SHANNON URTNOWSKI
Staff Writer
Malibu is home to more than sunny beaches and warm weather. Different cultural activities can be found up and down the tiny strip of Pacific Coast Highway.
While stopping for coffee at Starbucks or visiting the Malibu Country Mart, many may not realize they are standing just across from a professional ballet and dance studio.
The Malibu Ballet and Performing Arts Society studio, on Cross Creek Road, is just one of many run by Malibu Ballet.
And, with Malibu Ballet presenting two events in the coming weeks, it is easier than ever for Malibu residents to experience the production company’s artistic offerings.
Malibu Ballet will present its annual fund-raising ball Saturday at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades.
This year’s theme is “Black and White Masquerade Ball,” according to Mary Scott, Malibu Ballet studio owner and chairperson of the masquerade ball.
“The ball will feature a sit-down dinner and a silent and live auction,” Scott said.
She said a number of television celebrities, including soap-opera stars A Martinez and Jackie Zeman who host the masquerade, will appear at the ball.
Malibu Ballet’s dance companies also will perform at the benefit.
All proceeds received from tickets and the auction will go toward Malibu Ballet’s outreach program.
The outreach program, which was started five years ago, awards scholarships to underprivileged children who cannot afford the cost of attending professional dance performances.
“It is a non-profit organization committed to giving children from all walks of life the opportunity to learn and to be inspired by the world of dance,” Scott said.
Malibu Ballet uses the money earned from its outreach program to provide free performances at fundraisers and community events sponsored by organizations like the Starlight Foundation, Shrin-er’s Hospital, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and schools.
Children are shuttled to the event and given free admission to partial performances of “The Nutcracker,” Scott said.
Malibu Ballet will present full performances of “The Nutcracker” at its upcoming holiday ballet, which runs at Pepperdine’s Smothers Theatre.
Malibu Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” has been performed at Pepperdine for the past 11 years, Scott said.
She said she is excited about this year’s performance.
“It will include new costumes and some professional dancers from Canada, as well as Malibu Ballet’s dance companies,” Scott said.
Scott said she feels “The Nutcracker” is a great experience for the dancers who perform in the show. Dance students ranging in age from 10 to 18 participate in the show alongside longtime professional dancers.
Dancers are chosen for the show by audition.
Fourteen-year-old Kath-erine Scott, daughter of Mary Scott, will be performing the role of Arabian in the upcoming show.
Katherine performed in Malibu Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” in 2004 as Panda, and she said she is very excited about being in this year’s show.
“It has always been a dream of mine to be Arabian, since I was little,” Katherine said. She has been dancing since she was 4 and takes both jazz and ballet classes at the Malibu Ballet Studio.
“‘The Nutcracker’ at Smothers Theatre is a great asset for students,” said Pepperdine junior and ballet enthusiast Jennifer Deehan.
Deehan has seen the show at Smothers once before and plans to attend again this year.
“The tickets are cheaper, and the commute is much shorter for Pepperdine students rather than going downtown to the Music Center,” she said.
Deehan described the Malibu Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” as “a beautiful piece of art performed right at our campus.”
Tickets for both Malibu Ballet’s “Black and White Masquerade Ball” and “The Nutcracker” can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Tickets for “The Nutcracker” are also available at the Center for the Arts Box Office in Smothers Theatre.
Tickets for the “Black and White Masquerade” benefit cost $95 for adults and $45 for children. Call Malibu Ballet at (310) 457-4705 for further information.
Performances of “The Nutcracker” will run Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tickets cost $30 for adults and $20 for children under 18. Pepperdine students, faculty and staff can purchase discounted tickets for $10.
11-17-2005
