Los Angeles audiences are about to get a major dose of dance expertise. Celesta M. Billeci, who recently stepped down after a quarter-century leading the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Arts & Lectures program, is joining The Music Center as principal strategic dance advisor.
A New Chapter for a Dance Visionary
Billeci’s appointment signals a continued commitment to high-caliber dance programming at the Los Angeles institution.
- Billeci will advise on The Music Center’s Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center series.
- She succeeds Martin Wechsler, who is retiring at the end of 2025.
- During her 25 years at UCSB Arts & Lectures, Billeci grew the organization’s budget from under $1 million to over $10 million.
- The Music Center is an $80 million nonprofit providing year-round programming across Los Angeles County.
What does it take to build a world-class dance program? Billeci’s track record suggests a blend of artistic vision, deep industry relationships, and a knack for elevating a region’s cultural profile. Her move to The Music Center promises to build on that legacy.
In her new role, Billeci will work closely with The Music Center President & CEO Rachel S. Moore to enhance the institution’s dance offerings, which include upcoming performances by Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater and New York City Ballet. The Music Center, a $80 million nonprofit, hosts performances in its four theaters, on Jerry Moss Plaza, at Gloria Molina Grand Park—a 12-acre green space—and in schools throughout Los Angeles County. It also serves as the home to Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Master Chorale, LA Opera, and LA Phil.
“Celesta is not only one of the most respected performing arts leaders and curators in the nation, but also someone I have known from a very young age,” Moore said in a statement. “We grew up together in Sacramento’s dance community, training at the same ballet studio, and have admired each other’s accomplishments and success in bringing unforgettable dance experiences to countless audiences in Southern California. For more than two decades, Celesta’s artistic vision shaped the trajectory of concert dance presentation at UCSB Arts & Lectures and the West Coast.”
Moore continued, “Her vast knowledge of and deep relationships with dance companies and choreographers around the world, paired with her impeccable eye for quality, make her an ideal and trusted partner. Together, we will continue to advance The Music Center’s role as the premier home for dance in Los Angeles.”
Billeci’s tenure at UCSB Arts & Lectures, spanning 25 years, saw the organization evolve from a campus-focused series into a nationally recognized presenter. She increased the annual budget from under $1 million to more than $10 million and helped establish Santa Barbara as a key destination for performing arts. Companies she brought to the area included Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Ballet Preljocaj, Batsheva Dance Company, Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan, Dorrance Dance, Lyon Opera Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, and New York City Ballet Moves.
“I am honored to collaborate with The Music Center, a world-class performing arts institution I have admired throughout my career,” Billeci said. “Helping to expand and curate an acclaimed dance season for an organization with a deep commitment to artistic excellence, civic engagement, arts education and cultural vibrancy is an extraordinary opportunity. I look forward to working with The Music Center team and especially with my longtime friend Rachel, who is known internationally for her clear and ambitious vision. We share a passion for the dance field and a love for arts education, and we are excited to bring today’s most compelling and distinguished dance works to L.A. audiences!” Billeci will continue to reside in Santa Barbara with her husband, John Hajda.
