When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Los Angeles Ballet
Why Los Angeles Ballet is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Los Angeles Ballet, founded in 2004 by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, stands as Southern California's largest professional ballet company and a premier destination to experience the art of classical and modern ballet. Its debut performance in 2006 with an original rendition of The Nutcracker set a high standard, featuring choreography by the founders and uniquely themed sets like the Southern California-inspired design. The company showcases an impressive repertoire including Balanchine masterpieces, Bournonville ballets such as La Sylphide, and beloved classics like Giselle, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet, and The Sleeping Beauty. Enthusiasts also appreciate the 15 commissioned works developed through Los Angeles Ballet's Choreographic Workshop, highlighting innovation alongside tradition. Performances are held in elegant venues such as the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium and the Alex Theater in Glendale, enhancing the experience with superb acoustics and beautiful architecture. Beyond its performances, Los Angeles Ballet offers ballet classes ranging from beginner to professional levels, taught by company members, making it an excellent place for friends to gather, enjoy cultural enrichment, and deepen their appreciation of ballet. Its diverse audience and mission to spread hope, healing, and joy through dance foster a welcoming and inspiring environment for all visitors.
Here's what people think of Los Angeles Ballet
As of recent, Los Angeles Ballet holds a 4.4-star rating based on 37 reviews.
Reviewers generally praise Los Angeles Ballet for its professional and accomplished dancers, high-quality productions, and beautifully executed choreography. Many highlight the company’s compelling performances of classics like Serenade, La Sylphide, and especially their Nutcracker, noting the impressive costumes and stage design that enrich the storytelling experience. Visitors often mention the excellence of the venues, such as the Alex Theater and Pasadena Civic Auditorium, which complement the ballet with their historic charm and great acoustics. Positive feedback frequently emphasizes the company's ability to engage even those unfamiliar with ballet, as recalled by patrons whose family members, including children with varied interests, were captivated by the performances. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews point to occasional issues such as limited seating availability and the niche appeal of ballet, which might not suit everyone's entertainment preferences. However, negative feedback is relatively sparse and does not detract significantly from the overall costume and performance quality. Overall, the feedback portrays Los Angeles Ballet as a highly respected institution in the performing arts community, delivering enriching cultural experiences that delight audiences and provide an excellent social outing with friends or family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brittany Rodiger
I went to the Los Angeles ballet nutcracker in 2019 and it was a really amazing production. It was at the Alex theater in Glendale and I got to take a picture with them. The show was great but the seats we had weren’t that great because the kids were talking other than that I love watching the show every year and I like the Christmas season. This is actually the Los Angeles ballet’s best show that they’ve done . I’ll probably go see more of their predictions in the future if you love Christmas and the nutcracker , you should go see it. You will get into the spirit I love listening to Tchaikovsky’s the nutcracker. It’s his best composition yet. I’m hoping to go see it again.
Juliette Mungcal
Love this ballet company! Always professional and have the best dancers ever. The shows are fantastic the people there are so nice. Love to watch them and looking forward to their next performance.
Robert LaBrecque
We ordered nutcracker tickets at the start of the holiday season. Got an email the day before the 23rd that there was a ticket mix up. Really would like to know who got Our tickets and hope they enjoyed the show. LA ballet are a bunch of crooks.
Yanping Zhang
Flew from Detroit to LA with kids to watch Nutcracker and only got the email the night before the performance that it’s canceled due to Covid - sounds like Covid is something just happened. What really amazed me is you have the guts to ask me to donate my tickets value to you to show my support. Thank you for the opportunity to show my kids what is extreme shameless!
Maurice Rosaler
Decent performances some off tempo and not in sync and at times too much bass with the recorded music (recorded music? Really) But here is my main critique: I was in row U at the Alex Theater Behind me was the photographer clicking away during the performance. Totally ruined the first piece At intermission the theater house manager who was professional as can be moved me although instead of orchestra middle I got orchestra side. The manager said someone from the ballet would come by and talk to me. No one ever did. Too busy schmoozing and hugging each other. 5 stars to the Alex Theater and the house manager who handled a problem not of their making. 0 stars to the l.A. Ballet staff. Amateur hour in every way from their placement of the photographer (this is your profession and you don't know better?) to the Mickey Mouse way you didn't handle it. This post would not have been posted if someone spent three minutes to come by and say oops, sorry. Instead you lost a patron.
How to reach Los Angeles Ballet
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Why Los Angeles Ballet may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Los Angeles Ballet with your friends?
Gathering with friends at Los Angeles Ballet offers a unique cultural experience that combines the elegance of classical dance with the vibrant artistic spirit of Southern California. This professional ballet company, lauded with a solid 4.4-star rating from its audience members, invites groups to immerse themselves in an atmosphere filled with passion, creativity, and history. The company is not only a beacon of refined artistry but also a community hub where shared appreciation for ballet can deepen friendships and spark lively conversations. Whether you're seasoned ballet enthusiasts or newcomers eager to experience a live performance, Los Angeles Ballet makes the experience accessible and engaging for everyone. The company’s tailored productions, such as their beloved The Nutcracker set in scenic California settings, provide a local twist that resonates especially well with groups seeking a shared regional cultural connection. The cozy yet professional surroundings of their venue foster an intimate environment perfect for emotional and artistic connection among friends. In essence, attending a performance here is more than just watching ballet; it’s about creating memorable moments together through a collective journey into a captivating art form.
What activities can groups enjoy at Los Angeles Ballet?
Los Angeles Ballet offers a range of activities perfect for groups looking to enjoy a day or evening of cultural enrichment. The primary attraction is, of course, the live ballet performances that feature a blend of classical and modern choreography. Audiences regularly enjoy timeless ballets like Giselle and The Nutcracker, with productions uniquely adapted to reflect the Californian heritage and landscape, which adds an original twist to familiar stories. Besides performances, the company hosts events and workshops that can deepen your group’s appreciation and understanding of ballet. These educational opportunities include masterclasses with professional dancers, behind-the-scenes tours, and Q&A sessions with choreographers and performers. Such activities are ideal for groups because they foster interaction and learning in an engaging setting. Moreover, many performance nights also feature pre-show talks or post-show receptions, allowing attendees to mingle, discuss the performance, and interact with artists. The company’s commitment to outreach and community means your group not only enjoys the art but participates in a broader cultural dialogue.
Why is Los Angeles Ballet ideal for hosting group meetups?
Los Angeles Ballet’s combination of professional excellence and warm community orientation makes it an outstanding choice for hosting meetups with friends or family. The venue’s ambiance supports intimate gatherings while accommodating larger groups comfortably, making it easy to organize everything from casual get-togethers to celebratory events. The venue is located in West Los Angeles, accessible to people coming from across the city, which reduces logistical hassles for group attendance. The company’s history of engaging, high-quality performances ensures that every visitor experiences art of the highest caliber, providing a shared highlight to spark conversation and bonding. The personalized nature of their iconic productions, such as the version of The Nutcracker set in a Spanish-style hacienda or Santa Monica, enriches the experience by tying the ballet to familiar local imagery, which many find thrilling and meaningful. Additionally, group ticket packages and flexible seating options streamline the planning process for organizers. These factors combined create a perfect environment to enjoy a collective cultural outing that leaves every participant feeling connected and inspired.
How does Los Angeles Ballet foster an inclusive cultural experience?
Los Angeles Ballet stands out for its commitment to representing and engaging a diverse audience reflective of the wider Los Angeles community. Its audience demographic includes a broad mix of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, reinforcing the inclusivity and accessibility of its programming. The company’s varied repertoire also balances classical ballet heritage with contemporary works that appeal to a modern, multicultural audience. By adapting beloved ballets to feature local settings and themes, such as the Sierra Nevadas or Palm Desert, the company connects audiences to the performances on multiple levels—visually, culturally, and emotionally. Beyond performances, the Ballet’s outreach programs and community engagement efforts invite individuals from all walks of life to experience and participate in ballet, often providing educational opportunities to underrepresented groups. This mission to democratize ballet enriches the experience for groups visiting, fostering a shared appreciation that transcends backgrounds and unites people through the powerful language of dance. For anyone seeking a meaningful cultural activity with friends, this inclusiveness elevates Los Angeles Ballet from merely a performance venue to a shared community space.
What makes attending a performance at Los Angeles Ballet a memorable group experience?
Attending a Los Angeles Ballet performance guarantees an evening of artistic excellence paired with opportunities for social connection, making it a memorable experience for groups. The company prides itself on a high standard of professionalism, utilizing leading dancers trained internationally and directors with distinguished careers. This level of artistry ensures that each performance is both visually stunning and emotionally compelling, offering something that can be appreciated by audiences regardless of their prior familiarity with ballet. The unique setting of the company’s main performance venues—often historic and architecturally significant theaters in Los Angeles—adds a layer of ambiance and drama to the event. For groups, shared reactions to the precision, storytelling, and emotionality of dance create lasting memories and rich topics of conversation afterward. Additionally, the company’s seasonal programming, which includes crowd favorites like The Nutcracker and Giselle, offers special moments that can become cherished annual traditions for families and friend groups alike. Finally, the company often enhances the overall experience with pre-show or intermission activities like themed decor or refreshments, creating an event rather than just a performance.
What should you know about the history and prestige of Los Angeles Ballet?
Understanding the history of Los Angeles Ballet adds depth to your group's visit, knowing the company is embedded in the rich tapestry of dance culture in Southern California. The current Los Angeles Ballet was founded in 2004 by the internationally acclaimed Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, bringing world-class expertise to the city. Christensen’s background as the youngest Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet and Neary’s tenure as a former Prima Ballerina with the New York City Ballet and authority on Balanchine choreography lend the company a pedigree rare among regional companies. This lineage ensures that the company maintains a repertoire that honors classical traditions while embracing fresh, innovative productions. Prior incarnations of Los Angeles Ballet have a notable history dating back to the 1970s and 1980s under John Clifford, marked by successful national tours and contributions to the local dance scene. Despite challenges faced by ballet companies in Los Angeles over the decades, the current Los Angeles Ballet has established sustainability and broad community support, evidenced by growing attendance and positive critical reception. This prestigious background makes attending a performance there an opportunity to witness dance at its highest artistic level while supporting a resilient cultural institution.
How can Los Angeles Ballet enhance your group's cultural outing beyond the stage?
Beyond the spectacular stage performances, Los Angeles Ballet enriches your outing by offering immersive educational programs, interactive engagements with dancers, and seasonal special events. Groups can take advantage of workshops tailored for different age ranges and skill levels, from introductory dance classes to more advanced technique sessions, fostering both appreciation and personal involvement in ballet. Such participatory experiences create stronger bonds within groups as members share the joy of movement and learn from professionals. The company also organizes behind-the-scenes tours where attendees see rehearsal spaces, costumes, and learn about the production process, adding a fascinating layer to the ballet-going experience. Seasonal galas, holiday-themed performances, and family matinees further diversify the options for group activities, making the Ballet a year-round destination for cultural enrichment. These offerings transform a simple night out into a multifaceted event, adding educational and social value that brings people closer together through the arts. With all these supplementary activities, your group’s visit to Los Angeles Ballet becomes a celebration of dance, friendship, and community.
What logistical benefits support group visits to Los Angeles Ballet?
Los Angeles Ballet provides several logistical advantages that make organizing group visits straightforward and enjoyable. The venue’s location in West Los Angeles offers easy access by car or public transport, minimizing travel-related stress for groups. Ample parking options and proximity to restaurants and cafes allow groups to plan complete outings, including dining before or after performances. The company often offers group discount ticket rates, making the experience more affordable and attractive for larger parties. Flexible seating arrangements facilitate keeping friends and family together, enhancing the collective enjoyment of the event. Additionally, the staff is experienced in managing group sales and special requests, often working with organizers to accommodate specific needs such as reserved seating or accessibility options. These practical considerations ensure your meetup is seamless from arrival through departure, letting your group focus on the pleasure and inspiration that only a live ballet can provide.
What cultural and community impact does Los Angeles Ballet have in Southern California?
Los Angeles Ballet plays a crucial role as a cultural cornerstone and community builder within Southern California’s diverse artistic ecosystem. By consistently delivering world-class dance performances, the company upholds Los Angeles’ status as a vibrant center for the performing arts. Their commitment to education and outreach programs reaches thousands annually, nurturing the next generation of dancers and dance lovers. The company’s diverse audience base reflects and supports the rich multicultural makeup of the region, helping to bridge cultural divides through a shared love of dance. Los Angeles Ballet’s initiatives include free performances for schools and underserved communities, demonstrating a dedication to accessibility and inclusion. For group visitors, knowing they are supporting a socially responsible organization enriches the experience, aligning entertainment with meaningful impact. This balance of artistic excellence and community engagement makes Los Angeles Ballet a proud symbol of cultural vitality that resonates with residents and visitors alike.