Strength & Grace Benefit Performance

The international arts community has united to support Lisa Horten-Skilbrei, a beloved dancer from Ballett Basel who has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. In response, Jorge García Pérez and a devoted group of organizers and friends have assembled the Strength and Grace Benefit, a special dance gala in her honor. This event featured performances by dancers from Basel and around the world, celebrating Lisa’s artistry and the power of dance.

Lisa has been living in Basel since she arrived to dance at the Ballet Basel in 2017. She has been a powerful force for dance in this city and has been stopped in her tracks with the rapid and aggressive onset of her illness. Basel has been her beloved artistic home, but her family is in Norway. Our goal is to raise enough funds to enable Lisa to return home with her family. In her condition, this is an expensive and complex procedure.

The benefit took place on August 18th at the Schauspielhaus at Theater Basel (Steinentorstrasse 7), with all proceeds going towards Lisa’s medical expenses and comfort care. Although Lisa was unable to attend due to her condition, the event was live-streamed, allowing her to witness the love and support from her extended dance family.

A Message From Lisa…

“Hi, it’s really hard for me to share this with you but I want you all to know that at the end of March this year I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. I have been in hospital since then and my life has completely changed. It was a shock and still is and it is the biggest challenge I have ever had to face but I am not giving up. I love life here so much – this magical planet with so many beautiful people, plants, animals, feelings, experiences and opportunities. This planet where there are hugs, love, laughter, sounds, smells and tastes and where we can have cozy dinners, walk in the forest, swim in the sea, climb trees and spend lots of time with loved ones. I love and miss it and am grateful that I got to be a part of it but I’m not ready to leave it yet, I would love to spend even more time here with all of you…

In support and hope for a cure, my dear friend Saskia has started a fundraiser so that we have more options. The treatments and surgeries have been difficult so far but we stand together with love and strength to find new options. This is where I could use your help if you can and of course want to. Please donate if you can and share. I would be very happy about it and it would really help. Every little thing matters.

I hope you are well, I hug you all, I love life, I love you people” – Lisa Horten Skillbrei

Featured Artists

Thank You To Our Supporters

Roxy Birsfelden

Theater Basel

Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank

Krafft Gruppe

Braswell Arts Center

Dance For You Magazine

Basler Ballett Guild

Tibits Basel

Carta Blanca Dance

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous supporters and the numerous donors. Their invaluable contributions and passionate support have been instrumental in making this event possible. Their involvement is an example of the unity and compassion of our community as we come together to support one of our own dancers during this challenging time.

Spread The Word – Social Media

For those sharing the event on social media, please use the hashtag #StrengthandGraceBenefit and Follow us @strength.and.grace.benefit on Instagram. 

Support Lisa / Donate

 The community is encouraged to participate, by attending the event in Basel, or contributing to the GoFundMe page.

More Information

 More info about Lisa: https://www.theater-basel.ch/de/ensemble-team/lisahortenskilbrei

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_horten/

For media inquiries, we can provide photos, video footage, and interviews for the press. Please contact contact@strengthandgracebenefit.com.

This gathering not only honored Lisa’s contributions to dance but also exemplified the strength and grace of the human spirit in facing life’s challenges.