Laguna Dance Celebrates 20 Years with Spectacular Birthday Bash at Lyon Air Museum

Laguna Dance is soaring into its next decade with a 20th Birthday Bash on May 3, 2025, at the Lyon Air Museum. Co-chaired by Nancy Meyer and Christine Rhoades, two of the organization’s founding board members, this milestone celebration will be an evening of elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy, bringing together dance lovers, patrons and supporters from across Southern California. This year’s benefit marks a departure from tradition, as Laguna Dance takes its annual signature event outside of Laguna Beach for the first time. The Lyon Air Museum, home to a stunning collection of vintage aircraft, classic motor vehicles and even Steve McQueen’s iconic motorcycle, provides a dynamic setting that perfectly encapsulates the organization’s vision for the future, one of exploration, growth and artistic innovation.

As Laguna Dance Founder and Artistic Director Jodie Gates puts it, “This is more than a celebration—it’s an invitation to take flight with us on the journey for the next two decades.” The evening, which runs from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. will feature live music, dance performances, and artistic collaborations, highlighting Laguna Dance’s deep commitment to educational opportunities and unique events. This Emerald Anniversary represents 20 years of Laguna Dance and its vitality as a top tier gem in Orange County. Funds raised will directly support the organization’s collaborative presentations with music and the visual arts, education initiatives including its scholarship program and mentorship opportunities, support of up to 40 local and national artists in the upcoming season, and securing the future for Laguna Dance and its important role as one of Laguna Beach’s most exciting organizations.

Gates, a distinguished dance leader with an extensive career spanning four decades including roles as Vice Dean and Founding Director of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Ballet, and a tenured professor at UC Irvine understands firsthand the challenges young dancers face when transitioning from pre-professional to professional careers. “We are deeply committed to bringing top professionals to our community, supporting emerging choreographers, and developing young artists,” Gates says. “From audition preparation to professional careers, we want
to provide dancers with the resources they need to succeed.”

Education remains a cornerstone of Laguna Dance’s mission. Each year, the organization awards scholarships, brings in up to a dozen top educators, fosters relationships with aspiring dancers ages 12 and up, many of whom are preparing for college and professional auditions. With expanded programming, the upcoming 2025-2026 season, to be announced in late spring, will continue to provide opportunities for dance artists of all ages to showcase their work and develop their craft. Beyond the performances and fundraising efforts, the Birthday Bash promises to be one of the best parties in Orange County. An evening where guests will not only witness world-class dance but also have the chance to hit the dance floor themselves. With an emphasis on fun, inclusivity and dancing for all, the event aims to engage new audiences and make dance accessible and enjoyable, even for those who may have never stepped foot in a dance studio before.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Laguna Dance 20th Birthday Bash are
available now. Join us for an exhilarating evening celebrating the past, present and
future of dance. Tickets can be found at the link.

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