Meeting Misty

Two groups of young dance students and fans saw Misty Copeland star in Firebird on Sunday, April 1 . Immediately following the matinee, more than 200 young people representing Lauridsen Ballet Centre in Torrance and its affiliated South Bay Ballet, where Copeland studied as a teenager, and Music Untold, based in Long Beach, met Misty in Segerstrom Hall for a special private meet-and-greet. Music Untold is a multi-disciplinary organization devoted to presenting arts and educational programs that promote diversity and human dignity. Copeland answered questions and spent more than an hour signing autographs.

Fabulous Firebird Fashion

Misty Copleland, who will star in the new American Ballet Theatre production of Firebird choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky, is shown here in some last minute costume adjustments. Galina Solovyeva is the designer. The role will be danced by Natalia Osipova on Thursday, March 29 and Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. , by Copland on Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m., and by Isabella Boylston on Saturday, March 31 at 2 p.m. ABT’s program will include Ratmansky’s Firebird, Duets by Merce Cunningham and Thirteen Diversions by Christopher Wheeldon.

Photo by Marcia Wilson Wide Vision Photography

ABT Dancer Comes Home to OC

Orange County native Jamie Kopit will return home to dance with American Ballet Theatre during the Company’s engagement at Segerstrom Center March 29 – April 1, which will include the world premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s Firebird. Before joining ABT’s corps de ballet, Jamie studied at Southland Ballet Academy and also earned scholarships to study with San Francisco Ballet and the Royal Ballet School. To read more about Jamie’s homecoming, click here for her interview with Pointe magazine And in the video above go behind-the-scenes with Jamie during rehearsals for Firebird at ABT in New York City.

A Dizzying Event for Traces Fans

A special perk for Center donors are Behind the Scenes events, where donors have the opportunity to meet the stars and artists performing at the Center. Nearly 100 donors had ringside seats in Founders Hall when Traces producer Tom Gabbard and artist Bradley Henderson gave a fascinating and very physical look at the acrobatic show. (Traces was performed at Segerstrom Center February 28 – March 4.) Goddard told the story of Traces and 7 Fingers, the production company that created this multi-disciplinary approach of fusing classic acrobatics with street forms such as skateboard, basketball and parcours, along with a great musical score and fascinating visual effects. Bradley Henderson, who hails from San Francisco, trained at the S.F. Circus Center and National Circus School and starred in the original Traces cast, demonstrated his dizzying skill on the giant wheel. So - anyone for running off to the circus???

Photo above: Traces artist Bradley Henderson

Photo below: Traces producer Tom Gabbard

Photo below: David Johnson and Mary Phillipp

Photo below: Nancy Field and Cindy Van Alstine

Traces Cast Cooks!

Mason Ames (he's pictured above) from the cast of Traces is also noted for his culinary moves in the kitchen. Following are two of Mason's menu items: Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup and Sweet Kiss Salad. Mason suggests you serve the salad alongside fillet of ostrich. The proportions are not entirely specific, so “to taste” rules here.

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup ala Mason
- Boil or bake chicken. (I use legs so I can have bones for stock.) Cool and cut into small pieces.
- Sauté red onions, green peppers (or poblano), red peppers. Salt to taste and add 2 tsp. each of cumin and chili powder.
- Once the onions are tender and translucent, add 1-3 jalapenos and diced tomatoes.
- Stir for a minute or so and add cooked chicken and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and simmer or low boil for 20 mins.
- Add pre-cooked black beans, corn and cilantro. Cook together for a few minutes.
- Blend about half or a little more of the mixture, but leave the dish chunky.

Fry corn tortillas in butter and slice thinly. Serve with garnish of avocado, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, tortillas and cilantro.

Sweet Kiss Salad

Arugula
Candied pecans
Goat Cheese
Sliced pears
Avocado if you wish

Toss with dressing.

Dressing:

Maple syrup
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper
Touch of raspberry jam

Enjoy!

And Everyone Lived Happily Ever After...

It was a storybook visit to Orange County by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. The company, in an exclusive West Coast engagement, performed the fabled Cinderella February 9 – 12 in Segerstrom Hall. On Friday afternoon, members of the cast stopped by South Coast Plaza to see the special Monaco takes Orange County exhibit in Jewel Court. The exhibit featured costumes from the ballet, historic photos of dancers and productions by Les Ballets and information and videos about Monaco and Princess Grace. After receiving a standing ovation for Friday evening’s performance, the Honorable Consul General of Monaco Maguy Maccario and the Princess Grace Foundation-USA hosted a cast party at The Westin South Coast Plaza. Guests included Les Ballets Artistic Director Jean-Christophe Maillot, Center President Terry Dwyer, the cast and company of Les Ballets as well as special guests. Photo below: The Honorable Consul General of Monaco Maguy Maccario (center), Center President Terry Dwyer (left) and Les Ballets Artistic Director Jean-Christophe Maillot (right).

Tweet to win tickets to see Cinderella

You don’t need a fairy godmother for a happily ever after night on the town. Think you know the story of Cinderella? Try Tweeting it in 140 characters and you could win a pair of orchestra seats to the opening night performance of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s Cinderella when the acclaimed company makes its Segerstrom Center debut on February 9. A $75 gift certificate to the Center Club is also part of the prize. Be sure to use the #SCFTA and #Cinderella hashtags or @SegerstromArts handle so we will see your versions of the fairy tale. All entries are due by Tuesday, February 7. Good luck!

Winner will receive one pair of orchestra tickets for the Thursday, February 9 performance. Entries must be received by February 7. Winner will be notified via Direct Message on Twitter. The prize is for two (2 ) orchestra level tickets only, transportation is not included.