Cal Performances’ 2024 Gala Celebrates Dance

On April 4th, Cal Performances held their annual gala on campus at UC Berkeley. This year’s soiree celebrated three dance luminaries: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Executive Director Bennett Rink, Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, and philanthropist Joan Weill.

The night’s festivities began with a celebratory cocktail reception at UC Berkeley’s Alumni House, just a few steps away from Zellerbach Hall where a special performance was held. The Alvin Ailey company presented a riveting night of modern dance, capped off by Ailey’s iconic Revelations accompanied by live music under the direction of Damien Sneed.

After the performance, gala guests adjourned to Pauley Ballroom for a dinner conceived by award-winning chef Tanya Holland. Ailey company dancers joined the attendees for an evening of fine food, with wine provided by Sonoma County winery LynMar Estate.

All proceeds from Cal Performances’ 2024 Gala (over 1 million dollars raised) support Cal Performances’ mission to produce and present performances of the highest artistic quality, enhanced by programs that explore compelling intersections of education and the performing arts.