Retirement can’t hold a true performing arts visionary for long—especially when their passion burns as brightly as Celesta M. Billeci’s. After a celebrated 25-year tenure as Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, Billeci is stepping back into the spotlight, this time as the Principal Strategic Dance Advisor for The Music Center in Los Angeles. But here’s where it gets exciting: her new role isn’t just a return—it’s a bold leap into shaping the future of dance programming for one of the nation’s most prestigious performing arts institutions.
Billeci’s appointment comes as no surprise to those who’ve followed her career. When she announced her retirement from UCSB Arts & Lectures at the end of the 2024-2025 season, she hinted that her journey in the arts world was far from over. Now, she’s joining The Music Center’s Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance series, a cornerstone of L.A.’s cultural landscape. With an $80 million budget and a mission to bring world-class performances to diverse audiences, The Music Center operates across four iconic theaters, outdoor spaces like Jerry Moss Plaza and Gloria Molina Grand Park, and even schools throughout Los Angeles County. It’s also home to four legendary resident companies: Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Master Chorale, LA Opera, and LA Phil.
In her new role, Billeci will collaborate closely with The Music Center’s President & CEO, Rachel S. Moore, to elevate the institution’s dance programming to even greater heights. And this is the part most people miss: Billeci isn’t just a seasoned curator—she’s a dance world insider with deep roots in the community. Moore, a childhood friend from Sacramento’s dance scene, praises Billeci’s ‘impeccable eye for quality’ and her global network of dance companies and choreographers. Together, they aim to solidify The Music Center as L.A.’s premier destination for dance, with upcoming performances featuring powerhouses like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and New York City Ballet.
But let’s take a step back—what makes Billeci’s return so significant? During her tenure at UCSB Arts & Lectures, she transformed the organization from a modest campus series into a nationally acclaimed powerhouse. Here’s the controversial part: while some might argue that her success was tied to UCSB’s resources, Billeci’s vision and leadership were the true catalysts. She grew the annual budget from under $1 million to over $10 million, turning Santa Barbara into a must-visit destination for performing arts enthusiasts. Her programming brought global icons like Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Batsheva Dance Company, and Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan to local stages, proving that world-class art can thrive anywhere with the right leadership.
Billeci’s partnership with Moore is more than professional—it’s personal. The two share a lifelong passion for dance and arts education, a bond forged in childhood ballet studios. ‘I am honored to collaborate with The Music Center, an institution I’ve admired throughout my career,’ Billeci said. ‘This is an extraordinary opportunity to curate a dance season that reflects artistic excellence, civic engagement, and cultural vibrancy.’ And while she’ll continue to call Santa Barbara home, her impact will resonate across L.A.’s cultural scene.
But here’s the question that lingers: Can Billeci’s success at UCSB be replicated on a larger, more complex stage like The Music Center? Or will the challenges of a major metropolitan institution test her in new ways? One thing’s certain: her appointment is a win for L.A.’s dance community—and a reminder that true passion never retires. What do you think? Is Billeci’s move a game-changer for The Music Center, or will she face hurdles she’s never encountered before? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
