Year-End Tax-Planning Strategies

value. They carry themselves differently—taller and more confident.”

“At the ABT Gillespie school, we take into consideration how children develop,” says Sarah Jones, the school’s interim director. “Each class introduces age-appropriate material in a healthy and engaging way, and each exercise is carefully crafted with a connection to steps they will learn in the future. This occurs from Pre-Primary dancers all the way through Level 7 at age 18.”

For instance, hopping across the studio like bunnies starts to strengthen the muscles they will eventually use to perform a sauté—standing with feet together, then pushing off from the toes, jumping straight up and landing in a proper plié.

When the 3-year-olds march from one red star on the floor to another across the studio, it teaches them the coordination needed to move in a straight line while learning the sharp dynamics of the step. What seems like play now (more giggling!) will develop at advanced levels as specific movements, allowing them to build upon what they started at this age.

Students also acquire important skills that will integrate into all parts of their lives as they grow. “ABT gives my daughters the opportunity to build friendships while creating a passion for the art,” say Whitney.

Young dancers learn discipline, to be good listeners, how to take direction, to pay attention, and to be considerate of each other. In this age of instant gratification, they learn patience and how to work well with others. “As they get older and join a dance company they will likely begin in the corps de ballet,” says Jones. “They have to learn multiple roles quickly and be able to change gears as they prepare to dance in a different work than they did two days ago. At the same time, they are learning a lot about teamwork: A good corps moves as one.”

Whether these young dancers grow up to be principals with a leading ballet company or decide they would rather keep their feet on the ground, the training they receive now at the ABT Gillespie School will always stand them in good stead.

This year, second semester enrollment opened on November 28 for classes beginning the week of January 3, 2023. Like the school’s opening year, classes are already filled and additional Pre-Primary and Primary classes are being added to the schedule. Scan the QR code here for more information.

Takács Quartet

THE GRAMMY-WINNING Takács Quartet, longtime favorites of Segerstrom Center audiences, returns to Samueli Theater next month. The program includes works by Britten, Bartok and Dvořák.

The program highlights themes of displacement and return, which are also explored by Edward Dusinberre, the quartet’s British first violinist, in his recently released new book, Distant Melodies: Music in Search of a Home. Ticketholders will receive a link for an online pre-concert talk by Dusinberre about the program and book, and he will sign copies after the performance.

“What a gem of a book!” says Marc-André Hamelin, renowned pianist and composer. “Dusinberre mingles historical perspective with personal and practical experience relating to a quartet repertoire that has meant a lot to him over the years. The result is a brilliantly engaging narrative.”

The Takács Quartet formed in 1975 in Budapest and within two years had won First Prize and Critic’s Choice at the International String Quartet Competition in France. They continued to win the leading music competitions and have solidified a reputation for innovative programs. Today, the ensemble is based at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and the line-up of musicians has changed (only one original member remains), but it continues to thrill audiences.

“What endures about the Takács Quartet, year after year, is how equally the four players carry the music,” says the Guardian (UK). That’s a great reason to see them again.

SAMUELI THEATER January 27 | Tickets start at $29

Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour

THE WORLD’S longest-running jazz festival is coming to Orange County, and there’s only one place to witness this set of immensely talented performers—Segerstrom Center!

As one of the jazz world’s most iconic events, the Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates its 65th year with a must-hear, once-in-a-lifetime ensemble. With NEA Jazz Master vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater alongside Grammy Awardwinning vocalist Kurt Elling and critically acclaimed rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, this stellar band will be directed by visionary pianist Christian Sands and anchored by his longtime rhythm section, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn. Together, these individuals have all won countless awards for their albums, singles, and performances, and this is a rare opportunity to see so many of today’s best jazz stars.

The tradition of this unique jazz festival lives on through this musically and culturally diverse group.

RENÉE AND HENRY SEGERSTROM CONCERT HALL January 25 | Tickets start at $29

Year-End Tax-Planning Strategies

THE CENTER HAS BROUGHT you thrills and excitement that only happen through the performing arts. You can’t imagine your life without experiencing the exhilaration of live music, dance and Broadway musicals, and you want to ensure future generations can do the same.

Your support can help make possible expanded programming in innovative and exciting ways and secure the Center’s future. If this resonates with you, there are charitable planning strategies that can help you lower your income taxes this year while supporting Segerstrom Center. Donor Advised Fund (DAF) • If you are looking for an end-of-year deduction but want more time to make thoughtful giving decisions, consider a donor advised fund (DAF). You can make grants from your DAF now and in the future to support our work and other causes you care about.

Zero Tax Gift and Sale • If you are planning to sell an asset like securities, real estate or a business, before you sell, consider a “zero tax” charitable gift and sale. By making a gift of part of the asset before the sale, you can use a tax saving charitable deduction to significantly lower or eliminate the capital gains tax on the sale.

IRA Charitable Rollover • Congress made permanent the law that allows people age 70½ or older who own an

IRA to make cash gifts directly from their

IRA to charity. For many people, this is the best tax-wise way to give. An IRA rollover gift will not be included in your taxable income and may qualify for your required minimum distribution. Contact us to learn more.

If you would like further information on these end of year planning strategies, please contact Elizabeth Kurila, senior director of gift planning strategies at ekurila@scfta.org or direct at (714) 942-6275.