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CONTENTS Colorado Ballet Publication 2017-2018 Tamar Moye Colorado Ballet Editor
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Letter from the Director Letter from the Board of Trustees Chandra Kuykendall’s 20th Season
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COVER PHOTO: Dracula Chandra Kuykendall and Domenico Luciano Photo by Allen Birnbach CONTENTS PHOTOS: The Nutcracker Photo by Allen Birnbach
Francisco Estevez
Romeo and Juliet Photo by Allen Birnbach
Sharon Wehner and Yosvani Ramos
Ballet Director’s Choice Photo by Allen Birnbach
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6 Colorado Ballet
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FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Welcome to the first production of Colorado Ballet’s spectacular 57th season! The 2017/2018 season offers something for everyone, from the crowdfavorite Dracula, to beloved holiday tradition The Nutcracker, to the romantic Shakespearean classic Romeo and Juliet and the exciting collection of ballets in Ballet Director’s Choice. As I start my 12th season as Colorado Ballet’s artistic director, I want to thank everyone who has supported the ballet by purchasing tickets, making donations and attending our events—you have contributed to our success! Speaking of success, did you know that the last four seasons have been the most successful in the history of our organization? Artistically, our Company continues to receive rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, including most recently at the Vail Dance Festival in August. We look forward to another amazing season of outstanding performances! Back by popular demand, our season opener Dracula is an audience and dancer favorite because it features a beloved story told using exhilarating music, grand sets, lavish costumes, and plenty of horrific excitement. Based on Bram Stoker’s Gothic romantic horror, Dracula includes enthralling choreography by Michael Pink, hypnotic music by Philip Feeney performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, and plenty of spine-tingling terror. We hope you feel like you are part of the action in one of the most popular ballets in our repertoire. Watch out for seductive vampires, frightening mental patients, and the king of the undead himself, Count Dracula! After Dracula, I encourage you to join us for a holiday classic that has delighted sold-out audiences for nearly 60 years, The Nutcracker, with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. We have known for a long time how special our Nutcracker is—and late in 2016, the 10th Annual Goldstar National Nutcracker Award contest named our production the best-loved Nutcracker in the U.S. Winning the award in a field that included more than 80 Nutcrackerthemed productions around the country proves what a delightful holiday classic we have right here in Denver. Find out what makes this ballet so enchanting by experiencing the tradition, humor, and magic of this seasonal production. Performances sell out quickly, so buy your tickets early. In the spring, you’ll fall in love with Colorado Ballet’s presentation of the Shakespearean romance, Romeo and Juliet, featuring extraordinary choreography by Derek Deane and a phenomenal musical score by Sergei Prokofiev, performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Romeo and Juliet demands exceptional levels of ballet technique, artistry and acting from the dancers. From the energetic crowd scenes to the famous balcony scene that transitions into a gorgeous pas de deux between the starcrossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet will take your breath away. Watch us bring one of the most powerful love stories of all time to life! In March, we will close the 2017/2018 season with a collection of ballets in Ballet Director’s Choice, which includes Pillar of Fire by choreographer Antony Tudor with music by Arnold Schoenberg, Brief Fling by choreographer Twyla Tharp with music by Michel Colombier and Percy Grainger, and a third work. Performing works by Tudor and Tharp in one program will prove that our dancers are up to the challenge of dancing works by some of the best choreographers in the world. While this repertory production will appeal to die-hard ballet fans, it will also appeal to people who are not as familiar with ballet because all of the works are unique and showcase different styles of music, costumes, storytelling and dance. Thank you for attending Dracula and for supporting Colorado Ballet. Enjoy the performance! Gil Boggs Artistic Director
8 Colorado Ballet
FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Welcome to the opening production of our 57th season, the spine-tingling crowd-favorite Dracula! The Colorado Ballet Board of Trustees is proud to bring you another season of stunning classical ballet and inspiring contemporary works. As Board Co-Chairs, we are honored to announce that last season was the most successful season in the history of Colorado Ballet! We shattered attendance and revenue records and our exceptional dancers and musicians received rave reviews from audiences and critics. Our production of The Nutcracker was also named the best-loved Nutcracker in the country. Colorado Ballet is truly a world-class ballet company! In addition to presenting outstanding performances, Colorado Ballet also educates the next generation of dancers through the Colorado Ballet Academy. Students from toddlers to adults, beginners to advanced preprofessionals all have the opportunity to take a wide range of dance classes in the Academy. Many of our Academy students also have the opportunity to audition for roles and perform on stage with the professional Company each year. Colorado Ballet further instills the love of dance through its education and community engagement programs. These programs, which impact more than 35,000 contacts each year in more than 300 schools and organizations, provide opportunities for in-need students, teachers, families and individuals with disabilities to take classes and attend performances. We hope you enjoy today’s performance and will consider supporting Colorado Ballet through a donation. Ticket sales cover only 55 percent of our annual budget, so we depend on the generous support of our patrons to continue presenting world-class classical ballet and innovative dance in Colorado. Donors of $1,000 or more belong to the Premiere Society and enjoy unique benefits such as exclusive events, complimentary drinks at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and free parking for ballet performances at the Ellie. Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Elizabeth Katkin and Duke Hartman Board Co-Chairs
COLORADO BALLET BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE BOARD BOARD CO-CHAIR Duke Hartman BOARD CO-CHAIR Elizabeth Katkin SECRETARY JoAnne Zboyan TREASURER AND FINANCE CO-CHAIR William J. Tryon FINANCE CO-CHAIR Brent L. Backes CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CHAIR Merry Logan DEVELOPMENT CHAIR Colleen Curran ACADEMY CO-CHAIRS Raydean Acevedo Holly Baroway
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Founders Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker Artistic Director Gil Boggs Ballet Mistresses Sandra Brown, Lorita Travaglia, Maria Mosina Musical Director and Principal Conductor Adam Flatt Associate Conductor Catherine Sailer THE COMPANY Principals Dana Benton, Chandra Kuykendall, Domenico Luciano, Yosvani Ramos, Asuka Sasaki, Sharon Wehner Soloists Morgan Buchanan, Francisco Estevez, Tracy Jones, Christophor Moulton, Kevin GaĂŤl Thomas Corps de Ballet Joshua Allenback, Ariel Breitman, Arianna Ciccarelli, Mackenzie Dessens, Alyssa Fazekas, Kevin Hale, Bryce Lee, Fernanda Oliveira, Sean Omandam, Kristine Padgett, Nicolas Pelletier, Emily Speed, Jeremy Studinski, Sarah Tryon, Ben Winegar, Melissa Zoebisch Apprentices Regan Kucera, Francesca Martoccio, Tyler Rhoads, Sara VanderVoort Studio Company Erin Arndorfer, Amber Ball, Simon Zinabu Costello, Brianna Crockett, Julia Davies, Kelly Dornan, Isabella Furrillo, Hannah Geisman, Sara Jumper, Reagan Lawthers, Tate Lee, Ariel McCarty, Leah McFadden, Philip Perez, Camille Reaux, Vara Shiva Reom, Ian Santiago, Marie Tender, Gianna Marie Tolotta, Kristine Marie Wiggins, Alexandra Wilson Colorado Ballet | 1075 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 | 303-837-8888 | www.coloradoballet.org Out of courtesy to the dancers, the taking of photographs of any nature is strictly prohibited during performances. Please silence all cellular telephones, pagers and audible devices. Colorado Ballet productions are made possible in part by funding from the citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. The Artists of Colorado Ballet are represented by The American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO; the union that represents Artists in the fields of opera, ballet, modern dance and choral presentations.
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Dracula October 6-15, 2017 Ellie Caulkins Opera House Choreography by Michael Pink Direction by Lorita Travaglia Music by Philip Feeney Original Costumes and Production Design by Lez Brotherston Lighting by David Grill UK Wardrobe Supervisor Diane Williams UK Make-Up/Wigs Chris Redman UK Production Manager Simon Byford World premiere Sept. 16, 1996, Bradford Alhambra, England Original production directed by Christopher Gable and Michael Pink Synopsis Act I, Prologue Jonathan Harker’s mind is flooded with images of his terrifying experience in Transylvania…in his delirium his ravings have been dreadful – of wolves and poison and blood, of ghosts and demons… Act I, Scene 1: The Woods Charing Cross Station, London Mina and Dr. Van Helsing accompany Harker to the station as he sets off on his journey to see Count Dracula in Transylvania, where he is to conduct the Count’s purchase of properties in England. A mental patient, Renfield, being escorted through the station, causes a disturbing incident. Act I, Scene 2: Transylvania Harker arrives in Transylvania, where he watches as villagers enact a violent ritual of sacrifice to protect their village from the dangers that threaten on All Souls Night. The ceremony is interrupted by a sinister figure, Count Dracula’s coachman. Despite the desperate appeal of a bereaved woman, Harker continues his journey to Dracula’s castle. Act I, Scene 3: Count Dracula’s Castle The Count welcomes Harker into his home and, having made him comfortable, withdraws. Harker sinks into a reverie and is visited by three women who both fascinate and terrify him. His seduction is interrupted by an enraged Count Dracula who distracts the vampire women with a live blood offering. Count Dracula now begins his domination of the helpless Harker. As the climax of their union approaches, Harker’s scream of terror wakes him from his nightmare, and he finds himself in the sanatorium with his wife’s arms around him. ACT II Act II, Scene 1: Winter Garden at the Grand Hotel in Whitby At a Tea Dance in the Grand Hotel, Mina’s friend Lucy dances with her suitors, while unbeknownst to them, a Russian ship approaches with a sinister and dangerous cargo. Only Harker is sensitive to the impending danger. A violent storm interrupts the dance, breaking open the windows, and at the height of its fury, the figure of Count Dracula appears on the terrace. The hotel guests are unaware of his presence, but Lucy is drawn to him. As the sound of the storm returns, Count Dracula disappears and Lucy is discovered dazed and almost unconscious. Act II, Scene 2: The Sanatorium Lucy is taken to Dr. Van Helsing’s clinic, where her anxious fiancé and her friends visit her. As they leave for the night, Van Helsing, who has noticed the strange puncture marks on Lucy’s neck, takes the precaution of surrounding her with wild garlic. This does not prevent a second visit from Count Dracula. Later that night, Lucy’s body is discovered on the floor of her bedroom. The heartbroken men grieve over the loss of this beautiful young woman. As her fiancé places a crucifix on her lips, Lucy attacks him violently before escaping into the night. She has become Nosferatu, one of the undead.
2 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
ACT III Act III, Scene 1: Mina’s Room Mina, alone in the sanatorium, thinks of the terrible danger that is hovering over them all. After the departure of the men she and Van Helsing are startled by the escaped mental patient, Renfield, who attacks Van Helsing and draws blood before being overpowered by the wardens. Concerned for Renfield’s suffering, Mina tries in vain to comfort and understand him. As she waits anxiously for the return of the men, she imagines with horror what her friend Lucy has become. The men fail in their attempt to find Count Dracula, but later that night, as Harker sleeps, the Count enters Mina’s room. Van Helsing discovers them as Count Dracula suckles Mina with his own lifeblood. Van Helsing has no power to prevent the Count from escaping and taking an unconscious Mina with him. Count Dracula has chosen to celebrate his union with Mina in the vault at Carfax Abbey. His heart-beat is the pulse that summons the Nosferatu to the ceremony. Renfield has become the sacrifice, and it is his blood that links the undead as they dance in adoration of their master. As the celebrants prepare for the consummation of the ritual, an explosion blasts through the crypt and daylight floods into the vault. Count Dracula can withstand the light but his power is diminished and his adversaries pursue him, finally driving a stake through his heart. The survivors are left to come to terms with their experience.
Artistic Staff Gil Boggs, Artistic Director Gil Boggs began his dance career with the Atlanta Ballet. He joined American Ballet Theatre in New York in 1982 and was promoted to soloist dancer in 1984 and principal dancer in 1991. Boggs was a member of the company for 17 years. Boggs also performed with the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, Baryshnikov and Company, Nureyev and Friends, and made several guest appearances around the world. During his career with ABT, he was recognized as both an accomplished virtuoso and one of the company’s most popular performers. Boggs has worked with numerous noted choreographers, including Agnes de Mille, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Paul Taylor, Mark Morris, Jerome Robbins and Merce Cunningham and has an extensive performance repertoire of both classical and contemporary works. Boggs accepted the position of Artistic Director with Colorado Ballet in the Spring of 2006. In Boggs’ tenure with Colorado Ballet he has restaged full-length productions of Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Don Quixote and Coppelia along with adding new full-length productions of Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, Le Corsaire, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan. Boggs has also presented 15 world premieres and 12 Colorado Ballet premieres by such renowned choreographers as Twyla Tharp, Lar Lubovitch, Antony Tudor, Val Caniparoli, Dwight Rhoden and Lynne TaylorCorbett.
Sandra Brown, Ballet Mistress Sandra Brown joined the corps de ballet of American Ballet Theatre in 1987 under the directorship of Mikhail Baryshnikov and was promoted to soloist in 1992 where she remained until 2003. During that time, she danced not only numerous classical full length principal roles, but gained recognition for her leading contemporary roles as well. Most notably, she created and danced the world premiere role of Desdemona in Lar
Lubovitch’s full-length Othello in 1997 and appears in ABT’s film productions of Romeo and Juliet, Le Corsaire, and the documentary Ballet. In 2000, Brown was featured in the movie Center Stage and appears in the film The Company. Brown also holds the honor of appearing on Broadway as the original Louise Bigelow in the Tony Award-winning 1994 revival of Carousel, directed by Nicholas Hytner and choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan at the Lincoln Center Theater. In 2003, Brown left ABT to pursue work as a freelance artist with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Stiefel and Stars, Vladimir Malakhov, Peter Boal and Company, Chamber Dance Project, Dancers Patrelle, Ballet Hawaii and Madison Ballet. During this time, she also was asked to perform as a guest artist at the Vail International Festival, became certified to teach Pilates, taught for the ABT Summer Intensive, and choreographed the ballet Synchronicity. In 2006, she joined her husband, Gil Boggs, to work with Colorado Ballet. Since then, she has assisted staging the full-length productions of Giselle, Don Quixote, and Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Brown has also assisted with choreographing and staging of The Nutcracker, Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake. In addition, she assisted staging Lar Lubovitch’s Smile With my Heart, Dwight Rhoden’s Ave Maria, Twyla Tharp’s In The Upper Room, Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, and Edwaard Liang’s Feast of the Gods. Brown restaged her ballet, Synchronicity, for Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company. In 2007, she was asked to stage Smile with my Heart for the Joffrey Ballet. In 2013, she staged Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s Great Galloping Gottschalk at the University of South Carolina and in 2014 at NBA of Japan. In 1989 and 1990, she was chosen by Mikhail Baryshnikov to choreograph for the American Ballet Theatre Choreographic Workshop. During her tenure, she has choreographed for the Bal de Ballet, an event hosted by the Denver Ballet Guild. Her creations are From Within, Crimson Surges, Unforgettable, Grand Pas Fantastique, Heart Strings, One by One, Set Fire to the Rain, The Secret Garden, Young and Beautiful, The Charleston, Scheherazade, and Pirates of the Caribbean. In 2014, she gained critical acclaim for the ballet The Last Beat, which she created on the dancers of Colorado Ballet to the music of DeVotchKa.
Generously supported by Pam and Duke Hartman Colorado Ballet • Dracula 3
Artistic Staff Lorita Travaglia, Ballet Mistress Lorita Travaglia is originally from New Zealand. She received her ballet training at the National School of Ballet and later the Royal Ballet School in London. Lorita made her debut as a professional dancer with the Berlin Ballet. After six years with the Company, she moved to the United States where she worked with Princeton Ballet, Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and International Ballet Rotaru, dancing solo and principal roles in a wide range of repertoire. Her favorite roles include Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Swanhilda in Coppelia, Cinderella, Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Paquita. In 1992, Lorita returned to New Zealand, but continued to perform as a guest artist with companies in the United States as well as Company Z, a contemporary dance company in New Zealand. Lorita began teaching in 1988 while still performing and studied the Vaganova methodology. She was the principal teacher for a professional training program in Auckland, New Zealand and later, as artistic director of Canyon Concert Ballet in Fort Collins, Colorado, she set up a similar aspirant program. In 1999, Lorita joined Colorado Ballet as director of the Apprentice Program and company repetiteur, and has been ballet mistress since 2006. Her choreography includes Equanimity, Aspects, Pictures at an Exhibition, Piazzolla and, most recently, The Angel of Buenos Aires for Colorado Ballet and a full-length The Nutcracker for Canyon Concert Ballet. Lorita graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2000 and has a private practice in Denver. She is an avid tango dancer and is the Creative Director of Parasol Arts.
she retired at the end of the 2016/2017 season. She has now joined the artistic staff of the company.
Generously supported by Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Adam Flatt, Music Director & Principal Conductor
Generously supported by Lafawn Biddle
Adam Flatt has served as Music Director and Principal Conductor of Colorado Ballet since 2007, conducting hundreds of performances in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and leading the Colorado Ballet Orchestra to a widely recognized period of excellence. Well known to Colorado audiences, Adam served as Associate Conductor of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, where he led over 250 concerts in an acclaimed five-year tenure, and Music Director of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra for seven years, leading that orchestra at home in Denver and on international tours. In addition to his work at Colorado Ballet, Adam is Music Director of the Newport Symphony Orchestra on the Oregon coast, and the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. As a guest conductor he has led performances with orchestras all over the United States and productions for the major ballet companies of Portland and Salt Lake City. He serves on the musical faculties of both the Rocky Ridge Music Center and Summerfest at the Curtis Institute of Music. Adam Flatt has his bachelor’s degree in music with honors from the University of California at Berkeley, and his master’s degree in instrumental and opera conducting from the Indiana University School of Music. Adam Flatt and his family make their home in Denver. www.adamflatt.com
Maria Mosina, Ballet Mistress
Generously supported by Sandy Elliott
Maria Mosina was born in Moscow and graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia. Upon graduation, Maria joined the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich Company and immediately was chosen for principal roles. She toured the world appearing on all major European, American, African and Asian stages. In 1995, Maria was invited by Colorado Ballet to join as a leading principal dancer. She performed all major parts in classical productions and also had the chance to show her talent in neoclassical, modern and contemporary choreographed master pieces. Maria was a featured dancer on the cover of Dance Magazine and has been featured in other magazine articles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in methodology and pedagogy from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography. She is also an active ballet instructor throughout the United States. She participated as a master teacher and judge for the Youth American Grand Prix. Maria performed leading roles in all major productions as a member of the Company, as well as a guest artist with many other festivals, galas, and companies. After 21 seasons as a principal dancer with Colorado Ballet,
Catherine Sailer, Associate Conductor
4 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
Catherine Sailer, Director of Choral Studies at the University of Denver, conducts the Lamont Chorale, Lamont Women’s Chorus and the Evans Choir. She is also the Associate Conductor of the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Conducting credits include the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra, Beijing Symphony, National Symphony, Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra, National Opera of China, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Central City Opera Chorus, Dale Warland Singers, Kansas City Chorale, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Oregon Bach Festival. She was the winner of Chorus America’s Robert Shaw Conducting Fellowship.
Dancers PRINCIPALS
Chandra Kuykendall
Dana Benton
Chandra Kuykendall is from Parker, Colorado and trained at the Academy of Colorado Ballet from 1988 until graduating in 1997. In 1996, she won the Denver Ballet Guild Competition and received the prestigious Florence Rustin Award. She also attended summer programs at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Vail under full scholarship, Kirov Academy of Ballet, San Francisco Ballet Academy and School of American Ballet. After graduating from the Academy in 1997, Chandra joined Colorado Ballet. She spent the 1998-1999 season with Leipzig Ballet in Leipzig, Germany under the direction of the brilliant choreographer Uwe Scholz. She returned to Colorado Ballet in the fall of 1999. With Colorado Ballet, Chandra has danced numerous principal roles including Princess Aurora and Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Giselle and Myrta in Giselle, Medora in Le Corsaire, Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in The Nutcracker, Cinderella in Cinderella, Dryad Queen in Don Quixote, Lucy in Dracula, Titania and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Firebird in Firebird, the principal role in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, the Crossover Girl in Twyla Tharp’s In The Upper Room, the Mother in Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, 3rd Duet in Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, the Brown Girl in Celts, the Kick Girl in George Balanchine’s Rubies, principal role in Theme and Variations, 2nd Violin in Concerto Barocco, Waltz Girl in Serenade, and Gerald Arpino’s well-known pas de deux from Light Rain. Her favorite of these roles was the tragic Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. She has also been featured in Antony Tudor’s Leaves Are Fading, Stanton Welch’s Of Blessed Memory, Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, Septime Webre’s Where the Wild Things Are, Edwaard Liang’s Feast of the Gods, Jodie Gates’ Embellish, Emery LeCrone’s Archetypes, Val Caniparoli’s In Pieces, Jessica Lang’s From Foreign Lands and People and De Profundis, Mathew Neenan’s The Faraway, Amy Seiwert’s Traveling Alone and Things Left Unsaid, Carmina Burana, Great Galloping Gottschalk, Yes, Virginia, Another Piano Ballet and Martin Fredmann’s A Little Love as well as his Dreamspace shown on PBS. The August 2013 issue of 5280 Magazine featured Chandra in an article highlighting seven of Colorado’s athletes. This is her 20th season with Colorado Ballet.
Dana Benton was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where she began her training with Lou and Pauline Zamprogna at The Dance Centre. At the age of nine, she was accepted to the National Ballet School in Toronto where she trained for eight years. She went on exchange to Hamburg Ballet School in Hamburg, Germany. Dana graduated from the National Ballet School with Honors in Academics and received the Peter Dwyer Award for Excellence in Dance. Upon graduating in 2000, Dana received a contract with the Alberta Ballet Company in Canada. She spent one year with the company as an Apprentice. In 2001, she joined Colorado Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member. In 2007, she was promoted to Soloist and in 2014, was promoted to Principal. With Colorado Ballet, Dana has worked with many well-known choreographers and repetiteurs including Val Caniparoli, Bronwen Curry, Karina Elver, Judith Fugate, John Gardner, Thierry Michel, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Jessica Lang, Edwaard Liang, Donald Mahler, Amanda McKerrow, Luiz Ortiz, Janie Parker, Michael Pink, Viki Psihoyos, Brian Reeder, Domy Reiter-Soffer, Dwight Rhoden, Roman Rykine, Amy Seiwert, James Sofranko, Ben Stevenson, Paul Sutherland, Lynn Taylor-Corbett, Doug Varone, Dominic Walsh, Shelly Washington, Septime Webre, Christopher Wheeldon, Lila York, and Stefan Zeromski. Since joining Colorado Ballet, she has performed many soloist and principal roles. Her notable roles include The Sylph in La Sylphide, Alice in ALICE (in Wonderland), Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Swanilda in Coppélia, 4th pas de deux in Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, Waltz Girl in Balanchine’s Serenade, Cow Girl in Rodeo, Ave Maria Pas de Deux, Sugar Plum and Clara in The Nutcracker, Gulnara in Le Corsaire, Tinker Bell in Peter Pan, Pink and Aqua in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Red Girl in Celts, Lucy in Dracula, Princess Florine and Diamond Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Odette/Odile and Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Peasant Pas in Giselle, Flower Girl and Cupid in Don Quixote, Hermia and Peaseblossom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Flames of Paris Pas de Deux, Bomb Squad in In The Upper Room, Lead Souvenir Lady in the Great Galloping Gottschalk, The Muse in Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb), The Angel in Lorita Travaglia’s The Angel of Buenos Aires and the featured role in Amy Seiwert’s Traveling Alone. In 2015, Pointe Magazine named Dana as one of the top 12 “Standout Performances” of the year for her performance of Traveling Alone with Amy Seiwert’s Imagery.
Generously supported by Montine Hansl & Jane and Skip Netzorg
Generously supported by Joanne Posner Mayer Domenico Luciano Domenico Luciano was born in Naples, Italy and graduated from Royal Teatro di San Carlo Ballet School in Naples in 1999. In the same year, Domenico was invited to join the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Dusseldorf, Germany. After dancing with several companies in Europe including Europadance in France, Maggio Danza in Florence, Teatro Dell’Opera in Rome and Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, in 2004 Domenico joined Tulsa Ballet as a Demi-Soloist. In 2005, he joined Dominic Walsh Dance Theater in Houston as Principal Dancer. His repertoire includes many of the
Colorado Ballet • Dracula 5
Dancers classical principal leads such as Romeo, Paris, and Benvolio in both Sir Kenneth MacMillan and John Cranko’s Romeo & Juliet; Romeo and Paris in Amedeo Amodio’s Romeo & Juliet with Eleonora Abbagnato, Etoile with Paris Opera Ballet; Solor in La Bayadere, The Prince in The Nutcracker, and Albrecht in Giselle, all by Derek Dean; In the Night by Jerome Robbins; Onegin in John Cranko’s Onegin; Roland Petit’s Ma Pavlova with international ballerina Lucia Lacarra; and Don Jose with the National Ballet of China in Carmen. Domenico also excels in his contemporary repertoire, which includes George Balanchine’s La Valse; Nacho Duato’s Jardi Tancat and Without Words; and Orfeo in Carole Armitage’s Orfeo and Eurydice. With Dominic Walsh Dance Theater he performed Matz Ek’s Pas de Dans, Jirˇí Kylián’s Double You and 27’52’’, and the role of the White Swan in the White Swan pas de deux from Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Le Spectre de la Rose, Desire in Sleeping Beauty, Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet, The Firebird with Paris Opera Ballet Étoile Marie-Agnès Gillot. As an international Principal Guest Artist, Domenico has danced in production with Tulsa Ballet, Ballet Quad Cities, Sarasota Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, National Ballet of China and The New National Theater in Tokyo. He has also been invited to various national and International Galas and Dance Festivals. In 2003, he received the Leonide Massine award in Positano, Italy as Best Male Dancer of the Year. In October 2008, the Houston Press named him “Best Dancer.” Pointe Magazine also named him as “Standouts: Our 12 favorite performances of 2009” and in 2010, he received the “Young Talent Award” in Florence, Italy at DANZAINFIERA. He joined Colorado Ballet as a Soloist in 2013 and was promoted to Principal in 2014.
Generously supported by Paul Goodspeed and Mary Poole Yosvani Ramos Yosvani Ramos was born in Camagüey, Cuba and trained at the National Ballet School. In 1998, he went on to dance with Jeune Ballet de France and Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris after winning the Gold Medal at the Paris International Ballet Competition. He has also won the silver medal at the international ballet competitions in Varna in Bulgaria, Jackson Mississippi in the USA and Nagoya in Japan. He joined English National Ballet as a Soloist in 1999 and was promoted to Senior Soloist in 2000, then Principal Dancer in 2003 after his performance as Franz in Coppélia. Yosvani danced with ENB until 2008 when he joined The Australian Ballet as a Principal Artist, where he remained until April 2013. He has danced the lead roles in all the major classical ballets including Giselle, Swan Lake, Coppélia, Romeo & Juliet, Don Quixote, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, The Merry Widow, Manon, La Silphíde, The Snow Queen and Peter Pan as well as the lead in Les Sylphídes, Etudes, Mazurka in Suite en Blanc, principal man in Balanchine’s Stars & Stripes, Square Dance, Who Cares?, Ballet Imperial and ballets by Alexei Ratmanski, Nacho Duato, Kenneth MacMillan and many others. He has also guested all around the world. In September 2013, Yosvani danced at the XVIII International Ballet Festival in Miami, then spent several months guesting with companies in Europe and the USA. He joined the Cincinnati Ballet as Principal dancer in July 2014. Yosvani joined Colorado
6 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
Ballet at the beginning of the 2015-2016 season as Principal dancer. Since joining Colorado Ballet Yosvani has danced the roles of James in La Sylphíde, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Cavalier in The Nutcracker, the Dodo Bird, the Joker, the Mad Hatter and Lewis Carroll in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), and Prince Siegfried and Benno in Swan Lake.
Generously supported by Katherine and Michael Whitcomb Asuka Sasaki Asuka Sasaki was born in Nagano, Japan. She trained at the Beijing Dance Academy in China and later joined Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet as an Aspirant. She joined Colorado Ballet in 2005, was promoted to Soloist in 2010, and promoted to Principal in 2017. With Colorado Ballet, she has worked with accomplished choreographers including Val Caniparoli, Eldar Aliev, Michael Pink, Ben Stevenson, Martin Fredmann, Lila York, Shelly Washington, Jessica Lang, Dwight Rhoden, Edwaard Liang and Amy Seiwert. Asuka has danced many soloist roles with the Company. Her notable roles include, Clara and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Mercedes and Flower Girl in Don Quixote, Gulnara in Le Corsaire, Pas de Trois and Big Swans in Swan Lake, Myrta and Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle, Fleur de Farine, Miettis Fairy and Diamond in The Sleeping Beauty, Autumn Fairy and Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Red and Pink Couple in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Soloist in George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Russian in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Firebird in Firebird, and Little Mermaid in The Little Mermaid.
Generously supported by Debby Herz Sharon Wehner Sharon Wehner is originally from San Jose, California. She trained with Jody White and David Roxander, San Jose Dance Theatre, San Francisco Ballet and San Jose/ Cleveland Ballet. Sharon joined Colorado Ballet in 1995 and was promoted to Principal in 1999. During the last 22 years, she has performed many lead roles with the Company. These include Kitri in Don Quixote, Giselle in Giselle, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Medora in Le Corsaire, Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Swanilda in Coppelia, Mina in Dracula, Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, the Cowgirl in Rodeo, the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Cinderella in Cinderella, Esmerelda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Titania and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Second Violin in Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, the Principal couple in Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes, Rubies, and Theme and Variations, Antony Tudor’s Leaves are Fading, Twyla Tharpe’s In The Upper Room, the Sylph in La Sylphide, Alice in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), and Amy Seiwert’s duet It’s Not a Cry. She has been honored to have solos and pas de deuxs created on her by choreographers Val Caniparoli, Edwaard Liang, Mathew Neenan, Christopher
Dancers Wheeldon, Darrel Grand Moultrie, Dwight Rhoden, Jessica Lang, Brian Reeder and Toru Shimazaki. In addition to Colorado Ballet, Sharon has also performed with The Washington Ballet, Oakland Ballet and Amy Seiwert’s Imagery. She has also been a guest artist at the Vail Dance Festival, at the Aoyama Ballet Festival in Japan, and the National Ballet of Japan’s Golden Ballet Co-star. Sharon enjoys teaching dance to all ages and abilities, particularly Dance for Parkinson’s Disease. She is a certified Yoga Instructor and a certified GYROKINESIS® trainer.
Generously supported by Raydean Acevedo SOLOISTS
Morgan Buchanan Morgan Buchanan is from Houston, Texas. She trained at the Ballet Center of Houston under the direction of Victoria Vittum and Gilbert Rome. Morgan also trained at Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy for two years, under the direction of Sally Rojas and Sabrina Lenzi, where she earned the highest final evaluation variation score in her class. Before joining the Colorado Ballet Studio Company in 2009, she attended summer programs with American Ballet Theatre, Orlando Ballet and Houston Ballet. She joined the Company in 2011 and was promoted to Soloist in 2016. Her notable roles with Colorado Ballet include Wendy in Michael Pink’s Peter Pan, Vitality Fairy and Jewels in The Sleeping Beauty, Moyna in Giselle, Autumn Fairy and Fairy Godmother in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, First Passerby in Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, Effie in La Sylphide, Sonja in The Little Mermaid, Red in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, The Princess in Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird, the fifth pas de deux in Jirˇí Kylián’s Petit Mort, and Pas de Trois and Big Swans in Swan Lake.
Generously supported by Lynnette Morrison Francisco Estevez Born in Quito, Ecuador, Francisco moved to the USA in 1995. He began his ballet training in Louisville, Kentucky and at the age of 16, was invited to finish his professional training at the School of American Ballet in New York where he also had the opportunity to perform featured roles with the New York City Ballet. Upon graduating in 2008, Francisco joined Boston Ballet where he danced for two years before joining the Barcelona Ballet under the direction of Angel Corella in 2010. As a member of this company, he performed various soloist and principal roles and took part in the “Feria del Libro” in Guadalajara, Mexico, the Spoleto Festival in both Italy and Charleston, North Carolina and the Peralada festival, Catalonia. In 2011, Francisco won 1st Place at the Premio Internacional de Danza Roseta Mauri. His notable roles to date include
Balanchine’s Tarantella and the 1st and 2nd themes from The Four Temperaments, Jorma Elo’s Carmen Illusions, Principal in Jerome Robbin’s 2 & 3 Part Inventions and the 1st and 3rd Sailor in Robbins’ Fancy Free, Peter Martin’s Les Gentil Hommes, Christopher Wheeldon’s For Four, DGV, Polyphonia and VIII, Pink, Red and Aqua Couples in Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, Stanton Welch’s Clear, Franz in Coppelia, Benno and Neopolitan in Swan Lake, the Peasant pas de deux from Giselle, the pas de six from Napoli, the Nutcracker Prince and Sugarplum Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Jester in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Lysander in Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Renfield in Michael Pink’s Dracula, James in La Sylphide, White Rabbit, Dodo Bird and Joker in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Amy Seiwert’s It’s Not a Cry Pas de Deux, Prince Christian in Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s The Little Mermaid, Waltz Boy in George Balanchine’s Serenade, and Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, among others. Francisco joined Colorado Ballet during the 2012-2013 season and was promoted to Soloist in 2015.
Generously supported by Janis Brewster Tracy Jones Born in Cork, Ireland, Tracy started dancing at the age of five with Ballet Theatre Ireland. At 11, she went on to train at The Royal Ballet School in London. In 2006, Tracy won the Ursula Moreton choreographic competition and was a finalist of the Young British Dancer of the Year. During her final year, she performed with the Royal Ballet in various ballets and joined them on their 2007 International tour to Mexico and the USA. Upon graduating, Tracy joined the English National Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member where she performed in the UK and toured to Beijing, China. Tracy was a member of the Barcelona Ballet under the direction of Angel Corella from 2008 to 2012, where she toured worldwide, and had the opportunity to dance various soloist and principal roles. Tracy joined Colorado Ballet in 2013. In June of that year, Pointe Magazine named her as one of 10 “Stars in the Corps.” Her notable roles with Colorado Ballet include Zulma, Bathilde and Giselle’s friend in Giselle, Arabian in The Nutcracker, Summer Fairy in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Principal couple in Sandra Brown’s The Last Beat, Hermia and Scherzo Fairy in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Pas de Deux and 3rd Girl in Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, Effie in La Sylphide, Caterpillar in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), The Muse in Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb), Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain Pas de Deux, Pas de Trois and Big Swans in Swan Lake, The Sea Witch in Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s The Little Mermaid, The Dark Angel in George Balanchine’s Serenade, and 5th Pas de Deux in Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort. Tracy was promoted to Soloist in 2017.
Generously supported in loving memory of Jim Brewster
Colorado Ballet • Dracula 7
Dancers Christophor Moulton
CORPS DE BALLET
Christophor Moulton was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado and began his training with Rozanne David at the Dance Center of Colorado Springs and continued his training in Colorado with German Zemuel. He graduated from the Harid Conservatory in Florida, where he trained under Svetlana Osiyeva, Olivier Pardina and Victoria Schnider. During his years at Harid, Christophor performed numerous roles including Siegfried in Swan Lake and the lead in Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante. He also studied for a year at the Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis School under Franco Devita. In 2007, he received the Rudolph Nureyev Education Fellowship. Christophor joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2009, was promoted into the Company in 2010, and was promoted to Soloist in 2017. During his time at Colorado Ballet, he has worked with esteemed choreographers, Val Caniparoli, Amy Seiwert, Edwaard Liang, Ben Stevenson, Stephen Mills, and Michael Pink. He has performed the roles of Lovers in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Step Sister in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Arthur in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Hilarion in Giselle, Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Red in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 and the Prince in Firebird.
Joshua Allenback
Generously supported by Peggy Goldman Kevin Gaël Thomas Kevin Gaël Thomas is from France and studied at Rosella Hightower’s International Ballet Center and at Canada’s National Ballet School, where he received a full scholarship and graduated in 2006, with honors. Kevin also graduated with honors from the Music Conservatory in France for piano. He danced for a year with Houston Ballet II, then joined Colorado Ballet in 2007. Since joining the Company he has performed many soloist and leading roles including Blue Bird and Jewels in The Sleeping Beauty, the Whip Boy in Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, Jester in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Peter in Michael Pink’s Peter Pan, Puck in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the title role in Michael Smuin’s Peter and the Wolf, the first sailor in Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, the Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker, Gurn in La Sylphide, Benno in Swan Lake, Kaschei in Firebird, and Pink in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1. Kevin was chosen to represent France at the New York International Ballet Competition in 2009 and at the USA Jackson International Ballet Competition in 2010. He was promoted to Soloist in 2016.
Generously supported by Elizabeth Katkin-Waryn and Richard Waryn
Josh Allenback, a native of Colorado, has been dancing since he was four years old. He has studied on scholarship with American Ballet Theatre, The Rock School and Joffrey Ballet. He was a member of Houston Ballet II as well as Ballet San Antonio. Josh has performed many principal roles including Firebird’s Katchi, Giselle’s Prince Albrecht, Cavalier and Snow King in The Nutcracker, and Prince Florimund in The Sleeping Beauty. He joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2013 and was promoted into the Company in 2014. With Colorado Ballet, he has performed in Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird and more.
Generously supported by Rita and Brad Sonnenberg Ariel Breitman
Ariel Breitman is from Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania and began his dance training at the age of eight with the Boys Scholarship Program of Metropolitan Ballet Academy, directed by Lisa Collins. At 16, Ariel moved to New York City to train with Edward Ellison, director of Ellison Ballet-Professional Training Program. While in New York, Ariel performed roles including Jerome from Flames of Paris, Basilio’s Variation from Don Quixote, the Poet’s Variation from Chopiniana, James’ Variation from La Sylphide, and Cavalier from The Nutcracker. In 2012 and 2013, Ariel earned three gold medals from the Youth America Grand Prix competition and one silver medal in 2013 from the Tanzolymp International Ballet Competition in Berlin. After graduating from Ellison Ballet, Ariel joined The Washington Ballet Studio Company for one season, performing roles such as Liza in George Balanchine’s Who Cares? and John Darling in Septime Webre’s Peter Pan. His repertory also includes the Grand Pas de Deux from La Esmeralda, Flames of Paris, and The Nutcracker, as well as the Diana and Acteon Pas de Deux from La Esmeralda, the Pas de Trois from Swan Lake, the Pas de Quatre from Raymonda, and the Grand Pas de Deux from Le Corsaire. Ariel was invited to compete in the 2014 USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, where he performed with his partner in the final round and galas. Since joining Colorado Ballet in 2014, Ariel has danced roles such as Puck in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Bulldog Sailor in Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, Joker in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), and Nutcracker Prince in Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
Generously supported by Phil Livingston
8 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
Dancers Arianna Ciccarelli
Alyssa Fazekas
Arianna Ciccarelli is from Bristol, CT. She began dancing ballet at age 12 and studied in the preprofessional resident program at The Nutmeg Conservatory for The Arts, studying under Eleanor D’Antuano, Sharon Dante, Kirk Peterson and Victoria Mazzerelli. She also spent her summers training at The School of American Ballet, English National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Washington Ballet. Arianna was a member of the Colorado Ballet Studio Company in the 2013-2014 season. Before joining Colorado Ballet in 2016, she spent two years dancing with Ballet Arizona. Since joining the Company, she has performed the role of Little Mermaid in Lynne Taylor Corbett’s The Little Mermaid, Cygnets in Swan Lake, Crystals, Spanish and Marzipan in The Nutcracker, and in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.
Alyssa Fazekas is from Orlando, Florida where she began her training at age 14 under the direction of Vladimir Bykov and Vasilie Petritiu. In 2010, she joined Orlando Ballet School and in 2012, joined Orlando Ballet II. During her time in Orlando, she performed principal roles with the school and was selected to perform in the corps de ballet with many of Orlando Ballet’s productions. Alyssa also participated in the Youth America Grand Prix competition, placing Top 12 in both contemporary and classical categories. She performed in the YAGP Gala in Tampa, and then moved on to the New York City Finals. In 2012, she was a semi-finalist at Helsinki International Ballet Competition. In 2014, she joined Milwaukee Ballet II, and in 2016 joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. While at Ballet Arizona, she performed as Cinderella in Carlos Valcarcel’s production of Cinderella, was selected to perform with Ballet Arizona in George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three, Western Symphony, and Ib Anderson’s La Bayadere, Romeo and Juliet, and Nutcracker. This is her first season with Colorado Ballet.
Generously supported by Ann Frick Mackenzie Dessens Mackenzie Dessens is from New Orleans, Louisiana where she began her training at Giacobbe Academy of Dance and privately with Kimberly Beck. She attended summer programs in New York with the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Mackenzie continued her training at Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy and upon completion, joined Cincinnati Ballet’s second company. With Cincinnati Ballet, Dessens’ repertoire included Peter Pan, 7th Symphony, The Nutcracker, Alice, Symphony in C, and the world premiere of King Arthur’s Camelot, in which she performed as the Lady of the Lake. She was chosen to perform as Guinevere in the “Wedding Pas de Deux” for the second company’s rep to promote the new ballet throughout the season. Her second year, Victoria Morgan chose her to perform as Clara in a recreation of the pas between Clara and the Prince from The Nutcracker. She also had the opportunity of working with Jennifer Archibald and received a solo and pas in her piece for the second company. She joined Colorado Ballet in 2015. Since joining Colorado Ballet, her notable repertoire has grown to include Clara, Doll, Crystals, Spanish and Marzipan in The Nutcracker, the Pas de Trois from Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb), George Balanchine’s Serenade, Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, and Cygnets in Swan Lake.
Generously supported by Frank Wiederman
Generously supported by Patty Lorie Kevin Hale Born in Warren, New Jersey but raised in England, Kevin began dancing at the age of five. At age 11, he was accepted into The Royal Ballet School where he graduated from in July 2013. Kevin has won the Kenneth McMillan Choreographic Competition twice and had one of his ballets performed at the school’s annual show at the Royal Opera House. During his graduate year, Kevin performed with The Royal Ballet in various ballets including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, La Valse and The Sleeping Beauty. His repertoire also includes Jirˇí Bubenícˇek’s Canon in D Major, Bejart’s 7 Greek Dances and Ashley Page’s Larina Waltz. He has also been featured as a dancer on the BBC. Kevin joined Colorado Ballet in 2013. Kevin’s notable repertoire with Colorado Ballet has included Stepsister in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, the Wolf in Clark Tippet’s Peter and the Wolf, In Pieces by Val Caniparoli, The Duchess in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Wolfgang in Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb), Waltz Man in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, and Prince Christian in The Little Mermaid.
Generously supported by Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger
Colorado Ballet • Dracula 9
Dancers Bryce Lee
Sean Omandam
Bryce Lee was born in Missouri and started his professional training at 12 at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy in Laguna Hills. California. In the summer of 2011, he attended School of American Ballet, then was asked to stay for the Winter Term program from 2011-2012. He has attended several summer courses on full scholarship including SAB, Miami City Ballet and Colorado Ballet. Bryce has received several awards in classical and contemporary forms of dance as well as 1st place, semi-finalist at YAGP Europe, as well as two-time YAGP Finalist Qualifier. He has also guested for numerous ballet schools across the US, including performances in Vancouver. Bryce had the pleasure to perform principal roles in Paul Mejia’s Seasons and Donizetti Variations. He joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2013 and was promoted into the Company in 2015. Since then, he has performed numerous professional works including Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Michael Pink’s Dracula, Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Chinese and Russian in The Nutcracker, and Tweedle Dee in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Swan Lake, Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, The Little Mermaid, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, and Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird.
Sean Omandam is from Fresno, California, where he began his training with Shirley Winters. He later went on to train on full-scholarship at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, under the instruction of Victoria Schneider, Olivier Pardina, and Svetlana Osiyeva. Upon his graduation in 2004, he joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company, and was promoted into the Company in 2005. With Colorado Ballet, Sean has performed a variety of soloist and principal roles including Puck in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, White Rabbit in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Peter in Michael Smuin’s Peter and the Wolf, Champion Roper in Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo, Jester in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Whip Boy in Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, Max in Septime Webre’s Where the Wild Things Are, John Darling in Michael Pink’s Peter Pan, Green Man in Lila York’s Celts, and Russian in Martin Fredmann’s The Nutcracker. His repertory also includes featured roles in works by Lar Lubovitch, Val Caniparoli, Amy Seiwert, Edwaard Liang, Matthew Neenan, Jodie Gates, Dwight Rhoden, Darrell Grand Moultire, and Jessica Lang, among others. In 2007, he was a competitor and gala performer at the New York International Ballet Competition. In the summer of 2013, he was featured as a contestant on the premiere season of the South Korean television show, Dancing 9. Pointe Magazine featured Sean in their 2014 October/November “Dancer Spotlight.”
Generously supported by Patrick Keleher Family Fernanda Oliveira Fernanda Oliveira, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil trained at the Escola Estadual de Danca Maria Olenewa in her hometown and later was awarded a full scholarship to The Washington School of Ballet, where she trained with Kee Juan Han, Carlos Varcárcel and Vladimir Djouloukhadze. While still a student at TWSB, Fernanda won the third prize in the regionals of the Youth America Grand Prix and was invited to perform in Miami Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker, in the role of Dew Drop. Upon graduating, she joined The Washington Ballet under Septime Webre as a Studio Company member, where she performed in Le Corsaire and Giselle, as well as in Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes, Theme and Variations and Who Cares?, Twyla Tharp’s Push Comes to Shove and Trey McIntyre Blue Until June Suite. Her notable roles include Bird in Brian Reeder’s Peter and the Wolf, Doll in The Nutcracker and the lead in Septime Webre’s Sympathique, for which she received honorable mention in the DC Metro Theater Arts’ review as, “a commanding presence […], she is in control, is perfectly poised, and […] lets the entire audience know she was born to perform.” She joined Colorado Ballet in 2014 and again in 2016. With Colorado Ballet, Fernanda has had the opportunity to perform in masterpieces such as Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco and Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.
Generously supported by Jan and John Blumer 10 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
Generously supported by Cheri and Alan Rubin Kristine Padgett Kristine Padgett was born in Littleton, Colorado and began dancing at the age of three. At age 11, she started training professionally at the Academy of Colorado Ballet under Elizabeth Shipiatsky. From 2006 to 2014, Kristine attended summer intensives and school training programs all over the world including American Ballet Theatre in New York City, the Royal Ballet School in Richmond, England, and Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive in New York City. In 2011, she won a full scholarship to perform at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s spring gala in Moscow, Russia, then attended year-round for the 2012-2013 school year. While in Russia, Kristine trained under Irina Sirova and had the opportunity to perform in many productions including soloist roles in La Fille Mal Gardee, The Nutcracker, and several character dances. She returned to Colorado Ballet as a Studio Company member in 2013 and was promoted into the Company in 2015.
Generously supported by Janet and John MacFarlane
Dancers Nicolas Pelletier
Jeremy Studinski
Nicolas Pelletier was born in Quebec City, Canada. He moved to California when he was eight, where he attended the San Francisco Ballet School for 10 years. During his time at the school, he performed in ballets including John Neumeier’s Yondering and Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes. He completed his training with Canada’s National Ballet School in 2010 and joined Alberta Ballet in 2011. During his six years with the Company, he had the opportunity to dance many principal roles including Dracula in Ben Stevenson’s Dracula and Romeo in Jean GrandMaître’s Romeo and Juliet. Nicolas also had the pleasure of working closely with Jean Grand-Maître in the creation of many new works throughout his time at Alberta Ballet, including pas de deux and solos. Other notable ballets in his repertoire include Divertimento No. 15, Four Temperaments, Swan Lake, Giselle, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Madame Butterfly, Othello and The Nutcracker. This is his first season at Colorado Ballet.
Jeremy began his training at the Colorado Conservatory of Dance at the age of nine. He then spent 2011 to 2013 in Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company where he performed in ballets by Petipa, Balanchine, and Glen Tetley. After spending two seasons as a member of Orlando Ballet II, he was promoted to Apprentice with the Company, then joined the full Company the following year. Jeremy has also had the opportunity to perform The Seasons male lead in the Internationale Haydntage at the Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria with Oklahoma Festival Ballet. This is his first season as a Company member with Colorado Ballet.
Generously supported by Carla Dore Emily Speed Emily Speed is originally from Argyle, Texas and began her professional training under Marina Almayeva. In 2006, she was a Finalist at World Ballet Competition in Orlando, Florida. She won first place in the classical division at the 2007 Youth American Grand Prix Regionals. Emily was one out of a hundred participants worldwide who qualified and competed in the 2010 Varna International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria. In 2014, she went to the USA IBC in Jackson, Mississippi. During her career, she has danced professionally with Alabama Ballet, Ballet Tucson and Boulder Ballet. She danced at the Vail Dance Festival in 2015 and 2017. Emily has performed multiple principle and soloist roles including, Flower Girl in Don Quixote, roles in George Balanchine’s Serenade and The Nutcracker, Anthony Tudor’s Lilac Garden and Continuo, Daniel Precup’s Bolero, Third Act Raymonda, The Wedding Pas de Deux from Don Quixote, and The Fairy Doll Pas de Trios staged by Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner. Since joining Colorado Ballet in 2014, Emily has performed “Scherzo” in Wheeldon’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Clara in The Nutcracker, Cygnets and Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Pink in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, and Little Russians in George Balanchine’s Serenade.
Generously supported by Joe Maslowski and Lona Christensen
Generously supported by Barbara Clark Sarah Tryon Sarah Tryon was born in Hanmer, Ontario, Canada and at the age of 11 was accepted to train at Canada’s National Ballet School. During her six years with NBS, Sarah was selected to partake in exchange programs with various international schools including Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle, École Supérieur De Danse Rosella Hightower in Cannes France, and Tanz Akademie Zurich in Switzerland. After graduating in 2010, she moved to New York City to train with world-renowned coach Edward Ellison. In 2013, Sarah joined the Sarasota Ballet as a corps de ballet member. During her two seasons with the Sarasota Ballet, Sarah performed many works by major choreographers including George Balanchine, Agnes DeMille, Will Tuckett, Rudolph Nureyev, Christopher Bruce, Mikhail Fokine, Paul Taylor, Sir Antony Tudor, and Sir Frederick Ashton. Highlights of Sarah’s time with the Sarasota Ballet include performing in Balanchine’s Who Cares?, Serenade, Four Temperaments, and Rubies; Ashton’s Façade, La Fille Mal Gardée, Sinfonietta, Les Patineurs, and Montones I; Christopher Bruces’ Sergeant Early’s Dream; Will Tuckett’s Lux Aterna; Agnes De Milles’ Rodeo; Antony Tudor’s Gala Performance; Mikhail Fokine’s Petrushka; Paul Taylor’s Company B; and Nureyev’s Raymonda. Since joining Colorado Ballet in 2015, Sarah has performed many corps and notable roles including Effy in Bournonville’s La Sylphide; Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Clara in The Nutcracker; Twin, Four Little Flamingos and Card in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland); first duet in Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb); Dark Angel and Russian corps in Balanchine’s Serenade; second pas de deux in Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, Little Princesses in Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird, and Aqua in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.
Generously supported by David Andrews
Colorado Ballet • Dracula 11
Dancers Benjamin Winegar Ben Winegar is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He began his training at the School of the Grand Rapids Ballet at the age of 11, where he was trained by Attila Mosolygo, Gaiane Akopian, and Akop Akopian. During his training, he had the opportunity to perform in several ballets with the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. In 2010, Ben spent a year training at the School of American Ballet. Upon graduating, he danced one season with the Los Angeles Ballet under the direction of Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary. Since joining Colorado Ballet’s Company in 2012, he has danced in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort, Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, ALICE (in wonderland), La Sylphide, Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Michael Pink’s Dracula, among others.
Generously supported by Ted and Donna Connolly Melissa Zoebisch Melissa grew up in Mexico and studied at the Chamber Ballet of Jalisco. She received a scholarship to attend for a year at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Madame Sizova’s class, and returned to Mexico to graduate in 2004. Throughout her school years, she participated in many workshops around the world including: Cuba, Canada, Austria, Spain and the United States. In 2005, Melissa joined the National Dance Company, where she performed soloist roles in her first year in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Carmen. Her other repertoire includes principal roles in Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Pas de Deux from Le Corsaire, original contemporary choreographies, and many others. In 2010, she was a finalist at the Korea International Ballet Competition in 2010 and received a Special Award KIBC. Before joining Colorado Ballet in 2014, she had been freelancing with her husband around the country.
Generously supported by David Andrews APPRENTICES
Regan Kucera Regan Kucera grew up in Cary, North Carolina and started dancing at the age of four. She studied at International Ballet Academy in Cary. She attended summer programs at ABT NY, Orlando Ballet with full scholarship, and Saratoga Springs. She has participated in competitions including Youth American Grand Prix and World Ballet Competition. In 2013, she joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company and was promoted into the Company in
12 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
2016. Her favorite roles with Colorado Ballet have been Cygnets in Swan Lake and Jirˇí Kylián’s Petite Mort.
Generously supported by David Bayendor Francesca Martoccio Originally from Miami, Florida, Francesca Martoccio received her early ballet training at Thomas Armour Youth Ballet and at the New World School of the Arts. In May 2016, Francesca graduated from SUNY Purchase where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a Ballet Concentration. She performed several roles with Purchase Dance Company including the lead in Balanchine’s Valse Fantaisie and “Sanguinic” in Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments. In the fall of 2014, Francesca was chosen by the faculty to study abroad in Hong Kong, China at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). In the summer of 2016, she had the pleasure of working with John Gardner and Amanda McKerrow on a duet from Antony Tudor’s The Leaves are Fading. After graduating, Francesca joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company for the 2016-2017 season and was promoted into the Company in 2017.
Generously supported by Adrienne Toon Tyler Rhoads Tyler Rhoads is from Midland, Texas, where he began his training with Susan Clark at Midland Festival Ballet. He later went on to train on full-scholarship at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, under the instruction of Victoria Schneider, Olivier Pardina, and Svetlana Osiyeva. After graduating in 2011, he attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he studied under acclaimed staff Violette Verdy and Michael Vernon. He had the opportunity to perform a variety of works including George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments, August Bournonville’s Napoli, and Twyla Tharp’s Sweet Fields. Upon his graduation from college, Tyler joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company and was promoted into the Company in 2016.
Generously supported by Naji Ghorayed
Dancers Sara VanderVoort Sara VanderVoort is originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She began her ballet training at the age of 12 with Metropolitan Ballet Academy under the direction of Lisa Collins Vidnovic, Natalya Zeiger, and Denise D’Angelo. While in school, she was selected by Roy Kaiser to perform in Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker as Spanish. She also competed in YAGP and went to Regional Dance America where she won several full scholarships to summer
programs. Sara spent summers training with BalletX, Washington Ballet, and Atlanta Ballet. She joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2012. Sara then danced with Nashville Ballet under the direction of Paul Vasterling for a few seasons where she performed in several ballets, including Balanchine’s Serenade and Fairies in Peter Pan. In 2015, she returned to Colorado Ballet where she had the opportunity to perform some of her favorite ballets with the Company including Swan Corps in Swan Lake, Balanchine’s Serenade, and Princesses in Possokhov’s Firebird. Sara joined the Company in 2017.
Generously supported by Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Photos by Andrea Flanagan Photography
Guest Artists Michael Pink, Choreographer Michael Pink is currently Artistic Director of Milwaukee Ballet Company. Since that time he has established himself as a prominent member of the Milwaukee arts community, demonstrating his commitment to the future of dance through new work, education and collaboration. His artistic vision for Milwaukee Ballet is both exciting and challenging. His long awaited production of Peter Pan signified a major landmark in the Company’s history in 2010. Mr. Pink’s theatrical productions of Dracula, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle 1943, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Cinderella, Esmeralda and Romeo & Juliet have all been hailed as ‘Classical Ballet for the 21st Century’. Romeo and Juliet was filmed by Milwaukee Public Television in 2007. Michael Pink is an international choreographer and teacher. He trained as a classical dancer at the Royal Ballet, joining English National Ballet in 1975. A long standing friendship with composer Philip Feeney has produced over twenty original works.
Philip Feeney, Composer Philip Feeney studied composition at the University of Cambridge with Robin Holloway and Hugh Wood, and at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome under Franco Donatoni. His works have been performed extensively throughout Europe, and he is most noted for his work in ballet and dance. He collaborated with Christopher Gable and Michel Pink in 1996 to write the highly acclaimed score for Dracula. This was closely followed by the music for Michael Pink’s Esmeralda in 1997. He has worked with Culberg Ballet, Scottish Dance Theatre, Birmingham Royal Ballet, London Contemporary Dance. He continues to play in London, at Ballet Central and at the London Contemporary Dance School, and is currently preparing for the 2012 Ballet Central National tour, which will include a new collaboration with Rambert dancer/choreographer Mikaela Polley, entitled Circle of Five.
Lez Brotherston, Costumes and Production Designs Lez Brotherston trained at Central School of Arts and Design, and now serves as the associate artist of Matthew Bourne’s company, New Adventures. He has designed scenery and costumes for several performing arts organizations, including those in dance, theater, opera and film. Along with Colorado Ballet, Brotherston has worked with several dance companies, including Northern Ballet Theatre in London, K-Ballet Company in Tokyo, and Bounce Street Dance Company in Stockholm. His design work includes A Soldier’s Tale, Play Without Words, The Car Man, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dracula, A Christmas Carol and Romeo and Juliet. Brotherston received a Tony Award for Swan Lake, an Oliver Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance for set and costumes for Cinderella, and most recently a Critic’s Circle Award for his outstanding achievement in Design for Dance.
Gregory K. Gonzales, Guest Dancer Gregory graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Kinesiology/Dance. His teachers include Larry Boyette, James Clouser, Nadia Tikhanova, Milenko Banovic and Sandra Minton among others. He received a scholarship in dance and Best Dancer Award while at UNC and was a full scholarship student at the American Dance Festival. Gregory spent the bulk of his career at Colorado Ballet where he was promoted to principal in 1997 and danced leading roles as well as character roles in works by major choreographers such as Martha Graham, Agnes de Mille, George Balanchine, Eugene Loring, Christopher Wheeldon, Toru Shimazaki and Doug Varone. Gregory has also danced with Ballet Pacifica, Ballet Arizona, Nevada Dance Theater, David Taylor Dance Theater, Kim Robards Dance, The Wylliams-Henry Dance Theater and Zikr Dance, among others. He has danced with Opera Colorado and as a principal for Les Ballets Grandiva completing a multicity tour of Japan in the summer of 2011. Gregory was a co-founder of On Edge Productions staging combat and comedy at numerous festivals. He was adjudicated by The Society of American Fight Directors and was recommended in rapier and dagger. He was a Choreographer in Residence
Colorado Ballet • Dracula 13
Guest Artists for Colorado Ballet from 2003-2004 and created such works as Carmina Burana, Peter Pan (both co-choreographed), Broken Web, Incantation and Last Breath. Gregory has also set work for the David Taylor Dance Theater, Ballet Ariel, University of Northern Colorado and Denver Independent Choreographer’s Project, as well as others. He plays guitar for the Natural Tango Oquesta Tipica and also enjoys theater and film work and has been cast in several independent film projects in the Denver area.
David Grill, Lighting Designer Mr. Grill an eleven-time Emmy Award Nominee and four-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Lighting Direction for the Super Bowl 51 Halftime Show featuring Lady Gaga, Super Bowl 49 Halftime Show featuring Katy Perry, the Super Bowl 47 Halftime Show featuring Beyonce and the Opening Ceremony Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games. He also won two 2015 Telly Award for Lighting – in 2016 for the Opening Ceremony for the Invictus Games and in 2015 for the Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Games. Nominated for a 2015 Daytime Emmy Award for the Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Games, 2014 Primetime Emmy for the Super Bowl 48 Halftime Show featuring Bruno Mars a 2013 Primetime Emmy for Andrea Bocelli – Love in Portfino (Great Performances) and a 2012 Primetime Emmy for the Super Bowl 46 Halftime Show featuring Madonna, a Chicago Midwest Emmy Award for
Milwaukee Ballets Romeo and Juliet, a Daytime Emmy Award for both the Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Games Veracruz 2014 and the Opening Ceremonies of the Pan American Games Rio 2007. Dance credits include The American Dance Machine, works for the Milwaukee Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Met, Houston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Ballet Austin, Ballet NY, Northern Ballet Theatre, Cincinnati Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Dayton Ballet, ABT 2, Dances Patrelle (Resident Designer) and Numerous Choreographers. Mr. Grill was also responsible for lighting the Clinton Global Initiative, Cinderellabration at the Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Kingdom® Park and served as the Associate Lighting Designer for the Tony, Dora and Oliver Award Winning Musical The Who’s Tommy. Television Credits include The Republican National Convention 2016, The Invictus Games Orlando 2016, The Special Olympic World Games Los Angeles 2015, Puebla Cinco de Mayo 150 Celebration, and the Pan American Games Guadalajara 2011. He has also provided Lighting Direction for the National Memorial Day and July 4th. Concerts and for over 11 Super Bowl Half-time Shows. Architectural projects include the Fox Theatre Atlanta, Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Museum, Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Cauldron Park and the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Hall of Florida Fossils. Mr. Grill has been featured in numerous publications and is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Design / Technology Program at Purchase College, State University of New York.
Colorado Ballet Studio Company
Front Row: Brianna Crockett, Marie Tender, Erin Arndorfer, Camille Reaux, Leah McFadden, Reagan Lawthers Middle Row: Philip Perez, Kristine Wiggins, Hannah Geisman, Kelly Dornan, Julia Davies, Ariel McCarty, Simon Costello Top Row: Ian Santiago, Amber Ball, Alexandra Wilson, Sara Jumper, Isabella Furrillo, Vara Shiva Reom, Tate Lee Not Pictured: Gianna Tolotta
14 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
2017/2018 Colorado Ballet Orchestra Adam Flatt, Music Director & Principal Conductor Catherine Sailer, Associate Conductor Violin 1 Lydia Sviatlovskya (Principal) Britt Swenson Takanori Sugishita Chris Jusell
Bass David Crowe (Principal)
Bass Clarinet Debra Wilbur
Flute Paul Nagem (Principal)
Bassoon Kaori Uno-Jack (Principal)
Violin 2 Gyongyver Petheo (Principal) Leslie Sawyer Anne Paulu
Alto Flute Paul Nagem
French Horn Steve Simpson (Principal) Stuart Mock
Viola Stephanie Mientka (Principal) Lora Stevens Cello Charles Lee (Principal) Evan Orman
Oboe Kathryn Dupuy (Principal) Clarinet Michelle Orman (Principal) Debra Wilbur Eb Clarinet Michelle Orman
Trumpet John King (Principal)
Percussion Scott Higgins (Principal) Mark Foster Harp Pamela Eldridge (Principal) Keyboard Catherine Sailer Piano Sara Parkinson
Trombone William Stanley (Principal) Timpani Carl Dixon (Principal)
Colorado Ballet Orchestra members are represented by the Denver Musicians Association, Local 20-623 of the American Federation of Musicians
The Colorado Ballet Academy presents
SWAN LAKE
a t t h e E l l i e C a u l k i n s O p e r a H o u s e M e m o r i a l D a y We e k e n d
Showtimes and tickets available soon. The performance features Colorado Ballet Academy students in Levels 1 - Pre-Professional Division.
Colorado Ballet • Dracula 15
Supporters of Colorado Ballet As of September 18, 2017 (Includes 14 months of giving)
Leadership Circle $100,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Individual Donors Bill and Liz Armstrong Raydean Acevedo Sandy Elliot Joanne Posner Mayer Ovation Circle $50,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Colorado Ballet Auxiliary KeyBank The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Founders Circle $20,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Anadarko Petroleum The Anschutz Foundation Arrow Electronics Avenir Foundation Colorado Health Foundation Denver Ballet Guild Denver Foundation Midfirst Bank National Endowment for the Arts Individual Donors Janis Brewster Pam and Duke Hartman Rita and Brad Sonnenberg Cari and Mark Spiecker Nancy and Thomas Stevens
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16 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
Sandi Mays Lynnette Morrison Jane and Gordon Netzorg Erin Nichols Dr. David J. Scanavino and Ms. Ivelisse Torres Barbara R. Reed Susan and Stephen Struna Elizabeth Katkin Waryn and Richard Waryn Choreographer Circle $5,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund John G. Duncan Charitable Trust The Margulf Foundation Ralph and Florence Burgess Charitable Trust Mark and Bernee Strom Foundation RLC Foundation, a donor-advised fund of Rose Community Foundation Twelve Twenty- One Fund Vanguard Charitable Individual Donors Lori and Grady Durham Bridget Farrelly Kaye Ferry Ann and Ford Frick Debby Herz Ms, Christine L. Honnen Mary Anna and Sonny Hutchison Tamara and Thomas E. Jorden Dr. Stuart and Mrs. Gail Kassan
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Supporters of Colorado Ballet John Fitzgerald and Maureen TarrantFitzgerald Naji Ghorayeb Robert S. Graham Jim Harvery and Bob Greene Dr. Frederick and Mrs. Carol Grover David and Mary Mead Hammond Montine Hansl Jan and Gordon Holfelder Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger Philip Livingston Patty Lorie Anne Mead Sean Shaw, MD and Ausra Mollerud Al and Karen Spies Adrienne Toon John Uppendahl Principal Circle $1,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies The Beutter Family Charitable Fund Bonfils Blood Center The Caulkins Family Foundation Gilman Family Foundation Harmes C Fishback Foundation Trust Heidi and Randy Keogh Fund Henry E. Wurst Family Foundation Humphreys Foundation IBM International Foundation Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Rose Medical Center The Simpson Sharp Oakes Fund Spoke ‘N’ Motion Dance
Tulsa Community Foundation Wittow Foundation Inc Carla Dore/ Workplace Resource Individual Donors Anonymous Rick and Marcia Ashton Steve and Susan Bailey David Bayendor Cindy and Scott Baroway Kathy and Steve Beabout Colleen and Brian Becker Shannon Bell Anne Beer Renate and Horst Bergman Maritt and Michael Bird Sharon and Steven Birnbaum Jan and John Blumer Luke and Nancy Boland Gil Boggs and Sandra Brown Joseph J. Bronesky and Jacquelin A. Medina Priya and Matthew Burkett Karen Polsky Carr Marth and Rich Caschette Gene Child Sue Cho Abigail Clark Alyssa and Scott Clarke Dr. and Mrs. Alan Como Donald P. Cook Tammy and Wesley Cooper Lisa and Mark Cramer Karen and William Curtis Carolyn E. Daniels Joseph M. Demmler Monica Denler Dr. Pete and Lindsey Deol Wendy and Marcus Divita Jayme and Bret Dixon Erin and Matthew Dollarhide Lynn Bolinske Dolven
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Colorado Ballet • Dracula 17
Supporters of Colorado Ballet Dr. James and Ms. Pat McElhinney Margaret R. Jurado and V.W. McKnab Carol McMurry and Patrick Spieles Jeffrey Merrell Angie and Craig Mielke Jennifer Havercroft-Miller and Greg Miller Dee and Gene Milstein Lindsay and Brian Morgan Robin and Paul Morris Maggie and Mitch Morrissey Nicole Mulvany Sally Murray Susan and Dan Paulien Catherine and Henry Pawlak Jr. Sue Pawlik Bonnie Perkins Emily and Joseph Perrotto III Daniel and Pamela Piro Bill Plummer Kellie and Adair Prall David and Kristine Robertson Douglas Richards Debora and Brandon Ridenour Daniel L. Ritchie Carol Rollin Kelly and Daniel Rosenberg Lauren and Mark Rotolo Paul Ruotolo Daryl A. Russell Ann Ryan Julie and Ron Sachs Andrea and Timothy Sayles Connie and Michael Schingle Ruth Schoening Anjali and Timothy Schulte Andrea and Jesse Schumacher Arthur L. Seiden
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18 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
John and Marty Chamberlin Christin Crampton Day Leslie Doherty Margaret Dzwileski Martina and Susan Erzinger Heidi Elliot Michael and Ann Foster Richard and Julie Parrino George Mariellen Guerra Linda and Steve Heiss Diane D. Henry Joy and James Hoffman William Hohnhorst Jerry Kashinski Holly and Jeremy Kinney Sally and Kenneth Hooks Bud Isaacs Dr. Sherill Ladwig Alysa Levine MaryKate and Timothy McCutcheon Heather and Conor McCallin Kevin McLane Joshua Metzl The Mosher Family Judi and Robert Newman Larry and Ruth Nisbet Amanda Phillips Debra Piazza Cason Pierce Adam and Anne Poe Cynthia and Don Redifer Mark and Martha Reese Rowena Reyes Doug and Mary Scrivner Andrea G. Richardson and William A. Stolfus Dennis Rodgers and Robert Gomez Barbara and James Ruh Richard Sanders, M.D. Angela Scordo-Polidori M.F. Scott Adam and Silvia Sexton Susan Stiff Arthur and Stephanie Strasburger Beth and Tom Toth Klasina Vanderwerf
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Valerie Madonia Raydean Acevedo Jeannette Oakes Bob and Catherine Oakes
Laurel Miller Barbara and James Ruh
Dr. Barbara R. Reed Terry Amicone Susan and Paul Anderson Janice Baucum Richard and Dorothy Barwinski Kathy and Bjorn Borgen Matthew Dolgos Thomas Gordon Henry and Diane Ipsen Brenda Lewis Kathleen Nelson Catherine K. Newton Katherine Martin Joe Perlmutter Susan Richardson Mark Sidell Marilyn and Jerry Snyder Betty Steinmann Andrea G. Richardson and William A. Stolfus Gaynell Van Buhler Nancy Weeks
Margaret Hansson Raydean Acevedo and Walt Jenkins Mark and Bernee Strom Foundation Allyn Feinberg Ruth S. Silver Lisa and Bill Snider Rodney Smith Donna Smith Helen Clare Sillstrop Theodore Sillstrop Heinrich and Maria Adriana Weinberg, MD Gifts In Kind $5,000+ Liz and Bill Armstrong Darrell Anderson Eide Bailly, LLP EON247, Inc
Colorado Ballet • Dracula 19
Supporters of Colorado Ballet Le Meridien Hotels/ White Lodging Group Pura Vida Gary and Suzan Schlatter Shapiro Chiropractic The Westin Denver Downtown $2,500+ 5280 Flowers The Broadmoor Resort Coyote Gold Margarita Scream Agency Y. Moskovich & Co. Jewelers Bill Ward/LivMobile Airstream Rentals $1,000+ Colorado Ballet Auxiliary Chef Frank Banonno Bayswater Exploration & Production, LLC Colorado Avid Golfer Fritz Knoebel School of Hotel Management Joanne Posner Mayer Larry and Sharon Martin Mike Ward Automotive $500+ 303 Party Bus Buell Mansion/Kay Burke Catering by Design Larimer Square Merchants Silver Oak
Vail International Dance Festival Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
KeyBank OppenheimerFunds, Inc. The Shubert Foundation, Inc.
Cumulative Lifetime Giving $1,000,000+ Raydean Acevedo The Armstrong Foundation Liz and Bill Armstrong Colorado Ballet Auxiliary Boettcher Foundation Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Pam and Duke Hartman Anne and Jim Hillary Scientific and Cultural Facilities District
$100,000+ Accenture, LLP Anna & John J. Sie Foundation Lisa Appel Jean and Hugh Armstrong Avenir Foundation Ellen Balaguer and Mark Chase Holly Baroway and Erik Cederlund Janis and Jim Brewster Colorado Creative Industries Denver Newspaper Agency Gay and Lesbian Fund HealthONE The Hearst Foundation, Inc. High Noon Entertainment The Joseph & Loretta Law Foundation Don and Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz The LARRK Foundation Merry and Steven D. Logan National Endowment for the Arts
$500,000+ The Gates Family Foundation Joanne Posner Mayer Jeanne and Dick Saunders Sandy Elliott $250,000+ The Anschutz Foundation Chambers Family Fund Merle Chambers and Hugh Grant Denver Ballet Guild Denver Foundation
20 Dracula • Colorado Ballet
Jane and Gordon Netzorg Pb & K Family Foundation Ralph and Florence Burgess Charitable Trust David and Carole Ramsay Kathryn and Tim Ryan Dr. Barbara R. Reed Natalie Rekstad-Lynn and Scott Lynn Christine Rodgers and Ron Masamori Cheri and Alan Rubin Denise and James Sanderson Saunders Construction, Inc. Dr. David J. Scanavino and Ms. Ivelisse Torres Suzan and Gary Schlatter Lisa and Bill Snider Rita and Brad Sonnenberg Nancy and Thomas Stevens Vance Kirkland Foundation Virginia W. Hill Foundation Wells Fargo Private Bank Wells Fargo Bank Xcel Energy Foundation
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COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG Colorado Ballet 19
Chandra Kuykendall’s 20th season at Colorado Ballet
C
handra Kuykendall moved with her parents to Parker, Colorado at the age of two and she started taking ballet at the age of six from a woman who taught out of her basement near her house. When she was eight, she took classes at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance for one year, then began taking classes at the Academy of Colorado Ballet in 1988. “My training at the Academy was pretty ideal, we had a very small class and my teachers were very strict but also very, very loving,” said Kuykendall. “I was able to perform in The Nutcracker from my very first year in the Academy and I did that throughout all of my training. In the upper levels, we got to perform more with the Company and this was a really invaluable experience because it taught us what life would be like as a professional dancer.” In addition to her training at the Academy, Kuykendall also participated in summer programs with San Francisco Ballet, New York City Ballet, Kirov Academy, and the Bolshoi Academy in Vail, CO. She graduated from the Academy of Colorado Ballet in 1997 and joined the Company that season. She spent the 1998-1999 season with Leipzig Ballet in Leipzig, Germany and returned to Colorado Ballet in the fall of 1999. “One of my proudest moments of my entire career was being promoted to Principal,” said Kuykendall. “This was in 2007 and it was after a performance, Gil (Boggs) came on stage to announce it to the Company and I was completely shocked. I had no idea I was going to be promoted and it was really one of the best moments of my career.” According to Kuykendall, being a Principal dancer is a big responsibility. Principals not only need great technique, but they must have the ability to connect with the audience and carry a ballet. She said that she also feels that it is equally important to set an example for the entire Company. When asked about what audiences may not know about Kuykendall, she said that in addition to dancing, she also enjoys making jewelry and headpieces and many of the tiaras and headpieces that they see her wear on stage she has made herself. “Another thing that people might not know about me is that I’m a mom and I have the most amazing seven year old son,” said Kuykendall. “Sometimes it’s hard balancing motherhood and being a Principal dancer because they both take a lot of your time and love. But, my family is very understanding of my career and I can separate the two and give ballet my attention when I’m here at the studio and I can give my son attention when I’m home with him and I feel like he helps me be a better dancer and dancing helps me be a better mom.” She feels that her parents gave her attributes that have kept her strong and motivated to dance for so long. Kuykendall credits her father for a good ballet physique, which has kept her relatively injury-free. From her mother, she said she received an enormous amount of will and determination, which kept her inspired and motivated to work hard. During her 20-season career in Denver, she has seen the ballet world in Denver change significantly.
20 Colorado Ballet
She said that when she first came to the school, the Company was very small and there were only a few well-known companies in the city. And now, Colorado Ballet has grown and there are many more companies and opportunities to see classical and contemporary ballet in Denver. Audiences have more exposure to dance and she said that makes them more excited to see ballet. “I feel like Colorado Ballet is such a strong company, we have strong dancers, we have a strong staff to support us,” said Kuykendall. “I have never had any desire to leave, I’m so fulfilled artistically here. The ballets we get to dance and the roles I’ve gotten to dance are really wonderful.” She has danced many principal roles during her career at Colorado Ballet. Some of her favorites include Odette/ Odile in Swan Lake, Giselle and Petite Mort, which the Company did during Ballet MasterWorks in February 2017. She said that was a bucket list ballet for her, but said there are still ballets that she would like to dance. Kuykendall said there was never just one moment where she knew she wanted to be a professional dancer. Dancing was something she just always knew she wanted to do. She said if she could give advice to her younger self, it would be to believe in yourself and enjoy every moment because even though a single rehearsal might go by slowly, the years go by quickly. She also does not think that she would have done anything differently. Kuykendall admits to making mistakes and having struggling moments, but feels that those are things that shaped her into the dancer and person she is today. She said that ballet has taught her many lessons, which include not only dedication, hard work and poise, but also to be more forgiving and compassionate to herself and others. “This is because as dancers we are striving every day for an unattainable level of perfection and this can be very frustrating; it can bring on a lot of self-doubt and I feel like if you can take those imperfections and work with them, they can make you a stronger dancer.” For Kuykendall, it is impossible to sum up the last 20 years at Colorado Ballet. The Company has been her home and her coworkers have been like family. “I have met so many amazing, amazing people, teachers, coaches, choreographers. My partners have all been so wonderful supporting me on and off stage. I have met friends that I will have for a lifetime. I have so many beautiful memories Photos: Chandra Kuykendall in Swan Lake; Chandra inside these studios and it’s just really hard to explain how Kuykendall, Domenico Luciano and Artists of Colorado these years have affected me and how much love I have for Ballet in Giselle by David Andrews; Chandra Kuykendall, Domenico Luciano and Artists of Colorado Ballet in this place.” Swan Lake by Francisco Estevez Photography; Chandra Looking toward the future, she said she would like to Kuykendall in Shadows and Dust Photography Exhibit by continue doing what she is doing as long as her body holds Francisco Estevez Photography up and she remains inspired and motivated. Because of her love for the art, she knows that when she decides to retire, she will do something in the ballet world. “For as long as I can remember, ballet has defined me,” said Kuykendall. “It’s been what I do, what I love, it’s who I am. I am a ballerina and as artists we are creating art, but we are also are the art, so every day we’re growing and learning and changing and evolving and this is really a beautiful thing to experience and I feel like the audience can see this. They can see on stage this human aspect to it, and it really connects them to us and makes them feel like they’re really a part of the experience while they are watching the performance.” Colorado Ballet will honor Principal Dancer Sharon Wehner in the Romeo and Juliet program because she will retire at the end of the 2017/2018 season after 22 seasons with the Company. Colorado Ballet 21
The Colorado Ballet Academy presents
SWAN LAKE
a t t h e E l l i e C a u l k i n s O p e r a H o u s e M e m o r i a l D a y We e k e n d
Showtimes and tickets available soon. The performance features Colorado Ballet Academy students in Levels 1 - Pre-Professional Division.
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The Carson Brierly Giffin Dance Library congratulates 2017 “Legends of Dance” recipients: GENE GEBAUER, CELESTE GRYNBERG, MARIA MOSINA, DEBORAH RESHOTKO, FRAN PAGE AND DAMIAN WOETZEL The Carson Brierly Giffin Dance Library is an endowed collection whose mission is to advance education and engagement with resources across all genres of dance and movement in the American West. Celebration is October 15, 2017 at University of Denver. For more information contact libraryevents@du.edu or 303-399-6208 Colorado Ballet 23
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GALA CHAIRS: ANNE AND JIM HILLARY
photo: sharon wehner and yosvani ramos by allen birnbach
22
PRESENTING DENVER DANCE FESTIVAL June June 23-24, 23-24,2018 2018
Tickets on Sale Sale November 2017-June November 2017June 2018 2018 Take the Leap! Join the Movement. www.presentingdenver.org
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Colorado Ballet 25
COLORADOBALLET.ORG/COMMUNITY
SUPPORT COLORADO BALLET
Photo by Francisco Estevez Photography
For the eighth year, Community First Foundation and FirstBank are partnering to present Colorado Gives Day, an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving.
Visit www.coloradogives.org/coloradoballet on December 5 or schedule your donation anytime after November 1. 26 Colorado Ballet
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2017/2018 Season Subscriptions SAVE 25% ON ALL YOUR BALLET TICKETS!
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Call 303-339-1637 to become a season subscriber and receive the following benefits: • • • •
25% off all performances Complimentary ticket exchange Choose your preferred dates and times early Receive priority to renew same seats for the 2018/2019 season
Group Sales THE NUTCRACKER NOV. 25 - DEC. 24
Plan your family gathering or company party for the holidays and save up to 25% on tickets for groups of 10 or more for the best loved Nutcracker in the U.S. Contact Molly Epstein, Group Sales Manger, for additional information (303.619.6196 or molly.epstein@ coloradoballet.org). Book early for best available seating!
COLORADOBALLET.ORG
Sarah Tryon by Allen Birnbach
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Martha Graham Dance Company October 7 at 7:30 pm
A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy October 20 at 7:30 pm
Gregory Porter
November 4 at 7:30 pm
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live
November 11 at 2:00 and 7:30
The King’s Singers
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Spanish Harlem Orchestra December 7 at 7:30 pm
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Colorado Ballet 29
THE FREIDANN AND LILLIAN LEGACY SOCIETY
The Chiropractor for COLORADO BALLET
We hope you will consider joining the Freidann and Lillian Legacy Society to help ensure Colorado Ballet continues to thrive for years to come.
Photo: Colorado Ballet Academy Students by Francisco Estevez Photography
Mention Colorado Ballet and 20% of all new patient exam fees will be donated back to Colorado Ballet.
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Colorado Ballet’s all new Backstage Barre is dedicated to the Next Generation of ballet lovers and leaders in the arts community. • Develop your knowledge and passion for ballet • Connect with other enthusiasts and key influencers in the arts community • Get access to unique events, behind-the-scenes experiences and interactive happy hours Check us out on Instagram at backstagebarre.coballet
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Kevin Gaël Thomas by Allen Birnbach
30 Colorado Ballet
Photo Credit Misha Photography
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Educating local children, developing global minds As seen in our World Tea Fair, International Bash, cultural festivals, and musical performances, as well as our accredited language immersion (French, Spanish, and Mandarin) and International Baccalaureate curricula,we believe that storytelling is a global language. Experience a world without walls at one of our Parent Previews or community-wide events, and learn more about our bilingual, bicultural education!
admissions events happening now: www.isdenver.org/coballet Colorado Ballet 31
STAFF DIRECTORY
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Gil Boggs DEVELOPMENT
Director of Development Adam Sexton Associate Director of Development Denae Duesler Senior Development Officer Allie Coppeak Development Officer Susan Stiff Development AssociateEvents and Individual Giving Maggie Blumer Development AssociateDatabase and Gift Fulfillment Lauren Cregan Grants Manager Tricia Schmuki
ADMINISTRATIVE
Accounting Manager Janina Blue Accounting Associate Stephanie Kautz Boutique Manager Edie Bell
PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING Marketing Associate and Graphic Designer Tamar Moye
Social Media and Video Producer Kendra Harris
PATRON SERVICES AND DATABASE Director of Patron Services and DBA Taylor Clark Patron Services Representatives Natalie Kelce Melissa Longiaru Group Sales Agent Molly Epstein
ACADEMY
Academy Director Erica Fischbach Academy Business Manager Elisabeth Link Academy Wardrobe Manager Jennifer Aiken Lower Division Coordinator Kathi Crum Academy Faculty Dana Benton Anna Bridge Andy Clements Simon Costello Jennifer DePalo-Peterson Nick DiBattista Francisco Estevez Aria Faddis Cynthia Gottlob Jennifer Grahnquist Bailey Harper Page Jenkins
32 Colorado Ballet
MANAGING DIRECTOR Mark Chase
Tracy Jones Maria Mosina Roberto Munoz Diane Page Carolina Pahde Jayne Persch Whitney Popp Heather Prokhnitski Viki Psihoyos Erika Sandre Jamie Schuler Robert Sher-Machherndl Jeremy Studinski Kevin Gaël Thomas Igor Vassine Sharon Wehner John Williams, “Mr. Tap” Lisa Wolf
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Wardrobe and Shoe Manager and Costume Designer Shirin Lankarani Wardrobe Assistant Manager Elijah Meader Wardrobe Dressers Monica Rose Joe Tompkins Rebecca Travers Wardrobe Volunteer Rosemary Ellis Wig Mistress Sarah Opstad Wig Assistant Richard Krammes
Director of Education Samantha Hyde
Makeup Artist Kari Kisch
Education Programs Manager Emily Aalbers
Company Physical Therapist Mieke Braun Scripps MPT, DPT
Education Faculty Julie Anderson Elisabeth Berry Alison Beyers Andrea Clements Kathi Crum Kebrina Josefina De Jesus Aimee Eddins Lisa Engelken Aria Faddis Jen GaNun Renu Gupta Katie Johnson Carolina Pahde Michelle Pugh Rowan Salem Erika Sandre Jeannette Sharp-Oakes Makena Sneed Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero
Assistant Physical Therapist Sarah Graham, MSPT
ARTISTIC
Assistant Carpenter/Head Flyman Michael Duran
Ballet Mistress Sandra Brown Ballet Mistress Lorita Travaglia Ballet Mistress Maria Mosina Music Director and Principal Conductor Adam Flatt Associate Conductor Catherine Sailer Company Pianist Natalia Arefieva
PRODUCTION
Technical Director and Production Manager Pete Nielson Production Stage Manager/ Facilities Manager Vitali Prokhnitski Company Manager Brandi Glass
Acupuncturist Lorita Travaglia, L.Ac,Dipl. CHM Chiropractor Dr. David S. Shapiro Massage Therapist Stephen Jacoby, LMT Master Carpenter Emeritus David Jackson Property Master Emeritus David Jaramillo Master Carpenter Mark Duran
Lighting Director Patrick “Red” Howard Master Electrician Susan Osborne Property Master Toni Steelmon Pyrotechnition Micki McDanal Drivers/Production Assistants Robert J Harris David MacEachen Company Photographers Allen Birnbach Mike Watson Company Videographer David Andrews Orchestra Personnel Manager Steve Simpson Orchestra Librarian Chris Jusell
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