023’s highly acclaimed Memoryhouse , a dramatic and emotional abstract ballet composed of vignettes commemorating the Holocaust and performed at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. The 2023/2024 Season is Barak’s inaugural programmed season and will include another original work and world premiere by her. The Los Angeles Ballet Center is located on L.A.’s Westside. The Center’s 12,000 square feet encompass three dance studios, LAB’s administrative offices, a home box office, physical therapy services, a wardrobe department and costume storage. LAB’s Power of Performance! (POP!) outreach program has provided 50,000+ free tickets to underserved and disadvantaged children, seniors, veterans and their families, through collaboration with community partners. An additional LAB outreach program, A Chance to Dance , offers a monthly Community Day at the Los Angeles Ballet Center, where all ages are invited to take free ballet, jazz, and other dance classes and workshops, and to learn about fitness and nutrition from company dancers, staff, and physical therapists. A Chance to Dance Community Day attracts over 100 participants to each event, and fosters the development of a personal relationship between the artists of Los Angeles Ballet and the greater LA County community. 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 ABOUT Los Angeles Ballet Founded in 2004 by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, and Executive Director Emerita 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. LEARN MORE

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.

Los Angeles Ballet presents a company of outstanding dancers from local communities and around the world. LAB dance artists master classical as well as contemporary techniques. Lilly Olvera Hometown Venice Beach, CA Seasons with LAB 2 Seasons with LAB Lilly began her ballet training at the age of 4. She fell in love with dance while training at Westside School of Ballet and attending summer programs such as Boston Ballet. Lilly started at LAB as a Trainee in 2023 before joining the company in 2024. She has performed in Serenade , Raymonda , Firebird , The Nutcracker , and several new contemporary works.

Los Angeles Ballet’s public relations team is headed by Shari Mesulam of The Mesulam Group. Public Relations Home / Public Relations / Public Relations For Public Relations inquiries and information, please contact Shari Mesulam , The Mesulam Group Company Press Releases READ NOW Press Releases 2023/2024 SEASON REQUEST ACCESS Press Photos shari@themesulamgroup.com

Swan Lake 2018 Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu LAB Ensemble Bianca Bulle & Kenta Shimizu Petra Conti Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Bianca Bulle Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Bianca Bulle & LAB Ensemble Petra Conti, Kenta Shimizu Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu LAB Ensemble Bianca Bulle & Kenta Shimizu Petra Conti Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Bianca Bulle Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Bianca Bulle & LAB Ensemble Petra Conti, Kenta Shimizu Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu LAB Ensemble Bianca Bulle & Kenta Shimizu Petra Conti Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Bianca Bulle Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Petra Conti & Kenta Shimizu Bianca Bulle & LAB Ensemble Petra Conti, Kenta Shimizu Christensen and Neary after Petipa & Ivanov / Tchaikovsky Previous Gallery Next Gallery All photos by Reed Hutchinson Click on image for a fullscreen presentation.

The Nutcracker 2018 SarahAnne Perel & LAB Ensemble SarahAnne Perel, Zheng Hua Li & LAB Ensemble SarahAnne Perel, Elizabeth Claire Walker, Joshua Brown & Marc LaPierre SarahAnne Perel & LAB Ensemble Marc LaPierre & Mangus Christoffersen Madeline Houk & Chelsea Paige Johnston Misa Kuranaga & Kenta Shimizu Elizabeth Claire Walker & Joshua Brown Bianca Bulle LAB Ensemble Petra Conti Tigran Sargsyan LAB Ensemble SarahAnne Perel & LAB Ensemble SarahAnne Perel, Zheng Hua Li & LAB Ensemble SarahAnne Perel, Elizabeth Claire Walker, Joshua Brown & Marc LaPierre SarahAnne Perel & LAB Ensemble Marc LaPierre & Mangus Christoffersen Madeline Houk & Chelsea Paige Johnston Misa Kuranaga & Kenta Shimizu Elizabeth Claire Walker & Joshua Brown Bianca Bulle LAB Ensemble Petra Conti Tigran Sargsyan LAB Ensemble SarahAnne Perel & LAB Ensemble SarahAnne Perel, Zheng Hua Li & LAB Ensemble SarahAnne Perel, Elizabeth Claire Walker, Joshua Brown & Marc LaPierre SarahAnne Perel & LAB Ensemble Marc LaPierre & Mangus Christoffersen Madeline Houk & Chelsea Paige Johnston Misa Kuranaga & Kenta Shimizu Elizabeth Claire Walker & Joshua Brown Bianca Bulle LAB Ensemble Petra Conti Tigran Sargsyan LAB Ensemble Christensen and Neary / Tchaikovsky Previous Gallery Next Gallery All photos by Reed Hutchinson Click on image for a fullscreen presentation.

On November 5, 2013 Los Angeles Ballet dancers were featured on the Season 5 finale of Face Off, Syfy's special effects make-up competition series. Los Angeles Ballet featured on FaceOff Season 5 Finale November 1, 2013 SYFY.com On November 5, 2013 Los Angeles Ballet dancers were featured on the Season 5 finale of Face Off, Syfy's special effects make-up competition series. The final 3 contestants were tasked with creating Swan Lake-inspired looks in which LAB dancers had to perform. See photos of the dancers in the final looks! READ ARTICLE AT SOURCE Home / News / New Item

Dancing under the stars in Grand Park, Los Angeles Ballet performed George Balanchine's Agon and Rubies, both to the music of Igor Stravinsky, on July 6th in its first partnership with The Music Center. Over 3,500 Attend LAB's Performance in Grand Park July 1, 2013 Los Angeles Magazine Dancing under the stars in Grand Park, Los Angeles Ballet performed George Balanchine's Agon and Rubies, both to the music of Igor Stravinsky, on July 6th in its first partnership with The Music Center. The free performance was part of The Music Center's LA's Rite: Stravinsky, Innovation and Dance. An enthusiastic audience of more than 3,500 were in attendance. Home / News / New Item