The Stars Shined Bright at Festival Ballet Theatre's 10th Annual GALA OF THE STARS

Orange County's resident professional ballet company, Festival Ballet Theatre, celebrated the 10th Anniversary of their annual Gala Of The Stars on Friday, August 18th with stellar performances from some of the most distinguished dancers of our time.

Performing to a packed house at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall were American Ballet Theatre's Misty Copeland and Alexandre Hammoudi, The Royal Ballet's Lauren Cuthbertson, Eric Underwood, Laura Morera and Ryoichi Hirano, San Francisco Ballet's Yuan Yuan Tan and Vitor Luiz and New York City Ballet's Ashley Bouder and Gonzalo Garcia.

Festival Ballet Theatre presented the world-premiere of Gravel, performed by FBT's company dancers and featuring choreography by Renee Kester, formerly of Houston Ballet, presently of Festival Ballet Theatre.

The Gala Of The Stars not only featured ballet stars of today but also shined a spotlight on the stars of tomorrow. The show opened with the "Inspired Young Dancer Performance" where students from around the globe shared their exceptional talent in culmination of participating in Southland Ballet Academy's coveted Summer Intensive programs, Master Classes and other unique opportunities.

Friday night's master of ceremonies, Mark Walberg, host of Antiques Roadshow, charmed the crowd between each of the three acts and brought to the stage, Christopher Powney, Artistic Director of the UK's Royal Ballet School who announces the students being honored with distinctive awards. Two young dancers from Southland Ballet Academy were among the winners.

• Elise Cho was awarded a short term scholarship to the Royal Ballet School.

• Lily Turner was named International Ballet Scholar.

In addition to the artful performances on the stage, the evening also featured an exquisite display of ballet works by renowned sculptor Richard MacDonald. Presented by Dawson Cole, the extensive collection of sculptures adorned the lobby of the Rene?e and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and added yet another celebratory element of beauty to the Gala.

A very special Dinner With The Stars immediately followed the performance where dancers, sponsors and patrons enjoyed mingling and sharing conversation, drinks and a gourmet meal at Leatherby's Cafe? Rouge.

Festival Ballet Theatre Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla commented, "This year's Gala was especially significant because it marked our 10th Anniversary of the event. Having such an unprecedented group of dancers share the occasion, made the evening a celebration of dance like no other."

For more information about the upcoming FBT 2017/18 season and other events and programs, please visit www.festivalballet.org.

Festival Ballet Theatre is a nonprofit organization founded in 1988 by Salwa Rizkalla. Its mission is to enrich Orange County's artistic and economic vitality, to inspire love and appreciation for dance, and to invigorate ballet by:
• Presenting a season of exhilarating classical and contemporary performances,
• Providing a nurturing environment for dancers and choreographers,

• Offering stimulating educational outreach programs. For more information, visit www.festivalballet.org.

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