Smuin Ballet to Host 'UNFORGETTABLE' 2015 Gala, 3/15

Leaders in the arts and civic communities will gather to celebrate one of the nation's most innovative and entertaining arts organizations at Smuin Ballet's 2015 Gala: UNFORGETTABLE. Co-chairs Patti and Jerry Hume, and Athena and John Konstin will host a sparkling event, starring the Smuin Ballet dancers, with gift sponsor Bulgari. To make this evening truly unforgettable, Smuin Ballet dancers will be draped in Bulgari jewels, combining the elegance of the ballet troupe with the timelessness of an iconic jeweler. This festive evening will include a cocktail reception, a performance by Smuin Ballet's acclaimed dancers, a live auction, and a delectable dinner catered by McCall's. Smuin Ballet's 2015 Gala: UNFORGETTABLE takes place 5pm, Sunday, March 15, 2015 at San Francisco's Galleria, 101 Henry Adams Street, San Francisco. For tickets and more information, the public may contact Smuin Ballet at (415) 556-5000 x100 or visit www.smuinballet.org.

Honored guests for this event include former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Wilkes Bashford, "Voice of the Giants" Renel Brooks-Moon, Senator Mark Leno and London Breed. Live auction items will include rare and memorable experiences and superb goods and services. Among this year's one-of-a-kind auction items are lavish stays in Mexico and Provence, a football package with John Madden, a fabulous year with a different top-rated restaurant meal each month, and much more.

Funds raised at Smuin Ballet's 2015 Gala: UNFORGETTABLE will ensure the company's productions maintain the signature Smuin sparkle audiences know and love, as it moves into its 22nd season next year.

Debuting in San Francisco in March 1994, Smuin Ballet immediately established itself as "one of this country's most entertaining, original ballet troupes" (Dance Magazine), and as a dance company of international acclaim. Michael Smuin's singular philosophy to create pieces which merge the diverse vocabularies of classical ballet and contemporary dance has served as the company's touchstone since its beginning.

Now at the helm of Smuin Ballet is Artistic Director Celia Fushille, whose vision includes maintaining and increasing the company's reputation for presenting compelling and innovative repertoire, attracting new audiences of all ages to the medium. The company has continued to highlight works created by Smuin, both for his own and for other ballet companies. Fushille also enriches its impressive repertoire with newer choreographic voices, bringing the Bay Area its first look at works by exciting choreographers from around the world, as well as developing world premieres by company members.