Smuin Ballet Celebrates 15th Anniversary W/ A Gala On 4/30

Smuin Ballet, called "one of this country's most entertaining, original ballet troupes" by Dance Magazine, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary on Thursday, April 30 with a Kentucky Derby-themed gala dinner and dance honoring Smuin Ballet Founding Board President Patti Hume for her 15 years of service and leadership. The evening begins with a mint julep cocktail reception followed by dinner and a special performance, featuring excerpts from Michael Smuin's last narrative ballet, St. Louis Woman: A Blues Ballet, performed by artists of Smuin Ballet.

The evening will also feature both a live and silent auction with prizes including a Crystal Cruise, dinner and movie with Jan Wahl and an opportunity to appear in the 2009 Christmas Ballet. Local TV and radio personality, Jan Wahl, will serve as the evening's Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer. Dancing to the music of the Black Market Orchestra will immediately follow. Guests are encouraged to dress in their Derby best. Tickets for the gala range in price from $300 for individual seats to $5,000 for a premium table of 10 and are available by calling 415-495-2234.

In the Fall of 1993 Patti Hume was approached by Michael Smuin with a dream to create a ballet company that featured the top dancers in the nation, offered affordable tickets for all patrons and would spread the love of dance throughout the country and the world. With her encouragement and support, Smuin was able to see his dream come true. Through her guidance and leadership, Hume helped establish Smuin Ballet as one of the top ballet companies in the country. Since Smuin's death in 2007, Hume has played an integral role in keeping his vision alive.

"We are grateful and honored to have Patti as part of the Smuin family," says Director Celia Fushille. "Her dedication to the organization is unparalleled and yet she is humble and unassuming regarding her achievements."

Recognized for their innovative repertory and uncompromising originality, Smuin Ballet has been a staple of the San Francisco Bay Area arts scene since its inception in 1994. Over the past decade and a half, Smuin Ballet has premiered over forty works by the late Michael Smuin and has recently begun premiering works by a new generation of choreographers, drawn from Smuin Ballet's own company of artists.

The 15th Anniversary season will culminate with the Spring Program, featuring a suite from St. Louis Woman: A Blues Ballet; the West Coast Premiere of The Naughty Boy!, a neo-classical ballet featuring the choreography of Trey McIntryre and Bouquet, Michael Smuin's two-piece expression on love and romanticism. The Spring Program will play 12 performances at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (701 Mission Street) beginning on Friday, May 8 and then continue for another 13 performances in Walnut Creek, Mountain View and Carmel from May 22 - June 6, 2009. For complete schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.smuinballet.org or call 415-495-2234.

The 15th Anniversary gala chair is Sue Steinberg. For additional information on the gala or to purchase tickets, please visit www.smuinballet.org or call 415-495-2234. Tickets for the gala range in price from $300 for individual seats to $5,000 for a premium table of 10.

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