Laguna Dance Festival moves into town

"They haven't been seen in Southern California in many years; they'll be opening the performances at the Playhouse," she said. "What's nice and new about this year is that we're getting back to this model of three to four different programs."

In addition to the series of performances, the festival has a strong educational component; master classes are slated from 6 to 8 p.m. April 11 at the Laguna Playhouse with the director/choreographer of River North Dance Chicago, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Laguna Beach High School on April 14 (with a BalletX dancer) and 15 (with a principal guest artist). Master classes are $25; there is a $10 audit option. (UCI students will be given their own on-campus master classes from April 9 to 13 with River North Dance Chicago and BalletX.)

These events all exist due to a committed network of donors and patrons, Gates said.

"We have some very loyal patrons that have been very supportive over the years. We call them our VIPs. We also get support from the city and BID (Business Improvement District) tax money, and support from the Festival of Arts. Our granting has been consistent over the years.

"It's quite amazing, I think, to a lot of my friends with different arts organizations. They are so impressed that we continue even though we have a small budget. In general, dance is a very costly art form, and to bring in all these performers from across the country is not cheap. To survive and even to break even is extraordinary."

Even during the recession years of the recent past, in which many local arts organizations shuttered or put their plans on hold, the Laguna Dance Festival continued to offer a wide range of programming to devoted audiences.

"It really is the best-kept secret," Gates said. "I continue to be proud of the standard of excellence. Each night is a different experience. I can't stress that enough. It's hard because we're an organization that's word-of-mouth.

"I just encourage the community to support dance, because if they don't, it won't be here."

For more information, tickets and a complete schedule, visit lagunadancefestival.org.

If You Go

What: Laguna Dance Festival

When: April 5 to 15

Where: Primarily at Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

Cost: $35 for students; $50 general admission; $50 for VIP reception on April 14

Information: (949) 715-5578 or lagunadancefestival.org