Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet

Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet 8th Anniversary Gala – 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026 • 6:00 PM

✨ Raymonda as a story of love, loyalty, honor, and triumph over adversity. ✨

Raymonda is one of the great classical ballets choreographed by Marius Petipa to the magnificent music of Alexander Glazunov. It premiered in 1898 at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Set during the time of the Crusades, the story follows the young Countess Raymonda, who is eagerly awaiting the return of her beloved fiancé, Jean de Brienne, a noble knight fighting abroad.

Our radiant Hannah Gopalakrishna will perform the title role of Raymonda in this year’s Raymonda Ballet Suite.

Also a student at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Hannah is a beautifully expressive artist whose elegant classical lines, refined technique, and captivating stage presence make her a natural choice for this celebrated role.

Her training besides , has included prestigious programs at the The Royal Ballet School in London and the John Cranko School, where she further developed her artistry and technical excellence. Hannah has also earned numerous top awards and distinctions at major national ballet competitions.

In this production, she will be partnered by guest artist José Luis Pechené in three magnificent pas de deux, bringing to life some of the most memorable moments of Petipa’s masterpiece.

In addition Hannah will perform several of Raymonda’s celebrated variations, including the dazzling Wedding Variation—a breathtaking display of virtuosity, elegance, and classical brilliance that serves as one of the ballet’s most spectacular highlights. ✨

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Sunrise Civic Center Theatre
10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard
Sunrise, FL 33351

For tickets, please text: (754) 303-9412

✨ Grand Pas Classique ✨

Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet 8th Anniversary Gala – 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026 • 6:00 PM

Regarded as one of the most dazzling and technically demanding Pas de Deux in the classical ballet repertoire, Grand Pas Classique is a brilliant showcase of virtuosity, elegance, and artistic excellence.

Choreographed by Victor Gsovsky in 1949 to the magnificent music of Daniel-François Auber, this celebrated masterpiece was created as a tribute to the grandeur and refinement of 19th-century classical ballet. Since its premiere, it has become a treasured jewel of the international ballet repertoire, admired for its breathtaking technique, purity of style, and timeless beauty.

Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet is honored to welcome back two distinguished alumni as Guest Artists for our 2026 Gala. Emily Estrada (Class of 2024), previously a trainee with Orlando Ballet and now an artist with Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, and Jose Luis Pechene (Class of 2022), who previously danced with Pennsylvania Ballet and is now also an artist with Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida.

Their return to the stage is a testament to the strength of their artistry, dedication, and continued professional success. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and delighted to share their beautiful artistry with our audiences once again. ✨💙

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Sunrise Civic Center Theatre
10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard
Sunrise, FL 33351

For tickets, please text: (754) 303-9412

Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet 8th Anniversary Gala – 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026 • 6:00 PM

Join Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate our 8th Anniversary Gala with an exquisite program of beloved classical ballet masterpieces.

This year, FLYB is proud to present the radiant Raymonda Ballet Suite, a jewel of the classical repertoire filled with elegance, grandeur, and timeless beauty.

Featured in this enchanting production are a distinguished group of soloists who will captivate audiences with their exquisite variations and the celebrated Raymonda Pas de Trois. These remarkable artists possess exceptional technique, breathtaking classical lines, and a level of artistry that brings every moment on stage to life.

Raymonda Ballet Suite
Music: Alexander Glazunov
Choreography: Marius Petipa / German Dager

Raymonda — Hannah Gopalakrishna
Henriette — Alexandra Mishiev
Clémence — Arielle Abiri
Countess Sybille de Doris — Emily Estrada

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Sunrise Civic Center Theatre
10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard
Sunrise, FL 33351

For tickets, please text: (754) 303-9412

✨ Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet 8th Anniversary Gala 2026 ✨

📅 Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM

Join us for an unforgettable evening of classical ballet as presents the radiant Raymonda Ballet Suite.

Our Advanced and Pre-Advanced dancers will also delight audiences with the beautiful Valse Provençale (Grand Valse) from La Fête de Raymonda.

Raymonda Ballet Suite
Music: Alexander Glazunov
Original Choreography: Marius Petipa
Adaptation & Staging: German Dager

✨ Featured Cast ✨
Raymonda – Hannah Gopalakrishna
Jean de Brienne – Jose Luis Pechene
Henriette – Alexandra Mishiev
Clémence – Arielle Abiri
Countess Sybille de Doris – Emily Estrada
Béranger – Pablo Acosta
Bernard – Lukas Rueda

👑 Ladies of Honor: Keira Dahill, Ruth Exposito, Kavni Gupta, Toni Lange, Patricia Locke, Anaya Mitchell, Sierra Reis, Natalie Stocking, Hanna Swissa, and Camilla Wizel.

You won’t want to miss this beautiful celebration of artistry, elegance, and classical ballet! ✨

📸

Sunrise Civic Center Theatre
10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard
Sunrise, FL 33351

For tickets, please text (754) 303-9412

Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet 8th Anniversary Gala – 2026

Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Join Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate our 8th Anniversary Gala with an exquisite program of classical ballet masterpieces.

This year, FLYB will present the radiant Raymonda Ballet Suite, one of the most celebrated works in the classical ballet repertoire.

Our FLYB Pre-Advanced Homeschool Program will be presenting the dazzling Raymonda Grand Coda, one of the most joyous and technically demanding excerpts from the classical ballet repertoire.

This performance is the result of a year filled with dedicated training, perseverance, and artistic growth. These remarkable young dancers have made extraordinary progress, developing not only their technique but also their confidence, musicality, and stage presence. We could not be prouder of how far they have come.

Their hard work, passion, and commitment will shine brightly on stage as they bring this vibrant and exhilarating masterpiece to life.

You won’t want to miss this exceptionally talented group of dancers as they showcase the beauty, elegance, and brilliance of classical ballet. ✨

📸

Sunrise Civic Center Theatre
10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard
Sunrise, FL 33351

For tickets, please text (754) 303-9412.

Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet 8th Anniversary Gala – 2026

Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Join Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate our 8th Anniversary Gala with an exquisite program of classical ballet masterpieces.

This year, FLYB will present the stunning Diana & Acteon Ballet Suite, the breathtaking Grand Pas Classique Pas de Deux, the radiant Raymonda Ballet Suite, and several enchanting divertissements from some of the most celebrated works in the classical ballet repertoire.

Our Advanced and Pre-Advanced Levels, representing our Junior and Senior Company dancers, will captivate audiences with their beautiful classical lines, refined technique, and inspiring artistry.

These remarkable young artists will leave you in awe from the moment they step onto the stage.

📸

Sunrise Civic Center Theatre
10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard
Sunrise, FL 33351

For tickets, please text (754) 303-9412.

Come experience an evening of beauty, elegance, and artistry through inspiring performances you won’t want to miss!

Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet 8th Anniversary Gala – 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Join Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet for an unforgettable evening celebrating our 8th Anniversary Gala featuring an exquisite program of classical ballet masterpieces.

This year, FLYB will present the stunning Diana & Acteon Ballet Suite, the breathtaking Grand Pas Classique, the radiant Raymonda Ballet Suite, and several enchanting divertissements from the most celebrated classical ballet repertoire.

Our beautiful Ballet 7 students, graduating into the Intermediate Level, will make their exciting pointe debut at this year’s Gala.

With their radiant smiles, grace, charm, and beautiful technique, these young artists are sure to captivate the audience and help make this a magical evening for the entire family. ✨💕

📸

Sunrise Civic Center Theatre
10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard
Sunrise, FL 33351

For tickets, please text (754) 303-9412

Come experience an evening of beauty, artistry, and inspiring performances you won’t want to miss!

Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet 8th Anniversary Gala – 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Join Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet for an unforgettable evening celebrating our 8th Anniversary Gala featuring an exquisite program of classical ballet masterpieces.

This year, FLYB will present the stunning Diana & Acteon Ballet Suite, the breathtaking Grand Pas Classique, the radiant Raymonda Ballet Suite, and several enchanting divertissements from the most celebrated classical ballet repertoire.

Our lovely young ballerinas will delight audiences with their radiant smiles, charm, and beautiful dancing, making this a magical evening for the entire family.

Sunrise Civic Center Theatre
10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard
Sunrise, FL 33351

For tickets, please text (754) 303-9412

Come experience an evening of beauty, artistry, and inspiring performances you won’t want to miss!

📸

Happy Birthday to our amazing .guo__ !!! You bring so much joy and pride to our studio! We are incredibly proud of all your wonderful accomplishments and of the amazing growth you’ve shown this year. We love you and can’t wait to continue watching you grow both artistically and technically. Wishing you the happiest birthday and a beautiful year ahead! 🎂✨

Ethan’s success this year has been truly incredible! All of these photos speak for themselves!

2026 Gala ~ Sunday, June 14th, 2026
- Opening Number “Diana and Acteon”

Diana and Acteon is a brilliant classical ballet suite inspired by Greek mythology, telling the story of Diana (Artemis), the goddess of the hunt, and Acteon, a mortal hunter. The ballet is best known for its breathtaking virtuosity, powerful jumps, dazzling turns, and demanding partnering, making it a favorite showpiece in the classical repertoire. Traditionally presented as a grand pas de deux or suite, it showcases strength, elegance, and dramatic storytelling, culminating in one of the most exciting and technically challenging codas in ballet.

Come and witness Arielle Abiri as Diana and Pablo Acosta as Acteon in this spectacular performance. These two remarkable artists have dominated the 2026 competition season, earning some of the highest honors, including Grand Prix Winner, Legacy Award recipients, Outstanding Classical Dancer honors, and multiple 1st 🥇 Place awards for their breathtaking Pas de Deux performances. This is a performance you will not want to miss!

Diana & Acteon:
✨ Choreography: Agrippina Vaganova (1935)
✨ Music: Cesare Pugni
✨ Modern famous adaptation: Rudolf Nureyev

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&ActeonBallet