Eli, Luis, Matisse, Javier, Mikhael, Edgar Updates 2017

Updates on dancers highlighted in Getting To The Nutcracker.

Eli Gruska-

I am nearing the end of my second year at The Royal Ballet School in London. I also am completing my senior year of high school online, which adds to my load significantly. Needless to say, my life has been extremely busy and full on. However, I am enjoying it so much- living in London around so much beauty and culture whilst receiving this world class training makes me feel lucky to say the least. A recent highlight has been being 1 of 6 students asked to represent the school for a week at the Assemblé Internationale Festival in Toronto, which occurs every four years and unites 21 top tier ballet schools. The festival is hosted by The National Ballet School in Canada (where Javier studies now) so it was wonderful to see him.  Such a small world!  I also got the opportunity to produce my own choreography on my colleagues, which culminated in a performance. The rest of this school year is leading up to the exhilarating end of year show on the Royal Opera House stage. After that, I plan on spending a nice summer back home with family and friends before leaping into my graduate year, involving a search for a professional company contract.

Javier Wong-

Javier's father, Ken let us know that Javi and Eli were briefly united in Toronto.  The Festival (see Eli's post) was live streamed. Click here to view on their website.  Both Eli and Javier were part of the finale (session 38 and 44).  Javi was front row in the "Canadiana Reel" for the first piece and Eli danced in the last piece.  Javier misses LA but loves his training at the National Ballet School. The school is extremely competitive and he is hopefully awaiting his re-acceptance to continue next year.

Luis Delcid-

Luis is doing well in Des Moines where he is dancing, choreographing and teaching classes at Ballet Des Moines. He enjoys the night life that Des Moines has to offer!  You can follow him at @yzma.diamond on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Matisse Love-

Mimi, Matisse's mom, has let me know that Matisse has been working very hard at the Bolshoi Academy in Russia.  She has been placed in second course Russian which is extremely advanced and she is in class with all Russian girls who have been at the academy since they were 9 years old and younger.  They are all the best of the best!  Matisse is studying and rehearsing for her final exams where she will perform on the Bolshoi's stage.  She loves the academy and feels honored for the opportunity to be learning from and following in the footsteps of the teachers who have taught some of the greatest ballet dancers.  Matisse also has a Russian boyfriend which helps in learning the nuances of the Russian language!

Mikhael Kinley-Safronoff-

Mikhael received a contract with the Royal Swedish Ballet and Ballet National du Rhin in France.  He is currently finishing his season with Princess Grace Academy and will begin his professional career with .... Ballet National du Rhin on August 21st!  His father is pleased with his success and is slowly coming around to accepting Mikhael's choice in life to be a dancer.  CONGRATULATIONS MIKHAEL!!  BRAVO.

Edgar Khachaturov-

Edgar's mom Shushana says that Edgar is doing well at Fullerton University where he is majoring in business.  He teaches ballroom and ballet classes at the Shushan Dance Studio (shushandancestudio.com) and will be performing La Corsair in June at Lanterman Auditorium with choreography by his father Alexander Khachaturov.  

Eli Gruska at The Royal Ballet School in London

Eli Gruska at The Royal Ballet School in London

Luis Delcid

Luis Delcid

Matisse Love at Bolshoi Academy, Moscow

Matisse Love at Bolshoi Academy, Moscow

Mikhael Kinley-Safronoff at Academie Princesse Grace in France

Mikhael Kinley-Safronoff at Academie Princesse Grace in France

Edgar Khachaturov in Los Angeles 

Edgar Khachaturov in Los Angeles