When Malibu resident Peter Koral, owner of the 7 For All Mankind apparel line, was asked to sponsor the 25th anniversary show of the Malibu Ballet Society, he says he didn’t hesitate.
“I’ve been living in Malibu since 1970 and I’ve always been aware of the group of kids and I think it’s marvelous what they do,” Koral said.
What the Ballet Society does is more than sponsor students to take dance classes, which have become a rite of passage for a large percentage of Malibu children. The Ballet Society has also launched an outreach program aimed at expanding the world of dance to “at risk” students who may not otherwise have a chance to participate. Organizers say Koral’s sponsorship, along with the continuing support of Starbucks and Pepperdine University, has allowed the outreach program to extend its arms even further.
“This is the second ballet this year that we’ve been able to share with kids,” says Denise Ritchie, a spokesperson for the dance outreach program. “Malibu dancers, in this year alone, have been able to reach out to 2,000 children and share what they love.”
Last December, students were treated to the Ballet Society production of “The Nutcracker.” This week, they will see performances of “Little Daylight” and “Paquita.” For several weeks, Ballet Society dancers have traveled to economically challenged schools in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The dancers read aloud the story of the ballet and performed some of its dances for the students.
This week, the children will be bused to Pepperdine University to see the full-length production of the show. They will also receive a copy of the book, which was written by the dancers, and they will have a chance to interact with the performers.
“One of the best feelings is to look out into the audience and see the wide eyes and hear the ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ of the children,” says dancer Marisa Boyle. “During the question-and-answer period they are very interested in the costumes and training. I’m glad to play a small part in their dance education.”
In addition to the performances, the new sponsorship has enabled the Ballet Society to offer dance classes. Former Malibu dancer Jasmine Albuquerque, who is now a college student, recently returned to Malibu to teach dance classes at the Malibu Boy’s and Girl’s Club.
“Not only does it enable me to go back into that community in a different way, but it is also giving to kids, which is where life stems from. Life is circular and giving and receiving are part of that circular process,” Albuquerque said.
Another former Malibu dancer, Brenna Norton, is gearing up to teach a “Mommy and Me” dance class at Saint Anne’s Home for Unwed Mothers in Los Angeles.
“This is exactly what I was looking for,” Norton said. “I thought it would be odd at first because I’m 19 and some of the mothers are younger than me. But it won’t be odd. I just want to share with them something that I have gotten so much out of. I love to pass on the passion I have with dance to the kids.”
Organizers say they hope to expand the classes into full-time programs.
The performance dates of the ballet are June 13 and two performances on June 14. More information can be obtained by calling the Malibu Ballet Society at 310.317.4222 or visiting www.malibuballetsociety.org.