By Sophie Topper
Nine dedicated ballet students who live or go to school in Westwood and Century City recently took to the stage with over 90 total students, in Westside Ballet’s 50th Anniversary of Spring Shows at the BroadStage in Santa Monica. The performances showcased the dancers’ training across multiple styles and dynamics, and culminated with the Gala featuring world renowned guest artists. Multiple of the professional artists who performed in the Gala are alumni of Westside themselves.
Spencer Collins is a fifth grader attending Overland Elementary who recently just won 1st place in Youth America Grand Prix, one of the largest and most prestigious ballet competitions. He danced in the New York Finals in April receiving 1st place in both Classical and Contemporary in his age category. Spencer performed his award winning solo from Flames of Paris in the Spring Performances as well as the Gala. Spencer also had a featured role in the Jazz piece that spanned many decades of dance.
Ballet has had a major impact on Spencer in and out of the studio. He says “Ballet also makes me feel confident in the studio and on stage. And that confidence flows into other parts of my life, like school too. I know when I try to learn something new that’s hard, if I work at it, I can do anything I set my mind to.”
One of Spencer’s coaches and Westside Ballet Associate Executive Director, Adrian Blake Mitchell, also performed in the Gala. Adrian danced with the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St Petersburg, Russia, and performed the Pas de Deux from George Balanchine’s masterpiece Agon. Adrian’s partner Andrea Lassakova also danced with the Mikhailovsky Theatre.
Eighth grade student Naya Farrell-Katseanes is a Century City resident, and danced as one of the Lilac Fairy Attendants from The Sleeping Beauty, as well as the Jazz piece. Naya has aspirations to be a professional dancer and has received scholarships to study at summer training programs. Naya says that “Ballet makes me happy because I enjoy dancing with my friends. I also love performing in front of an audience … it’s very fun.”
The Westside dancers performed a variety of styles and pieces. Tenth grade student Bella Shriver danced the Fairy of Beauty solo from The Sleeping Beauty along with Classical Symphony choreographed by Westside Ballet founder Yvonne Mounsey. Koko Miyamoto, a tenth grader at Geffen Academy performed in Classical Symphony as well as Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Jazz, and Murmuration, a contemporary piece made in collaboration with Santa Monica College’s Dance Department.
Two more eighth graders, Antonia Cytrynowicz and Zola Maksimovic, danced the Lilac Fairy Attendants from The Sleeping Beauty along with the jazz piece. And Delilah Ahmadi at St. Paul the Apostle performed Ecossaises and jazz. 6th grade New West student Isla Segar danced Fête De Carnivale and jazz. Carlin McCaffrey who is in 4th grade performed in Valse Bleu.
The two programs highlighted all the dedicated work of these local students, as well as showcased current stars of ballet. The Gala honored legendary American ballerina Patricia Neary who danced in New York City Ballet under George Balanchine. Ms. Neary personally coached all the Balanchine works in the show, which was a very special experience for the students and professionals.
SUMMER CAMPS
Westside has an exciting lineup of summer camps happening starting June 12. For younger students ages 4-6 Westside is offering one week themed camps that will bring favorite storybook characters to life, with the first week being Peter Pan themed. For ages 7-19, Westside will offer a variety of levels and programs to accelerate dancers training of any skill level. There will also be week-long workshops for more advanced students taught by current and former stars of New York City Ballet.
For More Info: westsideballet.com
