On Jan. 21, some of the best dancers in the United States will gather on Columbia’s Koger Center stage for Columbia Classical Ballet Company’s Lifechance: International Gala of the Stars.

The evening will include performances by dancers from renowned ballet companies such as the Washington Ballet, Houston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet and North Carolina’s Carolina Ballet. These dancers will, of course, be joined by the Columbia Classical Ballet Company in a program that combines great works from the traditional ballet cannon with choreography from more contemporary artists.

One of the exciting things about this year’s Lifechance is the return of two ballet stars with S.C. roots. Brooklyn Mack, who hails from Elgin, will dance George Ballanchine’s “Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux,” with Hilton Head native Emily Ellis. Today, both dancers are with the Washington Ballet.

In its 16th year, Lifechance offers a stellar lineup of dance and the chance to help those in need. Every year, Columbia Classical Ballet Company chooses a local charity to be the recipient of its fundraising effort, and this year’s Lifechance will support the great work being done by the Harvest Hope Food Bank.

The event on Jan. 21 will begin with a silent auction at 6:30 p.m. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $5 to $32 and are available by calling (803) 251-2222 or clicking here.