BRAVO - New Orleans Ballet Association
BRAVO volunteers and dance company visitors at a Support BRAVO function.
Ballet Hispánico Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro with 2024-2026 BRAVO President Marian Gibbs (right) and Marilyn Smith (left), host of the fall 2024 BRAVO meeting and dance party at the Four Seasons’ Private Residences.

Become a BRAVO Member

Make a Difference, and Have Fun Doing It!

BRAVO, the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization of the New Orleans Ballet Association, is a group of nearly 200 volunteers whose time and talents help ensure that NOBA’s nationally award-winning, internationally-recognized education programs and Main Stage Series of world renowned dance companies thrive in this city. Every year, BRAVO helps make possible over 5,000 tuition-free dance classes and activities after-school at numerous community sites; opportunities for advanced study and guest artist residencies; and costume and production needs for NOBA’s annual production of The Nutcracker Suite through the Nutcracker Legacy Fund. Over the past 33 years, NOBA’s Center for Dance has provided more than $10 million of tuition-free programming to over 35,000 people through over 86,000 classes and activities, many of whom would not otherwise have the opportunities to study this art form.

As a BRAVO member, you will receive invitations to membership meetings and other FUNdraising events. You may also help plan and raise critical support through annual fundraising events and the glamorous Men and Women of Fashion’s Prix d’Elegance Luncheon and Fashion Show that benefits NOBA. BRAVO welcomes you to join a wonderful, collaborative group of community leaders for another exciting year. This season’s events include:

  • The third annual season kick-off member-exclusive after-hours party, October 6, 2026, hosted by Marilyn and Glen Smith in the Board Room of the Private Residence building of the Four Seasons.
  • The BRAVO Boo Bash on October 20, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the Metairie Country Club, chaired by Val Grubb and Raven Palmer. This event is open to non-members, but members receive early access to ticket sales and special seating options. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on August 10!
  • The Spring Meeting on April 28, 2027, hosted by owner and BRAVO member Anna Tusa at Briquette Restaurant. This event is exclusive to members and serves as a fun review of the season and the many successes made possibly by BRAVO members.

Events

Each year, NOBA is incredibly grateful to its volunteers, BRAVO members, and the Men and Women of Fashion who offer their countless hours, hard work, and creativity to continually create unforgettable fundraising events to support NOBA’s programming. From BRAVO’s grand seated dinner galas to the Men and Women of Fashion’s Prix d’Elegance luncheon and fashion show benefiting NOBA’s youth scholarship fund, we acknowledge the diligent commitment and hard work of the individuals who make these events possible. We invite you to join us for what have become truly signature New Orleans events and help NOBA continue to Bring Dance to Life in our community.

Upcoming Events:

Past Events:

PLUS, you can support BRAVO’s Nutcracker Legacy Fund.

About the BRAVO Nutcracker Legacy Fund

The Nutcracker Legacy Fund is dedicated to the acquisition and maintenance of the Nutcracker costumes, sets, and props used annually by the over 200 participants of NOBA’s annual The Nutcracker Suite production. With your support, we can replace tattered costumes for several scenes and ensure our costumes stand the test of time, worn for years to come to transform our dancers into their legendary roles. Your contribution this year will help NOBA present an exciting Nutcracker Suite production to ensure its participants will shine with Clara and friends this holiday season.

Questions?
Have questions or need assistance with membership or making a donation to the Nutcracker Legacy Fund? E-mail Francesca at fmartin@nobadance.com, or call 504.522.0996 x208

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

NOBA is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council with funding also provided by the National Endowment of the Arts; a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans as administered by Arts New Orleans; and a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by Arts New Orleans, with funding also provided by the National Endowment of the Arts. The 2025-26 Season is supported by Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

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