May 29, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Sugar Plum Dreams for Venice Resident Lilly Olvera in Nutcracker

Plus several Venice residents perform solo and supporting roles at The Broad Stage, opening Nov. 26.

The Westside Ballet is proud to introduce this season’s run of “The Nutcracker.” Westside Ballet’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” is the longest running production of the performance in southern California and is being held in The Broad at Santa Monica College. The production opened Thanksgiving Weekend.

Lilly Olvera will be leading “The Nutcracker ” in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Dew Drop Fairy and Snowflake. She is no stranger to the stage as this will be her ninth Nutcracker with Westside Ballet. Olvera’s a freshman at Santa Monica College, and plans to study environmental engineering. Balancing ballet with school has always been important to Olvera. “Expressing myself through movement, through dance, is essential for me. It has brought me so much happiness over the years, and it will always be a part of who I am,” Olvera said. This will be her last Nutcracker with Westside Ballet, and will get to take her final bow as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Seven Venice residents & students to perform with three professional guest artists and 85 pre-professional and student dancers from Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, in eight public performances beginning Thanksgiving Weekend. (Left to right, back) Era Galambos, Isabel Bugacov, Lilly Olvera, Francisca Bugacov, Archer Anderson. (Front) Ella Abramson, Heath Olvera. Photo: Daniel Lechtick.

Isabel and Francisca Bugacov are sophomores at New West Charter High School. The sisters will be sharing the solo of Center Spanish, as well as Center Mirliton, Demi Flower, Side Spanish, Side Mirliton and Snowflake. For Isabel, ballet is more than just a form of artistic expression. “Ballet is a really athletic art form that comes with its challenges like anything else,” she said. “The muscles I have developed over time with my training have made me stronger.” This will be both Isabel and Francisca’s fifth Nutcracker with Westside Ballet.

Heath Olvera (11) will be reprising his role of Fritz for the second time with Westside Ballet this year.

Other members of the Venice community will also be taking the stage at The Broad and performing in this season’s Nutcracker. Ezra Galmbos, a sophomore at Venice High School, will be taking on the roles Snowflake, Flower and the Maid understudy. Archer Anderson (12) will be dancing the roles of Party Boy, Crystal Bell and Side Russian.

Mirror View: Lilly Olvera poses during studio dress rehearsals for her upcoming debut as the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, Nov.26-Dec 4. Photo: Daniel Lechtick.

The dancers at Westside Ballet will be joined by professional dancers Maté Szentes, Jack Virga Hall and Evan Swenson. Szentes will be performing the principal role of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cavalier. Swenson, a resident guest artist of Westside Ballet for ten years, will be reprising the principal role of the Snow Queen’s Cavalier, as well as dancing the Arabian pas de deux. Hall will also be dancing the Arabian pas de deux, alternating with Swenson.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” with Westside Ballet are on sale now for November 26th and 27th, and December 4th and 5th. The matinee performances will be at 1:00pm and evening performances will be available at 5:00pm.

More Info & Tix: westsideballet.com/Nutcracker

in News
Related Posts

Viennese Architect-Designed Home on Market for $5.2M

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Home Marks the Austrian team’s inaugural U.S. Project. Situated within close proximity to Abbot Kinney and Venice Beach, this...

Heir of Hong Kong Real Estate Empire Buys Venice Home

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Home Boasts a Pristine White Aesthetic Illuminated by Natural Light. Elaine Chen-Fernandez, a principal heir to one of Hong...

(Video) Homelessness Exacerbated by Santa Monica Rail and Bus System

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The METRO and public bus system has reportedly been a large factor in Santa Monica’s homeless population. @yovenicenews Homelessness in...

Health Advisory: Los Angeles County Health Warns Against Swimming This Weekend

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Public Health Issues Caution as Bacterial Levels Exceed Health Standards  The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents...

Collection Device Diverts 155K Pounds of Trash Near Ballona Creek In Seven Months

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Machine Is a Fully-Automated, Solar-Powered Trash Collection Device. By Zach Armstrong The Ballona Creek Trash Interceptor 007, developed by...

Stolen Vehicle Chase Ends With Standoff in Venice

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

The chase ended at Thatcher Ave. And Marina Pointe Dr. Law enforcement officials engaged in a standoff with an individual...

Theater Production Explores Romance and Human Interaction

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

It Follows a Silver Bracelet’s Journey in the Lives of Ten Couples. By Zach Armstrong “American La Ronde,” a theater...

(Video) Take a Look Inside The New Fatty Mart In Mar Vista

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

Fatty Mart has opened in Mar Vista, providing a new grocery store concept. @yovenicenews ♬ Funk Hip Hop Music(814197) –...

Lo Siento Tequila Presenting Venice Block Party On Memorial Day Weekend.

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

The Event Will Include Dj Performances By Acclaimed Artists Who Have Graced The Stages Of Coachella. On May 28th, from...

Food Truck Series Comes To Marina Del Rey

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

The Event Is Part Of The Marina’s Weekly Food Truck Event Held At Marina “Mother’s” Beach. By Zach Armstrong The...

The Dodgers Reinstate LGBTQ+ Group’s Invitation and Honor At Dodger Pride Night

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence Accepted The Baseball Team’s Apology By Dolores Quintana This morning, The Los Angeles Dodgers issued...

Meet The Incoming President of Venice Neighborhood Council

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

Starting In July, Averill Will Serve The People Of Venice As President Of The Neighborhood Council As He Tackles Issues...

Sustainable Grocery Store Holding “Plastic Free Day” Event in Mar Vista

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

After Consumers Drop Off Plastic Films, They Can Find Plastic-Free Refillable Bulk Goods And Enjoy A 10% Discount On Purchases....

Judge Rules Against Bulldozing Plan in Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

Judge James C. Chalfant Of Los Angeles County Conveyed That The California Department Of Fish & Wildlife’s Proposed “Restoration” Plan...

As Federal Covid Reporting Comes To An End, LA County Reporting Will Continue

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

LA County Will Still Monitor Covid Transmission Trends And Severity  By Dolores Quintana The Federal Covid Public Health Emergency officially...