New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Founded by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) commemorates its 12th year of superb stagings of Balanchine repertory, meticulous classical ballets and commitment to new works. 2018's gala honorees accepting the "Industry
Excellence Award" for significant contributions to the arts include dancer/actress Jenna Dewan-Tatum, dancer/choreographer Derek Hough, and producer/choreographer Adam Shankman. The celebration will be helmed by Master of Ceremony Mark L. Walberg, host of PBS's
Antique Road Show along with a featured excerpt of LAB's anticipated production of Swan Lake. Serving as gala co-chairs will be
Leslie Kavanaugh and Kirsten Sarkisian. Honorary Committee chairs include Gov. Gray and Sharon Davis, Marlyn and Robert Day,
Linda La Kretz-Duttenhaver, Ghada and Ray Irani, Lori and Michael Milken, and Dr. Richard Merkin.
As the city's only professional classical ballet company, LAB tours throughout Los Angeles County, regularly appearing at five home venues, including Dolby Theatre and Royce Hall, among others. This "demi-tour" model is a strategic vehicle fueled by LAB's mission to serve all communities - providing a cultural arts experience to a larger, more diverse audience. This unique strategy helped LAB's patron base grow sevenfold over its first decade while providing LAB dancers with an increased opportunity to perform.
This year's gala will highlight Power of Performance (POP!), LAB's education and outreach program that serves individuals from all over Los Angeles County. LAB's commitment to the community is a critical investment to Los Angeles, acting as an institution of hope, healing, and joy - sharing the gift of dance with the broadest possible audience and in particular, distressed and deserving communities. LAB accomplishes this through arts education which builds disciplined, creative, and engaged individuals, who in turn build a brighter and stronger future for all of us.
LAB's annual gala is a highly anticipated event on Los Angeles' spring social calendar and attracts leaders within arts & culture, fashion & entertainment, as well as patrons of dance - raising an average of one million dollars.
The evening's proceeds support Los Angeles Ballet's mission to serve communities throughout Los Angeles County through world-class performance and arts education outreach programs.
