Inside The Reception & Performance Of The Barak Ballet's 'L.A. Moves' At The Broad Stage

Dancers, orchestra musicians, lovers of the performance arts, and creative artists lit up The Broad Stage in Santa Monica last night for the highly anticipated debut of L.A. Moves. With born and bred Angeleno Melissa Barak at the helm as Artistic Director, the production performed by The Barak Ballet showcased some of L.A.'s most talented artists in the fields of music and dance. Barak's team included L.A.'s own choreographer Danielle Agami, as well as composers Maria Newman and Mario Grigorov. Speaking about the program's connection to its local roots, Barak explained, "the audience will get to see and hear work that is derived straight from Los Angeles, work that is reflective of this rich cultural environment in which we live.” A swanky, private reception kicked off the night with a crowd of L.A.'s top dance philanthropists and culture enthusiasts filling the lobby of The Broad Stage for complimentary cocktails, a spread of gourmet hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and mingling with Barak. Among the many notables in attendance were Deborah Irmas, Yvonne Wehrmann, Marjorie Goodson, Gunilla and Jim David, Mary and Leopoldo Hellmund, Barbara Illes, Jane Jelenko, Cynthia Newman, Christina Lyon.