The City Ballet's Glitz & Glamour gala was held on November 15th at the Grand Hotel with guests arriving to a warm welcome in the Palm Court, where twinkling chandeliers, sparkling gowns, and elegant attire set the tone for an evening devoted to both beauty and philanthropy. Honoring the enduring role City Ballet plays in San Diego’s cultural life, the gala brought together devoted patrons, new supporters, and members of the arts community for a night that felt both sophisticated and deeply personal.
The festivities began with a lively reception and silent auction, as guests mingled over champagne and wine pairings, bidding on carefully curated experiences, travel packages, and arts-related treasures to benefit the company’s performances and education programs. The mood then shifted to the grand ballroom for a gourmet dinner, where beautifully set tables and attentive service reflected the hotel’s historic grandeur. Throughout the meal, remarks from City Ballet leadership highlighted how gala support sustains not only mainstage productions but also outreach initiatives that bring ballet to students and underserved audiences across the region.
A spirited live auction followed, raising paddles and energy in equal measure, before the spotlight turned to what City Ballet does best: dance. Company artists took the stage with an intimate performance crafted especially for the evening, offering guests a close-up experience of the technique, musicality, and passion that define City Ballet of San Diego. The program served as both a thank-you to patrons and a tantalizing preview of the season ahead, reminding everyone in the room why supporting live ballet remains so vital to the city’s cultural landscape.
As the the dinner meal ended, the evening took on a vibrant new rhythm. DJ Loczi ignited the ballroom with irresistible energy, enticing guests to the dance floor where gowns shimmered and dancers moved in step beneath the hotel’s magnificent, gilded ceilings. Laughter, music, and the joyful swirl of celebration created a fitting crescendo to the elegant affair.
During this spirited finale, Honorary Chairs Barbie and Dan Spinazzola were warmly acknowledged for their unwavering leadership and heartfelt generosity—qualities that encapsulate the very foundation of the City Ballet community. Their steadfast support stood as a reminder that great art flourishes when compassionate visionaries stand behind it, strengthening the bond between the company and the patrons who champion its mission, whilst looking forward to the company's forthcoming perforrmances.
Photography by Gilda Adler
