Los Angeles Ballet: A Beacon of Classical Ballet in the City of Angels
Introduction to Los Angeles Ballet (LAB)
Founded in 2004 by the visionary trio of Thordal Christensen, Colleen Neary, and Julie Whittaker, the Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) stands as a distinguished classical ballet company in the heart of Los Angeles. Renowned for its exquisite performances of the Balanchine repertoire, meticulously crafted classical ballets, and a solid commitment to pioneering new works, LAB has risen to international acclaim. As the sole resident professional classical ballet company in Los Angeles, LAB plays a pivotal role in the city’s cultural landscape.
LAB’s Mission and Community Engagement
LAB is dedicated to making ballet accessible to all communities within Los Angeles County, overcoming the geographic sprawl of Southern California by touring across multiple venues. This strategic approach allows a broad audience to experience the magic of ballet. Performance venues include the illustrious Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Royce Hall at UCLA, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, and The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Through this extensive reach, LAB brings the beauty of ballet to various corners of the city.
Educational Outreach and Programs
Beyond the stage, LAB is deeply invested in arts education and outreach. The Power of Performance (POP!) program, initiated in 2006, has generously provided 50,000 free tickets to children, seniors, veterans, and families facing disadvantages, ensuring the art of ballet is accessible to all. In 2012, LAB expanded its outreach through the A Chance to Dance program, offering complimentary ballet classes, alternative dance/fitness classes, and educational lectures/demonstrations led by the company’s talented dancers.
The 2024/2025 Season: A New Artistic Vision
The 18th season of LAB marks a significant milestone as it unveils the first fully curated season by Artistic Director Melissa Barak. This season is set to captivate audiences with a lineup including the timeless “The Nutcracker,” performed across various venues, “Next Steps” at The Broad Stage featuring works by Justin Peck and Hans van Manen, and a highly anticipated world premiere by Melissa Barak in collaboration with composer Kris Bowers. Additionally, a double bill featuring Yuri Possokhov’s “Firebird” alongside Balanchine’s “Serenade” promises to be a highlight of the season.
Celebrating Recent Achievements
LAB’s recent rendition of Val Caniparoli’s “Lady of the Camellias” has been met with critical acclaim, showcasing the exceptional technical prowess of the company’s dancers, particularly the male contingent known for their precision in double tours and pirouettes. The performance was lauded for its sophisticated lighting design, elegant scenic elements, and the profound emotional depth conveyed by the dancers, further solidifying LAB’s status as a premier ballet company. Check out the list of all ballet performances on tour in America and buy ballet tickets in advance.