New York City Ballet recently embarked on a tour to The Music Center in Los Angeles, California. This represented a historic return, as the company hadn't toured to LA in more than 20 years. For NYCB Dancer Lauren Collett, who performed in several of the ballets presented over the busy weekend, the tour was also a personal return: Collett was born and trained in the area. Below, enjoy a snapshot of her trip, including a stop at a favorite beach and preparations for the stage.

6/23/26

Tuesday

On our day off after traveling to Los Angeles I took my friends to The Crab Cooker in Newport Beach. This is one of my family’s favorite restaurants in Newport. My mom grew up going here with her parents and siblings after a beach day to get some clam chowder, and she did the same with her kids!

After lunch we drove to Laguna beach, which is my favorite beach in all of California! Shockingly, it did rain, but only a drizzle.

6/24/26

Wednesday

On our first full day at the theater, I took Benjamin for a walk by Colburn School. It was fun to be staying so close to where I went to school my freshman year just before moving to the School of American Ballet. That year definitely defined my love for Balanchine technique and pushed me to make my dream of getting into SAB a reality!

6/25/26

Thursday

I probably went to In-N-Out Burger at least four times during the week. As it should be! In my mind there’s no competition when it comes to fast food burgers.

6/27/26

Saturday

Today is our first double-show day of the weekend and I need to break in two pairs of pointe shoes in class for the shows. I switch to a different pair for jumps!

After the matinee I run to meet my family outside before having a quick lunch with my mom. I am very proud to be a seventh generation Californian! This is me with my grandma, mom, and great aunt.

6/28/26

Sunday

Today’s our last day in LA and I got to the theater about an hour before class to do my hair and makeup for the show. I usually sew my pointe shoes for the day during barre and then I’m ready to go!

This is the last show after four Concerto Barocco and four Concerto for Two Pianos performances in a row! It was a two-day marathon and my toenails were falling off, but it’s always worth the reward!