Gugulethu Ballet Project’s 20th Anniversary Gala

Written By Kristine Elliott

On March 2rd, Gugulethu Ballet Project celebrated our 20th anniversary with a night of cocktails, speeches, dancing, singing, dinner, and a live auction. Performers included SF Ballet principal dancer Jasmine Jimison and current and former GBP scholarship recipients: dancers, choreographers, and GBP teaching partners, Nathan Bartman and Ciara Baldwin; Alonzo King LINES Ballet student, Chuma Mathiso; and Ohio Contemporary Ballet dancer, Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni. The Grammy-award winning South African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo capped off the night with a spirited and moving performance.

Nathan Bartman and Ciara Baldwin choreographed début pièce d’occasions for Jasmine Jimison, “Unearthed,” and Chuma Mathiso, “Chuma.” Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni performed a solo from Le Corsaire.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed an energetic set to end the night!

Thank you to everyone who attended, performed, and donated, and thank you to our volunteers and to our sponsors: Standard Event Rentals, Billy Clean, Terra Gallery & Event Venue, Carrie Schwabacher Realtor, Carrie Dove Catering & Events, and Pike + Pham PR & Marketing. It was a wonderful event that couldn’t have been possible without you.

A special thank you to Reneff-Olson Productions for photography and videography.

Kristine Elliott
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