Emma Andres '20 creates ballet based on the acclaimed novel by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women Ballet takes over the historic Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles

Department of Dance graduate Emma Andres (B.F.A., ’20) has carved a unique space in ballet as artistic director of Little Women Ballet. Inspired by Louisa May Alcott's timeless novel about four sisters navigating the seasons of their lives, Andres hopes audiences leave seen and represented.

“The book is such an inspiring story,” said Andres. “It made for a great catalyst for creating more ballets about women and their stories which isn’t often seen in early classical ballet.”

The journey of Little Women Ballet began as a six-minute piece created for students at Pasadena Civic Ballet, where Andres currently teaches. Recognizing the story's impact, Andres saw the potential to expand it into a full-length ballet, bringing it to life at the historic Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles. The goal was to create a show where women and young girls portray complex characters with their own emotions rather than background roles like a candy cane in The Nutcracker.

“I have a lot of younger students in the cast,” said Andres. “Watching them embody a character they relate to is special because it allows them to have a new relationship with ballet in a way they haven't before.”

Photo: Emily Seabourne '20.

Through her choreography, Andres emphasizes each character’s individuality, using subtle movements to reflect each sister’s personality. For instance, the more traditionally feminine characters, Meg and Amy, wear pointe shoes, while Jo, a more independent and masculine character, walks with flexed feet. These thoughtful choices allow audiences to connect with each sister’s journey in a distinct way that challenges gender norms in ballet.

Since its inception, Little Women Ballet has evolved into a series of immersive experiences that follow the sisters through different “seasons” of their lives. Each immersive performance reflects the characters' personal growth as they navigate spring, autumn and winter, mirroring real-life transformation. The production is filled with UC Irvine Department of Dance alumni performers, including UC Irvine alumni Claire Simmons ’21, Jill Oates ’18, Isabella Granquist ’23, Kassandra Vogel ’24 and Andres’ mentor, UCI dance professor Diane DeFranco Browne serving as the production advisor. With an array of dancers stepping into the roles of each sister, the characters are brought to life through fresh and dynamic perspectives in every rendition.

“UC Irvine is where I found I love for my choreography,” said Andres. “There’s an elated feeling you get from performing. I didn’t think I could find that joy anywhere else until I discovered choreography.”

For Andres, Little Women Ballet represents more than just a performance; it’s a mission to bring depth and authenticity to women’s experiences in dance. 

“I want my audience to feel,” said Andres. “I want them to feel the experience of this literature and feel the experience of when you read a good book — to respond, laugh or cry if there's a certain part that really moves you.”

For more information about Emma Andres, visit her website at artsbyemma.com. For information about upcoming performances of Little Women Ballet, visit littlewomenballet.com.