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WITH LIVE BIG BAND MUSIC BY THE DOYLEMUSIC COMBO
APRIL 2, 2022
HOFF FAMILY ARTS & CULTURE CENTER
APRIL 9, 2022
ORPHEUM THEATER Premier Benefactors:
Fred and Eve Simon Charitable
Foundation
Season Sponsors: Cindy and Scott Heider
Major Support:
WELCOME BACK TO WHERE WE ALL BELONG. We’re beyond thrilled to be performing live for you again. Thank you for your trust and support!
About American Midwest Ballet
American Midwest Ballet is your resident professional dance company, bringing work beyond words to audiences in Nebraska, Iowa, and beyond. Performing at home and on tour, our mission is to provide cultural enrichment through dance programs of the highest quality: breathtaking performances, inspiring education, and uplifting community engagement. American Midwest Ballet’s talented professional dancers hail from around the nation and abroad. The company plays a key role in the cultural vitality of the region, inspiring people through our expressive performing artists, acclaimed choreographers, skilled teachers, and stunning productions.
Recognized for this art.
Responsible for supporting these arts, too.
American Midwest Ballet Board of Directors Greta Vaught, Chair – President & CEO, Midlands Choice Michelle Clark – Assistant Vice President, Technology Enterprise Systems, Union Pacific Catherine Hall – Assistant County Administrator, Douglas County Sharon McGill – Community Volunteer, Ballet Omaha, retired Karen Nelsen – Vice President, U.S. Bank Erika Overturff – Artistic Director & CEO, American Midwest Ballet Jeanie Owen – Community Volunteer, Methodist Health System, retired Doyle Tipler – SAP Technology Architect, Cargill
Advisory Board Hal Daub – Partner, Husch Blackwell Brandon Dickerson – Attorney, HDR, Inc. Jeffrey Francis – Vice President of Finance & CFO, Methodist Health System Amy Haddad, Ph.D. – Professor (retired), Creighton University Jane Howard – Grant and Contract Director, Heartland Family Service Marina O’Rourke – Director, Heartland Ballet Dr. Michael C. Thompson, M.D. – Orthopedic Surgeon, OrthoNebraska Tatiana Bechenova, in memoriam – Former Ballerina, Ballet Russe, Col. de Basil
The Nebraska Cultural Endowment Proudly Supports American Midwest Ballet Learn more about how the Nebraska Cultural Endowment ensures an endless tradition of arts and humanities in our state, visit NebraskaCulture.org
Thank You Thank you to our incredible donors who make it possible to share the art of dance with our community. * Denotes members of the American Midwest Ballet Guild. † Denotes members of the Ballet Barre Society. Includes donations through March 15, 2022. Later donations will be acknowledged in future program books.
Director’s Circle Platinum Partner-$100,000 and above
Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Foundation & Omaha Steaks Holland Foundation Iowa West Foundation Richard Brooke Foundation
Gold Partner-$50,000 and above
Anonymous Douglas County Cindy & Scott Heider Peter Kiewit Foundation
Silver Partner-$20,000 and above
Nebraska Arts Council & Nebraska Cultural Endowment Herb & Carole Dewey Sherwood Foundation
Dancers’ Circle Principal-$10,000 and above Amy Haddad & Steve Martin Iowa Arts Council/Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Mammel Family Foundation Sharon McGill Mutual of Omaha John Ritland, Greta Vaught & Mia Ritland* Polina & Bob Schlott
Soloist – $5,000 and above
Développé-$300 and above
Demi-Soloist-$3,000 and above
Relevé-$150 and above
Anonymous Michael & Laura Alley Michelle & Ryan Clark Google Data Centers Grants Fund Kiewit Corporation Karen & Larry Nelsen
Danielle & Michael Ash Cindy & Mogens Bay Bill & Sandi Bruns FNBO Jeff & Keri Francis OrthoNebraska Jeanie Owen
Corps de Ballet-$1,500 and above Bobby’s Dancewear, Inc. Daniel Hamann & Joan Squires Donna & Tom Hubbell† Murray & Sharee Newman Erika Overturff & Brandon Dickerson† Edward and Lida Robinson Charitable Trust Bruce & Cindy Schenck† Pete & Mary Anne Tulipana
Friends’ Circle Grand Jeté-$1,000 and above Theresa Carr Barry Cleaveland Sarah & Andrew Maloney† Janet McCrae Pottawattamie County Community Foundation Julie Morsman Schroeder Foundation Annette & Paul Smith Charitable Fund
Pirouette-$500 and above
Maurice & Sarah Birdwell Daniel Cox & Eleanor Shirley† Catherine Hall & Colin Bernard Jamie Murphy Doyle Tipler James & Susan Tracy Charitable Foundation
Deborah Floyd Mike & Kathy Gross Thomas Richter The Schweitzer Family The Donna J and John P Snowdon Fund Shanna & Dan Zordell
Erica Bryant† Melissa Chapman* Elizabeth Collins Hal & Mary Daub Donna & Larry Dostal Michael Howland & Linda Matson Kelli Isham* Mary Manning Kechely Shalisa Nau Anderson & Jim Anderson* Robert Peterson Robert & Patricia Ranney Steven & Susan Rothe Barbara Schlott* Bob & Akemi Smith
Plié-up to $150
Alpha Delta Kappa AmazonSmile Foundation Haley Armstrong Ann Augustine Sarah Barna Dayna Berry Maureen Bradley-Ferrulli Ed Brown Judith Carr Catherine & Tim Carrico Felicia Cervantes Amy Demlow Jeff & Sarah Dickinson Judith Feigin Kim Fiorello Caryl Fisher Jorge Galvez Steve Goodwillie Jerry Gose Hermes Auto & Upholstery, Inc. Jane Howard Chris Johnson Nancy Johnson - in memory of Blair Herbert Dewey II George Kaiser
Jeanette Kenny Denise Kolkman* Brittney LaHayne Kristy Lee Karen & David Morgan William Munro Molly Nelsen* Christine Parkyn* Danna Kehm Holly McAtee Jess Peterson Anna Rock
Gloria Ruesch Timaree Smith Juliet Walsh Cheryl Widick Sara Williams David Woods
Tom Cox Data Axle Houck Transit Advertising Lamar Outdoor metroMAGAZINE/ mQUARTERLY The Daily Nonpareil Omaha Magazine In-Kind Omaha World-Herald 99.9 KGOR - Omaha’s Greatest Hits OrthoNebraska Clyde & Deborah Overturff Dr. Amard “AJ” Abcejo, D.O. Athlos Chiropractic & Recovery Erika Overturff
Paul Lucht & Sons Physicians Mutual The Reader Michelle Reilly RSVP Nebraska Dr. Stephen Stonebraker Dr. Michael C. Thompson Valpak
Partner Organizations We are proud to partner with these leading organizations: All Communities Outreach Services Amelia Place Assisted Living Community Arts in Motion Autism Action Partnership Bellevue Housing Authority Bethany Heights Assisted Living Home Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Midlands Boys and Girls Club Boys and Girls Town
Child Connect Child Saving Institute Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Common Senses Country House Residence for Memory Care One Oak School Completely Kids Concerned Inc. El Museo Latino EMPAC Dance ENCORE Family Inc. Food Bank of the Heartland Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa Girl Scouts of Nebraska Girls Inc. Omaha Heartland Family Service Heartland Family Therapeutic School The Heritage at Fox Run Hillcrest Hospice and Communities Impact Hill Iowa Kids Net Joslyn Art Museum
Lutheran Family Services Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Micah House Mosaic Munroe-Meyer Nebraska Medical Center North Platte Public Schools Kids Klub Ollie Webb Center Omaha Conservatory of Music, String Sprouts Omaha Performing Arts Omaha Symphony Opera Omaha PACE Prairie Gate Senior Living Primrose Retirement Home Quality Living QLI Spinal Recovery RISE Risen Son Christian Village STARS Scholarship Program The Big Garden The Hope Center for Kids Youth Emergency Service
Guest Choreographer American choreographer Harrison McEldowney is renowned for his comic and witty creative style. His original work Swing, Swing, Swing! marked the debut performance of American Midwest Ballet (formerly Ballet Nebraska) in October 2010. He has worked with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, Civic Ballet of Chicago, Ballet Met, Ballet Arkansas, The Big Muddy Dance Company, Louisville Ballet and Chicago Shakespeare Repertory, among many others. He is known for his theatrical work, for the Summer Olympics Closing Ceremonies (Barcelona), and for Carnegie Hall’s Give My Regards to Broadway: A Salute to 125 Years of Musical Theater. He choreographed the 35th Anniversary Tour of American Bandstand and choreographed and directed the Australian tour of More Dirty Dancing. McEldowney contributed choreography to the films Road to Perdition, Children on Their Birthdays, and the independent film Vanilla City. He also worked with Sammy Davis Jr., Van Johnson, Chita Rivera, Dorothy Lamour, Carol Channing, Debbie Reynolds, and rap artists Salt ‘n Pepa.
American Midwest Ballet Costume Designer Deborah Overturff has designed and created costumes for such notable ballets as Giselle, Swan Lake, Coppélia, Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cleopatra, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, and The Nutcracker. For many years she had the privilege of working directly with Tatiana Bechenova, former ballerina of the Original Ballet Russe Col. de Basil. Deborah has created costumes for the Heartland Ballet, Dubuque City Youth Ballet, Montgomery Ballet, and American Midwest Ballet. She received the Willoughby Award for her costumes in The Nutcracker. In addition, Deborah has worked as part of the wardrobe staff at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City on the national tours of Cats, Les Miserables, Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Her dazzling costumes for American Midwest Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Cleopatra were nominated for Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards in the category of Best Costume Design.
Suddenly it all comes together, beautifully…
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Getting back to what you love after an injury is a journey. Our specialized care makes it an easier one. Call us at (402) 609-3000 or visit our website at OrthoNebraska.com to get started.
Special thanks to: OrthoNebraska, the official orthopaedic hospital and physical therapy provider for American Midwest Ballet. Special thanks to Dr. Michael C. Thompson, M.D., Michelle Reilly, and Dr. Amard “AJ” Abcejo, D.O. Athlos Chiropractic & Recovery, the official chiropractic provider for American Midwest Ballet. Special thanks to Dr. Steve Stonebraker.
WITH YOU WHERE YOU ARE. For the big and small moments.
Member FDIC
The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this program through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
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American Midwest Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement programs bring arts access to those in need 1) Student matinees engage more than 100 schools and 7,500 students annually; 60% of students are low income. 2) Outreach to people in need provides over 1,000 complimentary performance tickets through partnerships with more than 30 community engagement partners. 3) Interactive workshop classes share the joy of dance with hundreds of elementary school students. 4) Mentorship is provided to aspiring dancers through classes, workshops, and performance opportunities. Education and Community Engagement Sponsors: Iowa Arts Council/Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Mammel Family Foundation, Mutual of Omaha Additional Support from Google Data Centers Grants Fund and FNBO
Train with the professionals at the metro’s only professionally-affiliated school of dance. Company artist Katerina Schweitzer leads contemporary class at the Hoff Center.
Many of the artists you are seeing in this performance are on the faculty of the American Midwest Ballet School, the metro area’s only dance school affiliated with a professional ballet company. Aspiring professionals, just-for-fun young dancers, and passion-driven adult dancers will find a welcoming home with us. DEDICATED TO TO FOSTERING A LOVE OF DANCE FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES THROUGH EXCEPTIONAL TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES • CLASSES IN BALLET, JAZZ, TAP, LYRICAL, AND HIP HOP PERFORM A NCE S • SPECI A L PROGR A MS INCLUDING YAGP SOLO PROGR A M A ND ENSEMBL E ADULT BALLET, CONTEMPORARY, TAP, AND BARRE FITNESS
S C H O O L
amballet.org/school/
Artistic Staff Erika Overturff, Artistic Director & CEO Matthew Lovegood, Ballet Master
Artists Erin Alarcón, Rebecca Brenner, Nora Carr, Elena Carter, Ryan Christopher, Fredrick Davis, Claire Goodwillie, Alyssa Grimsley, Alexandra Hoffman, Matthew Lovegood, Richard Marks, Kelanie Murphy, Kogan Murphy, Erika Overturff, Wyatt Payne, Katerina Schweitzer, Amaris Sharratt, Isaac Sharratt, Victor Smith, Anna Swenson, Whitney Walsh Apprentices: Leah Kressin, Jessica Lopes Costume Designer �������������������Deborah Overturff Costumer �������������������Wendy Linville Development Director �������������������Sarah Maloney Operations Director �������������������Shanna Zordell Marketing Director �������������������Jim Williams Production & Marketing Manager �������������������Wesley A. Houston Community Engagement Manager �������������������Hannah Clark Rehearsal Assistants �������������������Erin Alarcón, Claire Goodwillie, Angela Rodriguez Pianist �������������������Keefer Peterson School Director �������������������Susan Chowning Filmmaker �������������������Lance Glenn
Acknowledgments Premier Benefactors:
Fred and Eve Simon
Richard Brooke Foundation,
Charitable
in memory of Jane Seemann
Foundation
Major Support:
Season Sponsors: Cindy and Scott Heider
Costume Sponsors: metroMAGAZINE, Michael & Laura Alley, Michelle & Ryan Clark Scenic Sponsors: Jeff & Keri Francis Additional Sponsors: Murray & Sharee Newman, The Reader, Pete & MaryAnne Tulipana
American Midwest Ballet Presents
Swing, Swing, Swing! Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, April 2, 2022 • Orpheum Theater, April 9, 2022 Choreography ����������������� Harrison McEldowney Music ����������������� Various Artists Costume Design ����������������� Mona Schlautman Additional Costume Design ����������������� Deborah Overturff Scenic Design ����������������� Kathy Voecks Lighting Design ����������������� Carol Wisner, Bill Van Deest Technical Manager ����������������� Hannah Clark Resident Stage Manager ����������������� Wesley A. Houston Assistant Stage Managers ����������������� Jozalyn Harrison, Hallie Olsen Wardrobe ����������������� Deborah Overturff, Wendy Linville, Shanna Zordell, Maggie Toczek, Elena Carter, Kogan Murphy, Mona Schlautman Technical Crew ����������������� Michael Clark, Craig Marsh, Jon Neth, Jason Shannon, Members of IATSE Local 42
The DoyleMusic Combo Doyle Tipler ����������������� leader, trumpet Ken Janak ����������������� saxophone, clarinet Camille Metoyer Moten ����������������� vocals Jeff Scheffler ����������������� guitar Mark Haar ����������������� bass Carlos Figueroa ����������������� drums
Synopsis: It’s World War II, and a patriotic fervor unites the nation as Americans support both each other and their collective cause. Our scene is set with soldiers embarking on their daily routine – energized by spirit and determination. At the same time, a bevy of hostesses prepares for the task ahead of them: providing entertainment to the servicemen on leave at New York’s Stage Door Canteen. The soldiers seek a happy refuge from the rigors of war at this famous establishment. Big Band music, swing dancing and a host of performers offer much-needed recreation to these American heroes. One lucky man even finds love at the canteen and a girl to call his own. The soldiers are shipped off to defend the nation. With the men away at war, the women assume the duties left behind – joining the workforce and coining the phrase “Rosie the Riveter.” Overseas, the soldiers reflect on the nature of GI life and dream of calendar girls. Back in New York, a hostess from the Stage Door Canteen longs for the return of her new love, while he simply dreams of home. A nation rejoices as the war ends and the soldiers return home. The young lovers reunite and dream of being a “Me & Mrs. You.” In celebration, the Stage Door Canteen once again comes alive to the sounds of Swing, Swing, Swing!
ACT I Barracks ����������������������������������Fredrick Davis, Matthew Lovegood, Richard Marks, Isaac Sharratt Hostess Lounge ���������������������Erin Alarcón, Claire Goodwillie, Alexandra Hoffman, Kelanie Murphy, Kogan Murphy, Erika Overturff Times Square �������������������������Rebecca Brenner, Elena Carter, Alyssa Grimsley, Leah Kressin, Jessica Lopes, Whitney Walsh
Stage Door Canteen Eileen and Claude �����������������Erika Overturff, Isaac Sharratt Tappers �����������������������������������Kelanie Murphy, Kogan Murphy, Amaris Sharratt The Rumba Jumps �����������������Erin Alarcón, Victor Smith Stardust �����������������������������������Fredrick Davis, Erika Overturff, Isaac Sharratt, Anna Swenson Flyers ��������������������������������������Nora Carr, Richard Marks, Wyatt Payne, Katerina Schweitzer Rooftop �����������������������������������Erika Overturff, Isaac Sharratt Return to the Canteen ����������Erin Alarcón, Elena Carter, Ryan Christopher, Fredrick Davis, Claire Goodwillie, Alyssa Grimsley, Alexandra Hoffman, Matthew Lovegood, Richard Marks, Kelanie Murphy, Kogan Murphy, Erika Overturff, Wyatt Payne, Amaris Sharratt, Isaac Sharratt, Anna Swenson, Whitney Walsh
20-Minute Intermission
ACT II Outside the Canteen �������������Fredrick Davis, Matthew Lovegood, Richard Marks, Isaac Sharratt
Montage Rosie the Riveter �������������������Alyssa Grimsley, Alexandra Hoffman, Kelanie Murphy, Amaris Sharratt, Anna Swenson GI Jive �������������������������������������Ryan Christopher, Fredrick Davis, Matthew Lovegood, Richard Marks, Wyatt Payne, Isaac Sharratt, Victor Smith Calendar Girls �����������������������Erin Alarcón, Rebecca Brenner, Nora Carr, Elena Carter, Alyssa Grimsley, Leah Kressin, Jessica Lopes, Kogan Murphy, Erika Overturff, Katerina Schweitzer, Amaris Sharratt, Whitney Walsh Waitin’ for the Train �������������Erika Overturff Home ��������������������������������������Isaac Sharratt
Back at the Canteen Reunion ����������������������������������Erin Alarcón, Elena Carter, Fredrick Davis, Claire Goodwillie, Alyssa Grimsley, Alexandra Hoffman, Matthew Lovegood, Richard Marks, Kelanie Murphy, Kogan Murphy, Erika Overturff, Wyatt Payne, Amaris Sharratt, Isaac Sharratt, Anna Swenson, Whitney Walsh Me & Mrs. You ���������������������Erika Overturff, Isaac Sharratt Finale ��������������������������������������Full Company
A PARTING SALUTE This production represents the final bows of founding company member, ballet master, and choreographer Matthew Lovegood, who is retiring from American Midwest Ballet. We thank him for his work, comradeship, and artistry, and wish him success and happiness in his future life!
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JUNE 20 – JULY 8: A RIGOROUS, PROFESSIONAL LEVEL SUMMER INTENSIVE FOR STUDENTS AGES 10 THROUGH 22, WITH THE DYNAMIC PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS OF AMERICAN MIDWEST BALLET PLUS RENOWNED GUEST FACULTY: Jovani Furlan Soloist, New York City Ballet Janice Rosario Janice Rosario & Co., NYC Dylis Croman Broadway Star Mark Gieringer Formerly of Ballet Hispanico REGISTRATION OPEN NOW:
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Celebrating American Midwest Ballet’s Twelfth Season “Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It’s the rhythm of your life. It’s the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness, and envy.” — Jacques d’Amboise
d a ta - a x l e . c o m
Summertime is Dance Time! It’s time to think summer! American Midwest Ballet School’s SUMMER DANCE SERIES will offer a variety of fun classes in July and August for ages 3 to adult, complementing the school year curriculum. Registration is open now! To register today or learn more, visit amballet.org/school/summer.
American Midwest Ballet Artistic Staff Erika Overturff, Artistic Director & CEO
Erika Overturff is the founder of American Midwest Ballet, the region’s professional ballet company. Under her leadership as artistic director and CEO, American Midwest Ballet enriches the area through an exciting array of professional dance performances and a strong commitment to cultural education and community engagement. Erika began her training in Iowa at the Academy of Ballet, studying at summer programs including North Carolina School of the Arts, American Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and the Kirov Academy. Following early high school graduation as valedictorian, Erika earned her B.F.A. in ballet performance and teaching from the University of Utah, which she attended on a full scholarship. She graduated cum laude in just three years and was chosen outstanding senior by the ballet department faculty. Erika went on to dance with Montgomery Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Omaha Theater Ballet, and American Midwest Ballet. She has performed principal and soloist roles in a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire. Audiences have enjoyed Erika’s performances in roles such as Eileen in Swing, Swing, Swing!, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lucy in Dracula, Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, Myrtha in Giselle, the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, and roles in Ann Reinking’s In the Style of Bob Fosse and Harrison McEldowney’s Call It Off. Erika has also been a faculty member and guest teacher for schools around the United States. As a choreographer, Erika has received critical praise for her work. She served as répétitrice for Montgomery Ballet and resident choreographer for Omaha Theater Ballet. She has worked on several collaborations with Opera Omaha, created an all-new production of Peter and the Wolf with the Omaha Symphony, and regularly creates new works for American Midwest Ballet. As part of the company’s ongoing collaboration with Joslyn Art Museum, Erika has choreographed original ballets inspired by museum artwork or exhibitions, including Connemara, Cleopatra, Go West!, Appalachian Song, and The Bee’s Knees. Other featured works include Tropico, Party Animals, The Diner, Ella, Sweet and Low-Down, and Rhapsody in Blue. Erika also created American Midwest Ballet’s lively and entertaining version of the holiday favorite The Nutcracker, which has premiered to enthusiastic audiences both at home and on tour. For her vision and achievements, Erika was named a recipient of the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards, honoring area entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals.
P R O U D TO S U P P O RT
American Midwest Ballet
& The Omaha Ar ts Communit y 402.334.1225
402.904.5153
13471 W. Center Rd. Omaha, NE 68144
5400 S. 56th St. #300 Lincoln, NE 68516
Matthew Lovegood, Ballet Master
Artist Sponsors: Amy Haddad & Steve Martin Matthew Lovegood began his training in Pennsylvania with Sharon Filone at the Lake Erie Ballet School and Sandra Barnett at Little’s Dance Studio. He went on to study on full scholarship at North Carolina School of the Arts, Miami City Ballet School, and the Chautauqua Festival Dancers. Matthew has danced professionally with Ohio Ballet, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Lake Erie Ballet, and Omaha Theater Ballet. He has performed numerous leading roles within the classical repertoire, including Prince Desire in The Sleeping Beauty, Franz in Coppélia, and Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, as well as in works by George Balanchine, Merce Cunningham, Donald Byrd, Heinz Poll, Laura Dean, Luis Montero, and many others. He has also performed as a Guest Artist with Hawaii Ballet Theatre, Neglia Ballet Artists, and Ballet Tucson. Area audiences have enjoyed Matthew in roles such as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Albrecht in Giselle, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Cavalier in The Nutcracker, the Asp in Erika Overturff ’s Cleopatra, Puck in Oscar Antunez’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the leading role in Ann Reinking’s staging of In the Style of Bob Fosse. Also a choreographer, he has premiered works with numerous schools and professional companies, including Bacchanale Variations, Signs of Life, Sadako, Poseidon, Transcription, Caprice, and Swan Lake for American Midwest Ballet. Matthew continues to serve as a guest teacher for schools throughout the country. Matthew is a founding member of American Midwest Ballet and returns for his twelfth season as ballet master.
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Artists Erin Alarcón
Artist Sponsors: Deborah & Clyde Overturff Hometown: Hackettstown, New Jersey Training & Experience: B.A. in dance from Mercyhurst University; New Jersey School of Dance Arts; summer programs at Eglevsky Ballet and Joffrey Ballet; professional performances with SoMar Dance Works and Ballet Concert; guest artist with Iowa Dance Theater Featured Repertory: Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker; Odette in Swan Lake; Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz; title roles in Giselle and Alice in Wonderland; featured roles in Tropico, Party Animals, The Diner, DanceSport, and Ella Additional Highlights: choreographed full-length original version of The Wizard of Oz, and short works That’s Where It’s At, Bricolage and One in Three featured in Momentum; twelfth season with American Midwest Ballet; founding company member
Rebecca Brenner
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio Training & Experience: B.F.A. in dance from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music; Columbus City Ballet School, merit scholarship at Orlando Ballet School; summer program at American Ballet Theater; member of Rochester City Ballet
Featured Repertory: Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Little Swan and Neapolitan variation in Swan Lake; roles in Giselle, The Nutcracker, Paquita, Cleopatra, and Go West! Additional Highlights: participated in Youth American Grand Prix New York City finals; eighth season with American Midwest Ballet
Nora Carr
Artist Sponsors: Herb & Carole Dewey Hometown: Burnt Hills, New York Training & Experience: B.F.A. in dance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music; Akjun Ballet Theatre; Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet; Northeast Ballet Artist; summer programs at American Ballet Theater, Miami City Ballet, Saratoga Summer Dance Intensive, CPYB; scholarship recipient at New York Summer School of the Arts Featured Repertory: Roles in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Appalachian Song, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream Additional Highlight: sixth season with American Midwest Ballet
Elena Carter
Hometown: Seattle, Washington Training & Experience: B.F.A. in dance and B.A. in mathematics from the University of Arizona; Pacific Northwest Ballet School; summer programs at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Perry Mansfield, Ballet Austin, Los Angeles Ballet, Ballet Chicago, and Pacific Northwest Ballet
Featured Repertory: roles in The Wizard of Oz, The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Death and the Maiden, In the Style of Bob Fosse, and Appalachian Song; performed the solo Temporary Dwelling in Omaha Dance Project Additional Highlights: selected to train with Pacific Northwest Ballet at the age of eight on full scholarship through a public outreach program; fifth season with American Midwest Ballet
Ryan Christopher
Hometown: Golden, Colorado Training & Experience: International Youth Ballet School and Performing Arts Conservatory of Texas; professional dancer with Ballet Ariel and Boulder Ballet; guest artist throughout Colorado and around the United States
Featured Repertory: soloist in Paquita; pas de trois in Swan Lake; pas de six in Giselle; Snow King and Cavalier in The Nutcracker; Wizard in The Wizard of Oz; featured roles in On My Mother’s Side and Go West! Additional Highlights: former baseball and football athlete; professional costume and prop designer; ninth season with American Midwest Ballet
Fredrick Davis
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York Training & Experience: Trained on full scholarship with Ballet Tennessee; worked with Arthur Mitchell at Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble; promoted to company member under the direction of Virginia Johnson; guest artist for Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Ballet Tucson, Dance Theatre of Harlem, San Jose Dance Theatre, New Jersey Ballet Company, and Connecticut Ballet; guest choreographer for Neville Dance Theatre
Featured Repertory: Balanchine’s Agon, Alvin Ailey’s The Lark Ascending, Ulysses Dove’s Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven Additional Highlights: Featured in the award-winning PBS documentary From the Streets to the Stage: the Journey of Fredrick Davis, sharing the story of his life beginning as a homeless child on the street and transcending to be a world-class ballet dancer; U.S. Ambassador for Dance Theatre of Harlem in Jamaica, St. Thomas, and Honduras; performances at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, the Donald McKayle honors performance in Irvine, California, and the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.; first season with American Midwest Ballet
Claire Goodwillie
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Training & Experience: Omaha Theater Ballet School; summer programs at Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet Austin; apprentice with Omaha Theater Ballet Featured Repertory: title role in Cleopatra; Rat Queen in The Nutcracker; Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; featured roles in Sadako, Party Animals, Giselle, The Diner, and Go West!; Edgar L. Page’s A Slow Drag
Additional Highlights: twelfth season with American Midwest Ballet; founding company member
Alyssa Grimsley
Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas Training & Experience: B.F.A. in ballet performance from the University of Oklahoma, summa cum laude; Western Arkansas Ballet; summer programs at Joffrey Midwest, Ballet Austin, Tulsa Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet
Featured Repertory: Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Gift of Heart in the Wizard of Oz, Big Swan in Swan Lake, Chinese and Spanish in The Nutcracker; roles in French Songs, Death and the Maiden, Giselle, Paquita, Go West!, and Ella Additional Highlights: toured with Oklahoma Festival Ballet to Eisenstadt, Austria and with Burklyn Ballet Theatre to Edinburgh, Scotland; eighth season with American Midwest Ballet
Alexandra Hoffmann
Artist Sponsors: John Ritland, Greta Vaught, & Mia Ritland Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Training & Experience: Ana Lobe of Cleveland San Jose Ballet; summer programs at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and Louisville Ballet; trainee with Louisville Ballet Featured Repertory: Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker; Gift of Wisdom in The Wizard of Oz; Maiden in Death and the Maiden; Fee in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Little Swan in Swan Lake; roles in Group Therapy, Cleopatra, Go West!, Bournonville Divertissements, and Transcription Additional Highlight: seventh season with American Midwest Ballet
Richard Marks Hometown: Waukee, Iowa Training & Experience: Milwaukee Ballet II; Westside Dance Academy; The Pointe Academy Featured Repertory: Frank Chaves’ Habaneras, the Music of Cuba; Russian in The Nutcracker; Rustic in Bruce Wells’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Dark Angel in George Balanchine’s Serenade; Vicor in Michael Pink’s Dracula Additional Highlight: third season with American Midwest Ballet
Kelanie Murphy
Artist Sponsors: Polina & Bob Schlott Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Training & Experience: B.F.A. in dance performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City; Madison Ballet, Minnesota Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Judith Svalander School of Ballet; summer programs at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Kansas City Ballet Featured Repertory: Porcelain Doll and French in The Nutcracker; roles in French Songs, The Wizard of Oz, and Habaneras, the Music of Cuba; Ann Reinking and Dylis Croman’s staging of Bob Fosse’s Trumpet Solo from ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ Additional Highlight: fourth season with American Midwest Ballet
Kogan Murphy
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Training & Experience: Joffrey Ballet trainee; Ballet Theatre of Indiana, Judith Svalander School of Ballet; Joffrey Ballet summer program Featured Repertory: lead in Rhapsody in Blue; Spanish in The Nutcracker; Little Swan in Swan Lake; roles in The Wizard of Oz, Giselle, Appalachian Song, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Additional Highlights: Miss Illinois talent scholarship and Miss Douglas County; seventh season with American Midwest Ballet
Wyatt Payne
Artist Sponsors: Omaha World-Herald Hometown: Wichita, Kansas Training & Experience: B.F.A in ballet performance from Friends University; Rogers Ballet; summer programs at Next Generation Ballet and Oklahoma City Ballet Featured Repertory: Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Nutcracker Prince, Russian, and Arabian in The Nutcracker; roles in The Wizard of Oz, Death and the Maiden, Appalachian Song, Bricolage, and Habaneras, the Music of Cuba. Additional Highlight: fifth season with American Midwest Ballet
Katerina Schweitzer
Artist Sponsors: Herb & Carole Dewey Hometown: Vero Beach, Florida Training & Experience: apprentice with Gelsey Kirkland Ballet; Space Coast Ballet Academy; Kirova Ballet Academy of Miami; private training by Heidi Khursandi; Gelsey Kirkland Ballet Academy graduate; summer programs at American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Vero Beach, Kirova Ballet Academy of Miami, and Gelsey Kirkland Academy Featured Repertory: Spanish in The Nutcracker; roles in Death and the Maiden, Group Therapy, The Wizard of Oz, Appalachian Song, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Habaneras, the Music of Cuba; Ray Mercer’s Ghost Light Additional Highlight: fifth season with American Midwest Ballet
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Amaris Sharratt
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona Training & Experience: Ballet Arts; summer programs at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Ballet Tucson on full scholarship; performed with Milwaukee Ballet II, Houston Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theater, Ballet Tucson, Earthen Vessels, and Hopestone Dance Company
Featured Repertory: Poppy Queen and Gift of Courage in The Wizard of Oz; lead in French Songs; Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Arabian and Chinese soloist in The Nutcracker; roles in Giselle, Paquita, Cleopatra, Go West!, Swan Lake, and Ella; Sandra Organ Solis’ Pearl Additional Highlights: performed in Edinburgh, Scotland as a scholarship recipient at Burklyn Ballet Theater; eighth season with American Midwest Ballet
Isaac Sharratt Hometown: Tucson, Arizona Training & Experience: Milwaukee Ballet; Ballet Tucson; Milwaukee Ballet II; Ballet Arts Tucson; Tucson Regional Ballet Academy Featured Repertory: Leading and soloist roles including Michael Pink’s Beauty and the Beast, Dracula, and La Boheme; Aleix Mañé Sáez’ ExiliO; Mark Godden’s Angels in the Architecture; Erika Overturff ’s Party Animals; Cavalier and Thistle in The Nutcracker; Frank Chaves’ If Only Additional Highlights: choreographed works at company and second company levels; third season with American Midwest Ballet
Victor Smith
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia Training & Experience: Diploma of Dance, Queensland Conservatoire of Ballet, Brisbane; Royal Academy of Dance, Advanced 2 exam, with distinction; Cecchetti, Advanced 1 exam, with honors; Boston Ballet School (trainee); Gelsey Kirkland Ballet Academy, studio company; Joffrey Ballet School, performance company; Baltimore Ballet; Charlottesville Ballet, principal; Ballet Theater of Maryland, soloist; US International Ballet, principal
Featured Repertory: Male lead in Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain, Kettentanz, and Birthday Variations; Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet; Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream Additional Highlights: First season with American Midwest Ballet
Make Your Move! Did you know the American Midwest Ballet School offers adult classes in fitness, beginning and intermediate/advanced ballet, tap, and contemporary? You can start any time, and many classes are beginnerfriendly! Get a move on and have some fun with us! Learn more at amballet.org/school.
Anna Swenson Artist Sponsor: Sharon McGill
Hometown: Spokane, Washington Training & Experience: Ballet Arts Academy; trainee program at school of Alberta Ballet; summer programs at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Joffrey Ballet’s Jazz and Contemporary program, and School of Alberta Ballet
Featured Repertory: Emerald Queen in The Wizard of Oz; Snow Queen and Arabian Princess in The Nutcracker; Big Swan in Swan Lake; featured roles in Blackbird, Appalachian Song, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Seneca Montgomery’s Order in the Chaos Additional Highlight: ninth season with American Midwest Ballet
Whitney Walsh Hometown: Westlake Village, California Training & Experience: Joffrey Ballet trainee; guest artist at Pacific Festival Ballet; California Dance Theatre; summer programs at Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre New York, Houston Ballet, and Kirov Academy of Ballet Featured Repertory: Porcelain Doll and Spanish in The Nutcracker; Little Swan in Swan Lake; roles in Connemara, In the Style of Bob Fosse, One in Three, Transcription, Ella, The Diner, Go West!, Appalachian Song, and Giselle Additional Highlights: performed several world premieres in Joffrey Ballet’s Winning Works; eighth season with American Midwest Ballet
Apprentices Leah Kressin
Hometown: Carlsbad, California Training & Experience: Bachelor of Arts in dance from California State University Long Beach; San Elijo Dance and Music Academy on merit scholarship, City Ballet of San Diego, San Diego Ballet Collective; master classes with Gelsey Kirkland, David Howard, Susan Jaffe, Abbie Seifel, Desmond Richardson, Lawrence Rosenberg, Ivan Vargas
Summer Programs: American Ballet Theatre, Escuela Internacional de Flamenco Manolete
Jessica Lopes
Hometown: Lages, Brazil Training & Experience: Milwaukee Ballet II; Miami City Ballet School; Escola de Dança Alice Arja; performed with Companhia de Ballet do Rio de Janeiro Summer Programs: Miami City Ballet School, Milwaukee Ballet, Seminário de Dança de Minas
Suddenly it all comes together, beautifully…
Momentum October 15 & 16 Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
The Nutcracker November 19 & 20 Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center December 3 & 4 Orpheum Theater
The Wizard of Oz April 7 Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center May 13 & 14 Orpheum Theater
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