Creative Adolescence

Midriffs were aflutter with butterflies last month at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion during the 17th annual Music Center Spotlight Awards, the culminating event in a competition for Southern California high school students in the visual and performing arts. Mind you, the jumpy nerves belonged to parents, teachers and classmates: The artists themselves came off like seasoned pros. We used our backstage passes to mingle with the stars.

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Charlie Andersen, 17

Glendora High School

Ballet

What are you dancing tonight?

The ballet variations from “Raymonda.” It’s very Hungarian, with a lot of arm movement.

What is your dream achievement?

To be a principal in the American Ballet Theatre or the Royal Ballet in England or the Royal Danish Ballet.

Has anyone suggested that you go for a more secure profession?

Everyone’s been very positive. My parents reminded me to keep doing my other school things. I have a 4.0 grade-point average and am taking the classes I need to go to college.

Is there a stigma to being a male ballet dancer?

Sometimes. You don’t have to be gay to do ballet. Really, the guy-to-girl ratio is great in dance.

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Michael Sachs, 17

La Salle High School, Pasadena

Jazz Instrumental

What are you performing tonight?

“Willow Weep for Me” on alto saxophone. I thought I should play just for myself. My teacher helped me realize you’re doing a service for the audience.

What does music give audiences?

It aids them in their souls.

What is your dream achievement?

To be a jazz musician. I’d be content to be a sideman or music teacher. I don’t care if I barely make enough to live, I just want to play.

Who’s your role model?

Sonny Criss; he played alto. He had stomach cancer, so he shot himself in 1977. I picked “Willow Weep” because Sonny loved that song. Hearing him play it made me love him.

Is talent “you got it or you don’t”?

It can be developed. I’m not special. A lot give up thinking they don’t have it. You have to be obsessive and keep trying.

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Mimi Zhang, 17

Idyllwild Arts Academy

Classical Instrument

What are you playing tonight?

The Hindemith concerto on French horn.

What is your dream achievement?

To be a professional, and go back to China to teach. I’m from Beijing. I practice six hours a day when I don’t have classes.

What does Mimi mean in Chinese?

My father is the third child in his family and my mother is the third in hers. Before I was born they decided I would play music, and in the scale, mi is the third ... do, re, mi.

Why not Mi instead of Mimi?

Maybe because there are two of them.

How do you feel when people sing “Happy Birthday” out of tune?

It hurts my ears. It sounds like a noise from a car. But that’s OK. Everyone is having fun.

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Nayeli Nava, 18

Los Angeles County High School for the Arts

2-D Art

You took first place in two-dimensional design.

I did a drawing of an old man. He’s nobody in particular. It’s probably a composite of things I was thinking about that day. I did it in charcoal in 15 minutes on the day the assignment was due. I’ve always liked to draw. In the fourth grade one of my teachers said I should try out for a gifted arts program.

Who’s your favorite artist?

Every week or so I choose an artist. Lately, I’ve been into David Hockney and his watercolor pencil drawings. How he works with all those colors, it’s perfect. I have to unlock why. When I do, I move on to the next artist.

What about artists such as Picasso?

I’m not mature enough. I still hear my 4th grade teacher showing a picture of a Picasso: “This is art.”

Why does one painting hang on the wall and another go in the garbage?

I honestly don’t know. I don’t get that.