Two Beverly Hills residents, sisters Jenne Shim (14) and her sister Elle (12) are performing in a Westside Ballet of Santa Monica workshop on May 15 and 16. The two are students at Beverly Vista Middle School. The private performance for friends and family of the local pre-professional performers will be held–adhering to all COVID protocols–in its newly enhanced black box, “Theater Studio Six,” at the celebrated Southern California ballet school, Westside School of Ballet. A filmed version will be released in early summer.
Both Shim sisters will perform in newly choreographed numbers. Sixth-grader Elle will dance in “Les Petites Étoiles,” Mozart’s charming piano composition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” a new piece choreographed by Associate Artistic Director Caprice Walker and featuring the pre-professional performance company’s younger dancers, to be accompanied by live piano.
Jenne Shim, in the 8th grade, will perform in the classic “Dance of the Fairies” from “Sleeping Beauty.” The “Dance of the Fairies” is based on Marius Pepita’s choreography, staged by Aimée Gaudio, and supported by Tchaikovsky’s melodic score. Jenne is also performing in Michele Bachar Mendicelli’s lively jazz piece, “Swing!” featuring the stylings of The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Bette Midler, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Westside Ballet has persevered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, holding both online and limited in-person classes. An outdoor dance studio was constructed in early Fall 2020. The school’s indoor studios offer classes at 50% occupancy, with plans of 100% occupancy come June.
The Shim sisters will take part in intensive programs with special New York City Ballet guest teachers this summer. For more information visit westsideballet.com.
