From costume creation to cross-level training, local families demonstrate the collaborative spirit that has sustained the renowned dance com
Updated Wed, Jun 4, 2025 at 6:15 am PT
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When the curtain rose last weekend at Westside Ballet's "Masters of Movement 2025" performances, Marina del Rey audiences witnessed more than just exceptional dancing—they saw the fruits of a remarkable community collaboration that extends far beyond the stage.
Central to this collaborative effort stands Costume Director Liz Kok, who prepared 375 costumes for the weekend's performances. Many of these intricate pieces were sewn by volunteer parents and community members, reflecting Westside Ballet's 51-year history of community engagement since the founding of the nonprofit performance company in 1973.
For Kok, the work takes on special meaning as her daughter, 13-year-old Luna Alatorre, performed in her fifth spring performance with Westside Ballet.
A Family Affair in Every Stitch
Luna, an eighth-grader at Crossroads School, performed in "Dance of the Hours" from Coppélia and "Défilé," representing eight years of dedicated training at Westside Ballet. Her journey from a 5-year-old beginner to a Level 5 dancer parallels her mother's behind-the-scenes evolution from parent volunteer to essential artistic collaborator.
"Training with the level above us has challenged me to work harder," Luna explained last week of her experience rehearsing with both Level 5 and Level 5+ dancers this season. "It has also given me the confidence to take more risks and not be embarrassed to fail. Our group has become close this year and I look forward to showing our strengths and hard work in the Spring show."
The cross-level training Luna describes reflects Westside Ballet's philosophy of fostering growth through challenge and community support—values that extend throughout the organization's operations.
Multi-Talented Marina del Rey Performers
The Marina del Rey contingent showcases the diverse talents that characterize Westside Ballet students. Ten-year-old Cypress Classen-Main brings an impressive array of skills to her training, including ice hockey, jiu jitsu, guitar, singing, and fluency in Spanish. The Crossroads School fourth-grader performed in "Circus Polka" and "Barcarolle."
"I love getting ready to perform by putting on my makeup and making sure my costume is perfect," Cypress shares. "When I stretch, I visualize the dance in my head, but I really can't wait for the moment to perform. There is nothing like performing! All my nervousness goes away when I'm on the stage!"
Her enthusiasm for performance mirrors that of 10-year-old Mackenzie Olesky, who appeared in "Circus Polka" and "Barcarolle." Despite this being her first spring performance, Mackenzie has already set her sights on a professional dance career.
"My favorite part of my costume is the tutu because it makes me feel magical!" Mackenzie explains, capturing the transformative power of performance that draws young artists to ballet.
The Art of Collaboration
The scores of costumes that graced the stage last weekend represent countless hours of volunteer labor, with parents and community members contributing their skills to ensure each dancer feels the magic Mackenzie describes. This collaborative model has been central to Westside Ballet's success since Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire founded the organization.
The weekend's programming spanned nearly two centuries of choreographic tradition, from August Bournonville's 1849 "Le Conservatoire" to contemporary works, requiring costume pieces that range from classical tutus to jazz-inspired ensembles. Each piece must not only look beautiful but allow for the technical demands of ballet, contemporary, and jazz choreography.
Luna's diverse interests in dance, acting, modeling, art, and fashion complement her ballet training, while her aspirations to become a veterinarian or zoologist demonstrate the well-rounded nature of many Westside Ballet students. Her love of assisting with younger dancers' classes shows how the collaborative spirit passes from generation to generation.
"Dance is most important to me. It's a fun way to express myself and I have formed great relationships through dance," Luna reflects. "Most recently I have enjoyed assisting with the classes for the younger dancers after school when I have time. I enjoy seeing their excitement and remember how exciting it was for me when I first started."
Masters of Movement
The weekend's performances featured not only student showcases but also a gala evening with New York City Ballet principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia performing Jerome Robbins' "Other Dances." The contrast between these international stars and the young Marina del Rey dancers illustrates the full spectrum of ballet excellence that Westside Ballet nurtures.
For families like the Kok-Alatorre household, the weekend's performance represent both culmination and continuation—years of dedication paying off in performance while establishing the foundation for future growth. Behind every perfectly fitted costume and confidently executed performance lies a community effort that transforms individual talent into collective achievement.
The Spring Showcase performances are Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, at 1 p.m. at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage. The Gala performance is Saturday, May 31, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $50 for showcase performances to $195 for the gala. Patch readers use code Patch25 for $70 off the gala.
Leaping into Summer Training
Following the Spring performances, many dancers will attend prestigious summer intensives to further their ballet training. Several intermediate and advanced Westside students stay in Los Angeles to train with the school's accredited artistic staff and special guest teachers.
This summer's program features Katrina Killian, Director of Children's/Preparatory Divisions and Mae L. Wien Faculty Chair at School of American Ballet, who will teach Levels 3/3+ and 4/4+.
Advanced students ages 14-19 will have the opportunity to participate in the 'Balanchine Workshop' with special guests Sofiane Sylve and Patricia Neary, including a student performance, reception, and Q&A with the renowned instructors.
Luna looks forward to attending a summer training programme at Ballet West—yet will also benefit from the opportunities at home and will attend the Balanchine workshop with Ms. Sylve before heading to Salt Lake City. Upon her return, she will attend two weeks of the Westside Ballet Summer Intensive.
For younger children just beginning their dance journey, Westside School of Ballet's Children's Summer Camp invites kids ages 4–7 to explore dance, music, and creativity through weekly story-themed adventures. Campers bring Frozen, Moana, Inside Out, Swan Lake, and more to life—learning choreography, designing mini sets, and exploring rhythm and storytelling through movement. Open to all skill levels, with code "PATCH25" offering $25 off per week at westsideballet.com/summer/kidscamp.
The school also offers a Teen Workshop for ages 11–18 who are new to ballet, providing an ideal entry point to classical dance during the summer months.