The Los Angeles Ballet, founded in 2004 by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, held its annual Gala April 12th at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. It took place in the Ballroom which has a lovely Art Deco/Georgian modern feel and was bathed in a neon orchid light reminiscent of the 1980s. The hall was nearly empty upon our arrival with auction tables bedecked and servers in preparation. The night celebrated Paula Abdul, Lori Milken and Jane Seymour. Ms Abdul was honored for her life-long commitment and work in the dance field. Former American Ballet Theatre Trustee and current Los Angeles Ballet Board Member, Lori Milken, was lauded for being an ardent supporter of access to the arts for people of all ages and for her extensive Phillanthropic work. Seymour began her career in entertainment in ballet and she was gracious both with her demeanor and time. The event was Co-Chaired by Los Angeles Ballet supporters, Leslie Kavanaugh and Kirsten Sarkisian which were also lovely entrants on the red carpet and were wonderful with their support, words, and time indeed. The Gala brought in approximately 350 supporters and raised more than $1 million for the Ballet and the company performed excerpts from George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes. Funding raised from the Gala each year goes directly to benefiting the dancers, not only in their expenses, but also in allowing Los Angeles Ballet to expand its programming each Season.
Paula Abdul, Lori Milken and Jane Seymour. Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith
L-R Leslie Kavanaugh, Lori Milken, Paula Abdul, Jane Seymour and Kirsten Sarkisian. Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith.
Jane Seymour with family. Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith.
Paula Abdul with Nigel Lithgoe. Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith
Paula Abdual and LAB Director of Development Kathy Highstrete CFRE. Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith.
Former Governor of California Gray Davis and wife Sharon Davis. Photo Credit Brian Lindensmith.