8th Annual Gala Benefit
ART IS VITAL. MOVEMENT IS ESSENTIAL. DANCE IS PIVOTAL.
You are cordially invited to join Ballet Taos and WildFlower Playhouse for the 8th Annual Gala, benefiting Ballet Taos’ 2025/26 performance season. This highly anticipated event is your chance to support the arts, experience unforgettable performances, and celebrate the vibrant creative community of Taos.
WHAT TO ANTICIPATE:
- Culinary Delights:
Hors d’oeuvres by Rhea Damiani, President of the Board of Ballet Taos, and Jock Soto, New York City Ballet Principal, C.I.A. graduate, and co-author of ‘Our Meals’. - Signature Drinks:
Mocktails and cocktails crafted by Luis Fuentes, Sommelier, Chef, and husband of Jock Soto. - Pre-Show Performances:
Enjoy poetry, song, and dance in the gallery, celebrating Ballet Taos’ collaborations with local artists. Experience Jock Soto’s extraordinary choreography for Ballet Taos dancer Zac Bigbee, accompanied by concert pianist Kim Burst—a work that debuted at a world dance festival in South Korea. - Behind-the-Scenes:
Witness an open stage classical ballet class, offering a rare glimpse into the daily preparation of aspiring dancers. - Silent Auction:
Bid on exceptional works by Ballet Taos photographer Olga Nazarova from her show “Whispering Elegance: A Study on Ballet,” and elaborately decorated pointe shoes by Holly Scheib. - Master of Ceremonies:
Mr. Rich Greywolf, Principal of Taos Integrated School of Arts. - Guest Speaker:
Mr. Jock Soto, New York City Ballet, 2024 New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts recipient, and honoree of “Jock Soto Day.” Mr. Soto will share insights into his work with Ballet Taos and his vision for the future, followed by a Q&A with aspiring young dancers. - Main Performance:
After the reception, guests will be invited into the theatre for the premiere of Jock Soto’s newest work, set to music by Native American composer Laura Ortmann. The evening will include a look at Jock’s choreographic process, performances by Ballet Taos professionals and pre-professional dancers, and the presentation of a special award and summer internship to an emerging New Mexico choreographer.
Your support enables Ballet Taos to continue its mission of bringing professional dance to northern New Mexico, creating opportunities for artists, and inspiring a love for the performing arts in our community. We believe finance should never be a barrier to the arts. Through initiatives like Project Relevé, we offer free performances to veterans, educators, and K-12 students, and encourage our graduates to give back to the arts. With ongoing cuts to arts funding, your support is more crucial than ever.
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Date and Time
Wednesday Nov 5, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM MST
Location
Fees/Admission
Couples Tickets: $125
Ballet Taos Parent Ticket: $50
Website
Printed courtesy of www.taoschamber.com/ – Contact the Taos County Chamber of Commerce for more information.
PO Box 3649, Taos, NM 87571 – (575) 751-8800 – member@taoschamber.com