We know you’ve probably already been Nutcrackered to oblivion, and it’s only late November! But trust me, the Westside Ballet production stands out from the crowd. The Santa Monica-based school was founded in 1967 by Yvonne Mounsey, a former New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, and Rosemary Valaire, who was a solo dancer with Britian’s Royal Ballet. The Westside Ballet’s Nutcracker tradition began just six years later. What’s so special about it? Firstly, it’s the 46th season, the longest-running Nutcracker in Los Angeles. The music is live; Tchaikovsky’s familiar score is played by the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra. And though the colorful scenery and costumes are thoroughly professional, the performers run the gamut from 5 year-old mice and soldiers to accomplished professionals and all levels in between.
Arts Alive
From the Central Coast to San Diego, from Santa Monica to Palm Springs, there are fascinating people creating incredible art and performances. KUSC will be covering those experiences on Arts Alive. And when you’re in the mood for a little more, like a longer version of an interview, more Arts Alive coverage is available online at kusc.org/artsalive.
