Zohar update 3.18.2026

[Vivian Sam]

Hello Zohar Community,

Well, it looks like we skipped Spring for the moment. It is quite warm and will continue to be for at least another week. As the temperatures rise, we want to make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable in the studio! 

A few friendly reminders as we head into the warmer months:

• Stay Hydrated — Our studio has a water dispenser available for your reusable bottles. Please drink plenty of water before, during, and after class.
• Bring a Towel — Perspiration is a natural part of dancing, but sweat on the floor can create slippery conditions. Please bring a towel to help keep our floors dry and safe for everyone.
• Limit Lotions — We kindly ask that you avoid applying body lotion before class, as residue can transfer to the dance floor and create hazardous spots for our dancers.
• A limited number of Zohar Towels are still available for purchase at $20 each. To order, simply scan the QR code on the bulletin board (near the office) to complete your payment securely via PayPal. Once your purchase is confirmed, you will receive a follow-up email from Zohar with details on receiving your towel. 
• Your safety is our top priority — thank you for helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all! 

ZOHAR PERFORMANCE SERIES #13, SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 MORE THAN 50% SEATS ARE SOLD ALREADY!

• Get your tickets now! This is a ONE NIGHT ONLY performance and seats typically sell out.

• Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zohar-performance-series-13-tickets-1981245431419?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 

• In addition to local artists in this program, there will also be a big Zohar presence.

  • Amrita has choreographed a piece featuring Zohar Ballet teachers: Karina Eimon, Tracy Fuller, and Brooke Wertwijn.
  • Brooke Wertwijn will be performing a solo titled "Dandelion"
  • Adrienne Foley has been the rehearsal director for Lisa Deyo's piece "As It Seems" and the Zohar dancers are: Susan Bailey, Vera Dorzhinova, Monica Espinosa, Gabriella Goldstein (Gavi), Adriana Hokk, Terry Jacobs, Jolie LeBlanc, I-Heng McComb, Katelyn Olsen, Patty Pflaging, and Esther Selk
  • Erin Akrobetu (modern teacher) and Jessica Hofmann will perform a piece they created titled "Barefoot Goddesses in the Sunshine"
  • Claire Alexander (Artist in Residence) is presenting "Women's Work". Zohar Dancers: Michelle Barnes, Madelyn Davis, Masa Leskovsek, Esther Selk, Jessica Whittemore, Holly Woodrow

ZTalk #3 :  INSIDE THE BALLET JOURNEY - WHAT EVERY PARENT, BALLET TEACHER, BALLET STUDIO, HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR SHOULD KNOW

• ZTalk #3 is here — and we're bringing in the Ballet Help Desk podcast co-founders LIVE!
• Brett & Jenny are two dance moms who spent years figuring out how to support their ballet kids — through competitions, serious training, and beyond. Now they're ready to share what they've learned.
• This is their first EVER live presentation, and we want YOU there.
• An open, honest conversation about what the ballet journey really looks like for families.
  • Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 7–8:30 PM
  • Zohar Dance Company, 4000 Middlefield Rd., L4, Palo Alto, Ca. 94303
• TICKETS (on Eventbrite):
  • Pre-Sale: $25 | Children: $12.50
  • Door: $30 | Children: $15
• Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/z-talk-with-brett-jenny-founders-of-ballet-help-desk-podcast-tickets-1977398898335?aff=oddtdtcreatorgoog_401951573
• Zoom will be available. Register and the link to the event will be attached.
• Dance Teachers & Studio Directors — we've got you!
  • Use code ZEDU2026 at checkout for $10 off your pre-sale ticket. Eventbrite only, while it lasts!
• For dance parents, ballet instructors & studio directors — this one's for you. See you there! 

SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE (SDI) June 15 - 19

• Five days. One week. A transformation you will feel. 
• There are things that happen when you train every day for five consecutive days that simply cannot happen in a single weekly class. This intensive is built for that transformation. Dancers leave with a deeper understanding of their bodies, a sharper ability to absorb corrections, and measurable technical progress they can see and feel.

• Times: MONDAY - WEDNESDAY, 10:30am - 5pm/ THURSDAY, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/ FRIDAY, 10:30 am - 4:00pm

• This is for anyone 14 yo and up. All levels of dance welcomed.

• Dance Classes will consist of: Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theater Choreography, Tap, Luigi Technique, Contemporary, and Modern.
• Link: https://zohardancecompany.org/summer-dance-intensive

UPCOMING:

• Lisa Burnett (modern dance teacher) - Celebration of Life
  • Saturday, April 4, 2:00 pm, Cubberley Theater

• Luigi Technique Teacher Certification Level 2
  • July 17, 18, 19
  • 1:30p - 6:30p

ZOHAR STUDENTS PERFORM & CREATE

• CONGRATULATIONS!!! PETE LITWINOWICZ: ACADEMY AWARD WINNER, ARTIST, ZOHAR DANCER/INSTRUCTOR
  • Pete has been at Zohar for a very long time as a dancer and as an instructor. Pete has a lot of other skills up his sleeve. He paints with motion. A dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and visual-effects software developer (yes - all of that), Pete brings a rare blend of technical master and artistic intuition to his work. 
  • Pete's new dance animation , "Joy in Every Step," can be seen on the Salesforce Tower Display during the month of April. The work aims to express the joy and exhilaration that arises through the act of movement. The lovely Miche Wong is depicted in a graphic style, distilling her movement into a very simple yet expressive form. The work will be displayed for the whole evening on April 17, 18 and 19, and then from midnight to 1:00 am for every other day of the entire month.
  • Link: https://salesforcetower.com/artwork/

• SOUTH BAY MUSICAL THEATER 
  • On The 20th Century: In Concert - Only 2 performances directed by our Tap Teacha, Lee Ann Payne; Zohar performers: Steve Sammonds, Adriana Hokk, Kyle Arrozet, Michael Saenz, Jennifer Yuan, Kyrie Timbrook, Barbara Heninger.
    • Link for tickets: https://southbaymt.com/shows/ticket-sales/20th-century/ 
    • Dates: April 18 & 19, 2026
  • In The Heights - Choreographed by Michael Saenz; Assistant Choreographer - Christine Baker (our Pop Groove instructor); Zohar performers: Adriana Hokk, Jennifer Yuan, Eva Huertas-Colliou, Vilma Colliou.
    • Link for tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35458/production/1234835
    • Dates: May 16 - June 6, 2026

Stay cool and have a great week!

With gratitude,

Vivian Sam & Daynee Lai-Krauss