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Aloha to the month of April!!!
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Greetings!
 What better way to celebrate Spring . . . . . "Da Island Way"!!!
Our Polynesian Company 'Te Orama' is hosting an Island Festival to raise funds for their upcoming competition Tahiti Fete in San Jose. We invite you all to come out on Saturday, April 16, and enjoy everything island - food, entertainment, games, and activities, and experience the courtyard transformed into paradise. Dress in your favorite aloha shirt or in your own island stylin' way. Bring a lawn chair and lounge as you partake of some roasted pig, BBQ, lomi lomi, kahlua and more!!! Feast your eyes on the all-day performances by guest performers Otea Api and Nememzo together with our own youth companies The Company (hip hop), Musical Theater Co., and Te Orama. Play games, get a massage, be tattooed, or get braided like an island girl!!! This is all happening on April 16 - FUN FUN FUN!!!!! and best of all ADMISSION IS FREE. Wanna beat the line to get your tickets for food, games, and activities - purchase your tickets in advance from the office and save $5 dollars on each $25 worth of tickets!!!
What's up with all our other programs? A LOT!!!
We had an amazing month in March! Check out the recaps of teachers Patrick, Amy, Megan, and mine for all the performances and competitions.
WSPA is spreading love through dance, read all about it in Samantha's recap.
Visit our website for a complete schedule on the following this summer: General School Summer Program - Twice A week classes for Beginners Musical Theater Intensive - Session I: June 20 - July 8 (3 weeks) & Session II: July 11 - July 29 (3 weeks) Ballet Open Classes for those who want to Stay in Shape from June 22-August 19. Ballet and Modern Intensives for the Performance Program from July 11-29. Intensive for the Professional Division with Viktor Kabaniaev from July 11-August 5 - by audition only. Audition is on April 20, Wednesday, 4:15-6:15
Take a quick look at what's happening during the month of April, May, and June:
April 4-9 - Group Photo Shoot
April 16 - Island Festival
April 17 - Pre-Competition Rehearsal for Spotlight
April 22-28 - Spring Break May 1 - My New Red Shows Community Show May 7 - YPI Bingo Night - Fundraiser for Musical Theater
May 13-15 - Spotlight Competition
May 17 & 18 - Make-Up Group Photo Shoot
May 21-22 - Tarena Tahiti May 26 - Te Orama rehearsals in Balboa Gym May 27-30 - Memorial Day Weekend Hoiliday June 5 - WSPA Annual Year End Picnic June 5 - Performance Program Auditions June 11 - Hip Hop COMPANY Body Rock in San Diego June 12 - WSPA 20th Anniversary Gala Performance June 14-16 - Recital Rehearsals at San Mateo Performing Arts June 17-19 - Year End Showcase
June 22-29 - Te Orama Intensive Preparation for San Jose Fete Last but not the least, take a look at what we will be presenting for the Year-End Showcase and read here about the Student Evaluation your child will be receiving in June.
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I know it's a lot of reading, but I'd rather you are informed and updated on what's going on in what has become the second home to majority of our students.
May you all have a wonderful Easter celebration!
Loving "dance" always,
Malu Rivera-Peoples
Westlake School for the Performing Arts |
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THE MONTH OF MARCH TAKEN BY STORM
| And so we did, WSPA was undetterred in their push to do well in every competition and performance.
Here's a recap of how they did by order of event:
March 4-6 - New York City Dance Alliance by Miss Megan Flynn
"Well, we had an amazing time!!! The kids all learned so much at the convention, and did a great job competing. And in the end we had many scholarship finalists, and winners!
Caitlyn Vergara's solo: Temple of Dreams received a Gold, and also received an Excellent Costume award, and an Excellent Showmanship award.
Happy Feet: Gold, as well as an overall 5th place, and an Outstanding Staging award.
Let's Groove: High Silver, as well as 5th overall Junior Line and 3rd overall Junior Jazz, Outstanding Energy, Outstanding Showmanship.
I Like to Move It: High Silver, Excellent Energy, Excellent Showmanship.
Smooth Criminal: High Silver.
At the Showcase:
Mini's: Tristan, Jadyn and Imani were finalists.
Teens: Ann Francis, Alexis, Hikari and Erik were finalists.
At the Showcase Awards:
Erik won a Future Star award, with a scholarship to attend the convention next year.
Hikari won a Most Outstanding Dancer award (teen category), a regional scholarship and invite to Nationals in NY.
Tristan won Top 2 Most Outstanding Dancer award (mini category), a regional scholarship and invite to Nationals in NY.
Overall, the kids did great, were judged appropriately AND fairly, and had a supportive weekend driven by the importance of education, and fantastic instructors. I think everyone walked away pretty inspired...I know I did (as well as beyond exhausted...haha). I was very proud of how our kids composed themselves, and it was so rewarding watching them have as much fun as they did.
Thank you Miss Debbie for all of your help getting us ready for this...the chaos would have been tremendous without you and my handful of moms that came to our rescue.
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The Company's Urban Paradise Hip Hop Showcase, by Pat Cruz
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 | Patrick Rivera Cruz, Director of The Company
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Urban Paradise 2011 was held at a new venue, and with this venue were some new faces and an overall new vibe.
For the first time ever we were able to break away from The Palace of Fine Arts, and reserve a weekend at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Some of you may be familiar with this venue, being that it has become home to our annul recital. This time however, it was home solely to our Hip Hop department for one amazing night.
The three groups representing our program were, APT, Training Ground, and The Company. These three teams combined for a total of four breath taking performances that represented what WSPA's hip hop department is all about. The artistry, originality, and technicalities within their dancing were on full display. Through their performances it was obvious that their hard work and determination had paid off.
Something new to this year's show was The Company doubling as dancers and as hosts. The idea was well received by the audience and performers, so expect this to be an ongoing thing for the years to come.
Along side our hip hop department were some of the best teams and artists from up and down California. The cities of Sacramento, Irvine, Hollywood, San Diego, San Francisco, and of course, Daly City were all represented in this years line up. New this year to Urban Paradise was Choreo Cookies, Movement Lifestyle, David Garabaldi, and Shaun Evaristo.
Some of the returning acts from the past Urban Paradises were, Press P.L.A.Y., SGBM, CADC, Gen2, and Funkanometery SF. As usual, these teams and artists all had amazing performances, and helped to add another dimension to the forever-growing show.
As many who were there would agree, this year's line up was jam packed with amazing talent from beginning to end. The audience was given nothing but back-to-back quality performances from everyone who stepped on stage. Whether it be due to the laidback environment of the venue, or the nonstop quality of entertainment, the audience this year was more alive than ever. The chemistry was perfect and it showed in the balance between performers and audience members. The performers gave the audience a reason to scream and the audience drove the performers to give it their all. Cheers constantly rang out from every section and by the end of the night it was not uncommon to hear hoarse voices from both performers and members of the crowd.
With a new venue, an amazing line up, and a great audience, it is safe to say that Urban Paradise 2011 was a complete success. In all honesty, if you were there that night you witnessed something truly amazing that only comes around once in a while to our Northern California hip hop scene. If you weren't there, then you definitely missed out on what could easily be described as the best Urban Paradise yet. Either way you're in luck, because this forever-evolving show will be back next year.
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 | | Cast of Simple Gifts before competition |
I am sharing to all our readers the letter of appreciation I wrote to all the participants and their parents who participated in YAGP as my recap of the NY Finals.
JFK Airport, New York, March 23 -
"To All YAGP Participants and Parents: At the time of this writing, I am at the airport waiting to board with another hour of plane delay. Some of you may be home by now and others are probably still up in the air in transit to San Francisco. It is gloomy outside and in as much as I am so ready to go back to SF, a part of me is sad to leave New York. I think it is not the city that I will miss but the daily routine of being in the company of dance lovers - student and professional dancers, teachers, directors, and choreographers. The excitement of being in the same room/theater/stage with the top directors and teachers, not only from the US but from around the world, is what I will miss most in New York. The joy of waking up in the morning, eager to watch more of the competition where the talent and skill displayed continue to amaze and surprise me to this day is what I will remember most. The reality that we are in the company of dancers/schools, soloists and ensembles who have already won in their respective regionals just as we have also done, is both humbling and thrilling. I am happy for Miko, Emily, and Tristan for their individual gain - Miko's top 12 placing, Emily's apprenticeship to Ballet West (huge), and Tristan's scholarship to Rock School (not to mention the opportunity to audition for Billy Elliot). But more than anything, I am beaming with pride in the realization that WSPA has finally been represented in the NY Finals with 45 students. I have no one to thank but you, the parents, for this. For without your support and belief in the school, this would not have been a reality. I am happy for your child who more than anyone else, has benefitted from this entire experience. It is with pride and a well deserved honor to be a New York Finalist, as being a NY finalist alone is in itself a huge achievement. I can only hope that the experience would have inspired your child even more to aspire for the grace, the ease of movement, and the perfection that she has witnessed on the New York stage. Along with renewed inspiration, I am sure that your child is on the road to gaining more respect and understanding of the discipline and commitment this art form demands. Last but definitely not the least, I also want to thank you for your cooperation and diligence in making sure your child was prompt and prepared for all the classes and rehearsals before and while we were in New York. Needless to say, it has been the biggest factor that lead to our success. As you get settled back home, I can only hope that you are more inspired to support your child's love for dance after experiencing the beauty and surreality of ballet at its best. On behalf of Ms. Lauren, Ms. Tina, and Mr. Viktor, I thank you for joining us in New York. We are committed even more to providing your child the best training possible. Loving dance, Malu Rivera-Peoples back to the top
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 | | Boot Scootin Boogie, Junior 1 Tappers |
 | | Simple Gifts |
 | | Man with the Hex |
The weekend of March 25 - 27 was an exciting and successful one for WSPA!, Students from the Tap Performance Program, along with Ms. Tina's Lyrical, Ms. Malu's "Simple Gifts" and Ms. Lauren's Company Ballet competed at the Showstopper Dance Competition, one of the largest & most prestigious competitions there is. From the youngest Tappers, competing in their First- Ever competition to the "Seasoned Veterans" of Ms. Laurens' Ballerina's, the incredible Talent of our Dancers was evident. The hours of hard-work, sacrifice and dedication showed in the Gold, Platinum, Double Platinum and, the Highest Honor given......... the Crystal Awards brought home by our Dancers.
I personally, am so Incredibly Proud of ALL my Tappers! Jr. 1's "Boot Scootin' Boogie", who a few short months ago were just learning the basics; Jr. 3's, "Jump, Shout, Boogie" - full of Personality and Pizzazz; the Dynamic, Exciting Footwook of Jr. 4's "Man with the Hex"; "Dancin' Fool" performed with Style and Class by Jr. Apt., and of course, Company Tap's fantastic "Hey Pachouco". Each and Every group showed their Amazing Talent and true LOVE for Dance. Soloists Jayden Rozzano-Keefe & Lily Navab, Duo, Margaux Brosnan and Madee Lwin and Small Group, Ciarra Cruz, Lauren Cabeza, Mariella Ilagan, Jasmin Cruz, Jayden Rozzno-Keefe and Madison Chang performed with such strength, style & technique! I am truly blessed to work with these young Dancers!!
With all our success at Showstopper Regional's, I know many parents and Students are looking ahead to National. After much discussion, Ms. Malu & I have decided we will attend Nationals EVERY OTHER YEAR. Let's all focus on working hard and heading to SHOWSTOPPER Nationals in 2012!!
I cannot close without giving a HUGE THANK YOU to Ms. Debbie who took care of each and every dancer, teacher and even parent from the very first competitiors Friday Night to the Last Awards Ceremony late Sunday afternoon. She is truly "One of a Kind"!!!
To view the results from the entire competition click here.
Below are the entries that received the Crystal Award:
Tanguedia(116.3) Crystal Award 1st Place Overall Competitive Teen Large Group Kylie Abucay, Coline Buencamino, Caitlyn Vergara, Kira Fargas-Mabaquiao, Alisa Bowen, Jessica David, Samantha David, Erin Fong, Hannah Hapin, Nikiya Peoples, Ann Francis Ang, Briana Leviste
Kovaronic Polka(114.2) Crystal Award 1st Place Overall Competitive Junior Solo Jasmine Cruz
Simple Gifts(114.5) Crystal Award 1st Place Overall Competitive Junior Super Group Tamlyn Padilla-Grafilo, Jasmine Cruz, Kamille Dyan Fernando, Samantha Bernardo, Gabrielle Cailipan, Isabelle Rabelas, Lauren Cabeza, Melany Saulog, Victoria Khaw, Alexandra Diaz, Alexis Pineda, Joyce Wu, Shannon Raymundo, Annika Ponciano, Jocelyn Chu, Angeline Noguera, Madison Chang, Alyssa Viray, Ian Debono, Andrea Pineda, Lauren Pineda, Jhessica Soriano, Jonalyn Montero, Jocelyn Viray, Tristan Brosnan, Francesca Diaz, Mia Calsada, Serena Calsada, Peony Chung, Catherine DeGuzman, Kris Gonzales, Jonacy Montero, Carrie-Anne Saquing
Be sure to Visit "Showstopperonline" to view videos of Ms. Malu's "Simple Gifts" and Ms. Tina's "Count on me"!!
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Urban Paradise' 1st Island Festival - April 16, 10-7PM
|  Young Performers Inc and WSPA support the endeavors of the school's programs when they courageously challenge themselves above and beyond what they can accomplish within the studio to achieve exellence outside. It is this passion and hardwork that create greatness in us as individuals and as a team.
We ask our WSPA family and friends to come and support Te Orama, our Polynesian youth company, as they try to raise funds for their participation in the San Jose Tahiti Fete. HERE'S WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO: · Dont look like a tourist, be a local and wear your Polynesian outfit · Bring your own lawn chair unless you don't mind sitting on the ground. · Check out the vendors selling island crafts, costumes and clothing. . Bring old and broken gold jewelry cuz CASH FOR GOLD will be there. · Need a massage - check out the masseuse onsite · Play some games and participate on some hands-on activities that are sponsored by the Performance Program classes: Dunk Tank, fishing, balloon darts, fresh flower and candy lei-making, hair braiding, cupcake decorating, tattoos, etc · Prepare to Dunk in the Tank the chosen few: Kumu Anthony Manaois, Paul Peoples, Dan Knutson, Matthew Montenegro, Ms. Katie Kerwin-Graf, Anthony Gonzalez (father of Jr Apprentice, Mahlieh Takapu Vargas), and company members Bianca Dahlen, Angela Rabut, Reia Natividad, Katie Edralin, Angelee Caparas, and Audrey Lujan.
· Join the Contests in hula hoop and drumming · raffle. · Feast on Island Food to include roast pig, lomi lomi, kahlua pig, barbecue pork, sno cone, tropical beverages, cut fresh fruit · tickets will be on sale starting April 1st at $20 for $25 value thru April 15. $25 cards and single tickets on sale throughout the event VOLUNTEER TO SET UP AND STRIKE:
· For set up and decorating see you in the courtyard on Friday, April 15th, at 7pm
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End of the Year Showcase begins with a Gala |
WSPA End of the Year Showcase starts with a Gala on June 12 celebrating our 20th Anniversary. We invite everyone to come and watch the award winning and exciting performance of our top levels in ballet, hip hop, Polynesian, Tap, Musical Theater and Jazz. The following weekend will showcase the entire school in a mixed program of beginning through advanced levels of students from both the General School and the Performance Programs. 20th Annivesary Gala - June 12, Sunday, 7:00 PM Show 1 - 6:00 PM, Friday, June 17, 2011 Show 2 & 3 - 1:00 PM & 5:30 PM , Saturday, June 18, 2011 Sunday 4 & 5 - 1:00 PM & 5:30 PM , Sunday, June 19, 2011 Stage Rehearsals: Gala rehearsal will be on June 12; Recital Rehearsals will be held from Tuesday to Friday, June 14 to 17. A detailed line up of dances for each show and the corresponding rehearsal schedule will be posted in early May. IMPORTANT: The stage rehearsals are mandatory for all the students. We ask that parents make the necessary adjustment in their schedules to ensure your child is able to attend the rehearsal. Teachers are working hard to showcase your children at their best in the recital. It is not fair for any student to jeopardize that success by skipping rehearsals.
Productions lined up that will entice you and your guests are: The Little Mermaid - a song and dance production adapted from the Broadway and Disney versions. Directed by Ms. Katie Kerwin-Graf and co-choreographed by Malu Rivera-Peoples La Bayadere "Kingdom of the Shades" - choreograhed by Marius Petipa and restaged by Ms. Lauren Main de Lucia. Pas de deux of Nikiya and Solor staged by Viktor Kabaniaev The ballet is set in legendary India. Nikiya, a bayadère or temple dancer, is in love with Solor, a noble warrior. However, the Rajah decides to marry his daughter Gamzatti to Solor; overwhelmed by her beauty, Solor forgets his vows of love to Nikiya. When the Rajah learns of Nikiya and Solor's love from the High Brahmin (who is also in love with Nikiya), he decides to have the bayadère killed. Gamzatti tries to persuade Nikiya to give up Solor, but she refuses and attacks the princess who then also decides to have the bayadère killed. Nikiya dances at the betrothal celebrations of Gamzatti and Solor. She is fatefully bitten by a poisonous snake hidden in a basket of flowers sent by the Rajah and Gamzatti. Solor has an hallucinatory vision of Nikiya in the "Kingdom of the Shades". He tries to grasp her but she disappears. Later, at his wedding ceremony he is again haunted by the vision of Nikiya which he alone can see. The gods, infuriated by the killing of Nikiya, destroy the temple, killing everyone in it. The spirits of Nikiya and Solor are reunited in eternal love.
Tickets to all the showcases will be on sale in May.
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This year's Spotlight will be held at the Bayside Theater in San Mateo!!! Last year, our school's ballet company routine "Paquita" was chosen to represent the regional's PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD. One "Federations Peoples Choice" Award routine is nominated at every single regional FDC competition. A video of each nominee's routine is posted on the FDC Web Site throughout the regional season. Viewers nationwide vote for their favorite routine at the conclusion of the regional season via the FDC Web Site during a specified window of time. This happened during our summer break and we failed to encourage our WSPA family to vote. Hopefully, if we get to be nominated again this year, we will keep a watchful eye on the event.
The 13 FDC members will each invite their respective highest voted nominee (i.e. a studio director & one guest) to represent their competition organization at the August 7th - 8th, 2011 FDC Gala in Dallas, TX as their guest. So let's root for one of our routines to get nominated and let's get out there and vote! There are some interesting divisions and categories that our dancers can take part of such as:
Dance Down - this is open to ages 8 and up. Participants are taught a combination on stage and are asked to perform it. Similar to what an audition is like.
Spotlight Title - this is open to all the soloists (age 8 and up), includes an interview and a 15 second performance of your best combination/moves.
Last year, we did a mock Dance Down and Spotlight Title event at the end of our pre-comp. We will not be doing this again but we encourage all our students to join it for fun, for the experience, or for the love of dance - and see how far you can go.
Spotlight highly encourage team/school spirit, and one of their rules at the awards is that the school be in uniform or in costume. So if you do not have a School T-shirt and jacket yet, now is the time to order.
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Student Evaluations; Auditions for Acceptance to the Performance Program;Summer Intensive
Recommendations
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Teachers are currently preparing the student evaluations and will be handing them to your child next month. Parents, please make sure you receive them. The evaluation report will state if there is a need for a parent conference, however, parents are always welcome to make an appointment in the office with their teacher any time throughout the year. Students should use the report to their advantage by working hard on areas that need improvement and continuing to work on areas that showed consistent growth. Bear in mind that the purpose of the evaluation is to document the training of your child and to provide her/him a direction in her training. Each student is a work in progress. All the students of WSPA will be evaluated with the exception of students who enrolled in the Spring. Spring students will receive a recommendation for the summer program. For more information on the Performance Program, please visit our website or ask the office. An invitation to audition for the Performance Program and/or a recommendation to participate in the summer intensive will be included in the evaluation. The detailed schedule of auditions for the Performance Program will be posted in May. back to the top |
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Tarena Tahiti - Solo and Drumming Competition, April 21, by Auntie Elizabeth Bertumen
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| | tarena tahiti |
Ia Orana,
We will be celebrating our annual Tarena Tahiti on May 21, 2011. The event features an Ori Solo & Costume and Drumming Competition.
This festive event attracts dancers and musicians from all over. It is the only costume competition of its kind in Northern California and features very unique creations from the simply elegant to bold one-of-a-kind creations. The day continues with Ori Solo and Drumming competition and ending the evening with awards and recognition.
Our judges this year are Aaron Sencil (Hui Tama Nui), Tyrone Temanaha, Jr (Te Vai Ura Nui), Adam Bertumen (Nemenzo for Drumming), Remy Tekurio (Hei Ariki Nui) and Roiti Sylva.
Mauruuru roa,
Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen
Nene Nemenzo
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My New Red Shoes Community Show, May 1, Burlingame, by Samantha Martinez
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First of all, I would like to send out a special thank you to all the performers who participated in the Corpus Christi event. We received a beautiful letter from the event chair who expressed much gratitude and sincere compliments for our presentation. This was a bittersweet event for them as it will be their very last since the school will be sadly closing its doors after 83 years. Thanks WSPA Performers for giving them a night to remember.
Our next community event will be one of the biggest this year. We will be performing for a wonderful cause for a nonprofit organization called My New Red Shoes. This organization provides school shoes and clothing for homeless children. The event will take place on May 1st from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and will consist of a parade march down Burlingame Avenue followed by a festival at Washington Park in Burlingame. The march is stroller friendly (so bring the whole family) and the festival will feature live entertainment, games, gourmet food trucks and more. This is their fifth annual and they are expecting 1,500 + people. MTC will be performing along with Hip Hop and Te Orama. The rehearsal will take place on Sunday morning (5/1) at 10:00 a.m. Please come support the cause and watch our WSPA Performers light up the stage. See you there! ~Samantha
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