Diablo Ballet Appoints Lee Foster as Executive Director

Jan. 6, 2009 - Diablo Ballet has appointed Lee Foster to the position of Executive Director, announced Miriam Leigh, President of the Board of Directors.  The addition to the staff marks the first time since 2002 that the critically-acclaimed company has had a full-time administrator.  As a result, Artistic Director Lauren Jonas, who handled both jobs in the interim, can now focus on the creative side of the company, from the  development of new ballets to working closely with the company’s resident dancers.

Since 1997, Foster has served on the Board of Directors and as the Executive Director of Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City, which was founded 68 years ago.  During her tenure, Foster increased audience participation by over 200% and eliminated all debt, while tripling the annual budget.  She received an MBA from the University of San Francisco and graduated from the Arts Leadership of the Future program sponsored by the Packard Foundation.  Among her honors, Foster received the BRAVO! Award, presented by Congresswoman Jackie Speier in June 2008, and she has received special recognitions and resolutions from city, county, state and national government sources.

Leigh noted, “We could not be more pleased to bring Lee Foster on board as executive director.  She has an incredible track record in arts administration and will be an invaluable asset to Diablo Ballet. We look forward to enhanced success under her leadership.” 

Diablo Ballet’s 2008-09 15th Season, presented by the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation, continues March 20-21 at 7:30 pm and March 21 at 2:00 pm, with acclaimed choreographer Julia Adams' A Midsummer Night's Dream, followed by the world premiere of The Little Prince on May 8-9 at 7:30 pm and May 9 at 2:00 pm. The matinee performances are shortened 45 minute productions with no intermission, perfect for children. Following the performances, children will have an exclusive opportunity to meet and mingle with the dancers in costume and have their photo taken with them.  TO PURCHASE TICKETS: Call (925) 943-SHOW (7469) or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Diablo Ballet is an ensemble of world-class dance artists that commissions original ballets, as well as produces story ballets and classical works by great choreographers. Founded in August 1993, the company is comprised of ten principal dancers who have performed with such esteemed companies as the Ballet De Cali in Colombia, Ballet de Caracas in Venezuela, and the Miami City, San Francisco, the Houston and Colorado Ballets.  Diablo Ballet achieved international recognition in October 2005, when it was the only American company invited to perform at Bangkok’s 7th International Music and Dance Festival, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Thailand.  Among its unique contributions to the Contra Costa community, where the company is based, are its Dance-in-the-Schools, Theatre Encounter and Adopt-a-Class programs for children, as well as its Apprentice and Professional Intermediate Programs to provide professional training to talented young dancers ages 11 to 19. Dancers from both have consistently placed in the top tiers at national and international competitions. 

For more information, visit www.DiabloBallet.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mary Polizzotti
PR/Media Relations
Diablo Ballet
(925) 943-1775
Mary.Polizzotti@lonelyplanet.com

Lauren Jonas
Artistic Director
Diablo Ballet
(925) 943-1775, ext 3
lauren@diabloballet.org