Studio holds open house

California DanceArts kicks off summer with an Open House at 4490 Cornishon Ave., La Cañada, and a series of free events for the community this weekend. Students from the dance school will make presentations showing what they have learned in their classes. The demonstrations will feature young dancers of all ages with a variety of dance styles.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for young dancers to perform and for the parents to see how much fun the students have,” says Alex Peterson of La Cañada, whose 8-year-old son, Harry and daughter Ellie, 10, will be performing. “The presentation makes all us adults want to get out and start dancing too, but we just aren’t as good as the kids!” Performances will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m on Saturday.

Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, California Contemporary Youth Ballet, the school’s affiliate company, will present a free concert. Jacob Bonham of La Cañada, 13, will be among the young dancers performing a segment from August Bournonville’s ballet titled, “Napoli.”

Following the presentation of “Napoli,” the company will turn down the lights to show a DVD premier of their popular original ballet, “The Snow Queen,” which was seen live at Glendale Community College last December. Seating is limited for all events and space in classes and workshops is limited. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (818) 790-7924.