Community Corner
Student Dancers perform with World Class Ballet Stars
Dedication and Talent were Displayed this Past Weekend with Local Pre-Professional Ballet Dancers in "Masters of Movement" Program
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Three Westchester residents, and aspiring ballet students took center stage with Westside Ballet of Santa Monica in their 51st annual Spring Performances. Drew Cortez and siblings Alexandra and Christopher Toledo showcased their artistry and dedication at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage last weekend.
Drew, who is currently a Freshman at El Segundo High School, starred in this past December’s Nutcracker. She danced the coveted role of Clara, the ballet’s central protagonist. The ballet legacy runs through Drew’s family with her own mother performing Clara with Westside Ballet in 1987. Drew has participated in top tier summer training intensives at both American Ballet Theatre in New York City, and Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle.
In this years’ “Masters of Movement” Spring Performance Drew danced in both the jazz-inspired Cabaret and the classical Waltz of the Hours. "What I love about performing in both classical and contemporary pieces is how they challenge different aspects of my artistry," Drew shares. "In Waltz of the Hours, I focus on precision and grace, while Cabaret lets me express more personality and character. The most important thing my teachers emphasized this season was to find the connection between technique and storytelling—making every movement purposeful and authentic." Drew hopes to pursue a career in ballet.
Seventh grade student Alexandra Toledo danced in her fourth Spring Performance with Westside. Alexandra danced Le Conservatoire choreographed by legendary Danish ballet master and choreographer August Bournonville. This ballet shows a snapshot of a 1820s dance school in Paris, as if a Degas painting has come to life. Sharing why she loves dancing and studying at Westside Alexandra says “ I think technical and artistic challenges come for dancers all the time. In different roles you have the opportunity to focus on the details that challenge you depending on the piece you are working on.”
Christopher Toledo also danced in his fourth Spring Performance with Westside. Christopher was featured in Dance of the Hours from the ballet Coppélia as well as the Jazz piece Cabaret, originally directed by Bob Fosse, and arranged by Westside’s own Michele Bachar Mendicelli. Christopher has had to hone his acting abilities for Cabaret which he says, “To be overly dramatic is a challenge for me so Cabaret was really good for me to learn how to do that and make my part the best it can be!” While Christopher is still exploring what he wants to focus on in the future he says he hopes dance is always a part of his life. Christopher keeps busy with his many hobbies outside the studio including piano, time in his garden with his pet chickens, and fly fishing.
These young talents shared the stage with world famous New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia on Saturday night’s Gala Performance. This opportunity provides so much inspiration to the dedicated students and showcases talent that stems from Westside with Ms. Peck being an alum of the school. Audiences might also recognize Peck and Mejia from their featured roles in Prime Video’s new hit series Étoile.
Another highlight of the Gala performance was the brave Fire and Police First Responders of both Los Angeles and Santa Monica being awarded the Huntley Hotel of Santa Monica’s Community Service Award. Funds raised at the gala will help support the school’s Fire Relief Scholarship Fund. This fund assists tuition, performance fees, and dancewear replacements so students can continue to train amid all the devastation.
Both the Showcase and Gala displayed a wide variety of technical styles that highlighted all the work the students have put in this year. The Gala showcased the stars of today dancing with the stars of tomorrow, including recent Youth America Grand Prix Hope Award winner and Westside student, Spencer Collins.
The performances launch Westside's summer programs, which include advanced workshops with special guests Sofiane Sylve and Patricia Neary, as well as children's themed camps for ages 4-7. These camps are focused on unlocking children’s imagination and artistry. These educational offerings continue the legacy of Westside Ballet, which has been a cultural cornerstone in Santa Monica since its founding in 1973.
More Info & Summer Programs: https://westsideballet.com/summer/
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