PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – July 21, 2024 – Founder and Artistic Director, Rena Kamariotakis announced the program for SoCal Ballet Scene’s Signature Festival coming to The Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA on September 14th. Keeping true to its mission to bring together the best dance artists and companies in Southern California, the curated program includes classical, neoclassical, contemporary, and commissioned ballet works.

The show offers pure beautiful classical ballet with Principal Ballerina, Petra Conti (former La Scala, Boston Ballet, and LA Ballet Principal and current Artistic Director of Hollywood Ballet) dancing the White Swan Pas de Deux.

Kathryn Morgan (former New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet Soloist) will perform Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux by George Balanchine.

Local choreographer Claire Buehler will be presenting her neoclassical work Kismet, an elegant display of flowing partnering work which was originally commissioned by Smuin Ballet.

Chasen Greenwood's The Realm Company will push the boundaries of contemporary ballet in his newest work Reclaim What's Yours.

Anaheim Ballet will appear with their full company of dancers displaying the exciting athleticism for which they are known.

On the lighter side, dynamic duo Rachel Hutsell (former New York City Ballet) and Eduard Sargsyan will perform key moments from the comedic classical ballet Don Quixote, joined by Alexander Romanchikov in the role of Espada, former soloist with Mariinsky Ballet.

Local up-and-coming choreographers, Jeffrey Raschiatore and Sadie Black, will be presenting their work set on many of our outstanding professional freelance ballet artists from SoCal.

The ever-charming Bournonville pas de deux from The Flower Festival in Genzano, and a special performance by Onco Ballet round out this year's program.

The Festival offers matinee and evening performances with an outdoor fair in between followed by a reception allowing audience members to connect with ballet artists. Aligning with its mission to expand access to the artform, SCBS brings underserved youth to experience these live performances.

"The Festival was created to provide a performance platform to bring together dancers, choreographers, regional ballet companies, and connect them with the community to celebrate dance together. All are welcome to join us in this celebration of ballet." said Rena Kamariotakis, SoCal Ballet Scene Founder and Artistic Director.

For more information about the SoCal Ballet Scene Signature Festival Event, or to purchase performance tickets visit www.SoCalBalletScene.com/festival.