Daniel Duell, Artistic Director
Patricia Blair, Associate Artistic Director Presents
A Balanchine Celebration
THE BALLET CHICAGO STUDIO COMPANY Jessica Alatorre Susan Belles Talita Villa Rubio Bezerra Stephano Candreva Cindy Denadai Dias Kelsey Fox Zachary Guthier Brittany Hurst Elyse Jost Irina Kirilova Madeleine Kodat Mila Louise Lavoie Jordan Arthur Nelson Emmile O’Hara Laura Palya Drew Pearson Camille Plesha Elizabeth Quander Sarah Quander March Saper Mia Sanchez Rachel Seeholzer Elizabeth Shy Christiann Steelman GUEST ARTISTS *Ellen Green, *Rachel Jambois, *Luke Manley, Jane Morgan, Hamilton Nieh, Matthew Renko, *Ted Seymour *Ballet Chicago Alumni (These performances are dedicated to Ellen Layton, Board President.) Ballet Chicago 1
B A L L E T C H I C AG O P R O G R A M SERENADE Choreography by George Balanchine, © The George Balanchine Trust Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Serenade for Strings in C, Op. 48 Staged by Patricia Blair Ted Seymour, Ballet Master Lighting by Margaret Nelson Costume design by Karinska Serenade is a milestone in the history of dance. It is the first original ballet Balanchine created in America, choreographed on the inaugural students of the School of American Ballet and first performed in February of 1934. Serenade today is recognized as one of the great choreographic masterpieces of the 20th century, and is danced in almost every major ballet company in the world. At once a paean to the beauty of the classical female and a vision of the American classicism Balanchine would develop over the next fifty years, the ballet incorporates many of the technical innovations that Balanchine employed in redefining ballet technique. Set to the four movements of Tchaikovsky’s lush “Serenade for Strings”, the ballet unfolds in a continuous flow of unparalleled beauty, performed by twenty ballerinas and six men in blue costumes against a blue background. Premiere: June 9, 1934, The School of American Ballet, The Felix M. Warburg Estate, White Plains, NY Original Principal Cast: Ruthanna Boris, Heidi Vosseler, Kathryn Mullowny, Charles Laskey Ballet Chicago Premiere: May 4, 2000, The Athenaeum Theatre, Chicago, IL Length: 32 minutes
RUBIES Choreography by George Balanchine, © The George Balanchine Trust Music by Igor Stravinsky - Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra (1929) Staged by Sandra Jennings Patricia Blair, Ballet Master Lighting by Margaret Nelson Costume design by Vicki Mariner after Karinska Also known as Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra (the title of the music), Rubies is the middle section of Balanchine’s three-part full length ballet Jewels. Drawing on the nature of the gem itself, Balanchine’s choreography delivers sharply etched, multi-faceted patterns and movements that dazzle the viewer with their complexity, playfulness, and athleticism. The central duet is characterized by a dynamic plasticity interspersed with bright solos for the lead couple, and the ballet’s third movement enhances the drive and power of Stravinsky’s score with an exhilarating finish that finds the dancers landing in their final pose one swift beat after the last note of music. Premiere: April 13, 1967, New York City Ballet, New York State Theater, NYC, NY Original Principal Cast: Rubies: Patricia McBride, Patricia Neary, Edward Villella Ballet Chicago Premiere: May 15, 2009, The Athenaeum Theatre, Chicago, IL Length: 20 minutes
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B A L L E T C H I C AG O P R O G R A M WHO CARES? Choreography by George Balanchine, © The George Balanchine Trust Music by George Gershwin, orchestrated by Hershey Kay Staged by Patricia Blair and Daniel Duell Lighting by Margaret Nelson Costume design by Ryan Goldner after Ben Benson First performed in February 1970, this ballet is a jazzy romp through the songs of George Gershwin. Balanchine’s affinity for American athleticism and expansive movement find a happy meeting with Gershwin’s music, resulting in a hip-thrusting, high-spirited work that seems to smile broadly and wink saucily from beginning to end. Arranged for a large cast supporting a central male and three ballerinas, the ballet features ingenious rhythmic footwork and high technical demands. Its duets are charmingly romantic in a decidedly American vein, and its closing movement, set to Gershwin’s “I’ve Got Rhythm,” sizzles with irrepressible brio. Premiere: February 5, 1970, New York City Ballet, New York State Theatre, NYC, NY Original Principal Cast: Patricia McBride, Marnee Morris, Karin von Aroldingen, Jacques d’Amboise Ballet Chicago Premiere: May 20, 2006, The Athenaeum Theatre, Chicago, IL Length: 35 minutes The performances of Serenade, Rubies, and Who Cares?, Balanchine ® Ballets, are presented by arrangement with the George Balanchine Trust and have been produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style ® and Balanchine Technique® Service standards established and provided by the Trust. The Balanchine Ballets presented in this program are protected by copyright. Any unauthorized recording is prohibited without the expressed written consent of The George Balanchine Trust and Ballet Chicago. - program is subject to change -
DR. LISA M. SCHOENE Sports & Dance Medicine Specialist Dance Injury Prevention:
• Injury Evaluation • Strength, Flexibility & Biomechanical Evaluation • Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy • Massage Therapy • Holistic & Alternative Therapies • Nutritional Evaluation & Counseling • Dance Shoe Modifications • Blister & Callus Care
Triple Board Certified Sports Podiatrist
Gurnee Podiatry & Sports Medicine Assoc. Sports Medicine Associates 401 W. Ontario Street Suite #240 Chicago (312) 642-6020
Gurnee Podiatry 351 S. Greenleaf St. Suite C Park City (847) 263-6073 Ballet Chicago 3
W H E R E A R E YO U G O I N G TO S T U D Y B A L L E T ?
The region’s conservatory for Balanchine-based training and performance of his choreography
Ballet Chicago Alumni Lara O’Brien, principal ballerina– Carolina Ballet, and Luke Manley, in a photograph from Concerto Barocco, Choreography by George Balanchine, ©The George Balanchine Trust. Photograph by Mark Niekrasz 2011 - 2012 Full Year Program September 7, 2011 – June 2, 2012 Auditions by appointment 2011 Summer Course June 20 – July 22, 2011
2011 Advanced Intensive July 25 – August 5, 2011
Ballerina Dream Summer Camp June 13 – June 17, 2011 Ballet Chicago enjoys a strong reputation as one of the top Balanchine-based training programs in the country and recruits gifted students from all over the world. The Professional Training Program and the Ballet Chicago Studio Company attracts students from as far away as Australia, British Columbia, Eastern and Western Europe and South America. Admission to this unique program is by audition only. Ballet Chicago offers classes in Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Introduction to Ballet, Beginner Youth Ballet, Ballet 1 through 6, and “Ballerina Dream Camp.” Ballet Chicago also offers open ballet classes for adults.
ENROLL NOW for the School of Ballet Chicago! Classes are offered for ages 3 through adult
For more information, call 312-251-8838 or visit www.balletchicago.org 4 Ballet Chicago
BALLERINA DREAM SUMMER CAMP Take a Ballet Class Create and Perform a Dance Have fun with Music Learn Stories of Great Ballets Be Inspired By Ballet Videos Decorate a Costume Make a Princess Tiara and Wand IMAGINE - DREAM - EXPLORE - CREATE Ages 4-7 June 13 – 17, 2011 Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 11:30 am Tuition is $230 for the full one-week session Please visit www.balletchicago.org to register
Ballet Chicago 17 N. State Street – 19th Floor – Chicago, IL 60602 312-251-8838 www.balletchicago.org
C O M PA N Y I N F O R M AT I O N BALLET CHICAGO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ellen L. Layton – President Daniel Duell – Vice President Brigitte Lenz – Treasurer Sandra Popik– Secretary Susan Calomino, Mary Ann Cronin, Carol Devine, Rebecca Halpern, Audrey Mroczek, Richard Rosenbaum BALLET CHICAGO ADVISORY BOARD Susan Aurinko-Mostow, Meta Berger, Sonia Cooke, Charles Gardner, Carlene Jones, Deborah Kelly Richard Page, Jr., M.G. Rose, Beth Rubin, Lauren F. Streicher, M.D., Sondra Thorson BALLET CHICAGO ARTISTIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Daniel Duell – Artistic Director Patricia Blair – Associate Artistic Director/School Director Robert Bondlow – Manager of Operations Ryan Uecke – Finance Manager Danny Valente – School Administrator Sara Ludington – Summer Course Administrator/Web Programmer Margo Ruter –Reception/Marketing/Web Intern Val Jambois – Reception/Administration/Costumes Bryant Liggett – Reception/Marketing Danielle Bonifer – Arts Administration Intern SCHOOL OF BALLET CHICAGO FACULTY Thalia Aurinko-Mostow Bruehl, Tiffany Bovard, Sarah Hess, William Miglino Cheryl Olendzki, Natalie Rothgeb, Taylor Stewart, Ted Seymour, Elizabeth Shy ACCOMPANISTS Mara Dukor (Principal Pianist), Hubert Clay, Natalia Kushnir, Phoung Pham, Patricia Spaeth SCHOOL OF BALLET CHICAGO PARENT ORGANIZATION Cherrie Sanchez and Ivelise Pearson – Co-chairs We would like to extend a special thank you to all the members of the SBC Parent Organization for their invaluable and inspired support and their steadfast commitment to Ballet Chicago. BALLET CHICAGO PRODUCTION STAFF Margaret L. Nelson – Production Manager and Lighting Designer Kay Lea Meyers – Stage Manager Charles Rick Combs – Technical Director Jacob Snodgrass – Master Electrician / Assistant Lighting Designer Pete Mug, Peter Rademacher – Running Crew Dave Naunton – Sound Engineer, The Goodman Theatre Michael Tanko – Sound Operator Bob Bagnolo, Dennis Fiori – Fly Ops / House Techs Production Management and Staff provided by Lumen Siccum Productions, Inc.
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C O M PA N Y I N F O R M AT I O N ( c o n t .) WARDROBE COMMITTEE Val Jambois, Susan Belles, Natalie Duval, Karen Fox , Kelsey Fox, Ryan Goldner, Brittany Hurst, Paul Jost, Kathy Niekrasz, Hiromi Lindquist, Judit Rios, Ivelise Pearson, Cherrie Sanchez A very special thank you to all the volunteers who help sew, iron, fit, and alter our beautiful costumes! We truly appreciate their time and talent. MEDICAL CONSULTANT Dr. Peter F. Zid Lincoln Park Chiropractic Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certified Kinesio Tape Practioner Certified Corrective and Performance Exercise Specialist ADDITIONAL MEDICAL CONSULTANTS Michael Haak, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon Michael Hollander, DPM, Podiatrist Trish Palmer, M.D., Sports Medicine Lisa M. Schoene, DPM, ATC, Podiatrist/Sports Medicine IN-KIND – WITH SPECIAL THANKS! Cherrie Sanchez – Webmaster, Computer Equipment Jennifer Colgan – Graphics Design LeNoir Love – Graphics Design Margo Ruter – Graphics Design Vincent Chaigne - Photography Lynn and Rob Belles, Mark Niekrasz– Photographers Lauren Butterfield – Photography Alfred Mueller – Contractor/Painter Motion Unlimited – Dance Apparel The Art Institute of Chicago- Interns Albion College/The Chicago Center- Interns Doug Pederson – Intern Consultant League of Chicago Theaters – Intern Consultant Russian Pointe – Dance Apparel Mary Ann Cronin – Piano Donation Fran Riley - Piano Donation Mary H. Waite – Piano Donation Metro Achievement Center – Ballet Barres Jose Chao, Jason Roberts – Chicago Cultural Center Lisa Michaels – Radio Disney Melissa Arnstine – Macy’s Emma Berry – PR Brent Young – Interpark The Sanchez, Pearson, Rios, Lindquist, and Duval Families – for their continuous support IN-KIND LEGAL SERVICES Ellen Layton – Barnes & Thornburg, LLP Jonathan Froemel - Barnes & Thornburg, LLP Wesley Broquard – Barnes & Thornburg, LLP Beth Rubin - Riemer and Braunstein, LLP Matt Leahy - Schiff, Hardin and Waite Marjorie Anne Baltazar – Sidley Austin LLP Diana C. Bauerle - Sidley Austin LLP Zach Haller – Sidley Austin LLP Timothy G. Payne – Sidley Austin LLP Matthew Wollack – Sidley Austin LLP Ballet Chicago 7
D OW D S C H O L A R S H I P D O N AT I O N S
Ballet Chicago extends a special thank you to
Philip & Marsha Dowd for their continued support of
The Philip & Marsha Dowd Merit Scholarship Program The Philip and Marsha Dowd Merit Scholarship Program was established in 2002 through a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Dowd. The Merit Scholarship Program offers tuition assistance to gifted students and supports the funding of teachers and guest teachers. Many of the dancers you see on stage are part of the Scholarship Program. Philip and Marsha Dowd have generously offered a $45,000 scholarship challenge and will match your donation dollar for dollar up to $45,000. Matching donations to The Philip and Marsha Dowd Merit Scholarship Program Challenge Grant (January 1, 2010- April 15, 2011) Members of the Barre ($1,000 and up) Anonymous Lincoln Financial MB Financial Bank James Brennan Foundation Sandra Popik Susan Calomino Marje Locke Dance Jack Reed Mary Ann Cronin Education Scholarship Linda and Ronald Thisted Rebecca Halpern Fund Stanford Tack John E. and Carlene Jones Principals ($500-$999) In memory of Amy Jo Duell Gonzalez
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Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Weiss
In memory of Deborah Duell Maruna
D OW D S C H O L A R S H I P D O N AT I O N S ( c o n t .) Soloists ($250-$499) Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Askin Richard and Roel DohertyRoque Kevin Driscoll Norm Sloan Douglas and Katherine Knuth
Jeffrey and Laura Seymour Ellen and Orion Layton Brigitte Lenz Alfred Mueller Jean Perkins and LeLand Hutchinson
Thomas L. and Sondra Thorson In Honor of Philip and Marsha Dowd’s 40th Wedding Anniversary
Corps de Ballet ($100-$249) Mr. and Mrs. Gus Abello Lydia Aurinko-Mostow Helen Baker John Barrow David and Cheryl Bek John Blosser Wesley Broquard Nicole Cantello Joyce Chelberg Inge de La Camp Alan Cook John and Karen Coons Ione Culler Amy Diaz Donald and Noreen Duba Margaret Fouche
Dan and Nikki Glickman Michael Golden Eileen Henderson Mary Hess Margi and Terry Johnson Paul and Laura Jost Jacqueline Keaton-Ford James Lenz Eleanor Lieberman Marilyn London Charles-Gene McDaniel Christopher and E. Spes. Mekus Robert and Tina Muzikowski Dennis Palmer
Michael and Gloria Plesha John and Ivelise Pearson Charles and Erica Richard Emil and Cherrie Sanchez Rose Shure Megan Sindelar Bernard Susman Robert D. and Sue Tice Dr. and Mrs. Michael Roy Treister James and Maria Weidner Joseph and Ann Wilson Iris Witowski Carol Yamamoto Dr. Peter F. Zid
Donors ($1-$99) Stanley and Gunvor Robin Hagen Cynthia Monroe Adelfang Sara Hagen Delora Nerger Amanda Alford Carol Hetzel Ordman Charitable Trust Jane Anania Margaret Hughes Danette Palomar Sara Anderson Heather Intres Jennifer Patras Anonymous Laura Jenner Miles Hsiao-ling Pei Christina Archer Lisa Johnson Cheryl Pivec Susan Aurinko-Mostow Matthew Johnson Concepcion Prado W. Christopher and Erin Rick Jones Sylvia Rimbergas Behnke Susan Lorraine Kennedy Sheila Rivera Lindsey Berns Michelle Kerr Jamie Roberts Stephanie Bucataru Julia Kreimont Michael Robinson Lisa Butler Holly Kretekos Karen Russell Maurice Chalmers Amy Lambrecht Denise Shannon Giulia Comar Diane Lawson Karen Sherman Colledge Family Ashley Lee Daniel Soles Marsda Conner Brandy Lewis-Davis Sandra Spanski Richard Covello Hiromi Lindquist Caroline and Stephen Kristlyn Dalton Marilyn London Speranza Adelina Diamond LeNoir Love Karen Stanley Agnes Dulian Kathleen Jones Lundberg Alan and Xiufeng Stutts Thomas Elden Laura MacMillian Richard Schwegel Michael Erickson Aikaterini Makatouni Ying Sun Ben Felix Antonia Martinez Dawn Tanis Adams Gafni-Kane Geno Mayo Bradley Tenbrink Nicole Gage Saba Mcafee Jill Tulchinsky Susan Gaspari-Forest Fern Fox McCain Francine Walker Adam & Lyndsay Gates Carla McClauglin Alise White Stanley and Dona Gerson McClure and Margaret Denise Whitten-Reynolds Carole Grewe McCombs Gus and Mary Wilhemy Avery Gross Veronica Michalowski Jewell Williams Lucyna Habina Jen Miller For more information about contributing to The Philip and Marsha Dowd Merit Scholarship Program, please contact Bob Bondlow at (312) 251-8838 or at bbondlow@balletchicago.org Ballet Chicago 9
R AISING THE BARRE Ballet Chicago would like to thank all the businesses and individuals who supported Raising the Barre on September 30, 2010. The event raised funds to benefit the Dowd Merit Scholarship Program. Christina Archer Susan Aurinko-Mostow John Barrow Lindsey Berns Jean Boeshart James Brennan Wesley Broquard Susan Calomino Nicole Cantello Patrick Charles John and Karen Coons Alan Cook Richard Covello Mary Ann Cronin Adelina Diamond Richard and Roel Doherty-Roque Kevin Driscoll Donald and Noreen Duba Tom Elden Kathryn Erickson
Michael Golden Lucyna Habina Rebecca Halpern Eileen Henderson Jean Perkins and LeLand Hutchinson Ryan Hutchinson Heather Intres Margi and Terry Johnson Ted Jones Paul and Laura Jost Paula Kahn Jacqueline Keaton-Ford Susan Lorraine Kennedy Amy Lambrecht Ellen and Orion Layton Brigitte Lenz James Lenz Jen Lester Alice Martin Christopher and E. Spes. Mekus
Tina and Robert Muzikowski Dennis Palmer John and Ivelise Pearson John Pintozzi Michael and Gloria Plesha Sandra Popik Charles and Erica Richard Fran Riley Emil and Cherrie Sanchez Megan Sindelar Daniel Soles Beth Sullivan Linda and Ronald Thisted Cory Vogt Alise White Gus and Mary Wilhelmy Joseph and Ann Wilson Dr. Peter F. Zid
In Kind Donors Auditorium Theatre Bank of America Theatre Belles Firm of Architecture, Inc. Billy Elliot Broadway in Chicago Chicago Bears Chicago Cubs Chicago Line Cruises Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago White Sox Chinese-American Museum of Chicago Classic Kids Photography Hubert Clay
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David Fleener Architects Designs by Rosa Philip and Marsha Dowd Christine Duboulay Ellis Fitness Formula Club Harris Theater Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Kathy Larkin Ellen and Orion Layton Lincoln Park Chiropractic Mary and Larry Selander Michael Anthony Spa Michael’s Barber Shop Michelle and Andy Heath
Million Dollar Quartet Alfred M. Mueller Sr. Orion Ensemble The Palmer House Playboy Enterprises, Inc. John Popik Sandra Popik Rosebud Restaurants Russian Tea Time Michael Ruiz Small Business Transportation Studio Hair Trends The Talbott Hotel Goodman Theatre Whole Health Chicago
DONORS
Thank you to our donors for Supporting Artistic Excellence (contributions received between January 1, 2010 – April 15, 2011) $100,000 and up Philip and Marsha Dowd $10,000-$99,999 Illinois Arts Council NIB Foundation Target
$5,000 - $9,999 Donnelly Foundation Harris Foundation
John E. and Carlene Jones
Northern Trust Stanford Tack
$1,000 - $4,999 Anonymous Anonymous Barnes and Thornburg, LLP Behnke Insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield James Brennan Susan Calomino Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs Mary Ann Cronin
Carol Devine Mrs. Paul W. Guenzel Rebecca Halpern Harkness Foundation Hightower Ellen and Orion Layton Brigitte Lenz Lincoln Financial Foundation
Dennis Palmer Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Weiss
In Memory of Amy Jo Duell Gonzalez
Allstate Mr. and Mrs. Gus Abello Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Askin Sonia and Tracy Cooke Richard and Roel DohertyRoque Kevin Driscoll Alfred Mueller Paul and Leasha Elledge
Daniel and Nikki Glickman Paula Kahn Susan Lorraine Kennedy Douglas and Catherine Knuth In Memory of Joan Davis Lenz Jean Perkins and LeLand Hutchinson
Gunvor and Stanley Adelfang Lydia Aurinko-Mostow John Barrow David and Cheryl Bek Helen Baker John Blosser Nicole Cantello Joyce Chelberg Ian and Sheila Chin John and Karen Coons Ione Culler Inge De La Camp Amy Diaz Donald and Noreen Duba Margaret Fouche Patricia Gilmartin Michael Golden Pearl Grau Raymelle Heidrick Eileen Henderson
Mary Hess Rose Houston Charitable Trust Jewish Federation/Lindy Bergman The Johnson Family Paul and Laura Jost Jacqueline Keaton-Ford Anna Lackschewitz and Alvin McCall Esther Laventhol James Lenz Robert and Katherine Levin Eleanor Lieberman Mrs. David Lowum Marilyn London Kathleen Jones Lundberg Charles-Gene McDaniel Christopher and E. Spes. Mekus
Marje Locke Dance Education Scholarship Fund Audrey Mroczek Playboy Foundation Sandra Popik Jack Reed Richard Rosenbaum Linda and Ronald Thisted Alise White
$500 - $999 In Memory of Deborah Duell Maruna
$250 - $499
$100 - $249
Thomas Roberts and Teresa Grosch Beth Rubin Ordman Charitable Trust Jeffrey and Laura Seymour Norm Sloan In Honor of Philip and Marsha Dowd’s 40th Wedding Anniversary Tina and Robert Muzikowski Lois Margaret Nora Michael and Gloria Plesha John and Ivelise Pearson Charles and Erica Richard Emil and Cherrie Sanchez Diane and Bert Saper Rose Shure William Simpson Megan Sindelar Robert D. and Sue Tice Dr. and Mrs. Michael Roy Treister James and Maria Weidner James Wells Joseph and Ann Wilson Norm and Carol Wilson Iris Witowski Carol Yamamoto Dr. Peter F. Zid Ballet Chicago 11
D O N O R S ( c o n t .)
Amanda Alford Jane Anania Sara Anderson Anonymous Anonymous Christina Archer Susan Aurinko-Mostow Lindsey Berns Anne Blasko Wesley Broquard Stephanie Bucataru Lisa Butler Maurice Chalmers Colledge Family Giulia Comar Marsda Conner Alan Cook Richard Covello Kristlyn Dalton Brooks Davis Patricia Defilippo Adelina Diamond Dr. Ellen Diamond Agnes Dulian Tom Elden Kathryn Erickson Ben Felix Samantha Fox Adams Gafni-Kane Nicole Gage Susan Gaspari-Forest Amy Lambrecht Adam and Lyndsay Gates Stanley and Dona Gerson Susan Gries Avery Gross Carole Grewe
$1 - $99 Lucyna Habina Robin Hagen Sara Hagen Carol Hetzel Margaret Hughes Miles Hsiao-ling Pei Heather Intres Laura Jenner Lisa Johnson Matthew Johnson Rick Jones Michelle Kerr Rose Kirland Julia Kreimont Holly Kretekos Amy Lambrecht Diane Lawson Kathleen Larkin Ashley Lee Brandy Lewis-Davis Hiromi Lindquist LeNoir Love Laura MacMillian Aikaterini Makatouni Louis Mandel Antonia Martinez Gene Mayo Saba Mcafee Fern Fox McCain Carla McClauglin Veronica Michalowski Jen Miller Cynthia Monroe Delora Nerger In Memory of George Newman
Danette Palomar Jennifer Patras Natalie Peiser Michelle Peluso Ira Peskind Cheryl Pivec Concepcion Prado Sylvia Rimbergas Sheila Rivera Jamie Roberts Erica Robinson Michael Robinson Karen Russell Abbe Saltzman David Schwartz Denise Shannon Karen Sherman Daniel Soles Gina Songer Sandra Spanski Caroline and Stephen Speranza Karen Stanley Alan and Xiufeng Stutts Ying Sun Richard Schwegel Dawn Tanis Bradley Tenbrink Jill Tulchinsky Francine Walker Ruth Weintraub Denise Whitten-Reynolds Gus and Mary Wilhelmy Jewell Williams Kenneth and Karen Zaegel
In Kind Donors Tina Coppens Mary Ann Cronin Patti Eylar
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Ellen Layton Lincoln Financial Group Reza Prizant
Fran Riley Cherrie Sanchez Mary Waite
THE NEXT STEP Ballet Chicago would like to thank the following donors who supported the company’s move to its new studio space on the nineteenth floor at 17 North State Street $5,000 and up Susan Gaspari-Forest and Robert Forest $1,000-$4,999 W. Christopher and Erin Behnke Westwood College $250-$999 Sonia and Tracy Cooke John and Karen Coons Charles and Erica Richard Laurence and Jan Rosenberg Maureen Sullivan Beth Zerman $1-$249 Serhat and Cigdem Cicekoglu Diane Daniels Amy Diaz Mark and Fern Fox McCain Roy and Kate Plush Norm and Carol Wilson
Ballet Chicago’s Studio 3 on the 19th Floor - 17 N. State Street.
FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT, BALLET CHICAGO ALSO THANKS
AN AGENCY OF T H E S TAT E O F I L L I N O I S
T H E B A L L E T C H I C AG O M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T MISSION: Ballet Chicago’s mission is to advance American classicism in ballet by presenting inspirational and unique ballet performances to a wide audience and by providing classical ballet training to students of all ages. VISION: Ballet Chicago seeks to fulfill the performance part of our mission by presenting and developing American classical ballet repertoire that expands the technical, artistic, and creative skills of Ballet Chicago’s dancers and choreographers. We are committed to showcasing the purity of ballet, providing a unique and inspirational artistic experience for the City of Chicago, and to attracting new audiences through education, inclusion, and outreach. Our vision for the School of Ballet Chicago is to inspire students of all ages to reach their very best potential through the study and discipline of classical ballet, to provide the skills necessary to pursue a career in classical ballet, and in the process, to develop character in a way that is uplifting to themselves and others. We seek to be one of America’s preeminent classical ballet training institutions, providing exacting training standards to perpetuate the art form’s excellence through training in the tradition of George Balanchine. We strive to make ballet training accessible to talented students through scholarship programs.
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NIB Foundation is proud to sponsor Ballet Chicago’s
A BALANCHINE CELEBRATION
T H E B A L L E T C H I C AG O S T U D I O C O M PA N Y ( B C S C ) The Ballet Chicago Studio Company (BCSC): The Ballet Chicago Studio Company was established in the fall of 1997. Composed of advanced students from The School of Ballet Chicago, BCSC replicates a professional company experience and is recognized as one of the top training programs in the country. Through a special arrangement with the George Balanchine Trust, BCSC performs an extensive Balanchine repertoire, including fifteen of his most beloved works. These ballets anchor the company’s repertoire of over 50 works and offer unparalleled artistic growth. All the ballets performed, including Duell and Blair’s exquisite production of The Nutcracker, are intentionally selected to prepare the dancers for the technical and artistic demands of a professional career, and to provide a curriculum vitae that shows professional level experience in a recognized repertoire known for its standard of excellence the world over. Since its inception, BCSC has given over 250 performances in a variety of venues throughout Chicago, the Midwest and Canada.
The School of Ballet Chicago The School of Ballet Chicago was founded in the fall of 2004 and began classes in January 2005. Two significant catalysts influenced the decision to begin the school. The first was a formal appeal made by parents whose children experienced the teaching and coaching of Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair while rehearsing for and performing in Hansel and Gretel; the second was an offer by Christine and Richard Ellis to pass on their school and studios to Ballet Chicago. The School of Ballet Chicago has grown from 40 students in its beginning months to now over 350 students annually who range in age from three to adult. The training is Balanchine based and offers the most advanced methods available to ballet dancers today. The curriculum is carefully stepped and provides students with the skills necessary to pursue a career in classical ballet. Ballet Chicago’s Professional Training Program and Summer Intensive currently attract students from around the globe. Since 2000/2001, the school’s first students began embarking on professional careers; over 40 of Ballet Chicago’s graduates are dancing with companies across the US and in Europe. Community Ballet Chicago has a long and strong history of bringing the beauty of classical ballet to Chicago people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Since inception Ballet Chicago has been a leader in educational and outreach programming, having provided over 500 educational performances and seminars in a variety of venues throughout the city including the Chicago Cultural Center, Dance Center of Columbia Chicago, the UIC Theater, Harold Washington Auditorium (now the Pritzker Auditorium), among other venues, and numerous Chicago public schools and senior citizen centers. Over 200,000 people of all ages have been given access to Ballet Chicago performances and educational offerings. Ballet Chicago 15
T H E B A L L E T C H I C AG O S T U D I O C O M PA N Y ( B C S C ) Over 200,000 people of all ages have been given access to Ballet Chicago performances and educational offerings. Community Partners: Partners in educational programming include the International Music Foundation, Urban Gateways, the state-supported program SOAR (Statewide Opportunities for Art and Recreation), and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance (11 educational programs in fall 2006). Ballet Chicago also partners with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs annually for the city’s “DanceAlong Nutcracker,” with the Field Museum for its annual Children’s Holiday Celebration, and in Nov. 2010 we performed for the opening of the Christkindl Market in the Daley Plaza. Community Collaborations: Artistic collaborations include the Orion Ensemble for “Instruments of Revelation” (Spring 2011), and the Orion Ensemble, Deeply Rooted Productions, and Petur Iliev (character dance) for DanceVision Choreolab at the Dance Center of Columbia Chicago (July 2008), among others. Donated Performances: Ballet Chicago has provided donated performances for the opening of the Harris Theater (Nov. 2003), for “Jubilate” benefit performances on behalf of Bonaventura House supporting AIDS research (4 consecutive years), and for “Duets for My Valentine” (Feb. 2011), among others. Other performances: Ballet Chicago also performed for nine consecutive years for the “Salute to Vienna” concerts on Chicago stages, (the Civic Opera House and Symphony Center), and toured to three Midwestern cities (Madison, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis), and two Canadian cities (Calgary, Alberta and Kitchener, Ontario). Artists for other troupes: Ballet Chicago also supplies guest performers to other area troupes including Salt Creek Ballet, Ballet Legere, and von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet.
B A L L E T C H I C AG O A L U M N I – W H E R E A R E T H E Y N OW...
Ballet Chicago Alumni are spanning the globe!
Since 2001, when our first students began branching out on their own, they have joined companies, attended universities, become professional dancers, teachers, choreographers, actors and designers, doctors, lawyers, writers, business professionals, and most of all, wonderful human beings. We are proud of each and every one of them and are honored to have helped them on their way.
Companies Joined Alabama Ballet American Ballet Theatre II American Repertory Ballet Ballet Austin Ballet Austin II Ballet Magnificat Ballet Memphis Ballet Met Ballet NY Ballet St. Polten Carolina Ballet Cedar Lake Ensemble Charleston Ballet Theatre Cincinnati Ballet City Ballet of San Diego Colorado Ballet 16 Ballet Chicago
Company C Contemporary Ballet Continuum Contemporary Ballet Dance Theatre of Harlem Georgia Ballet Grand Rapids Ballet Jessica Gaynor Dance Los Angeles Ballet Louisville Ballet Madison Ballet Mama Mia/Las Vegas Miami City Ballet Milwaukee Ballet Minnesota Dance Theatre
Nashville Ballet New Mexico Ballet Co. New York City Ballet Oakland Ballet Oklahoma City Ballet Pennsylvania Ballet Pennsylvania Ballet II Richmond Ballet River North Dance Royal Danish Ballet Sacramento Ballet St. Louis Ballet Suzanne Farrell Ballet Tyego Dance Project
B A L L E T C H I C AG O A L U M N I – W H E R E A R E T H E Y N OW...
Universities Attended Bard College Brigham Young University Butler University Columbia Cornell University DePaul University Duke University Fordham University Harvard University John Marshall Law School University of Nebraska University of Pennsylvania Loyola University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Middlebury College Northwestern University NYU – Tisch School of the Arts Pomona College Princeton University Sarah Lawrence College TSU – Thurgood Marshall School of Law University of Illinois – Champaign Urbana University of Illinois – Chicago Indiana University, Bloomington University of Wisconsin, Madison Yale University
“I can honestly say that without the School of Ballet Chicago and the Ballet Chicago Studio Company I would not have a career in professional ballet. The Ballet Chicago organization did for me what it did for a number of my contemporaries: It welcomed those of us who possessed the mere desire and determination to dance, and proceeded to mold and shape our talent into a tangible force. Along the way I believe that Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair cultivated in each of us skills - poise, commitment, and confidence among them - that have served us all well regardless of the specific path we each ultimately chose. I feel privileged to have grown up in the Ballet Chicago family – and it is a family - and know that I am a more completely developed dancer and fully realized individual as a result of my years there.” - Genevieve Custer Weeks, Ballet Chicago Alumna “I could never have made it this far without the foundation I gained at the School of Ballet Chicago. I am forever indebted and grateful!” - Lara O’Brien, Principal Dancer, Carolina Ballet
PROFILES Daniel Duell Artistic Director Ballet Chicago Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Chicago, Duell is passionate about the pursuit of contemporary classicism in its purest form. As a dancer with the New York City Ballet from 1972-1987, he was taught and coached daily by George Balanchine. Quickly rising through the ranks, Duell was promoted to Soloist in 1977, and then Principal Dancer in 1979. He embodied a wide-ranging repertoire, dancing leading roles in the ballets of George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins, and Jacques d’Amboise, among others, including
multiple works that were created for him. A Ford Foundation Scholarship recipient from the age of 13, he trained with the Dayton Civic Ballet, then at the School of American Ballet, and at the age of 19 was invited to join NYCB. In addition to his fifteen years at NYCB, he was a featured guest artist for numerous companies nationwide and performed for several PBS Dance in America public television programs. Duell has been choreographing since 1980 and has created works for Ballet Chicago, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Dayton Ballet, Harkness Dance Theatre, the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the School of American Ballet. He also collaborated with WTTW Channel 11 in Chicago to design two programs; the first, an Emmy Award Ballet Chicago 17
P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) winning special (outstanding cultural programming) on Ballet Chicago, and the second entitled “Love in Four Acts”, a program showcasing four Chicago choreographers selected by Duell. He was awarded the 2000 Ruth Page Award from the Chicago Dance Community for Artistic Direction of the Ballet Chicago Studio Company. Duell is a frequent lecturer on ballet, music, and the arts, serves on several not-for-profit boards and advisory boards, and has been an adjudicator for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council. Duell is a repetiteur for the George Balanchine Trust and stages ballets across the United States. He conducts master classes in both the United States and Europe, most recently completing teaching engagements at the School of American Ballet, Indiana University at Bloomington, the University of Iowa, and the Bulgarian National School of Dance Arts in Sophia, Bulgaria. Most recently, Duell was invited to teach and coach the Royal Danish Ballet in preparation for for their June 2011 US Tour. Patricia Blair Associate Artistic Director/School Director Patricia Blair was born in New York City, began studying ballet at the age of 7, and began her performing career at 17. While a student at North Carolina School of the Arts, she was chosen to dance the role of “Myrtha” in Giselle opposite Svea Ekloff and Burton Taylor. In 1979 she joined the Eglevsky Ballet, under the direction of Edward Villella and then Michael Vernon. In 1984, while still dancing full time with the company, she became one of the company’s Ballet Mistresses, raehearsing the repertoire of George Balanchine, Michael Vernon and others. Throughout her years 18 Ballet Chicago
at Eglevsky Ballet she was an active teacher in NY, teaching company classes for Eglevsky as well as classes at the Harkness House for Ballet Arts, and at Steps. During off seasons, she was a guest artist for many NY choreographers, danced in musical theatre productions across the US and on Broadway, and briefly entered the LA movie world with Pavanne for a Dying Princess, a solo dance film created especially for her. She came to Chicago in September 1987 upon the recommendation of Balanchine repetiteur Victoria Simon. She staged several ballets for Chicago City Ballet’s fall season, after which Duell invited her to move to Chicago and join his artistic team. She was the Ballet Mistress for Ballet Chicago from 1987 – 1997, was appointed Director of the School of Ballet Chicago in 1995, and now also serves as Associate Director for the company. Ms. Blair is highly committed to the training and artistic education of dancers, as well as their personal well being. Her great love for teaching caused her to start working with children when she was only 15 years old. In addition to her work with the School of Ballet Chicago and the Ballet Chicago Studio Company, Ms. Blair gives master classes throughout the country. Ms. Blair has a lifelong love for the ballets of George Balanchine. She deeply appreciates the privilege of having performed his ballets and the joy of passing them on to today’s dancers. She has been responsible for a large body of repertoire at Ballet Chicago, and has staged Mr. Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante and Serenade for the St. Louis Ballet. Ms. Blair has had the honor of guest teaching at the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Gem City Ballet, and the Jonesboro Foundation for the Arts. She has also taught company classes for St. Louis Ballet and Carolina Ballet.
P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) George Balanchine Choreographer (1904-1983) Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, George Balanchine is regarded as the foremost contemporary choreographer in the world of ballet. He came to the United States in late 1933, at the age of 29, accepting the invitation of the young American arts patron Lincoln Kirstein (1907-96), whose great passions included the dream of creating a ballet company in America. At Balanchine’s behest, Kirstein was also prepared to support the formation of an American academy of ballet that would eventually rival the long-established schools of Europe. A major artistic figure of the 20th century, Balanchine revolutionized the look of classical ballet. Using classicism as his base, he heightened, quickened, expanded, inverted, and streamlined the fundamentals of the 400-year-old language of academic dance. This had an inestimable influence on the growth of dance in America. Although at first his style seemed particularly suited to the energy and speed of American dancers, especially those he trained, Balanchine’s ballets are now performed by major classical ballet companies throughout the world. Sandra Jennings Repetiteur (Rubies), The George Balanchine Trust Sandra Jennings was born in Boston and began her dance training with June Paxman and later with E. Virginia Williams at Boston Ballet. Jennings also studied with teachers such as Harriet Hoctor, Shanna Bereska, Margaret Gill and her mother Jacqueline Cronsberg. At the age of 13, she received a Ford Foundation scholarship to the School of American Ballet in New York.
During her three years at the School of American Ballet, Jennings studied with teachers that included Diana Adams, Alexandra Danilova, Felia Dubrovska, Helene Dudin, Suki Schorer, Muriel Stuart, Antonia Tumkovsky and Stanley Williams, performing lead roles in ballets such as Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and new ballets by choreographer Richard Tanner. At the age of 15, Jennings performed George Balanchine’s Tarantella at New York’s City Center. In spring 1974, Jennings was asked by George Balanchine to join New York City Ballet where she worked with him for the next nine years. During her tenure, she danced an enormous repertoire that included principal and soloist roles in many Balanchine and Jerome Robbins ballets. In addition, Jennings danced works by John Taras, Jacques d’Amboise, Sir Fredrick Ashton, and Peter Martins. She also performed in concerts with Jean Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride, Melissa Hayden, Helgi Tomasson, Violette Verdy, and Edward Villella. Additionally, she performed on television in Dance in America, Live from Lincoln Center, Live from Studio 8H, and Canadian Broadcast. In 1985, Jennings began teaching for Robert Denvers and was the assistant to Jean Pierre Bonnefoux at Chautauqua Institute, where she began staging Balanchine ballets. Jennings has taught at schools and companies in the United States and abroad. She was ballet mistress for Pennsylvania Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. Jennings is a renowned repetiteur for The George Balanchine Trust, staging over 30 of his works for ballet companies around the world. She is the proud mother of Alex Hurt and Maggie Bird!
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P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) Ellen Green Guest Artist Ellen Green is from Illinois and has been dancing since she was a young child. She began her training with Judith Svalender, and later studied at The School of Ballet Chicago, performing with the Ballet Chicago Studio Company. She also was a summer and yearround student at the Rock School and the School of American Ballet, both on full scholarship. Ms. Green was an apprentice with the New York City Ballet in 2000 and joined the Royal Danish Ballet as a corps de ballet member in 2001. She has danced a large body of repertoire including George Balanchine’s Serenade, Swan Lake, Stars and Stripes, Walpurgisnacht, and Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet, August Bournonville’s Napoli, La Sylphide, and A Folk Tale, Jerome Robbin’s West Side Story Suite, John Neumeier’s Romeo and Juliet, The Little Mermaid and The Odyssey, Peter Martins’ Fearful Symmetries, and Helgi Tomassan’s Sleeping Beauty. Ms. Green is thrilled to be back in the US and performing with Ballet Chicago again. Rachel Jambois Guest Artist Rachel began her dance training at age 5 at Nan Klinger’s studio in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where she was born. After moving to Wilmette, IL, Rachel continued her training at Ballet Chicago with Dan Duell and Patricia Blair. At age 16, Rachel was invited to attend the School of American Ballet, where she trained for two years. In 2009, Rachel joined Pennsylvania Ballet II, where she has had the opportunity to perform in such ballets as Agon, Carmen, Theme and Variations and Chris Wheeldon’s Swan Lake. Ms. Jambois appeared as one of the corps members 20 Ballet Chicago
in Darren Aranofsky’s film “Black Swan”. She currently attends the University of Pennsylvania. Rachel is glad to be back at Ballet Chicago and is grateful to Patricia Blair and Dan Duell for their guidance, friendship, and most of all, their ongoing support. Luke Manley Guest Artist Luke Manley was born and raised in Dowagiac, Michigan. In high school he was first introduced to dance by Carolynn Hine-Johnson, who encouraged and guided him to pursue a career in dance. Luke began training full-time at The School of Ballet Chicago under the direction of Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair, as a recipient of the Dowd Scholarship. He then went on to continue his dance education on scholarship at the Hubbard Street Dance Center under the direction of Julie Nakagawa-Bottcher. Luke has danced professionally with River North Chicago Dance Company, American Repertory Ballet, Armitage Gone! Dance, Ballet NY and Ballet X. Jane Morgan Guest Artist Jane Morgan is originally from Annapolis, MD. She is currently an apprentice with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet as well as a member of the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet. She began her training at Ballet Theatre of Maryland and then studied at Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy. Jane was three times selected for the Kennedy Center Master Class Series in which she studied under directors from several internationally acclaimed companies. This is her 1st season as a guest artist with Ballet Chicago.
P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) Hamilton Nieh Guest Artist Hamilton Nieh grew up in Hong Kong and received his dance training from Víctor Ullate in Madrid, Spain, and at the San Francisco Ballet School. Before joining Luna Negra Dance Theater, he danced professionally with the Alberta Ballet, Sacramento Ballet and Victor Ullate Ballet performing repertoire by Petipa, Balanchine, Béjart, Trey McIntyre and Septime Webre to name a few. Nieh has created roles in works by Kirk Peterson, Peter Quanz, Jean Grand Maître and Helen Pickett. This is Nieh’s third season with Luna Negra Dance Theater, and his fourth season as a guest artist with Ballet Chicago. Hamilton will be joining Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal in May 2011. Matthew Renko Guest Artist Matthew Renko was born in Tampa, Florida, and raised in Sumter, South Carolina where, at age 8, he began his ballet training at Miss Libby’s School of Dance, then later at Columbia Conservatory of Dance. At 15, he continued his training at North Carolina School of the Arts on scholarship, and then after attending the School of American Ballet summer course in 2003 and 2004, he was asked to stay for the winter term on scholarship. He became an apprentice with New York City Ballet in September 2007 and then joined the corps de ballet for the 20082009 season, and had done featured roles with the company. He also has performed in the Metropolitan Opera’s
production of Aida with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky during their 2009-2010 season. He joined The Suzanne Farrell Ballet as a corps de ballet member in February 2010 and has performed featured roles in Balanchine’s La Source, La Sonnambula. In July, Matt will join Pacific Northwest Ballet. This is Matthew’s second season with Ballet Chicago as a guest artist. Ted Seymour Guest Artist Ted Seymour was born in Dallas, Texas where he began his training at the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet. He later moved to Chicago to study with Dan Duell and Patricia Blair at The School of Ballet Chicago as a member of The Ballet Chicago Studio Company. Mr. Seymour choreographed his first ballet for BCSC, Toccata for 5, in 2001. Later, Ted moved to New York to attend The School of American Ballet. While at SAB, Ted choreographed two ballets for the Student Choreographic Workshop and was invited by Peter Martins to create a new work for The New York Choreographic Institute. Upon leaving SAB, he joined Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, dancing for choreographers such as Edward Liang, Nicolo Fonte, and Benoit-Swan Pouffer. Mr. Seymour is currently a member of The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, where he has danced leading roles in George Balanchine’s Episodes, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and La Valse. He has been a frequent guest teacher for The School of Ballet Chicago and joined the faculty last year. He continues to dance and choreograph throughout the country, and presented his fifth world premiere for Ballet Chicago last season.
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B A L L E T C H I C AG O S T U D I O C O M PA N Y Jessica Anne Alatorre Jessica is a new student at Ballet Chicago from Oak Forest, IL. She has been dancing since the age of 7 and has trained at the American Dance Center. Her past summer intensives include the Lou Conte Dance Studio Summer Intensive and Ballet Chicago. Jessica enjoys playing the piano, drawing, and volunteering for local park district dance departments. This past year, Jessica performed in community theater. Jessica has enjoyed learning the Balanchine method and choreography. She will continue to better herself as a dancer, and strive to be the best artist she can be. Susan Belles Suzee is from Rockford, Illinois and began her ballet training at the age of 3. She has studied and performed with the Rockford Dance Company, Evolve Dance Company and the Beth Fowler School of Dance. She has attended summer intensives at Ballet Chicago, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Joffrey Ballet (Chicago) and received a scholarship for the summer program at Boston Ballet. This is Suzee’s first year with Ballet Chicago’s Studio Company where she is the recipient of a Philip and Marsha Dowd scholarship. Talita Villa Rubio Bezerra
International Seminary and Cuballet. Talita has performed in The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Le Corraine, Harlequinade, La Bayadere, Don Quixoti, Le Corraire, Carmen, and Paquita. She enjoys teaching, volleyball, music, movies, and animals. Talita is thankful for time spent with family and friends. Stephano Candreva Stephano Candreva was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and began training at Studio de Danca Com-Passos and completed his graduating studies at Escola de Danca Alice Arja. He then went on to work at Sesiminas in Belo Horizonte and Cisne Negro in Sao Paulo. He has danced principal roles in Coppelia, La Fille Mal Gardee, Le Corsaire, and Balanchine’s Tarantella. In 2009 he attended Miami City Ballet’s summer intensive and in 2010 he attended Milwaukee Ballet’s summer intensive. Stephano is currently training at Milwaukee Ballet II. Cindy Denadai Dias Cindy is from Sao Paulo, Brazil and started her ballet studies at the age of 3. She trained at Espaco De Dancas E Artes Paulista. Some of Cindy’s roles include Sleeping Beauty Corps, Paquita Corps, La Bayad’ere Corps, Raymonda Corps and Principal. Cindy enjoys helping people by doing volunteer work! Kelsey Fox
Talita is from Sao Paulo, Brazil and has trained at The Municipal Theatre, Edap, and Gana e Harmonia before coming to Ballet Chicago. Her past summer intensives include Brasilia’s 22 Ballet Chicago
Kelsey is a graduate of New American Conservatory and Youth Ballet, and has been a member of the Ballet Chicago Studio Company
B A L L E T C H I C AG O S T U D I O C O M PA N Y since 2008. She has attended summer intensives at Ballet Austin, Miami City Ballet, School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet School and Joffrey Midwest Workshop. Her performances with the BCSC include Divertimento #15, Rubies, Who Cares?, Alice Gleaning, Bach 1041 and The Nutcracker. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys teaching beginning dance classes at the Christian Youth Theatre. Zachary Guthier Zachary began dancing at the age of 3 in Indiana. Since moving to Madison, Wisconsin he has continued his instruction at The School of Madison Ballet (SMB). This past year Zach was enrolled in the pre-professional division at SMB and performed in all three Madison Ballet season productions. He has danced
roles in various ballets including, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and other repertoire pieces. Zachary attended summer intensives at Lines Ballet and Ballet Chicago. Brittany Hurst Brittany has been dancing since the age of 9. She began her training with the Performing Arts Center under the direction of Louise Mandel and Jessica Rawles. Brittany has been a Ballet Chicago Studio Company Member for two years and has performed in such ballet’s as Daniel Duell’s Coppelia, Bach 1041 and The Nutcracker. Brittany was featured in Ted Seymour’s world premier of A Pulse Stolen.
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24 Ballet Chicago
B A L L E T C H I C AG O S T U D I O C O M PA N Y Elyse Jost Elyse is a native Chicagoan and she has been dancing for four years at Ballet Chicago. She has trained at Ballet Chicago’s Summer Intensives from 2008-2010. Elyse has performed in Coppelia (Dawn), The Nutcracker (Merliton, flowers, snow, Polichinelle, and Mouse), and in Who Cares?. She would like to thank Miss Blair and Mr. Duell, her parents, and her fellow students for all of their support. Irina Kirilova Irina is from Sofia, Bulgaria. She has received training at the National School of Dance Art and the International Ballet Academy. Irina has participated in Dance Laboratories in Sofia, Bulgaria and she has joined the Ballet Chicago Studio Company in the Fall of 2010. She has performed in Sleeping Beauty in the National Ballet of Bulgaria as well as Carmen in the National Opera of Bulgaria. In addition to ballet, Irina studies and plays the piano. Madeleine Kodat Maddie is from Clinton, N.Y. She has danced for 10 years and has received ballet training at Mohawk Valley Ballet before coming to Ballet Chicago in 2010. Her past summer intensives include Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, New York State Summer School for the Arts, and Ballet Chicago. Maddie’s featured roles include snow corps, flower corps, and Mirliton corps.
Mila Louise Lavoie Mila is from San Fransico, CA. She has been dancing for 11 years and has trained at Marin Ballet before coming to Ballet Chicago in the Spring of 2011. Mila has attended summer intensives at Marin Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada. She has performed the roles of doll, flower corps, snow corps, flower queen, and snow queen in The Nutcracker. Her other roles include a solo from Agon, a solo by Julia Adam, and she performed in Serenade, Valse Fantasie, Swan Lake and Julia Adam’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Jordan Arthur Nelson Jordan began his training at the Classical Ballet Academy in Saint Paul, MN at the age of 17. He performed works with the affiliate company Ballet Minnesota which include the classics: Swan Lake and La Bayedere. Jordan was also featured in two contemporary works by Artistic Director Andrew Rist: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. As a guest artist, he worked with Continental Ballet and Saint Paul City Ballet. Jordan joined the Ballet Chicago Studio Company in 2010 and he would like to thank Phil and Marsha Dowd for making it possible for him to dance at Ballet Chicago. Emmile O’Hara Emmile O’Hara has been dancing for six years. She has attended Milwaukee Ballet’s Summer Intensive and Ballet Chicago’s Summer Intensive. Emmile has been a member of Ballet Chicago’s Studio Company since Ballet Chicago 25
B A L L E T C H I C AG O S T U D I O C O M PA N Y the Spring of 2011. In addition to ballet, Emmile also enjoys playing volleyball. Laura Palya Laura was born in Heidelberg, Germany and began her training in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus under Isabel Christie and Carolyn Carattini. She continued her training in Virginia with Elizabeth Drezwickie and Jane King. She has attended summer intensives at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Butler University and Ballet Chicago. Laura works at Fitness Formula as a part of the training staff. In Laura’s off hours, she enjoys spending quality time with her cat, Marbles. Drew Pearson Drew’s home city was Sarasota Florida, but is now living in Chicago. She has trained for eleven years, and her home ballet schools are Sarasota Ballet and Ballet Chicago. Drew has attended summer intensives at Ballet Chicago, Sarasota Ballet, and Central Wisconsin School of Ballet. Her featured roles in the Nutcracker include Flower, Marie Doll, Marzipan, and Mouse. Drew played the Raggedy Anne Doll in La Boutique Fantastique, the Elephant in Carnival of Animals, and the Blue Bird in Sleeping Beauty. Drew loves playing the saxophone. Camille Plesha Camille was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She began her studies at Premier Dance Academy under Shannon Gallagher. Camille has attended various 26 Ballet Chicago
summer programs including ABT, Ballet Pacifica, Milwaukee Ballet, Ballet Chicago and Joffrey New York, where she was a trainee. Since becoming a Ballet Chicago Studio Company Member, Camille has been featured in The Nutcracker and Divertimento #15. She is interested in vintage fashion and scrapbooking. Camille is very grateful and blessed to have such supportive and loving parents and family. Elizabeth Quander Elizabeth has studied at the School of Ballet Chicago since 2001, and joined the Studio Company in 2007. She has attended summer intensive programs at the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet Chicago. As part of the Studio Company, Elizabeth has performed in such ballets as The Nutcracker, Serenade, Coppelia, Bach 1041, Hansel and Gretel, and Ellington Suite. Lizzy is a senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet School and has been admitted to Yale, Stanford, and Columbia University, class of 2015. She would like to thank her parents for their ongoing support. Sarah Quander Sarah’s hometown is Chicago, Illinois. She has attended Ballet Chicago’s Summer Intensives as well as the Saratoga Summer Dance Intensive. Her featured roles in Ballet Chicago’s The Nutcracker include snow corps, flower corps, angel, attendent, and little doll. Sarah has danced in the 10 girl corps of Who Cares?, and Coppelia’s Dawn. She is a freshman at Whitney Young Magnet High School and would like to thank her family for all of their support.
B A L L E T C H I C AG O S T U D I O C O M PA N Y March Elaine Saper March is a native Chicagoan who joined Ballet Chicago in 2010. She has completed nine years of ballet training at local schools and has attended Ballet Chicago’s Advanced Intensive. Her featured role was Flower corps in the Nutcracker. March enjoys spending time with her family, her family’s dog, reading, and playing the flute. Mia Sanchez Mia Sanchez is a native Chicagoan who has trained at Ballet Chicago for nine years. Her past summer intensives include SSDI and Ballet Chicago’s Summer Course and Advanced Intensive. Her featured roles in The Nutcracker include Marie, Flower Corps, Snow Corps, Chinese, Marzipan, Angel, Doll, Party Girl, and Pollichinelle. Mia has also performed in Ted Seymour’s Bach Suite, Balanchine’s Swan Lake and Serenade, and Daniel Duell’s Hansel and Gretel.
Elizabeth Shy Elizabeth was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and studied at the University of Iowa before moving to New York to train at the Joffrey Ballet School. After attending several summers with Ballet Chicago, she became a member of the Ballet Chicago Studio Company, where she stayed for three years before joining Charleston Ballet Theatre. She returned to Ballet Chicago as both a Ballet Chicago Studio Company Member, Ballet Instructor, and Pilates Instructor. Elizabeth is thrilled to perform the works of George Balanchine. Christiann Steelman
Christiann is from Atlantic City, NJ and has been dancing for 12 years. She has trained at the Sandonato School of Ballet, in addition to being privately trained by Andrea Long. She has attended summer intensives at Atlantic City Ballet, the Rock School, American Repertory Ballet, and Ballet Rachel Seeholzer Chicago. Christiann’s featured roles include Clara in Atlantic City Ballet’s Rachel began dancing The Nutcracker, Four Swans in Swan at the age of nine at Lake, Hot Chocolate in Pennsylvania the Performing Arts Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Center Amex in Van Nutcracker, excerpts of Square Dance, Nuys, CA. She joined and the second variation in La the Ballet Chicago Studio Company in Bayadere (Kingdom of the Shades). 2009 and had the opportunity to perform Christiann is extremely excited to in The Nutcracker, Divertimento #15, Who be at Ballet Chicago and performing Cares?, Rubies, and a Pulse Stolen. Her in Serenade, Who Cares?, and Rubies. featured roles include the Snow Queen, They are her three favorite ballets and Arabian, Dew Drop, and Mrs. Stahlbaum. they are all in one show! Rachel has attended summer intensives at Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet Chicago. Rachel is looking forward to spending the summer close to her family while attending LINES Summer Intensive. Ballet Chicago 27
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