Central West Ballet Soloists Rise to New Heights.

"The 2010-2011 Season has witnessed a lot of 'personal best' performances from our Soloists and their accomplishments were a joy to watch on stage", says Artistic Director René Daveluy, "we have a new crop of exciting dancers and our up coming Season will be grounds for showcasing their abilities".

Daveluy says he has been most proud of individuals in the Company for their commitment in excelling themselves with each new performance. Chief among the lot is Kylie Welch, who Daveluy says has shown a maturity in her technical and artistic approach. " Kylie definitely deserves her promotion to First Soloist status, she remained focused throughout the entire year and her appeal has never been more genuine". Welch, who is well known for her terrific energy and crowd pleasing personality, was a joy to behold during CWB's Nutcracker Season and her performances in Creations, Choreography in America. In Cinderella, she showed artistry and versatility.

Another great talent who has been noticed during this past year is Liana Yates, who also has been promoted to First Soloist. Yates, a charismatic dancer with great facility and exquisite artistic instincts has only gotten better with experience. Daveluy says she is a shining light among the group. "Liana is a superb interpret and is all heart onstage", Daveluy goes on to say, "she has gained great confidence and a command of the stage as a lead dancer in the Company". Yates will be one to watch in the up coming 11-12 Season.

The promotion of Erikka Reenstierna-Cates to First Soloist is no surprise as well. given her passionate personality and great range of emotions on stage. "Erikka is a deeply emotional performer", says Daveluy, "she is a natural leader and has developed well during this past year". Reenstierna-Cates, who dances with panache in every role she tackles, has had a stellar year with Central West, culminating with the role of the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.

The 10-11 year also saw its youngest company member, Noelle Im, rise up to special heights during the performance runs of Cinderella. Im, who danced the role of the Spring Fairy with talent and tenacity, is progressing well and at her own pace. "Noelle has been promoted to Second Soloist in light of her focused work and technical progress", Daveluy explains, "she is built for sturdy apprenticeship and has proven she can handle a measure of good pressure for her age".

Bethany Phelps gets a solid promotion to Principal Character Artis. She defines herself in the Company's variety of personalities. Phelps has impressed Daveluy with her dedication to stagecraft "Bethany is very driven through a passion for the stage", Daveluy goes on to say, "she has matured in the last year and has shown presence in many different roles. I am most proud of her Stepmother role in our recent Cinderella production. She was able to portray all the facets of the character's depth and that deserves commendation". Phelps also was a hit in recent years in roles such as Jig Girl in Daveluy's House of Folk and in one of Daveluy's latest work, Solitary Workers.

After an uncontested appearance as a Step Sister in Cinderella and a dedicated work ethic in Daveluy's Beneath Existence, newcomer Aaron Gulevich has been given Second Soloist status for his contribution as a partner and character dancer. "Aaron is a gem to work with and can endure long hours of work in the studio", Daveluy says, "he was a real trouper in our Creations program and has earned a place among our company. His Step Sister in our Cinderella showed imagination and his ability for slap stick comedy was impressive". Gulevich was briefly part of Central West Ballet during its 2009-2010 Season and he has returned to the Company this year.

Last but not least is the appointment of Nathan Champion to Principal Dancer status. Champion, who joined the Company in early January of this year proved beyond any doubt that he was made for the responsibilities of a Principal Artist. "Nathan astonished us all with his capacity to absorb the multi leveled demands of lead roles", Daveluy says with enthusiasm, "he quickly picked up pace since our Creations program and up to the performances in Cinderella. Nathan was taking on every role thrown at him with dedication and superlative results". Champion was a runaway success during Cinderella with his precise renditions of the Jester and the Dancing Master, managing great acting capabilities and technical prowess with stability and consistency. Daveluy says Central West Ballet's troupe of dancers is gradually taking shape for its 2011-2012 Season and with the arrival of new dancers, the Company will be at its best for the Season's entry.

Current Season Brings New Promotions

Central West Ballet performed to The Beatles in a live music adaptation during a concert on April 23rd at Modesto Centre Plaza. The benefit was headed by Amy Sullivan and gathered talents from other resident entities such as YES Company and MSO musicians. The event helped raise more than $10,000 for the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. Honoring Anna Marie King, a Modesto resident and arts supporter who died of cervical cancer at 32, Viva La Vida included drinks, appetizers, a silent auction and information on detection and prevention of cervical cancer. The goal was to launch a chapter of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition in Modesto to represent Northern California.

CWB dances to The Beatles

Brand New Pilates Machine now at Central West Ballet

Central West Ballet's neew pilates machine is part of the studio's equipment on Pentecost. The state of the art Pilates Machine was a donation from Mrs. Adina Olivares. The Pilates technique is renowned for giving athletes the best exercise and recovery technique to improve and maintain a healthy body. The donation, worth thousands of dollars is greatly appreciated by Central West Ballet. "We are grateful to Mrs. Olivares", says Ballet Mistress Leslie Ann Larson, "our dancers will make good use of it and a Pilates Machine is a must for any serious ballet company to have in its own studio".

If you wish to donate to Central West Ballet, please do not hesitate to call the office at (209) 576-8957.

Central West Ballet was well represented at the event, closing the performance part of the fundraiser to selections from The Beatles, including Penny Lane, Hey Jude and Let it Be. Dancers were in greaty form, dressed in an array of colorful Jeans and diferent 60's shirts to the delight of an enthsiastic audience.

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