BRAVO! BRAVO!
She’s kept many Malibu dancers on their toes, but on March 9, Westside Ballet founder Yvonne Mounsey stepped into the limelight for an honor of her own. The legendary teacher was lauded by friends, family and former students at the school’s 2002 Bravo Awards. Tapmeister Gregory Hines, “Dharma & Greg” star Jenna Elfman and former scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis counted themselves among Mounsey’s many fans and turned up to show their support.
Elfman, who helped emcee the event, recalled her early dancing days under Mounsey’s direction. “Chin up! chin up!” she proclaimed, doing her best to match Mounsey’s distinct South African accent. “That was verrrry important. Beeeeautiful hands came second.”
Lots of beautiful hands and feet were in store as some of Mounsey’s most famous pupils took the stage for a gala performance.
The program featured New York City Ballet’s Melissa Barak in Glazunov’s “Raymonda,” NYCB’s Andrew Veyette in Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes” and the Sacramento Ballet’s Emily Hite in “The Waltz of the Flowers” from “The Nutcracker.”
In addition to Mounsey, the Help Group’s Lori Milken and actor Stephen Collins were honored for their artistic contributions.
Milken applauded the school and its founder for “working with each child, regardless of talent level, helping them achieve his or her own success and the happiness of accomplishment.”
Mounsey, who received the 2002 Founders Award, thanked her many talented students, saying that all the years of watching them grow and learn has been its own reward.
SCREEN GEMS
Awards and accolades keep rolling in for “The West Wing” and Malibu’s Martin Sheen. Sheen got the top trophy at the Screen Actors Guild Gala for his role as America’s favorite TV prez. Co-star Allison Janey received the coveted SAG award for best actress. The gang from the oval office also clinched a group honor-Best Ensemble Cast in a Drama Series.
OSCAR WORTHY EATS
Why fight the limo lines, the pesky paparazzi and tight tables at the Governor’s Ball when you can enjoy great food and eye the Oscars right here at home? If that sounds like a plan, get thee to Granita.
Once again Wolfgang Puck’s beachside restaurant will host its Academy Awards Celebration Dinner. The menu draws its inspiration from the list of nominees. For $74, you can tuck into a little Gosford Pork, I Am Sam Green Eggs and Ham and Harry Pott er Feu, all topped off with Monster’s Rum Balls and Royal Toffee Bombs. And the winner is … stay tuned!