LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Grant for Ballet-Inspired Senior Events


Back row, from left: Diablo Ballet Development Coordinator Erika Johnson, LCF President Teresa Gerringer, Diablo Ballet dancer David Fonnegra, Diablo Ballet Artistic Director Lauren Jonas, LCF Assistant Treasurer & Grants Committee member Laurie Baker, and dancers Robert Dekkers and Mayo Sugano. Front row: dancers Rosselyn Ramirez, Derek Sakakura, Hiromi Yamazaki, Edward Stegge. Photo Melissa Ridenour

Grandma in a tutu? Not quite - sneakers and regular attire will be just fine for the free events coming this summer, sponsored by a grant from the Lafayette Community Foundation to the Diablo Ballet.

"Diablo Ballet is thrilled to bring the power of dance to Lafayette," said Diablo Ballet Artistic Director Lauren Jonas. "This free program will offer seated movement exercises [for seniors] lead by Diablo Ballet dancers, along with classic dance movies. We look forward to entertaining and enriching the lives of our wonderful friends in Lafayette!"

A check was recently presented to Jonas to begin the partnership. The Lafayette Community Foundation is all about charitable giving for the residents of Lafayette, promoting civic, cultural, educational and environmental health of the city.

The free Diablo Ballet Movie Matinee is more than just the screening of an award-winning film. Before the lights dim, "Diablo Ballet's Artistic Director will discuss fascinating facts about the making of the movie, including insight into the dance styles and dancers featured in the film. Diablo Ballet dancers will lead the seniors in a series of gentle, seated stretches and mild exercises after the film," explained Diablo Ballet Development Coordinator Erika Johnson.