Westside Ballet Company Outreach
Developing dancers is just part of our mission. We also nurture dance itself in the community, with affordable, accessible performances. Since its founding in 1970 by former New York City Ballet principal dancer Yvonne Mounsey, W
estside Ballet company has introduced thousands of local families to the art of ballet. Cub Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout troops have taken advantage of special discounted tickets. (The illustration at right is a thank-you note from a young Scout.)
We also reach out to disadvantaged youth. At our Nutcracker performances we have had the privilege of hosting children from two wonderful programs, "A Place Called Home" and "Everybody Dance." We continue to expand our work with them by supporting their fundraising events, attending performances, and teaching dance classes on site.
In addition, we are proud to introduce ballet to the children from the Venice Family Clinic, Hollygrove and The Help Group, by providing complimentary Nutcracker tickets.
Hurricane Benefit
Westside Ballet Company's special Hurricane Benefit Performance of The Nutcracker (Dec. 16, 2005) not only brought down the house, it built a house! Stephen Collins, the star of television’s 7th Heaven and a long-time supporter of Westside Ballet, led the benefit effort. With 7th Heaven’s cast and crew joining the cause, the benefit performance was a tremendous success. Proceeds from the show and generous gifts from Stephen Collins and the cast and crew of 7th Heaven raised $60,000, enough money to build one 3-bedroom house. We named the house Westside Heaven. Habitat for Humanity, New Orleans began building “Westside Heaven” in the Musician’s Village November 20, 2006.