Masters of Movement: Ballet through the Centuries

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica presents “Masters of Movement: Ballet through the Centuries”—a richly varied program of classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works showcasing the range and talent of the nonprofit company’s pre-professional dancers, alumni, and guest artists—on Memorial Day weekend at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica.

On Friday, May 26, the pre-professional company will host its annual Soirée special event, including cocktails, appetizers, awards, and one-night-only guest artist performances. Andrea Laššáková and alumnus Adrian Blake Mitchell will dance Westside’s Premiere of “After the Rain” by acclaimed choreographer Christopher Wheeldon; and Maté Szentes and alumna Lyrica Woodruff will perform George Balanchine’s dazzling “Stars & Stripes”. Repertoire also includes a suite from Marius Petipa’s “Raymonda” and a newly commissioned contemporary work, “Color of Spring” by Vanessa Van Wormer. Both contemporary works feature live music.

On Saturday, May 27, the festivities continue with repertoire featuring the Westside Premiere of George Balanchine’s “Emeralds Pas de Trois”; excerpts from “Sleeping Beauty”; “Handel Dances” by resident choreographer Sophie Monat; and concluding with audience favorite “A Chorus Line”. Saturday’s pre-professional showcase includes divertissements from Marius Petipa’s “Raymonda”,  as well as Ms. Wormer’s piece, again with live music.