MCB's Ballet Russes

Media City Ballet of Los Angeles is directed by Natasha Middleton with Associate Director, Ruben Tonoyan. MCB of LA is dedicated to providing Los Angeles and the surrounding communities with quality live ballet productions, utilizing the inspired and creative talents of the local community, as well as professionals from around the world.

MCB of LA is the only ballet company in Los Angeles presenting performances in the tradition and philosophy of the legendary Ballet Russe de Serge Diaghilev. Natasha Middleton’s grandmother, Elena Wortova, was a Soloist in the original Ballet Russe, which included other legendary dancers like Anna Pavlova, George Balanchine, Alexandra Danilova and Vaslav Nijinsky. Middleton’s father, Andrei Tremaine, was a Principal Dancer with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, and Soloist with the Ballet Nacional de Mexico and the Colon Opera Ballet of Buenos Aires. Natasha Middleton, a “Ballet Russe Baby,” was a Principal Dancer for her father’s ballet company, Pacific Ballet Theatre, as well as a member of the Joffrey II Ballet Company in New York City, before taking on the responsibilities of Artistic Director for Media City Ballet Company.

Ruben Tonoyan, Associate Director, was a Soloist with the Armenian National Opera Ballet for 23 years. He began his training at the age of eight with the Armenian National Academy of Ballet. He continued his training at the Kirov Ballet School and the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. After graduation, he returned to his native Armenia where he danced numerous ballets including the leading role in Khachaturian's Gayne. He has since toured around the world performing in such ballets as Giselle, Carmen, Swan Lake, Otello and The Nutcracker. He has also performed with the National TV Contemporary Ballet for about ten years.

QUESTION:
Tell us about your experiences with the Ballet Russes. What was your first experience? Were you a former member, were you trained by a member? Which ballets were your favorite and which ballets would you like to see again?