IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ERICA DE LA O, O.D.,the artistic director of Salt Creek Ballet, and LAUREN KAVANAUGH, president of the board of directors, are the primas behind Salt Creek Ballet’s mission to deliver excellence in ballet instruction, performance, community engagement, and outreach. For 39 years, the nonprofit company has been pivotal bringing arts awareness to local communities, reaching more than 10,000 people annually. With De La O’s repertoire and Kavanaugh’s leadership, they continue to pirouette toward a society where the arts enrich and uplift.

Most rewarding part of what you do? Seeing young dancers light up in the studio and on stage, and watching audience members leave energized and inspired, is truly special. Our dancers evolve into artists, and their infectious energy spreads to the audience. It’s a reciprocal exchange that connects us as a community, creating a wonderful feeling of shared experience and inspiration. Being part of this mutual journey is an incredible privilege.

How should women support other women? Respect, uplift, believe in, and support one another, both on and off stage, with respect and affection—like sisters. In the fiercely competitive world of ballet, this bond is essential.

Best piece of advice for anyone starting out? At the barre and in life, stay engaged, curious, and begin with a plié! Turn out, lift those elbows, warmly greet your partner, breathe, and enjoy time with friends and family— and remember it’s always in the music. Be coachable, don’t coast on talent, or rely on good luck. Most importantly, never give up.

Traits you think great leaders possess? Heraclitus wrote, “The only constant in life is change.” Good leaders respect change, leaning into it with curiosity and acceptance, to guide their organizations through its challenges. Good leaders prioritize growth, acknowledge that they don’t have all the answers, and are not too proud to ask for help when they need it. Leading a nonprofit means guiding with heart, prioritizing the mission, connect, collaborate, and understanding how social responsibilities impact the community.

For more information and The Nutcracker tickets, visit saltcreekballet.org and @saltcreekballet on Instagram.