Carpenter Center hosted members of the ballet community for the SOCAL BALLET SCENE, Ballet Festival and Gala: 2024. Students and professionals shared the stage for two hours of classic and contemporary ballet pieces. Friends and family gathered in energetic support welcoming some stand-out pieces throughout from independent companies and choreographers sharing their works. The inclusive day produced open-hearted and important performances for the local ballet lovers. The engaging Kendall Sinclair was Mistress of Ceremonies for the day, accompanied by Steven Swope, Master of Ceremonies, who individually introduce some context prior to each company’s contribution.
Petra Conti in “Swan Lake” – Photo by Scott Edwards.
Because of traffic from L.A. to Long Beach, missing is the Anaheim Ballet’s reportedly excellent “The White Number.” The next piece was Petra Conti and Eris Nezha (both from L.A. Ballet, Boston Ballet and La Scala Theatre Ballet, now from the Hollywood Ballet), performing Marius Petipa’s Swan Lake -White Swan Pas de deux. As always, Conti’s lovely lyricism and strength was an important beginning to the festival with only a bit of struggle with Nezha’s partnering.
Throughout this performance, there were some pieces that came to the fore. Onco Ballet, who did a moving piece for and with cancer survivors, choreographed by Maria Cherezova, herself a beautiful dancer and survivor. She used both dancers and non-dancers to create a structural piece that was sparse, beautifully lit with haunting music by Bernard Berkhout.
Petra Conti and Eris Nezha in “Swan Lake” – Photo by Scott Edwards.
Their Don Q-Act I, had mostly non-pros led by Rachel Hutsell (former NYC Ballet dancer) as Kitri and Alexander Romanchikov (Maryinsky) as Espada. Both doing an appropriate dramatic job of heading up the cast.
Swing Time broke the classic ballet mold with a fun Swing piece on point by Sadie Black. Soon followed by a nice piece by Claire Bueler (Smuin Ballet) called Kismet.
SoCal Ballet Scene in “Don Quixote” Act I – Photo by Jazley Faith
Chasen Greenwood’s choreography for The Realm Company called RECLAIM WHAT’S YOURS was a terrific respite, beautifully structured and well performed by their company of dancers with music by Taylor Briggs.
And the Finale, The Tchaikovsky Pas deux with permission by the Balanchine Trust, was a lovely refreshingly well done coupling of Kathryn Morgan (Former NYC Ballet and Miami City Ballet dancer, famed YouTube channel ballet teacher) and Mate Szentes (Hungarian born, Richmond Ballet, Barak Ballet, master dancer, teacher, choreographer). Their beautiful clean technique and engaging personalities made this a pleasure to watch, giving a sparkle to the Finale of an important day for the Local ballet dancers, dance lovers and friends. Always welcome, is the opportunity for dancers to perform, get experience, and feedback on their hard work. Well done to all.
For further information about the SoCal Ballet Festival, please visit their website.
To find out the full performance season at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, please visit their website.
Written by Joanne DiVito for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: SoCal Ballet Scene in “Kismet” – Photo by Jazley Faith
