Smuin Ballet to Host Gala Celebrating 22nd Season, 3/6

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 Annual Gala. Co-chairs Patti and Jerry Hume, and Athena and John Konstin will host a sparkling event, starring the Smuin Ballet dancers. 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 and wines by Grgich Hills Estate. Smuin Ballet's Gala takes place 5pm, Sunday, March 6, 2016 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.

Also assisting with the event are Smuin Board of Trustee members: Bruce Braden (President), Dell Larcen (Vice President), Karen D. Kadushin (Secretary), F. Thomas Aden, Lee D. Baxter, David Berger, Mary Canning, Robert Challey, Alan L. Kaganov, David M'Raihi, Madelyn Mallory, and Maria Nazari. 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 a lavish stay in Mexico, an amazing opportunity enjoy one of the Bay Area's finest restaurants every month for a full year, a chance to be on stage in Smuin's annual Christmas Ballet spectacular, a fabulous fun behind-the-scenes San Francisco Giants package, and much more.

Funds raised at Smuin Ballet's Gala will ensure the company's productions maintain the signature Smuin sparkle audiences know and love, as it moves into its 23rd 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 that merge the diverse vocabularies of classical ballet and contemporary dance has served as the company's touchstone since its beginning.

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 founder Michael 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.