Diablo Ballet, created in 1993, is an internationally recognized dance group bringing the art of dance to the community. With 10 professional dancers, the company stages original and classic works, which are designed to engage, inspire and entertain children and adults. These dancers have performed as soloists and in principal roles in distinguished companies around the world. Check the Web site for program schedules, ticket information and ways to donate.
Named "Best of America" by the editors of Reader's Digest Magazine, the California Symphony Orchestra is the resident professional orchestra of the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. It performs in the San Ramon and Concord Communities in September, providing a free concert the whole family can enjoy.
The California Symphony Orchestra's office is located in a small office complex on Ygnacio Valley Road.
The Contra Costa Ballet School offers ballet and yoga classes to beginners and advanced students. It also stages performances at local venues such as the Lesher Center for the Arts. The school offers a quiet and professional dance education under the auspices of artistic directors, Richard Cammack and Zola Dishong. Families with multiple students enrolled receive a 10 percent discount. Male students ages 7 and up receive a 15 percent discount. Classes are offered in two sessions, fall and spring, but summer intensives are also offered.
This dance studio offers beginner, intermediate and advanced belly dancing classes. Located on Walnut Creek's Boulevard Way, Belly Dance! also sells belly-dancer jewelry, skirts, harem pants, costumes, patterns and finger cymbals. The studio's professional dancers can also be hired for parties, weddings, restaurants and bellygrams.
Contra Costa Musical Theatre is a community-based organization that has produced Broadway musicals in Walnut Creek since 1961. These full-scale productions appear on stage at Lesher Center for the Arts in the 800-seat Hofmann Theater. Contra Costa has won numerous Shellie Awards and Bay Area Theatre Critic Circle Awards for productions throughout the years. Actors can call or visit the website for audition and casting information.
Ace Dance Academy is for all ages and abilities. The class types range from ballet, jazz and tap to hip hop, liturgical and pilates. Students dance in one of two large mirrored studios. Check out Ace's Web site for pricing, times and testimonials of those who have experienced the programs first hand.
The Center REPertory Company, or Center REP as it is better known, is the resident professional theatre company at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The award-winning company now stages eight shows a year, presenting a nice mix of musicals, contemporary dramas and comedies, and its annual production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has become a holiday tradition for many East Bay families. Visit the Center REP Web site for production schedules, tickets and ways to donate.