Grace and Grit: West LA Dancers Celebrate 52 Years of Nutcracker Tradition

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From the youngest angels making their debuts to seasoned principals performing dream roles, West Los Angeles neighborhoods are well-represented in Westside Ballet of Santa Monica's 52nd annual Nutcracker production at The Broad Stage.

A 12-Year-Old Makes History

Perhaps no dancer embodies the dedication required for ballet excellence quite like Spencer Collins, a 12-year-old Westwood resident who trains at Geffen Academy. This spring, Spencer achieved what no other Westside Ballet dancer has accomplished: winning the prestigious Hope Award at the 2025 Youth America Grand Prix Finals—the highest honor of the entire competition—ranking him as the top dancer in his age group worldwide across both boys and girls.

"Spencer winning the Hope Award puts us on the map alongside the most prestigious ballet schools in the world," says Adrian Blake Mitchell, Westside Ballet's Associate Executive Director and Spencer's primary coach for the past three years. "But what I'm most proud of is how Spencer has stayed humble and hungry. He works harder now than before YAGP."

Spencer's trophy case tells the story: first place in both classical and contemporary at the 2024 YAGP Finals, followed by first place classical and second place contemporary at this year's Los Angeles Semi-Finals, leading to that coveted Hope Award. He's been designated an International Scholar of the Royal Ballet School and has trained at elite academies worldwide, from Monaco's Princess Grace Academie to Germany's John Cranko School.

In this year's Nutcracker, Spencer performs the Russian Lead soloist role alongside the Soldier Doll—a fitting showcase for a dancer whose future seems destined for the world's premier ballet companies.

Rising Through the Ranks

For 13-year-old Addison Russell, performing Clara represents the culmination of years of dreaming. A Pacific Palisades resident who attends Windward School, Addison has been training at Westside since age six, watching older dancers inhabit the role she now brings to life.

"Since moving to Los Angeles, I knew then that I wanted to join Westside School of Ballet and do anything I could to make myself a better dancer," Addison shares. "I have made friends from ballet that are still some of my best friends."

Addison's family recently lost their home in the Palisades Fire and is temporarily residing in Bel Air while they determine next steps. Yet she continues training and performing—embodying the resilience that ballet instills. Her three summers at School of American Ballet in New York City, training under instructors like Katrina Killian, have prepared her for this moment.

"One reason ballet has helped me is because of 'Grace and Grit,' Westside Ballet's motto," Addison explains. "To me it means that you need to be strong and brave, while also being graceful and kind. This doesn't only apply to ballet, but also life outside of it."

The Dewdrop Dream—and Resilience Through Injury

Charlotte Sachs, a 17-year-old from Mar Vista who attends Wildwood School, was cast in the coveted role of Dewdrop Fairy this season. Though an injury has prevented her from performing, Charlotte's dedication to the art form and her support of her fellow dancers exemplifies the grace and grit that defines Westside Ballet's community.

Other principal dancers stepping into featured roles include Marina del Rey resident Koko Miyamoto, a 17-year-old senior at Geffen Academy, who performs Dewdrop Fairy, Snow Queen, and Mirliton Center—roles that demand both technical precision and artistic maturity.

Equally accomplished is Zoe White, a 16-year-old from Westwood who balances honor roll academics with her role as Peppermint Candy soloist. An active volunteer who serves as president of her high school's volunteering club, Zoe has spent two summers at San Francisco Ballet School and one at Miami City Ballet's five-week intensive. She's even attended UCLA's Summer Scholars Program to explore her interest in medicine.

"Ballet has taught me dedication, focus, and the joy of sharing something beautiful with others," Zoe reflects. "Every rehearsal, every performance, and every role has helped me grow not just as a dancer, but as a person."

The Wildwood Connection

Besides Charlotte Sachs, West Los Angeles' Wildwood School has become something of a Nutcracker pipeline, with dancers at the highest level contributing to this year's production.

Ilyssa Freedland, a 16-year-old junior who lives in the West Los Angeles neighborhood, performs as Peppermint Candy soloist, Center Chinese, Demi-Flowers, Spanish Side, French Mirliton, and in the Snowflakes Corps. "Rehearsing is one of my favorite parts," Ilyssa shares. "I love observing my growth in form, character, and confidence throughout rehearsals up to showtime. It's amazing to see the transformation in myself and my friends."

Over her seven years performing in the Nutcracker, Ilyssa has danced nearly every role—from Clara to Mouse to Peppermint Candy. A class ambassador for two consecutive years, she's active in multiple clubs including Pre-Med, Interview, Vital Health, and Fashion. Her future plans? A dual degree in dance and psychology, combining her twin passions.

Also from Wildwood is Delilah Stoddard, a 13-year-old from Ladera Heights, performs Center Chinese in her third Nutcracker. "One backstage moment that felt really special to me is when my level did Secret Santa in last year's nutcracker," Delilah recalls. "It helped us become much closer with one another, and I believe that translated to how we performed on stage."

From Bel Air to the Stage

Fifteen-year-old Delilah Ahmadi makes the commute from Westwood to Marymount High School in Bel Air, where she balances her role on the Bronze Ambassador team and pre-law club with intensive ballet training. In her eighth Nutcracker, she performs Doll solo, Center Chinese, and Peppermint Candy Corps—a versatility she's developed since age seven.

Delilah's journey has included training at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, where she worked with distinguished teacher Peter Boal. Perhaps most memorably, she performed Clara alongside New York City Ballet principal Tiler Peck.

"When I was younger, I watched the older dancers with awe," Delilah reflects. "Now, stepping into roles I once only watched from the wings, I see how far I've come. The studio is where I've built lifelong friendships, learned to trust myself, and discovered what it means to be committed to something I love."

The Archer School Legacy

Several dancers from The Archer School for Girls bring their own stories to the stage. Fifteen-year-old Archer Anderson—yes, that's really her name, and yes, she attends The Archer School—performs Center Chinese and Flowers Corps in her sixth Nutcracker. Living in Mar Vista, she's been dancing at Westside since age five.

"Ballet is my meditation," says Archer, who trains more than 25 hours weekly. "I love meeting new dancers at summer intensives and learning from my teachers at Westside Ballet."

A Bronze and Silver Award Girl Scout who plays flute and piccolo, Archer remembers seeing Westside Ballet's Nutcracker when she was four years old. "I still remember how it made me feel," she says. "I'm so excited to bring that same joy to children seeing the magic for the first time."

Thirteen-year-old Camille Takessian from Santa Monica attends Archer and is performing Chinese in her fourth Nutcracker—and her first year on pointe. "It feels nice to see growth from past years and for all the girls in my level because we've all been working so hard together and supporting each other," she shares.

Twelve-year-old Chloe Carter, a Brentwood resident in her first Nutcracker, brings her theater and singing background to her Angel role. Also from Archer is 15-year-old Josephine Le Blanc from Ladera Heights, dancing in the Flowers Corps, Mirliton Corps, Spanish Side, and Snowflakes Corps.

Brentwood's Ballet Community

The Brentwood neighborhood has its own strong showing. Ellington Zucker, a 13-year-old eighth grader at Brentwood School performing Chinese Side in her fourth Nutcracker, embodies the well-rounded dancer. She's on both the Dance Team and Fencing Team at school, volunteers with National Charity League, and makes Sunday lunches through Hang Out Do Good.

"It is truly an honor to participate in Westside's Nutcracker," Ellington says. "I learn from my teachers and fellow dancers life lessons I will carry with me throughout my life."

Twelve-year-old Valentina Finci from Pacific Palisades, who attends Paul Revere Charter Middle School, performs Russian and Chinese in her fourth Nutcracker. Her aspirations? UCLA for college, then principal dancer at New York City Ballet or Los Angeles Ballet.

"Dancing in a production with stars like Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia is incredibly inspirational to me," Valentina shares. "I aspire to become a principal dancer and be a role model for students one day as well."

Commuting from Topanga Canyon

Fourteen-year-old Sorcha Rose Cinadr makes the winding drive from Topanga Canyon to Santa Monica several times a week, a journey that speaks to her dedication to ballet. A ninth grader at Palisades Charter High School, Sorcha performs Chinese, Flowers, and the Doll role in the Suite performances—her third Nutcracker since beginning training at Westside at age 11.

"Being a part of Westside School of Ballet's 52nd Nutcracker is truly an honor," Sorcha reflects. "I'm beyond grateful for the connections I've made through this art form and the things I've learned that I will take with me into the future. Living this tradition has given me purpose and a sense of community, and I can't wait to see how this year unfolds."

An artist outside the studio, Sorcha aspires to either attend a top UC school or join a professional dance company—a testament to her determination to keep both academic and artistic doors open as she continues her training.

The Youngest Voices

Even the youngest dancers bring profound insights. Nine-year-old Sylvie Buchholz from Westwood, performing Red Soldier in her first Nutcracker, brings enthusiasm from her other interests—jujitsu, gymnastics, aerial arts, singing, piano, and cooking.

"This is my first Nutcracker! I'm a Red Soldier. Nothing to be nervous about! I'll just keep marching!" she declares with the confidence of a seasoned performer.

Eleven-year-old Mila Spiegel from Brentwood, also in her first Nutcracker as a Red Soldier, has already grasped ballet's deeper lessons. "Something I learned this year that makes me a stronger dancer is that ballet is all about discipline, commitment, and dedication," she explains. "Sometimes I have to practice a move 100 times at home to make it better for my next class and I am happy to do that."

She continues: "Something I have learned that makes me a stronger teammate is that there are no small parts in the Nutcracker, and each role has equal importance in the performance. Even if you are dancing in the back row, you still matter and keeping your feet precisely pointed is important."

Mar Vista's Rising Stars

The Mar Vista neighborhood contributes several talented dancers. Beyond Archer Anderson and Kali Solomon, the younger generation is equally impressive.

Ten-year-old Mathilde Guay, who attends Richland Elementary and performs Crystal Bell and Mouse in her third Nutcracker, plays violin and loves drawing people and clothes. "My favorite part of my costume is the bells!" she exclaims. "I love how they make a soft ringing sound. It makes me feel excited and magical, like I'm really part of the music."

Nine-year-old Savannah Heffernan from Mar Vista attends Grandview Blvd Elementary and performs Angel in her first Nutcracker after waiting four years. "My favorite part of the angel costume is the bow in the back because it reminds me of beautiful Christmas decorations and wrapping paper," she shares. "Dancing in my costume makes me feel proud since I have been waiting to be in the Nutcracker for 4 years!"

Marina del Rey to the Stage

Marina del Rey residents also shine in this year's production. Beyond Koko Miyamoto's principal roles, 14-year-old Luna Soleil Alatorre performs Peppermint Candy Corps in her sixth Nutcracker. Dancing since age five, Luna hopes to use dance to propel her acting career in college.

"Major corrections I have received from my teachers this year is to use my back, hold my rotation, and to keep my upper body relaxed and calm," Luna reflects. "These corrections have made me be thoughtful in every aspect of my dancing and I have carried them into my rehearsals for the Nutcracker. They will stay with me throughout my dance career."

Eleven-year-old Mackenzie Olesky, who attends Paul Revere STEM Magnet, performs Party Girl and Crystal Bell in her third Nutcracker. Her favorite part of her costume? "The bells. I love how the bells are attached to your costume at first, but then you can take them off and dance with them! When I dance in this costume, I feel like a graceful princess with a gown that is long and white, and has beautiful bells attached to it."

A Community United in Dance

What emerges from these stories is more than technical achievement or artistic excellence—though both are abundantly present. It's the sense of community that Westside Ballet has fostered across West Los Angeles neighborhoods, from Pacific Palisades to Hollywood, from Marina del Rey to Ladera Heights.

Nine-year-old Jeanne Esselin from Brentwood, performing Angel in her first Nutcracker, captures this spirit simply: "We're all in the same boat and we need to support each other to succeed as one team."

Twelve-year-old Kaia Sappington from Brentwood, who has performed at Carnegie Hall with the National Children's Chorus and dances Crystal Bell in her fourth Nutcracker, puts it another way: "The teachers—Ms. Caprice, Ms. Martine, Ms. Aimee, Ms. Michelle—always inspire me and I am happy to keep dancing."

From first-time performers to internationally recognized competition winners, from elementary students to high school seniors heading to college, these West LA dancers represent the full spectrum of what ballet can offer: discipline and joy, individual achievement and ensemble unity, technical precision and emotional expression.

As 12-year-old Vivien O'Hara from Mar Vista—performing Red Soldier in her first Nutcracker while aspiring to become a doctor—notes about her training: "Guidance from Miss Sarah about the placement of my feet has really helped—not to roll my foot forward, and to keep all my toes on the ground so that my arches are lifted!"

It's this attention to detail, this commitment to growth, and this sense of shared purpose that makes Westside Ballet's Nutcracker more than a holiday tradition. For these young dancers from across West Los Angeles, it's a formative experience that will shape them long after the final curtain falls.

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica's 52nd annual Nutcracker ran November 29-30 and December 5-7 at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage. Founded in 1973 by Yvonne Mounsey (New York City Ballet) and Rosemary Valaire (Royal Ballet), the company comprises approximately 145 dancers ages 8-20.

This article first appeared in Westside Current on December 5, 2025, and was resubmitted to Patch by permission of Westside Ballet.

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