Star Report
This year’s theme, “Circus, Circus,” celebrated the big top and all the fun that comes along with going to the circus with your family and friends of Los Olivos Dance Gallery for their 22nd annual Center Stage on May 20 and 21.. It is their annual showcase for the outstanding achievements of dedicated dancers in various styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop.
Performers ranged from first-time dancers to professional-level choreography and artistry. Classes portrayed their versions of “Growing Up in the Circus,” “Back on the Tightrope,” “Feejee Mermaids,” “Cirque de Fuego,” “Smash,” and peculiar oddities like “Cirque de Kurios” (images attached). The entire performance was done by director Maggie Mesikep and the amazing teachers Jessica Ruiz, Nicole Helton, Ashley Kohler Reynolds, Cecily Stewart, Mariah Korte, Anna Carnes, Jillian Haig, Donovan Tunay, and special guest choreographer Joe Istre.
For five graduates, Lily Connolly, Emma Kuskey, Michael Loos, Abigail Mullin, and Sarah Stucky (solo picture attached), this was their farewell performance, for some after more than a decade with the school.
Los Olivos Dance Gallery alumni continue to dance with prestigious companies like American Ballet Theater Irvine and Alabama, San Francisco Conservatory, The Rock, Boston Ballet, Ballet West, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s senior intensive in Chicago and their new two week program at USC.
Cirque de Fuego Photography By Dwight McCann
