This post is sponsored and contributed by Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, a Patch Brand Partner.

Community Corner

Westside Ballet Celebrates 50 Years with Student Dancers

Three talented local dancers participate in Spring Showcase and Gala Fri May 17th and Sat 18th.

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, Brand Partner
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Westside Ballet students and residents of Marina del Rey prepare for their Spring Performances. Of 91 company dancers, 3 live or go to school in Marina del Rey: Koko Miyamoto, Luna Alatorre, and Nadia Hofer.
Westside Ballet students and residents of Marina del Rey prepare for their Spring Performances. Of 91 company dancers, 3 live or go to school in Marina del Rey: Koko Miyamoto, Luna Alatorre, and Nadia Hofer. (Photo by Sarah Madison Photography)

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

In a grand salute to half a century of dance excellence, Westside Ballet of Santa Monica is set to dazzle audiences with its 50th Anniversary Spring Performances. The "Masters of Movement" series, featuring two captivating Spring Showcases and a Gala, pays tribute to the enduring legacy of dance and the visionaries who have shaped its history. Among the many talented dancers are three exceptional students from Marina del Rey: Luna Alatorre, Nadia Hofer, and Koko Miyamoto.

Marina Del Rey resident Koko Miyamoto in a scene from George Balanchine's "Concerto Barocco, 2nd Movement" staged by Patricia Neary. Photo by Sarah Madison Photography

A Spotlight on Marina del Rey Student Talent

Luna Alatorre, a 15-year-old advanced dancer, has been with Westside Ballet since she was eight years old. Currently a 9th grader at Venice High School, Luna is known for her dedication and passion for dance. She will be performing in several pieces, including "Concerto Barocco" and "Sleeping Beauty." Reflecting on her journey, Luna shares, "Ballet has taught me discipline and resilience. Performing in the 50th Anniversary Spring Showcase is a dream come true, and I'm honored to be part of such a historic event."

Nadia Hofer, also 15, is a sophomore at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences. Nadia has been dancing with Westside Ballet since she was six and will be featured as a soloist in "Classical Symphony" and the "Song/Canary Fairy Variation." Nadia's commitment to ballet is evident in her achievements and her aspiration to dance professionally. "Ballet has always been a significant part of my life. The opportunity to perform in the 50th Anniversary Gala, especially as a soloist, is incredibly rewarding," says Nadia.

Koko Miyamoto, a 15-year-old student at Geffen Academy, has been with Westside Ballet for a year. Koko, who balances her love for dance with interests in golf, advanced algebra, and baking, will be performing in various pieces, including "Ecossaises." Reflecting on her experience, Koko says, "This is my first year performing with Westside Ballet, and it feels magical. I'm excited to be part of such a prestigious event and to dance alongside my peers."

Advanced dancers Koko Miyamoto and Nadia Hofer rehearsing George Balanchine's "Concerto Barocco, 2nd Movement" staged by Patricia Neary.

Honoring Legends and Showcasing New Talent

The Spring Showcases on May 17 and 18 will present a curated celebration of Westside Ballet's storied past, vibrant present, and promising future. The showcases will feature performances by young talents like Luna Alatorre, Nadia Hofer, and Koko Miyamoto, alongside excerpts from classical ballets and innovative contemporary works. Noteworthy is the 11-year-old prodigious Spencer Collins, a recent YAGP double winner, performing "Flames of Paris."

A Star-Studded Gala

The Gala on May 18 honors Patricia Neary with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her influence on American ballet and Westside Ballet students. The event will feature American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside performing the timeless "Black Swan" pas de deux by Marius Petipa. Guest artists Andrea Laššáková and Adrian Blake Mitchell will present excerpts from George Balanchine's "Agon," set to Stravinsky's evocative score.

Alumni stars Lucia Connolly, Lyrica Woodruff, and Joy Womack will also grace the stage, performing pieces including Yuri Possokhov's "Bells" pas de deux, Balanchine's fiery "Tarantella," and Ben Stevenson O.B.E.'s "Prelude" pas de deux, accompanied by Rachmaninov's live piano score.

The Westside Ballet student company of 91 rehearse the "GRAND DÉFILÉ: A Presentation of the Full Company," staged by Artistic Director Martine Harley to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Photo by Sarah Madison Photography

A Tribute to Founders and a Vision for the Future

The 50th Anniversary Spring Showcase is dedicated to founders Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, featuring performances of Mounsey’s "Classical Symphony" and Valaire’s staging of "Sleeping Beauty." The program will also include a diverse repertoire of dance, such as Vanessa van Wormer’s contemporary work, Caprice Walker’s “Fête de Carnivale,” and Michele Bachar Mendicelli’s jazz and ballet pieces.

As Westside Ballet pays homage to its rich history, it remains committed to nurturing future ballet talent and enriching the cultural landscape of Southern California.

Join the Celebration

This landmark event promises an enchanting blend of classical elegance and contemporary flair. Tickets for these must-see performances can be purchased online at westsideballet.com/SpringTix or by phone at (800) 595-4849 (4TIX).

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This post is sponsored and contributed by Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, a Patch Brand Partner.

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