Los Angeles Ballet

### About Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) Los Angeles Ballet (LAB), a beacon of artistic creativity in the city known for its dreams, was founded in 2004 by Thordal Christensen, Colleen Neary, and Julie Whittaker. Since its inaugural performance in December 2006, LAB has established itself as a premier ballet company, celebrated for its classical, contemporary, and neoclassical productions, as well as for its commitment to innovation and the presentation of new works. #### History LAB made its debut with a Southern California-themed production of "The Nutcracker," choreographed by its founding Co-Artistic Directors, Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary. The company quickly became known for its exquisite stagings of George Balanchine's masterpieces and August Bournonville's ballets, with Neary, a répétiteur for The George Balanchine Trust, ensuring the authenticity of Balanchine's works. Alongside these, LAB has staged beloved classical ballets such as "Giselle," "Swan Lake," "Don Quixote," "Romeo and Juliet," and "The Sleeping Beauty." The company also has a history of commissioning new works, including two developed from its Choreographic Workshop. In 2022, LAB welcomed Melissa Barak as its first solo Artistic Director. Barak's tenure began with the creation of "Memoryhouse," a poignant and abstract ballet commemorating the Holocaust. The 2023/2024 season marks Barak's inaugural programmed season, promising another original work and world premiere. #### Mission and Outreach LAB is dedicated to presenting bold new works and staging existing works by innovative dance-makers. It collaborates with a diverse range of artists and aims to expand the public's knowledge and appreciation for ballet. LAB's community engagement, education, and outreach programs are central to its mission, with initiatives like the Power of Performance (POP) providing 50,000 free tickets to underserved communities and A Chance to Dance (ACTD) offering free dance instruction and workshops. #### Facilities and Support The Los Angeles Ballet Center, located on L.A.’s Westside, serves as the company's hub, housing dance studios, administrative offices, and other essential facilities. The Los Angeles Ballet Guild, established in 2009, and the Patrons of the Guild, formed in 2013, are integral to supporting LAB's mission, organizing volunteers and providing advocacy. #### Performances and Repertoire Under the leadership of Artistic Director Melissa Barak and Executive Director Brandon Lussier, LAB performs across LA County in venues such as The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, Royce Hall at UCLA, and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The company's repertoire spans from classical ballets to innovative contemporary works, including an annual production of "The Nutcracker" and notable stagings of Balanchine's repertory. #### Leadership and Community LAB's success is attributed to its leadership and the cultivation of a company culture that values the individuality and well-being of its dancers. The company's commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement continues to foster a deep connection between the artists of Los Angeles Ballet and the wider LA County community. For more information on Los Angeles Ballet's history, repertoire, and outreach programs, please visit their official website.