Partner Megan Somogyi Joins the Inaugural Board of Directors for Ballet22

June 22, 2022

Downey Brand is thrilled to announce that energy and public utility regulation partner Megan Somogyi has been invited to join Ballet22’s inaugural Board of Directors.

Megan has been involved with and inspired by Ballet22 the moment she watched their first virtual program in 2020, shortly after Ballet22 was founded.

“I believe the arts are an important bellwether for society’s health and growth. Ballet22’s first program was unlike anything I had ever seen, and it felt like hope,” said Megan. “I was hooked after that first performance and began volunteering and supporting Ballet22 immediately. Two years later, I am honored to join their inaugural Board of Directors.”

Founded by Roberto Vega Ortiz and Theresa Knudson, Ballet22 exists “to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet by focusing on producing and presenting works, ranging from classical to contemporary ballet, that break gender normative traditions.” The company is dedicated to creating opportunities for men, mxn, transgender, and non-binary artists to perform professionally “en pointe” and guided by values of inclusivity of body type, gender identity, and race.

Since its founding, Ballet22 has commissioned seven new ballets that contribute to representation in the ballet world. Named by Dance Magazine as “25 to Watch in 2022,” the company’s many choreographers, dancers, and collaborators continue to prioritize commissioning works that bring inclusion to the LGBTQ+ community and experience in ballet.

“Theresa and Roberto have a magical ability to ensure that every program is new and exciting, regardless of whether the pieces being performed are 200-year-old classics or world premieres. The 2022 Summer Season continues their brilliant programming with excerpts from Don Quixote, La Sylphide, and Juntos by Joshua A. Sayton, and new works by Fernando Ramos and Natasha Adorlee. I invite everyone to support this extraordinary company by attending the upcoming performances on July 29 and 30 at the Cowell Theater at Fort Mason and making a tax-deductible donation to keep the dancers in band-aids and pointe shoes.”

Downey Brand is proud to support Ballet22 as an Artist Sponsor and celebrates its dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performing arts. To learn more about Ballet22, we encourage you to visit their website.