‘Masters of Movement’

Westside Ballet Upcoming Performances to Feature Palisades Dancers, Honor Local First Responders

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica will present “Masters of Movement,” with performances on Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, at 1 p.m. featuring Pacific Palisades dancers.

The event will feature several works that demonstrate “the depth and versatility” of the company’s pre-professional and student dancers.

“This season’s performances will also include ‘Le Conservatoire,’ excerpts from the charming ballet ‘Coppélia’ by Arthur Saint-Léon, and a contemporary work choreographed by Mark Tomasic, the Dance Department chair at Santa Monica College,” according to a statement.

Additional features include the debut of an original ballet for the company’s youngest performers and Jazz Director Michele Bachar Mendicelli’s arrangement of “Cabarat,” which will showcase “the dancers’ versatility with … Mendicell’s signature jazz style.”

“The two-day ‘Masters of Movement’ performances have been crafted by leading and emerging talent alike to honor the rich heritage and bright future of the organization,” the statement continued.

The “Masters of Movement” performances at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica feature a convergence of ballet dancers, including Palisadians Addison Russell, Carlin McCaffrey, Imogen Marble, Ines Macpherson, Kaia Sappington, Laurel O’Donnell, Olivia Yu, Valentina Finci, Zoe Nakamura and Zola Maksimo.

“Going to rehearsals every week helped me overcome the trauma and loss of losing my home in the Palisades fire,” Finci shared. “I will never forget the first rehearsal after the fire when I learned my part in the Spring Show. It gave me something to practice and look forward to during hard [times]. I practiced every week and dedicated myself to getting better at it. I am so grateful that I can perform in the Westside Spring Show.”

The gala is set for 7 p.m. on May 31, which will recognize the “heroic work” of the Santa Monica and Los Angeles Fire and Police Departments’ first responders with the Huntley Santa Monica Beach Hotel Community Arts Award. The Gala will also feature guest artists and celebrated choreography.

The Gala and Spring Showcase events will take place at The Broad Stage.

“The Gala and Spring Showcase will feature 11-year-old Westside Ballet prodigy Spencer Collins, who was recently awarded the prestigious Hope Award at the 2025 Youth America Grand Prix Finals—the highest honor of the entire competition—ranking him as the top dancer in his age group worldwide across both boys and girls,” according to the statement.

A portion of the proceeds from the gala will support Westside Ballet’s Fire Relief Scholarship Fund, which was “established in response to the devastating Los Angeles fires of early 2025.”

“Over 55 families within the Westside Ballet community—including students, faculty, directors and alumni—lost their homes in the Palisades and Altadena fires,” according to the company. “The Fire Relief Scholarship Fund assists with tuition, performance fees and dancewear replacements, ensuring these young dancers can continue their training despite personal hardship. This funding and recognition of those who go above and beyond continues Westside Ballet’s long history of community support.”

The gala program will feature Jerome Robbins’ “Other Dances” and “Circus Polka,” Justin Peck’s “Bloom,” and more.

Artistic Director Martine Harley spoke on the event’s significance and the opportunity to “experience ballet through the ages,” from August Bournonville’s classical 19th-century techniques to Robbins’ mid-century works and Peck’s contemporary innovations.

“These performances celebrate our rich history and our continued commitment to developing the next generation of exceptional dancers,” Harley said.

Spring Showcase tickets are $50, and the Gala performance is priced at $195.

Looking ahead, Westside School of Ballet will also be offering weekly day camps for dancers ages 4 to 7 from June 16 through August 1, and August 11 through August 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program features dance and choreography, crafts, music exploration, and more. There are also Summer Intensives and Workshops available.

Tickets can be purchased online at westsideballet.com/springtix. For more information or to sign up for Westside Ballet’s camps, visit westsideballet.com/summer.