Bravo to the South Bay Ballet

I'll be the first to admit, I don't know a pirouette from a jete and I've never had the balance or coordination to try dance, let alone even think of trying dance. But that didn't keep me from being massively impressed by the young dancers of the South Bay Ballet in their Bravo! 2009 performance last weekend at the Armstrong Theatre in Torrance.

With their compliments, fellow reporter Andrea Woodhouse and I were given the opportunity to see these pre-professionals jump and twirl their hearts out in seven numbers that ranged from traditional with tutus and flower wreaths to modern with edgy movements and interesting light effects. My favorite was the final segment - a whimsical take on a Graduation Ball with both young and old romance, humor and the kinds of dresses little girls could only dream of wearing. Andrea liked the more avant garde pieces, with their creative interpretations of some very interesting music.

These kids and teens were poised, graceful and talented. If you have a chance to catch any of their upcoming performances, I'd highly recommend it.