Ballet East 2023 Dance Gala Playbill

The Director

On behalf of Ballet East, I warmly welcome you to our spectacular 2023 Dance Gala production presented by Ballet East! I’m honored to work with our many supporters to bring this production to the stage. The academy at Ballet East takes great pride in nurturing the next generation of our exquisite artform.

We combine world-class dance training with an emphasis on student wellbeing, creating an extraordinary learning experience for our students. Our holistic approach is further supported by an expert community of medical professionals and dance science resources that are available at your fingertips. The rigor of our program ultimately cultivates an environment that has been proven to build confidence, broaden knowledge and provide exceptional results.

Curated to help students of all levels develop a high caliber of knowledge, skill and passion; our program curriculum establishes an unparalleled level of excellence for the artform.

At the heart of our educational program is an incredible team of expert instructors that are proficient in the current challenges of pursuing a professional artistic career. Our highly skilled faculty, along with our medical and educational resources provide an ideal environment in which young, academically engaged dancers will thrive.

I invite you to join us by introducing the magic of dance to your family and friends by visiting Ballet East this summer for our Adventure Island Dance Camp or our Beyond Ballet Summer Intensive taking place July 3 - 28, 2023.

I look forward to sharing our passion with you and thank you for your generous support!

Fondly, Chelsea Segrete Owner and Artistic Director

DEAR BALLET EAST FAMILY AND FRIENDS,

GALA2023

Saturday June 10, 2023 @ 3 pm

Artistic Director

Chelsea Segrete

Curriculum Director

Andréa Mafra Gregori

Faculty & Staff

Flávia Garcia

Alaércio Leite

Andrea Mish

Daisia Pulz

Charlene Shaw

Amy Sheehan

Deck Hand

Joe Rintone

Lighting

All On Stage Productions

Photography

Heather Coronel

Shana Chase

Theatre Technician

Andrew Vermes

Video Production

Studio Baral

individualGIVING

Paula Graham

Medlin Family

Investor

$2500+ Director

$1000 - $2499

Nasby Family

Segrete Family

Sheehan Family

Margitta Claterbos

Leslie Dunn

Gregori Family

Anonymous

Gavriloiu Family

Soloist

$100 - $499

Joe & Molly Graham

Sharon Hollis

Jovanovic Family

Mandelbaum Family

corporateSPONSORS

Principal $500 - $999

Corporate Director $1000 - $2499

Corporate

Corporate Soloist $100 - $499

GUEST PERFORMERS

Olivia Capasso & Daisia Pultz

Olivia Capasso began studying dance at age five in South Florida. Olivia fell in love with the interconnection between movement, creativity, performance, and expression, ultimately leading her to follow her passion and pursue dance as a career.

Olivia studied at Ballet East in West Palm Beach, Florida under the artistic direction of Chelsea Segrete and curriculum director, Andréa Gregori, where she received extensive training in classical ballet and refined her artistic and technical expression. Olivia’s most cherished roles include Sugar Plum Fairy from “The Nutcracker”, Summer Fairy from “Cinderella”, “Giselle”, and George Balanchine’s “Serenade”. Olivia is incredibly grateful to be returning to Ballet Palm Beach this season!

Daisia began her dance journey fifteen years ago with Ballet East, formerly Susan Lyle Studios. Aspiring to become a professional dancer, she joined Ballet East’s Accelerated Training Program for homeschooling students.

Many organizations have recognized Pulz for her outstanding work in choreography and superior performance qualities. Recent distinctions include Honorable Mention and Merit Scholarship awards from 20172019 in Dance Composition/Choreography through the National YoungArts Foundation. In 2019, Pulz was honored to receive the “Aspire Award” for demonstrating passion, hunger and determination in dance by the Universal Ballet Competition. As a result, Pulz was invited to perform as a guest at the XXIV Intentional Ballet Festival of Miami and performed as a guest with Brazilian Prima Ballerina Ana Botafogo for Ronaldo Fraga’s Eyes Through Brazil. From 2018-2019, Daisia was honored to receive a full merit summer scholarship to world-renowned dance companies, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Lines Contemporary Ballet.

Ballet East is delighted to have Ms. Dasia Pulz apart of the BE faculty!

credits

Choreography

Flávia Garcia, Andréa Mafra Gregori, Alaércio Leite, Daisia Pulz, Charlene Shaw

Costume Design

Benefis, Kristi Medlin

Primadonna Conservatory

Tiaras and Headpiece Design

Andréa Mafra Gregori, Regal Rose Boutique, Gerson Mafra

Costume Alterations

Ines Lopez

Draperies

Wendy Sheldon

Flowers

Palm Beach Wholesale

Photos

Heather Coronel Photography

Playbill Design

Amanda Tumbeiro

Office Manager/Administration

Andrea Mish

Amy Sheehan

Props and Transportation

Adam Chorzelewski, Andréa Mafra Gregori, Gerson Mafra, T.O.

Nasby, Jonathan Segrete, Steve Segrete, Jean-Marc Watier

facultyBIOS

Segrete began her early dance training in West Palm Beach, Florida. She attended Jon Mullen’s Performing Arts Center, continued her training at BAK School of the Arts and later graduated from AW Dreyfoos Junior School of the Arts in West Palm Beach.

Chelsea Segrete Owner and Artistic Director

Segrete earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a dual major in Management and Marketing from Florida Atlantic University in 2009. Shortly after graduation, Segrete purchased Susan Lyle Studios from Miss Susan Lyle and currently owns and directs the school, now called Ballet East.

Segrete has been honored to choreograph works for students nationwide, direct full-length children’s ballets, and coach students for International Competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and American Dance Competition.

Gregori studied at the renowned Maria Olenewa State School as well as Rio Dance Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She spent two years as a Trainee at the Joffrey Ballet in New York City.

From 2014 - 2016, Segrete was the rehearsal director for the West Palm Beach children’s roles in Miami City Ballet Presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.

Segrete has been recognized nationally for many outstanding achievements. Recent achievements include 2014, 2015, 2016 ADC-IBC Outstanding Choreographer, 2016 UBC Outstanding Choreographer, 2015 YAGP Outstanding Choreographer, and 2014 and 2015-her work was selected to perform at the Youth America Grand Prix Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala.

Segrete is a member of The International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, holds a certification in Progressing Ballet Technique and is currently training with Lisa Howell’s Teacher Training Workshop.

Andréa Gregori Director of Ballet Curriculum

While still a dancer, Gregori decided to fulfill her passion for teaching and received extensive training in Russian Methodology under the Vaganova System. Later, she became proficient and certified in the Cuban (National Ballet School of Cuba) and English (Royal Academy of Dance) ballet methodologies. She is also an ABT® Certified Teacher— ABT® National Training Curriculum, Primary through Level 7 & Partnering.

Apart from her experience as a dancer and instructor, Gregori received certification in “Psycoballet” (dance therapy) from Dr. Georgina Fariñas Garcia at IPIA (Psychiatric Institute for Childhood and Adolescence) in

São Paulo, Brazil. She also earned certification in Progressing Ballet Technique and Alixa Flexibility Method. She has been consistently attending ABT’s yearly workshopsRaising the Barre, covering diverse subjects pertinent to teaching classical dance forms. Continuing her education, she attends courses and seminars on Anatomy for Dance and young children’s programs.

Throughout her thirty-six years of experience as a professional ballet teacher, Mrs. Gregori has prepared numerous students for the Royal Academy of Dance, The Cuban Ballet School and ABT’s exams, as well as national and international ballet competitions—winning many prizes. In addition, she assisted in producing a variety of full-length ballets, including Giselle, The Nutcracker, Coppelia, and Sleeping Beauty, and staged several suites and children’s performances.

facultyBIOS

Shaw began her dance training at age six and has studied with critically acclaimed artists such as David Howard, Melissa Hayden, Finis Young, Merdith Baylis, Suki Schorer, Stanley Williams and Madam Antonia Tumkovsky. As a professional, Shaw danced with the National Ballet of New Jersey, performing many principal roles in classics such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, Firebird, Stars and Stripes and Rodeo.

Along with being a versatile performer, Shaw has extensive teaching experience and is dedicated to providing a solid technical foundation to her students. Shaw’s outstanding choreography has won numerous awards and has been recognized on the state and national levels.

Originally from Brazil, Alaercio began his ballet dance education as a student in 1995. He studied various training methods at the Royal Academy of London, the National Ballet of Cuba, the Russian Ballet and the Olenewa Project. In 2000 he worked as a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher at Ballet Theater Guaira, Pavilhao D Center of Arts, Narcisa Coelho Dance School, Raca Dance Company and Divinadance Company. He was also Co-Director of Escola Paulista de Danca and coordinator of the “growing with the dance” community outreach program for inner-city youth.

In 2019 Alaercio was invited to be a guest teacher at Ballet East in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he was then invited to join Ballet East and continues as a faculty member. Remaining in the USA, Alaercio increased his knowledge with training through the Progressing Ballet Technique and furthered his education with dance teacher & practitioner training by Lisa Howell. In 2021 he joined the faculty of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida. In 2022 he assisted in staging the ballet “Firebird” for the Ballet Co.Laboratory in Minnesota.

Originally from Brazil, Garcia trained and graduated from The National Ballet of Cuba. From 2006 - 2012 Garcia was a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she danced principal roles in such ballets as Raymonda, Balanchine’s Four Temperaments & Glinka Pas de Trois, Giselle and Le Corsaire. She’s participated in various competitions, such as Brazil’s most acclaimed Joinville Dance Festival, where she won Gold.

In addition to the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Garcia danced with Joffrey Ballet 2 and Lazar Ballet NYC. Garcia

has been invited to guest at many international galas, such as the Gala of the Stars in the Dominican Republic, performing Diana & Acteon with a member of ABT and NYIBC’s Gala 2011. Other ballets in her repertoire include Odette/ Odile in Swan Lake, Flames of Paris Pas de Deux, Gamazatti of La Bayadere, The River by Alvin Ailey and various original contemporary works. In 2015 she guested at Ballet Ness Ziona (Israel), where she performed Diana and Acteon and Elie Lazar’s choreography.

Alaércio Leite Faculty

Charlene Shaw Faculty

Flávia Garcia Nascimento Faculty

of Dance Pieces

Swan Lake

The world’s most beloved classical ballet, Swan Lake remands a powerful storyline full of passion and heartbreak. A love story between young Prince Siegfried who falls deeply in love with Princess Odette. Odette and her companions were transformed into swans under the spell of an evil wizard, Von Rothbart. The only way to break the curse is true love, but Rothbart will do anything in his power to stop it.

Snow White

A classic fairy tale of a princess whose jealous stepmother orders her to be killed. Escaping into the forest, Snow White stumbles upon a group of sympathetic dwarfs who welcome her into their home. Heart pure as gold, Snow White’s kindness and compassion protects her from all evil that occurs.

Sleeping Beauty

Once upon a time in a faraway land, Princess Aurora was born. On her sixteenth birthday, fairies from all over the kingdom showered Aurora with gifts. Unexpectedly, the Fairy of Darkness appears bestowing a curse on Aurora. One day she will prick her finger on a spindle sending her into a 100-year slumber that can only be broken by a true love’s kiss.

KIDS!

This medley of upbeat songs from two popular musical theater shows; Big, The Musical & Bye Bye Birdie, perfectly depicts the playful, yet sometimes sassy personalities of our hardworking, free-spirited Elementary 2-5 dancers. This choreography combines both jazz and musical theater allowing our students to bring their individual characters to life onstage and will surely have you dancing in your seat!

Top Hat White Tie & Tails

This Broadway-style jazz piece, featuring our Junior 2 dancers, was inspired by the popular song written by Irving Berlin and first performed by Fred Astaire in the 1935 musical film, Top Hat. The song title refers to the formal wear required on a party invitation: a top hat, a white tie, and a tailcoat. Broadway-style jazz is a form of dance based on a strong technical foundation that also allows our dancers to engage in musical theater; combining dancing and acting to build confidence in their performance quality.

All Yet One & Odyssey

This piece resembles different individuals being tied to the same common ground at this moment in their life. All sharing the same interest, the same space, and collaborating to be a part of an art, where energy is emotionally and physically shared. The piece then shifts into a deeper journey, which truly starts once this tie has been separated and it’s time to move on. Ups and downs will occur and people will come and go. This is a universal phase that all individuals go through in life. But the key thing is that as long as you keep moving forward and always remember who you are, everything will fall into place. We are all yet a part of one Odyssey.

Character Class Progression Demonstration

Folklore dance was originally proposed for its participants only. Although, it could be said that character dance is a stage form of folklore dance that has been refined and adapted for the stage. Similar to a ballet class, character class starts with barre work as a warm-up and to work on correct placement. It provides a firm foundation for the progression of the steps that will be learned in the center of the room. Throughout the center, dancers practice individual steps and small combinations straight and diagonally across the floor with turns and jumps incorporated. Toward the end of class, there is always some sort of small choreography the dancers study.

ACT 1

Dream, Believe, Achieve

Composers: Mack David, Al Hoffman, Jerry Livingston, Ned Washington

Choreographed by: Charlene Shaw

Teacher Assistants: Arianna Lang, Bianca Mendiguren, Mackenzie Sheehan, Madison Sheehan, Parker Sheehan

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

Dancers Olivia Beaulieu, Xyla Cadette, Adriana D’Anieri, Toni Delbene, Emma Gonzalez, Karisma Mills, Isabelle Naterpaul, Arianna Niakan, Raelyn Weeks, Olivia Williams

When You Wish Upon A Star

Dancers Lorelei Dingle, Leah Gavriloiu, Giovanna Jovanovic, Sloane Kassatly, Savannah Lizak

Grand Défilé

Brandenburg - Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Choreographed by: Charlene Shaw, Flávia Garcia, Andréa Mafra Gregori, Alaércio Leite

Dancers Mariah Ajenifuja, Salma Alvarez, Victoria Artim, Athena Belson, Addison Chorzelewski, Eden Evans, Ena Fallon, Chloe Perez, Arya Raele, Addison Ramirez, Jenna Singleton, Freya Watier

Sophia Ayala, Payton Barros, Sophia Cozzi, Amelia Cuetara, Laila Dunsworth, Philomena Jovanovic, Amelie Mandelbaum, Madison Mastrapa, Nina Claire Rapp, Chloé Small, Emma Thaxton, Anna Vedeneeva

Valentina Flores, Sarah Griffin, Isla Mendiguren, Ellie Rapp, Bella Shishov, Shalom Rojas, Sofia Rojas, Kailee Wilkinson

Caitlin Chorzelewski, Dana Cuevas Lopez, Audrey Davies, Tatiyana Gardiner, Skye Madey, Juliana Morrison, Amelia Wells

Ana Baraldi, Oliver Chase, Bianca Mendiguren, Mackenzie Sheehan, Madison Sheehan, Michaela Trinidad

Josie Chase, Catalina Gouet, Arianna Lang, Parker Sheehan, Aria Wells

Swan Lake Act II: Entrance of Swans

Composer: Tchaikovsky

Choreographed by: Charlene Shaw and Flávia Garcia

Dancers Salma Alvarez, Victoria Artim, Athena Belson, Addison Chorzelewski, Eden Evans, Ena Fallon, Chloe Perez, Arya Raele, Addison Ramirez, Jenna Singleton, Freya Watier

Swan Lake Act II: Danse des Petits Cygnes

Composer: Tchaikovsky

Staged by: Flávia Garcia

Little Swans Ana Baraldi, Arianna Lang, Bianca Mendiguren, Aria Wells

Swan Lake Act II: Odette Variation

Composer: Tchaikovsky

Staged by: Andréa Mafra Gregori

Odette Olivia Capasso

Snow White: Whistle While You Work

Composer: Leigh Harline and Paul Smith

Choreographed by: Andréa Mafra Gregori

Snow White Catalina Gouet

Birds Sophia Ayala, Payton Barros, Sophia Cozzi, Amelia Cuetara, Laila Dunsworth, Philomena Jovanovic, Amelie Mandelbaum, Madison Mastrapa, Nina Claire Rapp, Chloé Small, Emma Thaxton, Anna Vedeneeva

Snow White: Hi Ho, Hi Ho, “It’s off to Work We Go”

Composer: Leigh Harline and Paul Smith

Choreographed by Flávia Garcia

Dwarfs Valentina Flores, Sarah Griffin, Isla Mendiguren, Ellie Rapp, Bella Shishov, Kailee Wilkinson

Shalom Rojas, Sofia Rojas

Sleeping Beauty Act 1

Composer: Tchaikovsky

Choreographed by: Flávia Garcia, Andréa Mafra Gregori, Alaércio Leite

Aurora Parker Sheehan

Aurora’s Friends Josie Chase, Catalina Gouet, Arianna Lang, Aria Wells

Waltz of the Flowers

Caitlin Chorzelewski, Dana Cuevas Lopez, Audrey Davies, Tatiyana Gardiner, Skye Madey, Juliana Morrison, Amelia Wells

Ana Baraldi, Oliver Chase, Bianca Mendiguren, Mackenzie Sheehan, Madison Sheehan, Michaela Trinidad

Intermission - 20 minutes

Refreshments, flowers, memorabilia and raffle tickets last call in the theatre lobby.

ACT 2

KIDS!

Composer: Daniel Jenkins, Jon Cypher, Lizzy Mack, Alex Sanchez & Clent Bowers

Choreographed by: Charlene Shaw

Dancers Valentina Flores, Sarah Griffin, Isla Mendiguren, Ellie Rapp, Nina Claire Rapp, Shalom Rojas, Sofia Rojas, Bella Shishov, Kailee Wilkinso n

Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

Composer: Tony Bennett

Choreographed by: Charlene Shaw

Dancers Caitlin Chorzelewski, Dana Cuevas Lopez, Audrey Davies, Tatiyana Gardiner, Skye Madey, Juliana Morrison, Amelia Wells

All Yet One

Composer: Kangding Ray

Choreographed by: Daisia Pulz

Dancers Ana Baraldi, Josie Chase, Oliver Chase, Catalina Gouet, Arianna Lang, Bianca Mendiguren, Mackenzie Sheehan, Madison Sheehan, Parker Sheehan, Michaela Trinidad

Odyssey

Composer: Sigur Rós

Choreographed by: Daisia Pulz

Dancer Daisia Pulz

Character Class Progression Demonstration

Composer: Various Artists

Choreographed by: Andréa Mafra Gregori

Dancers Caitlin Chorzelewski, Audrey Davies, Valentina Flores, Sarah Griffin, Tatiyana Gardiner, Skye Madey, Juliana Morrison, Ellie Rapp, Amelia Wells

Ana Baraldi, Josie Chase, Oliver Chase, Catalina Gouet, Arianna Lang, Bianca Mendiguren, Mackenzie Sheehan, Madison Sheehan, Parker Sheehan, Michaela Trinidad

AWARDWINNERS

Congratulations to our winners!

Bianca Mendiguren Student of the Year Award

Amelia Wells Bright Futures Scholarship

Ana Baraldi Flourish Scholarship

Catalina,

We just want to say how much we love you,

We just want to say how much we care,

You have the gift of soft and gentle, On top of that smart little girl!

And this is only very few verses because there are no verses to describe the beauty you have inside and out.

You are ready to fly, to fly with the grace that you and only you will know how to embrace.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Your family

We are so proud of you! May all your wishes come true!

Ellie & Nina Claire,

Love always, Mommy, Daddy, and Gordie

CONGRATULATIONS PARKER, MACKENZIE AND MADISON

on completing your 9th year at Ballet East! We hope that you will continue your education in ballet for many years to come.

Thank you to the wonderful instructors at Ballet East for their dedication to teaching and for their patience too!

We love you! Mommy and Daddy

It has been a joy to watch your growth as a dancer the last 5 years at Ballet East. We are so proud of all of your hard work and dedication. We love you so much!

Love, Mom and Dad

Audrey,dear AMELIE,

Congratulations on another Ballet East Season!

We are so proud of your hard work and dedication.

Love you always, Mommy and Daddy!

bella

Dear Bella, you make us proud every day! We are so excited to see you perform as “Happy”! Love you so much, Mama, Papa, Sasha

Our sunshine Bellonka! Congratulations on your outstanding performance! We’re so proud of you! Love, Tata and Deda!

Your dedication to any activity and your improvement as a ballerina brings enormous happiness to Baba and Deda. We love you, adore your attitude and can’t wait to see you perform!

Laila,dear

You are our dream come true!

We couldn’t ask for a more amazing daughter!

Love you more than you can imagine!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Dear Arianna,

Your love for music, dance, art and people is so powerful!! You are a gift.

Keep shinning princess!! We are always here to support you!!

Thank you for showing me that happiness is not a reactive-feeling because it is a choice-feeling.

BECAUSE OF YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION...

Ballet East is able to continue to provide our students with wonderful performance opportunities, original productions, student scholarships and professional training. We are both humbled and honored to accept your support as we strive to offer the finest dance education in Palm Beach County.

Mommy, Baba and Darius

Our sweet Ena, Congratulations on your first ever performance! We couldn’t love you more.

Your brother is sad he couldn’t be here but we were told to leave all T-rexes at home.

Love you always, Mom, Dad and Richard

To our tiny dancer, Sloane,

DEAR BELLE, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PERFORMANCE.

We are all so proud of you!

VICTORIA,

beautiful

We are so proud of you! Congratulations on your first year of ballet! We love you so much.

Love, Mom, Dad and Myers

Love, Mommy, Daddy & Grayson