Founded by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) commemorated its 12th year with the 2018 Los Angeles Ballet Gala. This year’s celebration inaugurated the “Industry Excellence Award” for significant contributions to the arts. The evenings honorees were dancer/actress Jenna Dewan-Tatum, dancer/choreographer Derek Hough, and producer/choreographer Adam Shankman.

The celebration was helmed by Master of Ceremony Mark L. Walberg, along with a featured excerpt of LAB’s anticipated production of Swan Lake. Serving as gala co-chairs were Leslie Kavanaugh and Kirsten Sarkisian. Honorary Committee chairs include Gov. Gray Sharon Davis, Marlyn and Robert Day, Linda La Kretz-Duttenhaver, Ghada and Ray Irani, Lori and Michael Milken and Dr. Richard Merkin.