The “Little Women Ballet” takes flight at a historic Los Angeles venue, immersing audiences in the world of Louisa May Alcott’s cherished 19th-century tale. This vibrant production unfolds within the elegant Victorian structures of Northeast L.A.’s Heritage Square Museum, creating a unique bridge to the past through dance and storytelling. Performers don a mix of period-appropriate attire, from cap-sleeve pioneer dresses to imaginative Steampunk styles, enhancing the authenticity of the experience.
As attendees enter, a narrator sets the tone with an accent that evokes the puritanical vibes of yesteryear. But this isn’t just a passive viewing; guests are involved in the action, invited to explore the March sisters’ homes and even step into various roles that push the story forward. The setting is close-knit, with dancers performing mere feet from audience members, creating an atmosphere filled with palpable energy and intimacy.
Emma Andres directs and choreographs this remarkable series, which began its journey in May with a spring version and has since evolved into a full autumn production. The experience will culminate in late November with a winter immersive event, followed by a complete rendition at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in December.
The trilogy was born out of a desire to gradually develop the project, allowing a natural progression based on audience reception. Andres expressed her intention to highlight women’s stories through ballet, emphasizing that the complexities of “Little Women” lend themselves beautifully to narrative dance. She personally identifies with the four March sisters, believing they represent values that resonate with modern youth.
The Heritage Square Museum, a fitting backdrop that reflects the Victorian era, poses both inspiration and challenge. While the carpet floors allow for smooth movement of pointe shoes, the low ceilings and elaborate chandeliers demanded meticulous planning during rehearsals. Precautions were taken to measure the space and address potential hazards.
Andres has a deep-rooted history with the Pasadena Civic Ballet, where she nurtured her passion for dance from childhood. After graduating from UC Irvine in 2020 with a BFA in choreography, she spearheaded efforts to maintain live dance during the pandemic by creating outdoor studios. The idea for this ballet took shape during the lockdown, spurred by her viewings of various adaptations of “Little Women.”
Crafting a ballet that conveys the emotional depth of Alcott’s story, she devised dance motifs to visually express each sister’s essence. Jo, Amy, Beth, and Meg each have distinct movements symbolizing their characters—Jo with a book, Amy with a paintbrush, Beth near a piano, and Meg with an acting mask near her face.
Through carefully choreographed sequences, the production captures critical moments from the characters’ lives, illustrating Amy’s experience in Paris, Beth’s touching farewell, and Jo’s evolving romance.
The upcoming immersive winter showcases run from November 22 to 24 at Heritage Square Museum, priced at $60. The full-length ballet will debut on December 7 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, with tickets starting at $28. This innovative retelling of “Little Women” not only entertains but also challenges traditional norms within dance, highlighting the unique qualities of each character through movement.
With the ambitious aim to reframe women’s narratives in ballet, this production is more than just a performance; it’s an invitation to step into a world where history, emotion, and artistic expression collide.