Performances Added for Adrian Blake Mitchell and Andrea Laššáková at Broad Stage

Due to popular demand, Westside Ballet alumnus and former Mikhailovsky Ballet First Artist Adrian Blake Mitchelland his partner Slovakian Andrea Laššáková (former Mikhailovsky Soloist) - are now performing not only only on Saturday eve, May 7th - but now additionally also will appear on Sunday, May 8th at 2pm, when the preprofessional company performs at the world-class Broad Stage in Santa Monica, an encore of the "New Horizons'' Spring Performance. The Sunday show includes a champagne reception for Mother's Day.

Samuel Barber's mournful, yet serene, Adagio for Strings comes to life in a stirring pas de deux by Oleg Vinogradov performed by Mr. Mitchell and Ms. Laššáková. With a starry backdrop, the dancers illustrate the music through exquisite intertwining movements.

Mr. Michell and Ms. Laššákova danced as soloists with Mikhailovsky Theatre Ballet Company until they recently left the company, and Russia, in a move spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In an Instagram post announcing their departure from the company, Mitchell stated, "I fell in love with Russia, and its people, despite its flaws." He and Ms. Laššákova, partners on stage and off, decided to expedite their decision to leave the country once being an American in Russia became unsafe and rumors about Russia inciting martial law began to circulate. In a matter of two days, the dancers packed up their belongings and crossed the Estonian border by foot. They have made their way to the United States-where on April 9th, 2022, the pair performed at the "iHeartDance NYC: Benefit for Ukraine fundraiser."

Along with Mr. Mitchell, California native Joy Womack was the second Westside Ballet alum having to abruptly flee her professional life in Russia. She was grateful her alma mater immediately booked her to perform at the May 7th event, 'A Petite Soirée,' as well as teach Master Classes at Westside School of Ballet. Ms. Womack will perform Spring Waters with Mr. Mitchell. She will also perform the Solo from La Esmeralda. On social media, Ms. Womack wrote, "In this tough moment my heart goes out to all of my beautiful Ukrainian and Russian friends and fellow artists. I pray for everyone who has been affected by this terrible situation."

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica's Spring Performances pay tribute to the life-renewing qualities of spring with a demonstration of how the ballet world is resiliently re-emerging: experiencing artistic growth and renewed energy-creatively blossoming with new visions, ideas, and experiences. The company successfully weathered the pandemic by launching a Crisis Relief Campaign, "1500 Angels." The 214k dollars they raised helped them survive; now begins their season to thrive with reimagined repertoires. Westside's "New Horizons'' presentation will delight Los Angeles audiences with wonderfully varied works-from the most classic choreographers and composers to an original contemporary piece with a commissioned score.

"Great traditions never fade, but as ballet audiences evolve, so too must the artform coveted worldwide for hundreds of years," says Martine Harley, Westside Ballet of Santa Monica's Artistic Director since 2013.

For more information please visit https://westsideballet.com/spring-performance.

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