Palos Verdes Ballet Presents 34th Anniversary Spring Season of “Firebird” and “La Bayadère”

A feast for the senses awaits audience members as Palos Verdes Ballet Director Uta Graf-Apostol presents a spectacular evening of highlights from the Palos Verdes Ballet’s vast repertoire. To celebrate its 34th spring season anniversary, the Palos Verdes Ballet will perform acts from “Firebird” and “La Bayadère” at the Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts, located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. on Saturday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

“This production will showcase our newest generation of dancers as we also proudly recognize the recent accomplishments of our established students,” said Graf-Apostol.

To perform the vibrant tales of love and magic, Olivia Tang-Mifsud will debut in both “La Bayadère” and “Firebird” with partner, Grigori Arakelyan, who will perform handsome Prince Ivan and warrior Solor. Adding to the all-star cast, Sayat Asatryan, former artist from the Bolshoi Ballet, will portray cruel sorcerer Kastchei.

The well-loved classical variations will be performed along with original contemporary variations choreographed by former Kirov artist, Adonis Daukaev, for the 2014 Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). This year’s performance marks the twelfth generation of Palos Verdes Ballet dancers to take part in the YAGP competition attended by students throughout the United States and the world.

Tickets are $32 for adults, $22 for children and can be purchased through the Norris Theatre box office at (310) 544-0403 or online at www.norriscenter.com.

About the Performers

Performing variations from 2014 Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP):

·         Natalie Arico(17)

·         Alyssa Hara(12)

·         Kate Inoue(13)

·         Julia Kawashima(16)

·         Rena Koyama(12)

·         Samantha Liu(13)

·         Ayari Muroi(16)

·         Juri Maeda(13)

·         Olivia Tang-Mifsud(17)

In the production of “La Bayadère,” the following Palos Verdes Ballet dance students will be sharing the role of bayadère Nikiya:

·         Sae Rom Lee

·         Olivia Tang-Mifsud(17)

In the production of “Firebird,” the following students will share the role of the main character, Firebird:

·         Anna Antongiorgi(17)

·         Olivia Tang-Mifsud(17)

Guest artists include:

·         Sayat Asatryan as cruel sorcerer Kastchei

·         Gregory Grisha as Prince Ivan and warrior Solor

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About Palos Verdes Ballet:

Founded in 1955, Palos Verdes Ballet is the oldest established classical ballet company in the South Bay with an extensive history and reputation for creating talented strong classical ballet dancers. For more information on how to become a part of the ballet legacy of the only exclusive classical ballet studio on the Palos Verdes Peninsula please call 310-377-6663. Additional information is available at www.palosverdesballet.org.