April 22, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Westside Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Gala Showcases West LA Talent

A Star-Studded Gala Featuring Renowned Guest Artists including American Ballet Theatre Principals

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a series of Spring Performances, culminating in a spectacular Gala. This milestone event not only honors the rich history of the ballet company but also shines a spotlight on the talented dancers from the West LA area.

A Celebration of Local Talent

Among the numerous young dancers participating in the Spring Performances, several standout talents hail from the West LA area. These dancers have dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft and will showcase their skills in various performances, including classical and contemporary pieces.

Spotlight on Zoe White

Zoe White, a dedicated dancer from Tarzana and student at New West Charter, will be performing in Westside Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Spring Showcases. Zoe has been dancing at Westside Ballet since she was six years old and will be featured in several roles, showcasing her remarkable talent and passion for ballet.  Photo By Sarah Madison Photography

Among these talented dancers is Zoe White, a 15-year-old from Tarzana, attending New West Charter. Zoe has been dancing at Westside Ballet since she was six years old. This will be her sixth Spring performance with the company. She will be showcased in the roles of the Sleeping Beauty Fairy and as a Jazz dancer. Outside of ballet, Zoe enjoys running, working out, practicing gyrokinesis, reading, and traveling with her family. She is an honors student and has received the Math Excellence Award. Zoe aspires to join a ballet company and pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in dance.

Highlighted West LA Dancers and Their Roles:

  • Addison Russell: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Alexandra Moccia: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Alexandra Toledo: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Alix Weissbecker Kushner: Performing in “Valse Bleu”
  • Angelina Di Bari: Performing in “Classical Symphony” and “Jazz 50s”
  • Antonia Cytrynowicz: Performing as a Fairy Attendant in “Sleeping Beauty” and in “Jazz 60s”
  • Archer Anderson: Performing in “Classical Symphony” and “Jazz 50s”
  • Bella Shriver: Performing as the Beauty Fairy soloist in “Sleeping Beauty,” and in “Classical Symphony,” “Murmuration,” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Billie Dance: Performing in “Valse Bleu”
  • Bridget Cooney: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Camille Takessian: Performing in “Valse Bleu”
  • Carlin McCaffrey: Performing in “Valse Bleu”
  • Charlotte Sachs: Performing in “Classical Symphony” and “Jazz 50s”
  • Chloe Besson: Performing in “Valse Bleu”
  • Christopher Toledo: Performing as a soloist in “Fête de Carnivale” and in “Jazz 40s”
  • Cypress Classen-Main: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Delilah Ahmadi: Performing in “Ecossaises” and “Jazz 40s”
  • Delilah Stoddard: Performing in “Valse Bleu”
  • Drew Cortez: Performing in “Classical Symphony” and “Jazz 50s”
  • Ella Abramson: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Eema Kaye: Performing as the Charm Fairy soloist in “Sleeping Beauty,” and in “Concerto Barocco,” “Murmuration,” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Ezra Galambos: Performing as the Beauty Fairy soloist in “Sleeping Beauty,” and in “Classical Symphony,” “Murmuration,” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Gabriella Calderon: Performing as the Generosity Fairy soloist in “Sleeping Beauty,” and in “Classical Symphony” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Heath Olvera: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Ilyssa Freedland: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Isabel Bugacov: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Isabelle Choy: Performing in “Classical Symphony” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Isla Segar: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Kaylee Barrow: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Koko Miyamoto: Performing in “Concerto Barocco,” “Classical Symphony,” “Murmuration,” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Kyler Sziraki: Performing in “Ecossaises” and “Jazz 40s”
  • Lyla Brugger: Performing in “Concerto Barocco,” “Classical Symphony,” “Murmuration,” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Luna Alatorre: Performing in “Ecossaises” and “Jazz 40s”
  • Mavis Meredith: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Maya Kurc: Performing in “Ecossaises” and “Jazz 40s”
  • Naya Farrell-Katseanes: Performing as a Fairy Attendant in “Sleeping Beauty” and in “Jazz 60s”
  • Noa Kim: Performing in “Valse Bleu”
  • Olivia Moccia: Performing in “Classical Symphony” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Shanghai Kaye: Performing as a soloist in “Classical Symphony,” and in “Murmuration” and “Jazz 70s”
  • Sorcha Cinadr: Performing in “Classical Symphony” and “Jazz 50s”
  • Spencer Collins: Performing as the Flames of Paris soloist and in “Jazz 30s”
  • Violette Marie Rice: Performing as a Fairy Attendant in “Sleeping Beauty” and in “Jazz 60s”
  • Yara Johnson: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Ye Jintong: Performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and “Jazz 30s”
  • Zoe White: Performing in “Concerto Barocco,” “Classical Symphony,” and “Sleeping Beauty”

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).  More Inf westsideballet.com/spring-performance

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