Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

Articles written by Jill Homes


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  • BREAKING NEWS: Santa Monica's Ballet Stars Shine in 52nd Annual Nutcracker: A Legacy of Excellence Meets Next-Generation Talent

    Jill Homes, Squirespr.com|Updated Dec 2, 2025

    SANTA MONICA - When the curtain rises on Westside Ballet's 52nd annual Nutcracker this Thanksgiving weekend, audiences will witness something increasingly rare in American ballet: a true community production elevated to world-class standards. New York City Ballet principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia return as Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier for the November 29-30 performances at The Broad Stage, followed by Los Angeles Ballet company dancer Rony Baseman and Ashley Chung fro...

  • From Wall Street to the Barre: Santa Monica's Adult Ballet Community Takes Center Stage

    Jill Homes, Special to the Observer|Updated Jul 31, 2025

    When Shannon Erdmann commutes from Calabasas to Santa Monica for ballet class, she's trading one high-pressure environment for another-but this time, the pressure comes with joy. "Ballet has always been a huge stress reliever for me," says Erdmann, a Wall Street banker who left professional dance at 21 to pursue finance. "It's a happy place where I can have fun and just focus on my body." Erdmann is one of over 70 adult dancers preparing to take the stage this Saturday at...

  • Over 125 Westside Ballet local dancers share the stage with New York City Ballet Principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia from new hit show Étoile to honor local first responders

    Jill Homes, Special to the Observer|Updated May 31, 2025

    A rare confluence of dance legends and rising stars will grace The Broad Stage next weekend when Westside Ballet presents its "Masters of Movement" performances. The event brings together New York City Ballet principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia-both featured in Prime Video's hit ballet series *Étoile*-alongside local dancers in a program honoring the Los Angeles and Santa Monica Fire & Police First Responders. The Saturday evening Gala on May 31 will pay tribute to first res...

  • Local Santa Monica Dancers Shine in Westside Ballet's 51st Nutcracker

    Jill Homes, Special to the Observer|Updated Nov 23, 2024

    The magic of the holidays returns to The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage as Westside Ballet of Santa Monica presents its 51st annual production of The Nutcracker from November 30 to December 8. This cherished holiday tradition, Southern California's longest-running Nutcracker, features more than 130 pre-professional student dancers bringing 236 stunning costumes to life, accompanied by the live Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra. Included are a remarkable 37 Santa Monica...

  • Westside Ballet Dancers Hit the Beach for Coastal Cleanup Day: Making Waves On and Off the Stage

    Jill Homes, Special to the Observer|Updated Oct 12, 2024

    9/28/24: On National Dance Day, 36 ballerinas from Westside Ballet swapped pointe shoes for gloves and bags, dedicating their Saturday morning to environmental stewardship at Santa Monica's Coastal Cleanup Day. Joining forces with over a thousand volunteers, including divers from the Eco Dive Center, the dancers helped remove more than 400 pounds of trash from the shores, including unusual finds like electric scooters and even wedding dresses. Martine Harley, Westside...

  • Ballet Legends and Star-Studded Performances at BroadStage May 17-18

    Jill Homes, Westside Academy of Ballet|Updated May 16, 2024

    This May, the Westside Ballet of Santa Monica not only celebrates its storied 50-year legacy but also showcases the bright future of ballet during its Spring Showcase and Gala. Featuring renowned stars and promising talents, the event highlights the enduring heritage and vibrant future of performing arts in Southern California. The Masters of Movement Spring Showcases, taking place on May 17th and 18th at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, will feature a vibrant mix of classical...

  • Local Dancer Enacts "Angelina Ballerina" with Author Katharine Holabird

    Jill Homes, Special to the Observer|Updated Mar 28, 2024

    On a bright Saturday morning, the air at Children's Book World was filled with excitement and anticipation as families gathered for a special event featuring beloved children's author Katharine Holabird. The occasion promised not only a delightful storytime but also a unique performance by a local young dancer, Sorcha Cinadr, who brought to life the cherished character of Angelina Ballerina. The event, which took place on March 9th at 11:00 AM, was a celebration of...

  • Full Circle: From Ballet to Marketing and Back

    Jill Homes|Updated Aug 12, 2023

    Perris McCracken has always loved dancing. She started her training at a young age, studying ballet, jazz, African, modern, and tap at various schools in Los Angeles. She performed with renowned companies and artists, such as Debbie Allen, City Ballet of Los Angeles, and Lula Washington Dance Theatre. She earned a degree in Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University and worked as a dance instructor for many years. But life took her on a different path. She explored other caree...

  • Over 80 Westside Ballet Pre-professional Dancers Share the Stage with Professional Alumni Memorial Weekend

    Jill Homes, Observer Staff Writer|Updated May 23, 2023

    The cast of over 80 student dancers-including over 40 Santa Monica and Culver City residents and students-are preparing to perform in Westside Ballet of Santa Monica's "Masters of Movement: Ballet through the Centuries," returning for the ninth year at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. On Friday, May 26, the five-decades-strong nonprofit performance company will host its annual Soirée special event, including cocktails,...