It’s a true honor (and pinch-me moment) to be here as the director of Los Angeles Ballet, making both our Hollywood Bowl debut and my choreographic debut on this historic stage. Tonight, LAB dancers take on excerpts from Balanchine’s jazzy ode to Gershwin and my choreographic interpretation of Gabriela Ortiz’s joyous Kauyumari, a piece that fills the mind, body, and soul with propelling rhythms as it builds into its final, rousing climax. The dance styles displayed tonight really represent both our past and our future as a performing arts organization. Balanchine is our foundation, but new work and dynamic creative partnerships are most definitely our future. Sharing our world with all of you under the stars at the Bowl is our great dream and pleasure. We invite you all to join Los Angeles Ballet as we continue to expand our civic and artistic reach within this great city we call home. And a huge thank-you to the Los Angeles Philharmonic for inviting our magical world into yours. Enjoy the music, enjoy the dance!

—Melissa Barak, Los Angeles Ballet Artistic Director