Business Details
33 Years
experience
Professional Ballet Performances & Dance Education in Walnut Creek
Founded in 1993, Diablo Ballet has established itself as an award-winning, internationally recognized professional dance company dedicated to enriching, inspiring, and educating diverse audiences through the transformative power of dance. Our mission focuses on making professional-quality ballet accessible to residents of Contra Costa County and surrounding areas while fostering community partnerships with schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. We prioritize youth development through arts education, offering programs that teach self-esteem, teamwork, and artistic expression, including our acclaimed PEEK Outreach Program, which has impacted over 75,000 students since 1995. In 2019, we launched Diablo Ballet School, the first professional ballet school in Contra Costa County, providing training for aspiring dancers and recreational classes for all ages, including specialized programs like Dance for Parkinsons.Our diverse repertoire features classical and contemporary works, educational initiatives, and touring productions, earning critical acclaim and international recognition. We maintain a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all artists, staff, and community members feel valued regardless of background. Through performances at the Lesher Center for the Arts and beyond, we continue to strengthen the ballet artform while delivering transformative experiences that inspire both youth and adults.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
PEEK Outreach Programs
Summer Intensive Classes
Community Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of excellence in professional ballet performance and education.
- Our PEEK Outreach Program has impacted over 75,000 underserved youth since 1995.
- Diablo Ballet School provides professional training in Contra Costa County's first ballet academy.
- We present diverse repertoires combining classical and contemporary works annually.
- Our team includes internationally recognized dancers and educators with extensive careers.
What people say
Award-winning performances
Life-changing outreach programs
Professional dance training
Community partnerships
Inclusive environment
Services
Ballet Performances
Diablo Ballet presents four annual productions featuring classical and contemporary works at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Our repertoire includes original creations like 'The Nutcracker Suite' and 'The Little Mermaid,' alongside premieres by renowned choreographers. Each season blends storytelling, technical mastery, and innovative staging to engage audiences of all ages.
Dance Education
Diablo Ballet School offers comprehensive training from ages 3 to adult, including pre-ballet through advanced levels. Our curriculum combines classical technique with creative expression, taught by professional dancers and artistic staff. Specialized programs include summer intensives, adult classes, and the Trainee Program for aspiring professionals.
PEEK Outreach Programs
Our Performing Arts Education & Enrichment for Kids initiative delivers in-school dance programs to Title-1 schools and juvenile justice facilities. PEEK uses movement to teach social-emotional skills, self-esteem, and teamwork, aligning with California arts standards. The program has served over 75,000 students since 1995.
Community Engagement
We partner with local organizations to expand access to the arts through free performances, workshops, and special events. Initiatives include Dance for Parkinsons classes, juvenile justice system collaborations, and partnerships with healthcare facilities to support mental wellness through movement.
Summer Intensive Classes
Annual summer programs provide focused training for students aged 3 to adult, including pre-ballet, technique workshops, and advanced ballet instruction. These sessions emphasize skill development, creative expression, and performance preparation in a supportive environment.
People
Lauren Jonas
Artistic Director
Co-founder and Artistic Director of Diablo Ballet since 1993, Lauren Jonas has shaped the company's artistic vision and educational initiatives. With extensive experience in choreography and dance education, she leads the company's creative direction and community outreach efforts.
Krissy Gray
Director of Operations
Co-founder and Director of Operations since 2019, Krissy Gray oversees administrative functions and strategic partnerships. She manages the Diablo Ballet School and coordinates community engagement programs, ensuring operational excellence across all initiatives.
Andrea Gaudet
School Principal
As School Principal, Andrea Gaudet supervises curriculum development and faculty coordination for Diablo Ballet School. She ensures high-quality instruction across all levels while maintaining alignment with the company's educational mission and artistic standards.
Dan Meagher
Audience Development Manager
Dan Meagher leads audience engagement strategies, marketing initiatives, and donor relations. He works to expand community connections and enhance patron experiences through innovative programming and outreach efforts.
Rosselyn Ramirez
PEEK Associate Director
Rosselyn Ramirez manages the PEEK Outreach Program, coordinating in-school workshops and community partnerships. She implements curriculum designed to teach social-emotional skills through dance, focusing on underserved populations and juvenile justice system collaborations.
Questions
What performances does Diablo Ballet offer?
We present four annual productions at the Lesher Center for the Arts, including 'The Nutcracker Suite,' original works, and contemporary pieces.
How can I enroll in Diablo Ballet School?
Registration is open for fall classes starting August 18. Visit our website to enroll students aged 3 to adult.
Does Diablo Ballet offer community programs?
Yes, our PEEK Outreach Program serves Title-1 schools and juvenile justice facilities, and we offer Dance for Parkinson’s classes.
How can I support Diablo Ballet?
Support through donations, volunteering at events, or corporate partnerships helps sustain our performances and educational initiatives.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
We welcome volunteers for special events like Gourmet Gallop. Contact us for current opportunities and requirements.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Amy Palmer
Jun 14, 2015
Report
3/28/15
We love love loved Thursday night's performance at Walnut Creek's Lesher Center, celebrating the 21st anniversary of the Diablo Ballet. A former ballerina introduced the ballet's manager/creator, as well as a woman who read a note from Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, and a couple other people responsible for making the ballet happen. It was a lot of introductions working up to asking for donations. This is a community-sponsored ballet so they really depend on the generosity of donors. The talented dancers are deserving of every dollar they bring in - their show is really breath-taking.
We love love loved Thursday night's performance at Walnut Creek's Lesher Center, celebrating the 21st anniversary of the Diablo Ballet. A former ballerina introduced the ballet's manager/creator, as well as a woman who read a note from Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, and a couple other people responsible for making the ballet happen. It was a lot of introductions working up to asking for donations. This is a community-sponsored ballet so they really depend on the generosity of donors. The talented dancers are deserving of every dollar they bring in - their show is really breath-taking.
Kathryn L.
Sep 11, 2014
Report
Great date night with husband and newborn; strolling through WC and grabbing small bites along the way is a fun event with a good cause for DB. This is our second year galloping, but our first getting tickets through yelp - thank you Nique!! Our favorite places were:
-Massimo
-The Olde San Francisco Creamery
-We Olive
-Lottie's Creamery
Massimo portions were large and perfect to start the walk. Same goes for The Old San Francisco Creamery...a large scoop of any flavor you want. Sweet! @ We Olive, we ended up buying a bunch of stuff and not even tasting what they had to offer! We fell
-Massimo
-The Olde San Francisco Creamery
-We Olive
-Lottie's Creamery
Massimo portions were large and perfect to start the walk. Same goes for The Old San Francisco Creamery...a large scoop of any flavor you want. Sweet! @ We Olive, we ended up buying a bunch of stuff and not even tasting what they had to offer! We fell
Jonathan R.
Aug 25, 2014
Report
I'm a very big fan of doing local restaurant tours. I've done the Martinez annual restaurant tour a few times, so when the Walnut Creek one was presented to me, of course I had to do it.
Massimo Ristorante: We checked in and walked inside where to the left was a station set up and the gentleman manning it was serving us penne pasta with a Bolognese sauce, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. Sadly everything tasted kind of cheap. We were expecting and hoping for a bit more.
54 Mint Rosticceria & Formaggi: The lack of taste from the first stop was quickly forgotten about when we walked
Massimo Ristorante: We checked in and walked inside where to the left was a station set up and the gentleman manning it was serving us penne pasta with a Bolognese sauce, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. Sadly everything tasted kind of cheap. We were expecting and hoping for a bit more.
54 Mint Rosticceria & Formaggi: The lack of taste from the first stop was quickly forgotten about when we walked
Shauncy J.
Aug 21, 2014
Report
The Gourmet Gallop was a great way to experience a taste of Walnut Creek. I realized everything is close and within walking distance. This event was like a scavenger hunt, my sister, and I had to map out the best way to reach all of the business without going backwards. My favorite places were:
The Olde San Francisco Creamery:
Here we received a cup of ice cream any flavor
I choose Sherbet, and it was so delicious! I love the outside express window
Lottie's Creamery:
Here I tried the orange and cherry cream soda with ice cream. The mixture was very good, but I only got a sip :-
The Olde San Francisco Creamery:
Here we received a cup of ice cream any flavor
I choose Sherbet, and it was so delicious! I love the outside express window
Lottie's Creamery:
Here I tried the orange and cherry cream soda with ice cream. The mixture was very good, but I only got a sip :-
