Nutcracker Ballet - Los Angeles (CA)

Experience Moscow Ballet’s Dove of Peace Tour  presenting world class ballerinas and danseurs in over 100 cities across North America this holiday season. CNNspoke with Producer Akiva Talmi about the ballet’s unique Dove of Peace character which was inspired by Bolshoi Principal Artists’ performance in NYC in 1957, and first presented by Moscow Ballet as a single ballerina costumed in 2 lightly feathered wings. Talmisays, “Masha flies on the wings of the Dove of Peace around the world seeking peace and harmony. She goes to France, Italy, Africa -- all around the world, and she finds peace and harmony through love.” In Act II Masha and her Nutcracker Prince arrive in the “Land of Peace and Harmony” (traditionally called the Land of Sweets) and celebrate the great heritages of the world including African, Asian, European, Hispanic and Slavic.

Moscow Ballet’s community engagement program “Dance-with-Us ” brings the historic Russian Vaganova ballet pedagogy to American children in each city on the N American Tour.  Moscow Ballet Audition Director Olena Pedan  arrives in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 20 at 11:30am and Sunday, October 21 at 1:30pm to audition local dance students for roles in the Great Russian Nutcracker!

Olena Pedan  will audition and rehearse children ages 6 to 17 years with at least 1 year of ballet training. Local children will meet and work one-on-one with talented Moscow Ballet Soloist/Audition Directors who have toured the world; have degrees in Masters of Choreography, Economics and Journalism; won awards at International Ballet Competitions, and performed with super stars including Svetlana Zakharova, Diana Vyshneva and Vladimir Vasiliev! Children’s roles are as Party Children, Mice, Snowflakes, Snow Maidens, and more. Auditions are free, there may be a casting fee. Dress rehearsal is on stage with the Russian company and children’s costumes are provided by Moscow Ballet. Rehearsals run through the fall and take place at Moscow Ballet Host Studios. Dancers may attend whichever audition is most convenient. Sign up to audition today at www.nutcracker.com/auditions.

Audition Locations:

Saturday, October 20 at 11:30am
Los Angeles Dance Academy
15255 Ventura Blvd., Annex 3, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Sunday, October 21 at 1:30pm
Sherman Oaks Dance Academy
14622 Ventura Blvd., Ste 204, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

The selected children will perform in the Great Russian Nutcracker Friday, December 14, 7:00 pm, and Saturday, December 15, 1pm matinee and 5pm, at Wiltern Theatre.   Buy Tickets.

Los Angeles Dance Academy “LADA” is a community of like-minded individuals with deep love for the performing arts. The versatile teaching staff brings professionalism and fun to each class no matter the age or level. The studio goal is to cultivate a nurturing environment for student dancers to create, perform, and inspire each other.  The studio promotes a positive and safe atmosphere for students to build self-confidence and reach new levels in their artistry.  There is no greater joy than to see dancers grow their repertoire from year to year. Los Angeles Dance Academy aims to create a supportive community for dancers to train and become educated in all dance styles and teaches students to be positive.  The studio also promotes diverse training from ballet to hip hop and everything in between.  “Love All, Dance All” 

Sherman Oaks Dance Academy specializes in children's dance focusing on proper dance technique and curriculum in a creative and safe environment.  Students are offered a variety of class options from classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap and hip-hip to musical theatre.  While following strong fundamentals when learning a dance, students are encouraged to express themselves through their movement and to explore their own artistry. The studio believes that children who dance develop confidence and an appreciation toward dedication, and that they will continue to carry that with them throughout their lives. The studio serves Sherman Oaks, Encino, Beverly Hills, Tarzana, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, and Los Angeles communities. (Photo by Nathan Morgan)

Originally the Warner Brothers Western Theater when it first opened in 1931, the Wiltern Theatre reopened as such a few years later. The theater was sold in 1956, and by the late 1970s the building had fallen into disrepair—a local group of historic preservationists saved the building from demolition on two occassionas.

Following several years of renovations, the theater reopened to the public in 1985. Today, the Wiltern hosts live performances and concerts, as well as televised events and has served as a location for several feature films.