If you love classical dance or were in any way connected to the Central Coast dance community as a patron, artist, student, or teacher, you knew of Gilbert and Sydna Reed, who passed away earlier this year. In his professional heyday, Gibert Reed was an internationally renowned dancer under famed choreographer George Balanchine and toured with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.
He and his wife, Sydna, founded the Gilbert Reed Ballet here in San Luis Obispo, entertaining audiences and developing dance students for a decade, and when the Reeds retired, they passed the reins to one of their best dancers and dance teachers, Theresa Slobonik, who with Blair London opened Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo.
Now to honor the Reeds’ remarkable legacy, The BlackBox Theatre at Ballet Theatre SLO will host the Gilbert and Sydna Reed Memorial Festival, presenting seven original works from the Gilbert Reed Ballet’s repertoire over three days, Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 19. Details are at my805tix.com, and seating is very limited.
The BlackBox Theatre is located at 3566 South Higuera St., No. 207, in San Luis Obispo. More info is available by calling (805) 440-1439 or emailing info@bt-slo.org. ∆
This article appears in Oct 16-26, 2025.