July 5, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

SMMUSD Students Treated To Free Performance Of “The Nutcracker”:

Approximately 500 4th and 5th graders from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District were treated to an abbreviated performance of Westside Ballet of Santa Monica’s “The Nutcracker” on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

The presentation took place at The Broad Stage at the Santa Monica Performing Arts Center.

Children saw 10 beautifully choreographed scenes from Westside’s regular full-length production, set to Tchaikovsky’s majestic score, performed by fully costumed Westside Ballet dancers, aged 10-18. 

Many of the dancers are also enrolled at Santa Monica- Malibu Unified District schools. “The Nutcracker” storyline was narrated by Westside Ballet Associate Artistic Director Caprice Walker. 

A Q&A session was held afterward, allowing students to ask questions of the dancers. Each child received a Nutcracker to take home.

Dr. Ellen Edeburn, SMMUSD director of secondary curriculum and visual and performing arts programs commented, “We are thrilled that approximately 1,000 4th and 5th graders from throughout SMMUSD are able to enjoy such a professional performance of the Nutcracker featuring many SMMUSD students.

“This opportunity is made possible through the partnership between Westside Ballet, Santa Monica College, City of Santa Monica and SMMUSD.  We are also grateful to Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who donated the funds for the transportation of our students to and from the Broad Stage at SMC.”

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica is a non-profit, pre-professional ballet company committed to a robust educational outreach that provides substantive academic and performance opportunities for community youth.  

Since 2013, the company has donated these abbreviated Nutcracker performances to introduce community youth to classical dance and music. This year’s presentations are also sponsored by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Santa Monica College, the City of Santa Monica, and Los Angeles County.

A second abbreviated Nutcracker performance for an additional 500 SMMUSD students was held Friday, Dec. 4. Public presentations of the full Nutcracker ballet at The Broad Stage at Santa Monica Performing Arts Center sold out. 

in News
<>Related Posts

Hama Sushi Hosts Weekly Music and Comedy Open Mics

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The venue, a Venice Beach staple since 1979, has recently expanded its legendary happy hour to the entire patio Hama...

Connections Breakfast to Network Local Business Professionals in Malibu

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The event, sponsored by Malibu Country Mart, will feature a breakfast mixer where attendees can meet new contacts  A Connections...

12th Annual Gopher Scramble Golf Tournament to Benefit Venice Heritage Museum

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The museum opened to the public in March 2024 at the Main Street Design Center with its inaugural exhibition, “This...

Michael Madsen, Star of Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dies at 67 in Malibu

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Actor Remembered for His Intense Performances and as a Poet  Actor Michael Madsen, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and...

Ruskin Group Theatre to Stage ‘The Fantasticks’

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

A timeless tale of young love and life’s bittersweet beauty, the show is reimagined with modern flair for contemporary audiences...

Film Review: F1: The Movie

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

FILM REVIEWF1: THE MOVIERated PG-13155 MinutesReleased June 27th F1: The Movie will envelop you in a racecar. You will be...

Big Blue Bus Launches Prohibition Order Program to Bolster Safety

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

The orders, which can range from 30 days to one year, target offenses that threaten the safety and comfort of...

Col. Eric Swenson Honored by LA for Historic Debris Removal Effort

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Swenson, with a distinguished military background including a Ph.D. and multiple master’s degrees from Penn State and other institutions, has...

(Video) A visit to New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Authentic NY Style Bagels with Extra Creamy Cream Cheese and Multi-Cultural Desserts. Located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. A visit to...

(Video) Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Go To Homefrontbuild.com For More Information @home_front_build Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles. Go...

(Video) Gladstone’s Malibu Prepares for Reopening after Surviving Palisades Fires

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

With One Half of its Structure Slightly Charred and Undergoing Repairs, Gladstone’s Malibu is Reopening its Patio Space Just in...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Community Mapping Survey

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

The initiative aims to shape the library’s programs and services to better meet community needs, fostering an inclusive and accessible...

Third Street Promenade Loses Bibibop Asian Grill

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Bibibop opened at the Santa Monica location in 2017 after taking over a former ShopHouse space Bibibop Asian Grill, a...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...