If a resident is looking for a delightful (and cool way) to spend Saturday, August 3, plan to attend the Westside Ballet’s Adult summer showcase.
More than 70 dancers will perform in the 2024 Adult Showcase, with performances at 1 and 5 p.m. at the New Roads Moss Theater at the Herb Alpert Educational Village, 3131 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica.
Many may know Palisadian Mary Ruble, who is in med/tech sales and performed for the first-time last year.
Ruble started dancing three years ago. “This year, I am dancing in Sadie’s piece On The Moon I Swear, which holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “Ballet has become a way of life for me and the best gift I have ever given myself. It took me years to muster the courage, as I was intimidated by the stereotype of ballet. Adult ballet is the antithesis of that stereotype, providing a supportive community I cherish.”
Some adults have more experience, such as Brentwood’s Maya Zeevi, who now works in a private equity firm. “I trained and graduated from Westside Ballet,” said Zeevi, who starred in many principal roles including the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“Late night rehearsals feel nostalgic and make me appreciate the role Westside had in raising me.” She will be performing in three numbers including In Waiting choreographed to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Chasen Greenwood’s Heirs of the Dragon and August’s Rhapsody by Chasen Greenwood.
Topanga Canyon’s Rupa Kingston, who works in Immigration Law, moved to the US from Ukraine 16 years ago. She graduated from UCLA with bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and World Arts and Cultures. She has been dancing for 17 years.
“Finding places to continue your training as an adult can be very difficult, but Westside School of Ballet stands out due to its high technical standards, supportive faculty, and strong emphasis on building community,” Kinston said. “I’ve been able to expand my classical ballet repertoire and work on new innovative pieces all while making great friends along the way. I can’t be more thankful to everyone who worked so hard to bring this show to life.”
“We are so pleased to have several accomplished choreographers and many dedicated performers for our adult showcase,” said Allegra Clegg, Executive Director of Westside School of Ballet. “Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to support Westside Ballet’s adult dance community and enjoy an inspiring afternoon of dance!”
Tickets are $35 and are available at Westside Ballet’s front desk, 1709 Stewart Street, Santa Monica. Or call (310) 828-2018. Visit: westsideballet.com
