Diablo Ballet is an award-winning, internationally recognized, professional dance company in Walnut Creek, California committed to enriching, inspiring, and educating children and adults through the art of dance. Founded in 1993 to address the absence of a professional ballet company in the region, the company consists of dancers who have performed throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. Diablo Ballet presents exciting dance performances featuring classical and contemporary works, educational and outreach programs, and productions on tour. The company has achieved artistic success capturing enthusiastic public response, critical acclaim, and international recognition.
Diablo Ballet’s 29th Anniversary performance includes Arpino’s Confetti on March 31. Tom Mossbrucker, artistic director of the multifaceted arts organization Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and a board member of the Gerald Arpino Foundation, staged the work.
Diablo Ballet Artistic Director and Co-Founder Lauren Jonas performed with the Milwaukee Ballet, the Oakland Ballet, the Southwest Ballet, and toured the United States with the Moscow Ballet, directed by the Bolshoi Ballet’s Vaslav Gordeyev. She has guest taught for various schools and colleges throughout California and nationally, and she co-created Diablo’s PEEK Outreach Program. She is the 2014 recipient of the Contra Costa Commission for Women Contributing to the Arts, Hall of Fame award and was an honoree at the State Assembly’s Women’s History Month. She has coached all of Diablo Ballet’s repertoire and staged the full-length production of Coppélia in 2022. Jonas is also the co-founder and director of Diablo Ballet School.
Lauren Jonas’ thoughts and reflections:
How have you enjoyed working on Diablo’s first work by Arpino?
Working with Tom Mossbrucker on Confetti was an absolute dream. The dancers are so inspired and enthusiastic. This is a ballet I would have loved to perform when I was dancing. It’s pure joy! We can’t wait to perform this gem!
What does it mean to you for Diablo to perform Confetti as we celebrate Mr. Arpino’s centennial?
This is quite an honor for Diablo Ballet. I’m confident our lovely dancers will honor Mr. Arpino’s memory beautifully. We couldn’t be more excited!
How would you describe the Arpino style? What are some distinctive elements of his choreography?
I have been a fan of Mr. Arpino’s choreography ever since I was a young student. His work is timeless, is incredibly musical, and challenges the dancer’s artistry and technique. I have always dreamed of Diablo Ballet performing one of his masterpieces, and Tom Mossbrucker helped to make it a reality. It’s such an honor to perform Confetti during this very special centennial.
How do you think dancing Arpino choreography prepares a dancer for other types of repertory?
I believe Arpino’s choreography makes a dancer stronger technically, challenges their endurance and stamina, and shapes their artistry. I am beyond thrilled for this experience and I thank the Foundation for their support!