BALLET TROUPE STEPPING OUT IN NEW SHOW; CONEJO PERFORMANCES TO BLEND OLD, NEW.

Byline: P. Catherine Shanks Daily News Staff Writer

The 32-member Conejo Civic Ballet Company will present a pairing of traditional and modern ballet at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Forum Theatre this weekend.

With music by Leon Minkus, ``Paquita'' tells the story of a Gypsy Cinderella. The music of Antonio Vivaldi sets the mood, when the ensemble dances to ``The Four Seasons.''

``The Vivaldi has much more of a contemporary flair,'' said choreographer Lisa Cuizon. She said while standard ballet repertoire is extremely valuable, it is important to move on.

``The old ballets are wonderful. They're steeped in tradition,'' said Cuizon. ``On the other hand, we're moving into a new century.''

Upper-level students from the Ballet Arts School of Dance in Westlake Village will represent the core ensemble. Once a much smaller company, it has grown by a grand jete as the school dancers have matured and become more skilled. Dancers must reach level-four proficiency before they may become company members.

According to Cuizon, company members are given every opportunity to perform and have what she calls a hands-on experience. In the case of the Conejo Civic Ballet, that experience involves learning and performing standard Old World ballet techniques, as well as the more current dance trends introduced by American choreographer George Balanchine.

``You have to learn all the rules first before you can break them,'' said Cuizon. The choreographer said a well-trained dancer should be able to adapt to traditional or contemporary dance style.

``When they leave us, the dancers will not feel uncomfortable in any situation. They'll have a larger vocabulary to pull from,'' said Cuizon.

Conejo Civic Ballet Company Guild President Sue Hostetler serves as company costumer in between her administrative and fund-raising duties.

``I believe in this company,'' said Hostetler. ``I think it's the finest company in this area.''

The guild president has sewn 14 costumes for ``Paquita.'' She recalled creating 21 costumes for a previous performance of ``Swan Lake.'' Proud of the flock of dancers she helped dress, Hostetler said, ``Every feather got sewn on every headpiece by hand.''

Ballet Arts School of Dance owner and Conejo Civic Ballet Company executive director Robin Twarowski is focused on increasing the size of the dance ensemble and establishing financial security for the organization.

``The first thing is always putting on a good performance,'' said Twarowski. ``People see that and they want to be part of it.''

The director said funding for the nonprofit dance company comes from several sources. The company depends heavily on income from ticket sales, fund-raising events, grants and boutique sales.

Every year, the company and advanced Ballet Arts School of Dance members present ``An Introduction to Dance'' performance for Conejo Valley Unified School District second-grade students. More than 2,000 children attend the event annually. Set in a magical toy shop, the show is a descriptive dance journey through virtually every style of dance under the sun. In addition to viewing and learning about international folk and country dances, square dance, tap, jazz and ballet, the children learn about such things as putting on toe shoes, costuming and choreography.

Melissa Hughes has seen the smiles on the faces of the young audiences firsthand.

She has danced with the Conejo Civic Ballet for five seasons, performing in ``An Introduction to Dance'' during four of those seasons. Currently the Conejo Civic Ballet's lead dancer, 18-year-old Hughes is preparing to move into the professional dance arena. She credits company choreographer Eva Pokorny for giving her an extra boost of confidence and the encouragement she needs to move forward with her career.

``Eva said, You're really ready to go out,'' Hughes recalled. She has also been readying her school chums and peers for the performance.

``Some of my friends have come to see me,'' said Hughes. ``They get interested, and then they want to come back for every performance. ``Sometimes it makes a difference when you know someone on stage.''

``Paquita'' and ``The Four Seasons'' performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Forum Theatre. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $12 for children under 12. For tickets and information, call the Ballet Arts School of Dance at [phone] or the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza box office at [phone]. The Forum Theatre is at 2100 East Thousand Oaks Blvd.

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Conejo Civic Ballet Company members rehearse for their performance at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Forum Theatre this weekend.

(2--Color in Simi Edition only) Melissa Hughes, 18, will be the Conejo Civic Ballet Company's lead performer in the shows, ``Paquita'' and ``The Four Seasons.''

Michael Owen Baker/Daily News