[Image courtesy Little Women Ballet]
Established in 2023, Little Women Ballet aims to create dance works inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel. Andres, who serves as the company’s choreographer, director, and teacher, sees the project as a tribute to female authors and a launch of a movement toward more women-centered ballets.
“It is crucial that young artists see stories that are uplifting, inspiring, and center around characters they can relate to,” Andres said. Her vision extends beyond traditional stage performances, offering audiences an interactive journey through the classic tale.
Emma Andres [Image courtesy Little Women Ballet]
Each performance will feature a different season, music selection, and portion of the “Little Women” story, allowing audiences to experience the March sisters’ world up close.
Attendees will enjoy autumn-themed desserts and refreshments, and can join the cast in Victorian dancing at the end of each performance.
The production showcases over 20 professional ballet dancers, many hailing from Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Ages range from 10 to 75, with performers donning handmade 19th-century costumes to bring authenticity to the immersive experience.
Andres, a Pasadena resident, brings a diverse dance background to the project. She earned her BFA in Dance Choreography from UC Irvine, where she worked with faculty including Lar Lubovitch and Diane Diefenderfer. She has performed both nationally and internationally, including shows in Shanghai and Panama.
The ballet’s music combines original compositions by Dr. Daniel Robbins, a noteworthy music educator, composer, orchestrator, and classic film music reconstructionist, with classic Victorian pieces. Robbins’ work complements the production’s period atmosphere alongside pieces by Debussy and Brahms.
Dancers are coached in both technical artistry and character development, ensuring a comprehensive portrayal of Alcott’s beloved characters. Pasadena Civic Ballet, where Andres serves as studio manager and resident choreographer, has been instrumental in developing local talent for the production.
ArtistsPlus Productions, Inc., a Pasadena-based collective formed by director-choreographers Diane De Franco Browne, Shauna Goddard-Barger, and Jackie Kopcsak, is partnering with Little Women Ballet for this immersive experience.
As Little Women Ballet prepares for its autumn performances, Andres continues to push boundaries in dance storytelling. Her innovative approach not only reimagines a literary classic but also creates new opportunities for audiences to engage with ballet in unconventional settings.
Tickets for the performances are priced at $60.00 (plus $4.00 service fee). Click here for more.
