Hollywood Supports the Los Angeles Ballet

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Weekend events in Hollywood just got more dynamic. In addition to the hottest movie premieres and art openings, the Los Angeles Ballet board of directors hosted a gala March 25, with a performance of Swan Lake accompanied by a three-course dinner and live auction. Directed by husband and wife team Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary (both former members of the New York City Ballet), the performance took place only feet away from the guest tables.

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At the Montage hotel, guests such as Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka -- a supporter of the ballet, who was at the 2011 gala -- Richard Riordan and Gray Davis mingled during a dinner of filet mignon and halibut, before the silent auction (the event will net approximately $500,000). Proceeds go to the L.A. Ballet Company to provide pointe shoes, costumes, and even a piano for rehearsals and performances.

Britta Lazenga Kavanaugh (wife of Relativity’s Ryan Kavanaugh) danced in the show, and although Ryan was in China on business, he sponsored a $10,000 Grand Jete table for her and her family. In 2011, he sponsored two dancers for $25,000 each, which employs them for an entire season.   

The company will close the curtain on its last Swan Lake performance March 31 at the Valley Performing Arts Center.