Co-chairwoman Natalie Beck (in pink) with (l-r) her husband, Connor Beck; mother, Loretta Parker; and Arlene Herson at the 2023 gala. Photo provided
By Amy Woods
Boca Ballet Theatre will open the curtain on its 33rd season during the signature “A Starry Night” Gala Dinner on Jan. 7.
In the company’s three-plus decades of dance, it has grown from a grassroots group started by local parents for a corps of fewer than 20 to a powerhouse of more than 500 enrollees.
One of the early students was Natalie Beck, who trained with the troupe while attending Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. After studying dance at Butler University in Indianapolis, Beck returned to South Florida and became an instructor at the theater. This year, she is co-chairing the Jan. 7 fundraiser.
“The most important thing about this event is that it is a unique opportunity to see stars of dance come together from around the country while supporting your local dance school,” she said.
The event will begin at 3 p.m. at University Theatre at FAU with a show featuring former New York City Ballet principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht’s touring Stars of American Ballet. The stage will come alive with professionals from New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispánico and Broadway.
Following the dance spectacular is a dinner at The Boca Raton, where the recipient of the Steven Caras Achievement Award will be announced. The award recognizes exceptional service in promoting, preserving and perpetuating the art of dance in the 21st century.
“Boca Ballet Theatre does a world of good in educating young dancers in classical ballet as well as provides excellent outreach programs for youths in need,” Beck said. “Come out and support the stars of tomorrow.”
If You Go
What: Stars of American Ballet and ‘A Starry Night’ Gala Dinner
When: Jan. 7 (3 p.m. show; 5:30 p.m. dinner)
Where: Show at FAU's University Theatre, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton; dinner at The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real
Cost: $75 for the performance, $400 for the performance and dinner
Information: 561-995-0709, ext. 225 or bocaballet.org
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