San Diego Ballet, which is into its 35th-anniversary season, has a large and varied repertoire of performances that it takes to theaters around the San Diego area under the leadership of Artistic Director Javier Velasco.
It also has a ballet school in the Dorothea Laub Dance Place at Liberty Station in Point Loma, where the company is based.
San Diego Ballets 2024-25 season began in October with Firebird and Mambomania at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre. It will continue with two performances of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 21, at The Magnolia in El Cajon, followed by Carnival of the Animals and Tangata on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla and Romeo et Juliet on Saturday, May 17, at the Balboa Theatre.
The Point Loma-OB Monthly asked the following questions of Executive Director Matt Carney to find out more.
Q. How did San Diego Ballet begin?
A. San Diego Ballet was founded by Robin Morgan with Javier Velasco because they both wanted to have a company where local dancers could dance professionally here right in San Diego.
Q. How would you describe its mission?
A. Our mission is “to excite, enrich and entertain [a] diverse audience with imaginative presentations of classical and contemporary dance.”
Q. What makes it unique compared with similar dance companies?
A. We really strive to be San Diego’s ballet company. It is important that our company reflects the culture of San Diego and embraces Southern California sensibilities.
Q. What connections has the company formed in the Point Loma-Ocean Beach area and how has that been beneficial?
A. Our home studios for the company and the San Diego Ballet School are located in Liberty Station. In fact, we were one of the original tenants in the Arts District.
No matter your age or your ability, there is a place for you in our community. We offer classes for kids ages 3-18, plus classes for adults.
San Diego Ballet is based at 2650 Truxtun Road, at Liberty Station in Point Loma. For more information, call 619-294-7378 or visit sandiegoballet.org.
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