LOS ANGELES–The Los Angeles Ballet co-Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary announced that locally trained dancer Lilit Hogtanian will reprise her leading role as Clara in the Company’s dynamic production of The Nutcracker. Miss Hogtanian, 15, is a resident of Montebello.
Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker, will be performed at Alex Theatre, Glendale November 29 and 30; Royce Hall, UCLA, Dec. 22 and 23; and Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center Dec. 29 and 30. The Nutcracker tickets are on sale immediately by calling 310-998-7782 or by visiting www.losangelesballet.org.
Miss Hogtanian began her ballet training in 1998 at the age of 6 with the Yuri Grigoriev School of Ballet where she continues to study. She has received numerous scholarships with leading dance programs around the country, including Stiefel and Students, School of American Ballet and Kirov Ballet Academy summer programs. Most recently Miss Hogtanian was a finalist in the Youth America Grand Prix 2007 New York Finals.
Returning for its second season, Los Angeles Ballet%u218s The Nutcracker follows the story of Clara and her family welcoming guests to a party on Christmas Eve and the magical adventures that ensue.
The Neary-Christensen choreographed The Nutcracker features a unique Southern California flair which permeates the entire production, from sets and costumes to choreography and storyline. Audiences will feel at home yet will soon learn to anticipate fresh variations on the traditional themes. The storyline, while sticking close to traditional lore, also offers unique twists, such as Clara’s favorite dolls coming to life as “Marie” and her “Prince”.
The sets, created by Los Angeles designer Catherine Kanner, create the feeling of being inside a children’s storybook; a real place yet fantastical — warm and inviting. Scenes reflect 1912 Los Angeles, featuring a classic Spanish style home with Mexican, Spanish and European influences. Costumes were created by famed Danish designer Mikael Melbye, presenting the audience with opulent visuals.
Launched in 2006 by artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, Los Angeles Ballet enjoyed a successful first season as the city’s own professional ballet company focused on capturing the creative aesthetic unique to Southern California. Los Angeles Ballet is committed to bringing world class dance and great dancers to every corner of Southern California through performing at different venues accessible to communities across the city and presenting varied programs designed to appeal to a large and diverse base of fans who will grow to become devoted, supportive patrons.
The Company is a not-for-profit arts organization; Julie Whittaker is the Company’s executive director.
Lilit Hogtanian
Lilit Hogtanian was born in 1992 in Montebello, California.
She began her ballet training since1998 at the age of 6 with Yuri Grigoriev, the former principal dancer at Staniclavsky Ballet Theatre in Moscow, People’s Artist of Russia.
2000 – at the age of nine she performed in ABT’s Nutcracker as a mouse at Kodak Theatre.
2002 – performed with Marinsky ballet theatre in La Bayader as demisoloist at Kodak Theatre.
2005 – attended Stiefel and Students summer program in Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts on scholarship.
2005 – Received scholarship to SAB and Kirov Ballet Academy in Washington DC summer Programs, scholarship for year round program to Kirov Ballet Academy.
2006 – attended Kirov Ballet Academy summer Program
2006 December performed with LAB’s The Nutcracker as lead role of Clara.
2007 – Participated in YAGP International Ballet Competition
