Rediscovering Ballet: Monica Klimczak and the Adult Showcase Journey

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Beverly Hills, CA - Monica Klimczak, a Beverly Hills resident, has rediscovered her passion for ballet through Westside Ballet of Santa Monica’s Adult Showcase. Scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd, at the New Roads School - Moss Theatre, this event promises an inspiring display of artistry and dedication from the adult dance community.

Monica Klimczak grew up in Long Beach and began her ballet journey at the age of four. Despite facing discouragement in her early years—being told by her old studio that she was "too fat to be a dancer"—Monica never gave up on her love for ballet. "I always loved it, so I never wanted to give it up, but I was mentally very messed up from what my teacher told me," Monica shares. "It really wasn’t until I started at Westside that I finally gained confidence in my dancing again."

Monica now lives in Beverly Hills and attended USC, where she studied theater and pre-med. She currently works as a math, science, SAT, and college application tutor for high school and college students. "The community at Westside Ballet feels like a second home to me," she says. "I am so thankful for all their guidance, teachings, and giving me this opportunity to perform. I’ve been doing ballet as a hobby my entire life, but it wasn’t until I started working with the teachers at Westside that I felt like I actually was capable of dancing."

This year, Monica will be performing in Sadie Black’s dance, "on the moon i swear" to House of Woodcock by Jonny Greenwood, and Jeni Jones’ jazz dance, "All This Jazz" featuring a montage of: “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by The Temptations; “Cool Joe, Mean Joe (Killer Joe)” by Quincy Jones; “Happy” by Pharrell Williams with “Happy” video with special thanks to David Combs. "I'm so grateful to the teachers who really see potential in me and are actually helping me to get better—even at this age! It really has changed my life, and I am forever thankful," she adds.

The showcase will feature other dedicated dancers from the area. Kirstin and Sorcha Whitley, a mother-daughter duo from Larchmont Village, bring a unique dynamic to the stage. They will be performing in Chasen Greenwood's piece, "August's Rhapsody" to music of the same title from the August Rush Soundtrack. Sorcha, who is about to start her second year at UCLA School of Law, previously graduated from Stanford University, where she served as the executive director of the Cardinal Ballet Company. Kirstin, an attorney and ERISA specialist at Sempra, danced with the Fresno Ballet in her youth and has found renewed joy in ballet through Westside's adult program. "It has been a joy to learn his choreography and to be part of such a supportive and wonderful group of dancers," says Kirstin.

Sorcha adds, "Chasen is a wonderful choreographer. He’s so attentive to and considerate of the skills of his dancers and really works with the group."

Bari Grossman, a resident of West Hollywood, is also part of this year's adult summer showcase. As a self-identified queer woman working in e-commerce as an ECommerce Site Manager, Bari has found ballet to be a fulfilling and transformative experience. "I never thought I'd have the chance to dance on stage again," Bari shares. "Participating in the Westside Ballet Adult Showcase has been an absolute dream come true. These women have taught me that anything is possible, at any age, if you're willing to put in the dedication and effort." Bari will be dancing in "In Waiting" choreographed by Dani Savka to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons recomposed by Max Richter.

Directed, staged, and choreographed by a distinguished group of faculty, including Adrian Blake Mitchell, Sven Toorvald, Chasen Greenwood, Sadie Black, Natalia Velarde, Erin Rivera-Brennand, Dani Savka, Jenny Jones, and Liz Wasynczuk, the showcase promises a diverse blend of classical and contemporary ballet. These renowned choreographers bring a variety of styles and perspectives, ensuring a program that is both compelling and beautifully executed.

"We are so pleased to have several accomplished choreographers and many dedicated performers for our 2024 adult showcase," says Allegra Clegg, Executive Director of Westside School of Ballet. "Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to support Westside Ballet’s adult dance community and enjoy an inspiring afternoon of dance!"

The school is increasingly committed to providing opportunities for its adult students to perform and showcase their skills and progress. The Adult Showcase 2024 is one of the highlights of the year for the SoCal adult ballet community, as it offers students a chance to share their love of ballet with their friends, family, and the public.

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica is known for its commitment to nurturing dancers of all ages and providing a supportive environment for their artistic growth. The adult showcase serves as a testament to the dedication and passion of these dancers, who have embraced the art form as a means of personal expression and fulfillment.

For over five decades, Westside Ballet has offered adult ballet classes that cater to every level of experience and ability. Whether beginners looking to learn the basics, advanced dancers refining their technique, or individuals dancing for fun and fitness, Westside Ballet has classes for everyone. The adult ballet program is led by highly experienced and qualified teachers, many of whom have danced professionally with prestigious companies such as New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, and Los Angeles Ballet.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to support Westside Ballet’s adult dance community and enjoy an afternoon filled with inspiring performances. The Adult Showcase will be held at New Roads School - Moss Theatre on Saturday, August 3rd, with performances at 1pm and 5pm.

For more information about Westside School of Ballet and its adult ballet program, visit westsideballet.com or Instagram @westsideballet. Adult Ballet Showcase Tickets are $35 and are available at Westside Ballet's front desk, 1709 Stewart Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Or phone 310-828-2018.

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