Colorado Ballet -- The Nutcracker -- November 2021

Presented by

NOVEMBER 14, 2021 – MARCH 13, 2022

N AT I O N A L TO U R S P O N S O R

John Singer Sargent, A Gust of Wind (Judith Gautier) (detail), about 1883–85. Oil on canvas; 24 ¾ × 15 in. (62.9 × 38.1 cm). Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Collection. L.2015.13.47. Photo by Travis Fullerton. © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Whistler to Cassatt: American Painters in France is organized by the Denver Art Museum and presented by Bank of America. The exhibition is supported by the Tom Taplin Jr. and Ted Taplin Endowment, the Kristin and Charles Lohmiller Exhibitions Fund, the Wyeth Foundation for American Art, Kathie and Keith Finger, Lauren and Geoff Smart, Christie’s, the French American Museum Exchange (FRAME), the generous donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS4.

Jessica Payne & Jonnathan Ramirez by Rachel Neville

CONTENTS Letter From the Director..........................6 Letter From PNC Bank ............................10 Program Following page.......................18 Cover Photo: Alexander Roy by Rachel Neville COLORADO BALLET PUBLICATION 2021/2022

4 Colorado Ballet

Colorado Ballet Publication is produced for Colorado Ballet by The Publishing House, Westminster, CO. Angie Flachman Johnson, Publisher Tod Cavey, Director of Sales Stacey Krull, Production Manager Wilbur E. Flachman, President Emeritus

For advertising information, please call 303.428.9529 or e-mail sales@pub-house.com ColoradoArtsPubs.com

PRESENTED BY GAYLORD HOTELS ®

Lights, Cirque, Action! This family holiday spectacular is all part of So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Rockies.

NOV. 19 - JAN. 2 | WELCOME TO MORE ChristmasAtGaylordRockies.com

FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR It is my pleasure to welcome you back to the Ellie for our spectacular production of The Nutcracker. It has been two years since our Company last performed this beloved holiday tradition, brimming with the spirit of the season and set to Tchaikovsky’s entrancing score.

We are beyond thrilled to bring The Nutcracker to dazzling life on the Ellie stage this year and to share our new sets and costumes with you.

I wish to express my sincerest thanks to the incredible artists who made this dream a reality. To our remarkable designers, Holly Hynes and Thomas Boyd, there are no words to express our immeasurable gratitude for your extraordinary vision; our new Nutcracker is more breathtaking than we could have ever imagined. To our many gifted scenic and costume makers across the country, I thank you for your artistry and tireless work to breathe new life into this beloved production. And to our very talented dancers, whose commitment to their craft never ceases to inspire, I thank you for your strength, devotion, and tenacity. I am delighted to see you perform on stage this season, especially for this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience of debuting new sets and costumes.

Friends and supporters, Colorado Ballet wouldn’t be here without you. We are forever grateful for the tremendous support of our community over the past two years, as we weathered an unimaginable and challenging storm. We were able to emerge as a strong and stable Company, eager to continue sharing world-class ballet with Colorado and beyond. Seeing all of you in the audience this holiday season fills our hearts with indescribable joy. This production of The Nutcracker is for you.

We invite you to join us for the rest of our celebratory 60 years +1 season. In February, Derek Deane’s Romeo and Juliet, one of the most beautiful yet tragic love stories of all time, returns in a stunning display of artistic grandeur. Septime Webre’s whimsical and athletic production of The Wizard of Oz will whisk you away this March on a whirlwind journey to the Emerald City.

Groundbreaking dance takes center stage in April with Ballet MasterWorks, featuring acclaimed masterpieces Theme and Variations, Petite Mort, and Nine Sinatra Songs.

Thank you for joining us for today’s performance of The Nutcracker. Whether you’re a first-time Nutcracker goer or a tried and true attendee, I hope that our beautiful new production will brighten your holiday season. Enjoy the performance!

Gil Boggs Artistic Director

6 Colorado Ballet

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Colorado Ballet 7

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Winter Aglow at Denver Pavilions features three floats from the Parade of Lights, live carolers, and music from KOSI 101.1, December 5 - January 2.

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WELCOMES YOU At PNC Bank, community investment is foundational to our values and interwoven into our corporate culture. We know we are only as successful as those that we serve, which is why we seek to strengthen the communities where we live and work by providing resources that help enhance early childhood education and support economic development.

One of the areas we focus on is the arts because we understand the critical role they play in the continued success, stability, and growth of our local communities.

As such, PNC Bank is proud to be the returning presenting sponsor of the Colorado Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” We are honored to support this annual holiday tradition and grateful that the Colorado Ballet continues to bring entertaining and timeless programming to the Denver community.

Happy holidays and enjoy the performance!

Ryan Beiser Regional President for PNC Bank in Colorado

GROUPS SAVE MORE SAVE 20% ON ALL SHOWS WITH GROUPS OF 10+

Nicolas Pelletier & Francesca Martoccio by Rachel Neville

10 Colorado Ballet

COLORADOBALLET.ORG/GROUP-TICKETS

Jonathan Saiz

K Contemporary

1412 Wazee Street | Denver, CO 80202 | 303.590.9800 | KContemporaryArt.com

Colorado Ballet applauds its official sponsors of 2021/2022 season.

COLORADO BALLET BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE BOARD Board Co-Chairs Greg Laugero Susan W. Bailey Secretary JoAnne Zboyan Finance Co-Chairs Brent L. Backes Curt Hockemeier Advancement Co-Chairs Merry Logan Denise Sanderson Academy Co-Chairs Raydean Acevedo Holly Baroway, CFP Governance Co-Chairs Colleen Curran Michael E. Korenblat, Esq.

12 Colorado Ballet

Long-Range Planning Co-Chairs Elizabeth Katkin Michelle MoormanApplegate

Education & Community Engagement Co-Chairs Joanne Posner-Mayer JoAnne Zboyan

Allen Lim Geoff Long Timothy Mottet Jane Netzorg Christina Raya Douglas Richards Cheri Rubin Dick Saunders Suzan Schlatter Zach Smith Brad Sonnenberg Nancy Stevens Bernee Strom Susan Struna Adrienne Toon

Trustees Jean Armstrong Heather Beiser Steven Blazek Kaye Ferry Anne Frick Alyson Graves Anne Hillary Gail Kassan

Emeritus Board Lisa Levin Appel Bill Armstrong Liz Armstrong Anna Bates Mary Lou Blackledge-Kortz Christin Crampton Day Sandy Elliott Don Kortz*

Marketing and Public Relations Co-Chairs Duke Hartman Rich Kylberg

Henny Lasley David Ramsay Jim Ruh Lisa Snider Harry M. Sterling Lifetime Trustees Raydean Acevedo Duke Hartman Dick Saunders Arts & Venues Representative Molly Wink Auxiliary Co-Presidents Christine Fedorowicz Linda Heiss Backstage Barre Co-Chairs Mandi Horvath Lisa Strachan Artistic Director Gil Boggs

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Jessica Payne & Jonnathan Ramirez by Rachel Neville

february 4 – 13 , 2022 Ellie C aulki n s Op e ra H ou s e W I T H L I V E M U S I C F E AT U R I N G T H E

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PAACOLOR A DO.O RG Colorado Ballet 15

The Nutcracker Campaign

We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors who have supported new sets and costumes for our beloved production of The Nutcracker:

Party Scene

Sandy Elliott

Land of Snow

Liz and Bill Armstrong

Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy

Mary Ellen and Dave Wright

Clara

Anne and Jim Hillary

Sugarplum Fairy

Duke and Pam Hartman

Sugarplum Fairy’s Cavalier

Lynnette Morrison

Dewdrop

Lisa Levin Appel

Party boys and girls

Colorado Ballet Auxiliary

Mice

Holly Baroway and Erik Cederlund

Mother Ginger and Polichinelles

Jean and Hugh Armstrong

Flowers

Sally Murray

Columbine Doll

Backstage Barre

Nutcracker Doll

Alyson and Chris Graves

Christmas Tree

Denver Ballet Guild

Grandfather Clock

Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane

Sleigh

Jane and Skip Netzorg

Snow

Denise and Jim Sanderson

Clara’s and Prince’s Throne

Joanne Posner Mayer

Arabian Carriage

Brent and Melanie Backes

Chinese Dragon

Marlene Siegel

Flowers costume by Rachel Neville

Anne Mead Carl Hartman Ms. Julie C. Van Camp Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz Michael and Katherine Whitcomb Nancy And Curt Hockemeier Nancy and Thomas Stevens Newel and Marlowe Linford Read Foundation Yuval and Rachel Moskovich Janet Trafton Tobin Charitable Gift Fund The Boon Family Charitable Fund Dick and Jeanne Saunders Mrs. Susie Biehl Haley Branch Naji J. Ghorayeb Keira and Mark Norman Ms. Ruth Schoening Karen and Peter Barrett Linda and Steve Heiss Alan and Inhye Como Anne and Paul Zeckser Bruce and Kathy Butterfield Cheri and Alan Rubin Colorado Gulf Packaging Inc Tim Curry James Eckhart Ellen and John Bywaters Rebecca Givens Pamela Newberry and Michael Gillin

And our thanks to the hundreds of friends who supported at all levels including 102 anonymous gifts!

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Denver 303.399.4564

Steamboat Springs 970.879.9222

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Founders Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker Artistic Director Gil Boggs Ballet Masters Sandra Brown, Lorita Travaglia, Maria Mosina Musical Director and Principal Conductor Adam Flatt Associate Conductor Catherine Sailer THE COMPANY Principals Dana Benton, Jennifer Grace, Mario Labrador, Jonnathan Ramirez, Yosvani Ramos, Asuka Sasaki Soloists Leah McFadden, Christophor Moulton, Nicolas Pelletier, Kevin Gaël Thomas, Sarah Tryon Demi-Soloists Mackenzie Dessens, Sean Omandam, Melissa Zoebisch Corps de Ballet Joshua Allenback, Liam Hogan, Ever Larson, Bryce Lee, Francesca Martoccio, Ariel McCarty, Christopher Mitchell, Jessica Payne, Alexander Roy, Jeremy Studinski, Sara Thomas, Alexandra Wilson Apprentices Catherine Aoki, Alexandra Gilliom, Sheridan Guerin, Catherine McGregor, Patrick Mihm, Jacob Ray Studio Company Roman Aldrete, Lily Bines, Mylie Buck, Vanessa Childress, Claire Curran, EmmaRose Forbus, Leopold Foster, Jacqueline Gionet, Kyra Hughes, Fiona Hutchens, Cate Jesser, Hannah Lesold, Stefanee Montesantos, Ryan Nemmers, Gabriela Rodriguez, Sonata Ross, Timothy Ruelas, Lili Travaglia, Ali Walters, Leah White Colorado Ballet | 1075 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 | 303-837-8888 | 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 Dancers 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.

PNC Bank Presents

THE NUTCRACKER November 27 – December 24, 2021

Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Based on Choreography by Martin Fredmann Additional Choreography by Sandra Brown Staged by Sandra Brown, Lorita Travaglia and Maria Mosina Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Based on the Story by E.T.A. Hoffman Scenic Design by Thomas Boyd Costume Design by Holly Hynes Lighting Design by Todd Elmer Assistant Costume Designer, Ricky Lurie Wig Design by Anne Davis New Nutcracker Sets and Costumes Project Manager, Kristina Sablatura Associate Lighting Designer Patrick “Red” Howard Scenic Elements created by Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Handsome Little Devils, Michael Hagen Inc. Costumes Made by Aria Movement Designs Inc., Arnold S. Levine, Carol Atkins, Caryn Wells Design, Conservatory by Primadonna Tutus, Eric Winterling Inc., Gene Mignola Inc., Handsome Little Devils, John Kristiansen New York Inc., JRenee Studio, Parsons-Meares Ltd., Redthreaded, Rodney Gordon Inc., SEW Good it Hurts, Timberlake Studios Inc. Synopsis The curtain rises to reveal Herr Drosselmeyer in his workshop preparing for the party at the home of Dr. and Frau Stahlbaum. It’s their annual Christmas Eve Party. The magical and eccentric Herr Drosselmeyer has planned a special surprise for his beloved godchild, Clara Stahlbaum. He presents her with a wonderfully mysterious wooden Nutcracker.

Clara is immediately taken with the gift. Clara’s brother Fritz is jealous and steals the Nutcracker from Clara. In the chaos of his teasing, Fritz accidentally breaks the Nutcracker. Herr Drosselmeyer comes to the rescue and assures Clara that all will be well.

The party ends and Clara, just before the stroke of midnight, returns to the darkened living room to check on her Nutcracker. She is frightened by large mice, but suddenly, Herr Drosselmeyer appears and the mice flee. Much to Clara’s amazement, Herr Drosselmeyer commands the Christmas tree to grow to such an enormous size that it pushes away the entire room. Next, he changes her little wooden toy into a life-size Nutcracker. The Nutcracker introduces himself and his soldiers to Clara.

The mice suddenly reappear, and a vicious battle ensues. The soldiers seem to be winning, but the great Mouse King appears and the tide turns. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King fight, and just as the Mouse King is about to overpower the Nutcracker, Clara distracts him, giving the Nutcracker the chance to overcome the Mouse King.

To Clara’s delight and surprise, the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome young prince, who takes her off on an enchanted journey. He takes her to the Land of the Snow, and then to the beautiful Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where Clara is entertained by dances from many lands.

The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier then dance for Clara and the Prince. The Prince carries a sleeping Clara back to her home, where she awakens uncertain if her magical journey was a dream or reality.

2 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet

Gil Boggs, Artistic Director

ARTISTIC STAFF

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 15 Colorado Ballet premieres by such renowned choreographers as Twyla Tharp, Lar Lubovitch, Anthony Tudor, Val Caniparoli, Dwight Rhoden and Lynne Taylor-Corbett.

Sandra Brown, Ballet Master/Assistant to the Artistic Director 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 Duke and Pam Hartman

Lorita Travaglia, Ballet Master 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 master 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.

Generously supported by Raydean Acevedo

Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 3

ARTISTIC STAFF Maria Mosina, Ballet Master 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, she retired at the end of the 2016/2017 season. She has now joined the artistic staff of the company.

Generously supported by Paul Goodspeed and Mary Poole

Adam Flatt, Music Director & Principal Conductor 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 has served on the musical

4 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet

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

Generously supported by Sandy Elliott Catherine Sailer, Associate Conductor

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. She was named the winner of the Robert Shaw Fellowship in 2005, chosen by Chorus America and supported by Warner Brothers and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Her other awards include first place at the American Choral Director’s Association Conducting Competition. Conducting Credits include the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Orchestra, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, the National Opera of China, the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music Orchestra and the Central City Opera. Sailer has been a conducting fellow with the Dale Warland Singers, the Kansas City Chorale, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the Carnegie Hall Workshop Chorus, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. She has collaborated as conductor or chorus master with singers William Warfield and Marilyn Horne and conductors Victor Yampolsky, Marius Szmolij, Stephen Alltop, David Amram, Tan Dun, David Fanshawe, and Marin Alsop. Sailer was invited to conduct in the National Conducting Institute with the National Symphony Orchestra as a student of Leonard Slatkin. She also conducted performances of the festival chorus and orchestra at the Oregon Bach Festival under the tutelage of Helmuth Rilling. Catherine Sailer received the Doctor of Music with honors in conducting from Northwestern University and the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Conducting from the University of Denver. She has served as Assistant Conductor of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, the Denver Young Artists Orchestra and as Music Director of the Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra. She is an active guest and festival conductor for choir and orchestra and her collegiate ensembles have appeared at Colorado Music Educator’s Association and Southwest divisional conferences of the American Choral Director’s Association.

DANCERS PRINCIPALS Dana Benton Dana Benton was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and at the age of 9, she was accepted to the National Ballet School in Toronto where she trained for eight years. Dana graduated from the National Ballet School with Honors in Academics and was awarded the Peter Dwyer Award for Excellence in Dance. Upon graduating in 2000, Dana received a contract with Alberta Ballet Company in Canada.

She spent one year with the Company as an Apprentice. In 2001, she joined Colorado Ballet and she has performed many Soloist and Principal roles with the Company. Dana was promoted to Soloist in 2007 and then to Principal in 2014.

Generously supported by Jane and Skip Netzorg Jennifer Grace

Jennifer Grace was born in Bozeman, Montana. She trained at The Dance Center in Bozeman, The Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia and Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy in Southern California. Jennifer was hired by Tulsa Ballet’s Second Company in 2013 and was promoted to Corps de Ballet in November of that same year. By 2017 she was a Soloist with the company and had performed many Principal and Soloist roles. She has had the opportunity to perform works by choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon, Derek Deane, Ben Stevenson, William Forsythe, Nacho Duato, Wayne McGregor and Alejandro Cerrudo. Jennifer was Pointe Magazine’s August/September 2018 Cover Star.

Generously supported by Ann and Ford Frick Mario Labrador

Mario Vitale Labrador was born in Antioch, CA. At the age of 10, he began his ballet studies under the tutelage of Ronn Guidi. At the age of 19, Mario decided to attend the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia.

During his time at the Academy, Mario performed as the lead in many school productions, including their production of La Fille Mal Gardee, Paquita, Harlequinade and Classical Symphony. In 2012, Mario graduated top of his class and received an invitation to join the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St Petersburg, Russia, where he eventually became a Soloist.

While there, he had the opportunity to work with world famous choreographers Nacho Duato and Lar Lubovitch. He also danced a number of lead roles in classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Chippolino, and Giselle. Other notable ballets in his repertoire are The Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardee, Don Quixote, Flames of Paris, Class Concert, Romeo and Juliet and The Bronze Horseman. In 2016, Mario left the Mikhailovsky Theatre, where he took a two year break from ballet. In 2018, Mario joined Central West Ballet as a Principal, where he danced the leads in all the ballets. His favorite role to dance while at Central West Ballet was Dracula in Rene Daveluy’s

World Premiere production of Dracula. This is his first season with Colorado Ballet.

Generously supported by Mary Ellen and David Wright Jonnathan Ramirez

Jonnathan Ramirez is originally from Cali, Colombia. At the age of 8 he began his training at the Colombian Institute of Ballet, Incolballet. After graduating at 16, he moved to New York City where he received a full scholarship to continue his training at American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. In 2007 he danced with Cincinnati Ballet for two seasons, then in 2009 he joined Houston Ballet. In 2010 Jonnathan joined the Tulsa Ballet Theatre where he performed numerous soloist and principal roles over ten consecutive years before joining Colorado Ballet in 2020.

Generously supported by Lynnette Morrison 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. 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. He danced with ENB until 2008, when he joined The Australian Ballet as a Principal Artist, where he remained until April 2013. He spent several months guesting then joined the Cincinnati Ballet as Principal Dancer in 2014. Yosvani joined Colorado Ballet in 2015 as a Principal Dancer.

Generously supported by Katherine and Michael Whitcomb Asuka Sasaki

Asuka Sasaki was born in Nagano, Japan. She trained at the Emiko Kojima Ballet School, Yo Ballet Academy in Japan and Beijing Dance Academy in China. After Beijing Dance Academy she joined Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet as an Aspirant. She started dancing with Colorado Ballet in 2005 as a member of the Corps de Ballet, was promoted to Soloist in 2010 and then to Principal in 2017.

With Colorado Ballet, she has worked with accomplished choreographers such as Val Caniparoli, Derek Deane, Septime Webre, Eldar Aliev, Michael Pink, Ben Stevenson, Lynn TaylorCorbett, Martin Fredmann, Lila York, Jessica Lang, Dwight Rhoden, Edwaard Liang and Amy Seiwert.

Generously supported by Debby Herz

Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 5

DANCERS SOLOISTS

Kevin Gaël Thomas

Leah McFadden

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. 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.

Leah Rose McFadden grew up in a small town called Dowagiac, MI. At age 11, she began training with Southold Dance Theatre, a pre-professional ballet school in South Bend, IN. During Leah’s six years at Southold, under the direction of Erica Fischbach, she participated in YAGP and received a number of awards. Leah also attended summer intensives at Gelsey Kirkland Academy, Grand Rapids Ballet, Miami City Ballet and Colorado Ballet. In 2015, she joined Miami City Ballet’s Pre-Professional program yearround. During her time there, Leah also performed with Miami City Ballet’s company as well as touring with them to New York and Chicago performing various works. Leah joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2016 and was promoted to the main company in 2018.

Generously supported by Douglas Richards Christophor Moulton

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.

Christophor joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2009, was promoted to the Company in 2010 and then to Soloist in 2017.

Generously supported by Peggy Goldman Nicolas Pelletier

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. 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. He 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 deuxs and solos. He joined Colorado Ballet in 2017.

Generously supported by Carla Dore

Generously supported by Elizabeth Katkin-Waryn and Richard Waryn Sarah Tryon

Sarah Tryon was born in Hanmer, Ontario, Canada and started ballet at the age of 12 with 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 from school as a corps de ballet member. Since joining Colorado Ballet in 2015, Sarah has performed an extensive array of notable soloist and principal roles including; Juliet in Derek Deane’s Romeo and Juliet, Giselle in Giselle, Mina in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Aqua in Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto, Dark Angel in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Princess Florina in The Sleeping Beauty, In Trutina and Dulcicisseme in Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana, Clara in The Nutcracker, Red in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling, Wendy in Michael Pink’s Peter Pan, Amour, Flower Girl, and Gypsy in Don Quixote, Red Couple in Lila York’s Celts, Second Pas in Val Caniparoli’s In Pieces, Amy Seiwert’s Traveling Alone, Jirí Kylián’s Petite Mort, and Edwaard Liang’s Feast of the Gods.

Generously supported by David Bayendor

DEMI-SOLOISTS 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. In 2015, she joined Colorado Ballet.

Generously supported by Kaye Ferry

6 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet

DANCERS Sean Omandam 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.

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. 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.

Osiyeva. Following graduation with accolades in modern dance,Liam spent a year with the Washington Ballet Studio Company under the direction of Julie Kent. While dancing with the Washington Ballet, Liam was coached by Victor Barbee and Julie Kent. He also had the opportunity to work closely with choreographer Marco Pelle who set the pas de deux Libera! on him performing in multiple venues, including the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and the Italian Embassy in Washington DC. Liam was also honored to have Marcelo Gomez choreograph on him for the world premiere of his ballet Outset. Notable works include “Molly Pas de Deux” in John Neumeier’s Yondering, Libera! by Marco Pelle, Outset

by Marcelo Gomes, and Minor Threat by Mark Godden.

Liam joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2018, was promoted to Apprentice in the Company in 2019 and promoted to Corps de Ballet in 2020.

Generously supported by Cheri and Alan Rubin

Generously supported by Cari and Mark Spiecker

Melissa Zoebisch

Ever Larson

Melissa grew up in Mexico and studied at the Chamber Ballet of Jalisco. She received a scholarship to attend the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Madame Sizova’s class and, after a year, returned to Mexico to graduate.

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 danced soloist roles. She has also danced principal roles in classical ballets, original contemporary choreographies, and many others. She freelanced with her husband around the country before joining Colorado Ballet in 2014.

Ever Larson, from Chicago, began her formal training at Ballet Society of Colorado Springs before relocating to Denver for Colorado Ballet Academy’s full-time Pre-Professional program.

Under the direction of Valerie Madonia and Erica Fischbach, she competed at YAGP, placing 1st in Senior Women’s Classical, and twice earned her way to YAGP Finals in NYC as a soloist. Ever attended many summer programs including Paris Opera Ballet, Académie Princesse Grace, San Francisco Ballet, Colorado Ballet, American Ballet Theatre NYC, and Kaatsbaan. Notable performances under Erica’s leadership include Odette in Swan Lake and Giselle in Giselle. Colorado Ballet performances include George Balanchine’s Serenade, Nikiya from La Bayadère, and other Corps de Ballet roles. Ever joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2019, was promoted to Apprentice in 2020 and to Corps de Ballet in 2021.

Generously supported by Christy Honnen

CORPS DE BALLET Josh Allenback 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. He joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2013 and was promoted into the Company in 2014.

Generously supported by Rita and Brad Sonnenberg Liam Hogan

Liam Hogan grew up in Houston, Texas where he began his ballet training at the Houston Ballet Academy under the guidance of Claudio Muñoz and Andrew Murphy. Liam completed his training at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida under the guidance of Meelis Pakri and Svetlana

Generously supported by Casey Carson and Josh Majchrzak Bryce Lee

Bryce Lee was born in Missouri and started his professional training at 12 at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy in Laguna Hills, CA. 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 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 and two-time YAGP Finalist Qualifier. He joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2013 and was promoted to the Company in 2015.

Generously supported by Mike and Pam Copp

Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 7

DANCERS Francesca Martoccio

Jessica Payne

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. In 2014, Francesca was chosen by the faculty to study abroad in Hong Kong, China at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. After graduating, Francesca joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2016, was promoted to Apprentice in the Company in 2017 and then to the Corps de Ballet in 2019.

Jessica Payne is from San Clemente, California. She received her training at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy.

In 2015, she joined Tulsa Ballet’s second company and was promoted into the main company the following year, where she continued to dance until joining Colorado Ballet in 2020.

Jessica completed her Bachelor of Science in liberal studies with a minor in psychology in 2020 from Oklahoma State University. She has taught at multiple summer dance programs in California, as well as year-round at a school in Tulsa. At the Youth America Grand Prix regionals, she received first place in the classical division in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Jessica has attended summer programs at San Francisco Ballet, Ballet West, and American Ballet Theater.

In 2019, she went on tour with Tulsa Ballet and had the opportunity to perform in Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

Generously supported by Adrienne Toon Ariel McCarty

Originally from Allen, TX, Ariel McCarty began dancing/ballet at the age of three. At the age of nine, she began training in Dallas at Texas Ballet Theatre under the direction of Jan Miller and Lyndette Galen. Ariel relocated to Denver to begin training with Colorado Ballet Academy’s PreProfessional program under Valerie Madonia and Erica Fischbach. While in the Academy, she had the opportunity to perform in numerous pieces and excerpts including as Swanilda in the Academy’s full production of Coppelia. As a part of her training, Ariel attended many summer intensives including TBTS, ABT, Boston Ballet, Ballet West, Colorado Ballet, School of OBT and Dance Theatre of Harlem, where her well-rounded training continued. In 2017, she was promoted to Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company and then to Apprentice in 2018. Ariel was promoted to the Corps de Ballet in 2020.

Generously supported by Yvette and Chris Frampton Christopher Mitchell

Christopher Mitchell was born in Denver, Colorado and began his training at Denver Ballet Theatre Academy at the age of 15, where he studied for two years. At age 17, he moved to New York City to study under Edward Ellison at Ellison Ballet. During his time in school, he performed many roles from the classical repertoire including Prince Seigfried from Swan Lake, Prince Desire from The Sleeping Beauty, Cavalier from The Nutcracker, among many other roles. Upon graduation in 2020, he began his career at the Junior Company of Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam where he was able to enhance his contemporary skills and performed in ballets by Ted Brandsen and Hans van Manen. His favorite ballet is La Bayadère. This is Christopher’s first season with Colorado Ballet.

Generously supported by Alyson and Chris Graves

8 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet

Generously supported by Wendy Williams and Noel Kullavanijaya Alexander Roy

Alexander Roy is from Chicago, Illinois and received his training from the Chicago High School for the Arts. As a student he performed lead roles in ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and Paquita. In 2016 Alexander joined The Joffrey Academy of Dance as a Trainee on a full scholarship. While at Joffrey he performed soloist and ensemble roles in Swan Lake, Symphonic Variations and Napoli. In 2018 Alexander joined Atlanta Ballet as a Second Company member under the leadership of Gennadi Nedvigin and Sharon Story. In 2019 Alexander Joined Colorado Ballet as an Apprentice. During his first season with Colorado Ballet, Alexander had the pleasure of performing Demi-Soloist and Corps de Ballet roles such as Red Man in Lila York’s Celts, as well as Russian and Warrior in The Nutcracker. Alexander is a two-time Youth America Grand Prix finalist and has choreographed two of his own ballets. This is Alexander’s second season with Colorado Ballet.

Generously supported by Michael Bena Jeremy Studinski

Jeremy began his training at the age of nine at the Colorado Conservatory of Dance in Broomfield. He joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2012 for one season where he performed in ballets by Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, and Glen Tetley. He then went on to join Orlando Ballet II in 2013 and was promoted to their main Company in 2015. He rejoined Colorado Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member in 2017 and has enjoyed dancing notable roles for the company in productions like Dracula, The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet.

Generously supported by Rachel and Yuval Moskovich

DANCERS Sara Thomas Sara Thomas is originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She began her ballet training at the age of 12 with Metropolitan Ballet Academy. While in school, she was selected by Roy Kaiser to perform in Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker as Spanish.

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. In 2015, she returned to Colorado Ballet and joined the Studio Company where she had the opportunity to perform some of her favorite ballets with the Company. Sara was promoted to the main Company as an Apprentice in 2017 and then the Corps de Ballet in 2019.

In 2021, Sara choreographed an original piece, Embrace It or Erase It, on the Company.

Generously supported by Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Alexandra Wilson

Alexandra Wilson was born and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She began training with the Colorado Ballet Academy at age 9, spending her summers training on scholarships across the nation. Alexandra competed in Youth America Grand Prix and was awarded First Place Classical in Denver leading her to the New York Finals. At age 16, Alexandra accepted an invitation to train full-time on scholarship with the Kirov Academy of Ballet. During her final semester with the Kirov Academy, Alexandra was selected by the artistic director of the Universal Ballet Company to travel to South Korea and perform in their full-length production of Swan Lake. Upon graduation, Alexandra returned to South Korea, joining the Corps de Ballet of the Universal Ballet for their 2016/2017 season. After returning to the states, she joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company and was promoted to Apprentice in the Company in 2019 and then to Corps de Ballet in 2020.

Generously supported by Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger

APPRENTICES Catherine Aoki Catherine Aoki is from Los Angeles, California and began dancing ballet at age six. She started at a local ballet school in Ogden, Utah and went on to dance in the Professional Training Division at Ballet West. She also spent her summers training at notable schools such as the Royal Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet and Atlanta Ballet. She participated in both the American Ballet Competition and the Youth American Grand Prix, winning numerous awards and scholarships.

Catherine moved to Denver to begin training with Colorado Ballet Academy’s Pre-Professional Program under Erica Fischbach. She was then selected to join the Colorado Ballet Studio Company in 2018 and was promoted to Apprentice

in the company for the 2020 season. Since joining Colorado Ballet, she had the opportunity to perform in a variety of works including George Balanchine’s Serenade, Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana and Michael Pink’s Peter Pan.

Generously supported by The Patrick Keleher Family Alexandra Gilliom

Alexandra Gilliom was born in Denver, Colorado. After moving to Costa Rica at the age of six, she started pursuing ballet more seriously at a small studio called Happy Feet. Her training here enabled her to gain acceptance into the Denver School of the Arts, so at the age of 11, she moved back to Denver to study both there and at the Colorado Ballet Academy. Throughout her time at Colorado Ballet Academy, she was able to perform in various academy productions as well as productions with the company including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland, among others. Alexandra was also able to participate in the Denver Ballet Guild during her time with Colorado Ballet Academy where she finalized twice after training under Heather Prokhnitski. In 2019, after seven years at both the Denver School of the Arts and Colorado Ballet Academy, Alexandra was offered a studio company contract with the Colorado Ballet. As a member of Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company, she performed in various productions including Dryads and Fandango in Don Quixote and Corps de Ballet roles in The Nutcracker. In 2021, Alexandra was promoted to Apprentice.

Generously supported by Heather and Conor McCallin Sheridan Guerin

Sheridan Guerin was born in Ft. Worth, Texas and began her training at age 12. She trained under Lisa Slagle at Ballet Academy of Texas. She has attended American Ballet Theatre’s summer intensive in New York for four years in a row and was nominated to be their National Training Scholar for two years. She has competed at YAGP and has placed 1st overall in both contemporary and classical divisions. She has also had the opportunity to perform at YAGP New York as a finalist. In 2017 Sheridan was accepted as a Studio Company member at Oklahoma City Ballet where she had the opportunity to perform in ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and The Little Mermaid.

In 2018 Sheridan went on to join Atlanta Ballet’s school under the leadership of Sharon Story. At Atlanta Ballet she had the opportunity to perform in Yuri Possokhov’s world premiere of The Nutcracker. Sheridan was then hired as a Studio Company member for Colorado Ballet’s 2019/20 season and was then promoted to Apprentice in the main Company in 2020.

Generously supported by Christie and Joe Del-Ciotto

Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 9

DANCERS Catherine McGregor

Jacob Ray

Catherine McGregor was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She began her training at the age of five and trained in Jacksonville until the age of sixteen. During her training, Catherine spent many of her summers at notable schools, such as Houston Ballet, Orlando Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and The HARID Conservatory. In 2016 she was offered a scholarship to attend the HARID Conservatory year-round in Boca Raton, Florida.

After graduating from the HARID Conservatory in 2018, she was offered a Studio Company position with the Colorado Ballet and was promoted to Apprentice for the 2020/2021 season. Since joining Colorado Ballet, Catherine has had the opportunity to perform in a variety of works including, George Balanchine’s Serenade in the Vail Dance Festival, Michael Pink’s Peter Pan and Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana.

Jacob Ray was born in Irvine, California and moved to Michigan at an early age. He began his dance training at age eight, focusing primarily on ballet at the age 10 at the Grand Rapids Ballet Company under the artistic direction of Patricia Barker. There he was a member of the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company under the direction of Attila Mosolygo, performing in several productions with the company. After moving back to his hometown in California, Jacob began training at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy under the artistic direction of Dmitri and Jennifer Kulev. In 2017, Jacob received a First Place Award in Men’s Senior Classical Ballet at Youth America Grand Prix regionals Los Angeles, where he went on to compete at finals in New York. Jacob also spent summers training at intensives such as American Ballet Theatre in Irvine and The Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive in New York on full scholarship, receiving an invitation by academy teachers for full-time study at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. In 2018, Jacob also had the honor of being chosen as a ballet semi-finalist in the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Awards. In 2019, Jacob joined the Colorado Ballet Studio Company and was excited to be promoted to Apprentice in 2020.

Generously supported by Patty Lorie Patrick Mihm

Patrick Mihm was born in Dubuque, Iowa and began his training at the Dubuque City Youth Ballet at the age of 11 where he studied for three years. At the age of 14, he moved to southern Florida to begin his training at the HARID Conservatory. After staying at the school for two years, he decided to move to New York City to finish his training at Ellison Ballet. During his time in school he performed many roles from classical repertoire including Albrecht in Giselle, James in La Sylphide, Cavalier in The Nutcracker, as well as Basilio in Don Quixote. Upon graduation in 2020, he began his career with Colorado Ballet in the Studio Company. After one year in Studio Company, Patrick was promoted to Apprentice.

Generously supported by Naji Ghorayeb

Generously supported by Janet and John MacFarlane

Gregory K. Gonzales, Guest Artist

GUEST ARTIST

Gregory Gonzales graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Sports Fitness/Kinesiology and Dance Minor. He was a dance scholarship recipient and Best Dancer Award winner while there. His teachers include: Larry Boyette, Dr. Sandra Minton, Karen Genoff-Campbell, James Clouser, Milenko Banovic, Jeanette Triomphe to name a few. Gregory has danced with several companies over the years, both ballet and modern.

These include: The Dance Connection, David Taylor Dance Theater, Nevada Dance Theater, Ballet Arizona, WylliamsHenry Dance Theater, Opera Colorado, Ballet Pacifica, Kim Robards Dance, Les Ballet Grandiva, Zikr Dance Ensemble, Ballet Ariel and the Colorado Ballet. He spent the bulk of his career at Colorado Ballet where he was promoted to Principal Dancer in 1997. Gregory has had the opportunity to work with many leading choreographers both past and present such as Christopher Wheeldon, Stanton Welch, Milton Myers, Doug Varone and Toro Shimuzake and to dance in ballets ranging

10 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet

from classical and romantic periods to Balanchine, Graham and contemporary works. Gregory also choreographs and was a Choreographer in Residence for the Colorado Ballet from 2003-2004. He created and/or collaborated on ballets such as Carmina Burana, Peter Pan, Broken Web, Incantation and Last Breath. He has choreographed for the University of Northern Colorado, The Dawson-Wallace Dance Project, Ballet Ariel, The Denver Independent Choreographer’s Dance Project, Denver School of the Arts, Presenting Denver Dance Festival, Engage Movement Arts, etc. Gregory was adjudicated and is a member of the Society of American Fight Directors and is recommended in rapier and dagger. He founded On Edge Productions with three other colleagues and created shows, both comedy and drama, that featured stage combat. Gregory currently dances with Colorado Ballet as a resident guest artist and with Ballet Ariel. He teaches ballet, character, acting for dancers and floor barre. He also teaches anatomy using the Anatomy In Clay® System to dancers and for Anatomy In Clay® Centers. He has played guitar and bandoneon for the Natural Tango Tipica Orquesta and studied Argentine Tango and has created and directed work for Tango Colorado and Parasol Arts. Gregory is a recipient of the Legends of Dance Award for 2019 from the Dance Archive University of Denver.

Thomas Boyd, Scenic Design

DESIGNERS

Originally from Kansas, Thomas Boyd performed 12 years with Chicago Ballet, Chicago Contemporary Dance Theater and Houston Ballet. From 1986 to 2012, Mr. Boyd was head of production for Houston Ballet, where he worked with noted designers like Peter Farmer, Desmond Heeley, David Walker and Walter Nobbe. In 2013, Mr. Boyd reunited with a long-time friend when Li Cunxin assumed artistic directorship of Queensland Ballet, recruiting Mr. Boyd as Technical Director. Mr. Boyd’s designs for ballets choreographed by Ben Stevenson, Natalie Weir, Trey McIntyre, Stanton Welch and Ma Cong have been produced around the world for companies including Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of Estonia, Ballet de Santiago, National Ballet of China, and Queensland Ballet.

Holly Hynes, Costume Design Holly Hynes is an international award-winning costume designer with over 250 ballets to her credit, including more than 70 at New York City Ballet. Hynes’ designs are also on view in companies around the world, including American Ballet Theatre; The Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, Russia; National Ballet of Canada; Photo by Rosalie O’Connor La Scala Ballet in Milan, Italy; The Kirov Ballet in Saint Petersburg, Russia; The Royal Ballet in London; Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris, The Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen; Bulgarian State Ballet in Sofia, Bulgaria, Miami City Ballet; Koninklijk Ballet van Vlaanderen in Antwerp, Belgium; San Francisco Ballet; Houston Ballet; Den Norske Ballet in Oslo, Norway; Finnish National; BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Ballet Vancouver, Canada; Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Canada; American Repertory Ballet in Princeton, New Jersey; Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle, Washington; Atlanta Ballet, Georgia; Nashville Ballet, Tennessee; Ballet Pacifica, California; Dance Galaxy, New York; Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, Illinois; and The Suzanne Farrell Ballet at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, where she served as the resident costume designer for 19 years. Hynes was Director of Costumes for the New York City Ballet from 1985-2006. In 2018 Holly received the Theatre Developement Fund/ Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievment Award in New York City. She and husband of 41 years, Jim Zulakis have two children who both work in the arts. Learn more about Holly at hollyhynes.com

Todd Elmer, Lighting Design

Mr. Elmer came to Colorado Ballet in 2008 from an extensive background designing lighting for live performance: theatre, opera, dance, and ballet, which included ten consecutive years touring domestically and internationally from 1984-94 while based in New York.

He was the Lighting Director for American Ballet Theatre, Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, Wes Chapman’s American Ballet, Production Stage Manager for three Festival on Ice U.S. National Tours, and Lighting Supervisor for ABT’s junior company, ABT II. He has traveled in all but 6 U.S. states and worked in 12 foreign countries. This new Nutcracker is his 19th production with Colorado Ballet. Since relocating to New Mexico in 1994, other long-term clients include Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, the Wheelwright Museum of The American Indian, and the New Mexico School for the Arts dance department.

His beginning in ballet came in 1982 lighting NYCB’s School of American Ballet annual performances in Lincoln Center, a relationship that lasted 37 years. In New York he also designed lighting for numerous Off-Broadway shows, theatre and opera productions for the Juilliard School, and has served in either design, managerial, or technical capacities at Louisville Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco, Telluride/Alpine Dance, Richmond Ballet, Bermuda and Spoleto Festivals, Santa Fe Opera, and the Yale Repertory Theatre.

Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 11

COLORADO BALLET STUDIO COMPANY

From Left to Right: Lily Bines, Kyra Hughes, Leah White, EmmaRose Forbus, Lili Travaglia, Ali Walters, Timothy Ruelas, Gabriela Rodriguez, Vanessa Childress, Leopold Foster, Mylie Buck, Stefanee Montesantos, Roman Aldrete, Sonata Ross, Hannah Lesold, Ryan Nemmers, Claire Curran, Cate Jesser Not Pictured: Jacqueline Gionet and Fiona Hutchens.

Generously supported by David Andrews

COLORADO BALLET ORCHESTRA Adam Flatt, Music Director & Principal Conductor | Catherine Sailer, Associate Conductor 1st Violin Takanori Sugishita Concertmaster Robyn Sosa Chris Menter Susie Peek Annamaria Karacsony Callie Brennan 2nd Violin Gyongyver Petheo Principal Ben Tomkins Michelle Davis Stephanie Bork Byron Hitchcock Viola Michael Brook Principal Stephanie Mientka Lora Stevens Cello Jeff Watson Principal Charles Lee Trevor Minton Bass David Crowe Principal Jason Thompson

Flute Paul Nagem Principal Elizabeth Sadilek-Labenski Piccolo Elizabeth Sadilek-Labenski

Horn Matthew Scheffelman Principal Devon Park Lauren Varley Stuart Mock

Oboe Ian Wisekal Principal Kathryn Dupuy Simpson

Trumpet John King Principal Derek McDonald

English Horn Kathryn Dupuy Simpson

Trombone William Stanley Principal Rob Olds

Clarinet April Johannesen Principal Michelle Orman

Bass Trombone Jim Gray

Bass Clarinet Michelle Orman

Tuba Michael Dunn Principal

Bassoon Kaori Uno-Jack Principal J.J. Sechan

Timpani Mark Foster Principal

Harp Pamela Eldridge Principal

Percussion Scott Higgins Principal Peter Cooper

Celesta Catherine Sailer Principal

Colorado Ballet Orchestra members are represented by the Denver Musicians Association, Local 20-623 of the American Federation of Musicians.

12 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet

SUPPORTERS As of October 25, 2021 (Includes 14 months of giving) LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $100,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Anonymous Bonfils-Stanton Foundation The Hearst Foundation PNC Bank Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Individual Donors Anonymous Raydean Acevedo Pam and Duke Hartman Sally Murray Dr. Barbara R. Reed* OVATION CIRCLE $50,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government The Anschutz Foundation Colorado Creative Industries Genesee Mountain Foundation The Shubert Foundation, Inc. FOUNDERS CIRCLE $20,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Armstrong Foundation Avenir Foundation Colorado Ballet Auxiliary Denver Ballet Guild The Denver Foundation MidFirst Bank Nichols Charitable Foundation Individual Donors David L. Andrews Liz and Bill Armstrong Holly Baroway and Erik Cederlund Lisa Levin Appel Lynnette Morrison Jane and Gordon Netzorg Douglas Richards Cheri and Alan Rubin Brad and Rita Sonnenberg DIRECTOR CIRCLE $10,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Anna and John J. Sie Foundation Beacon Family Foundation Agency Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund Harmes C. Fishback Foundation Trust Virginia W. Hill Foundation The Kenneth King Foundation Margulf Foundation * Deceased

Marla and Dick Gentry Charitable Fund Mark and Bernee Strom Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Rea Charitable Foundation Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc Individual Donors Anonymous James and Marisa Aoki Jean and Hugh Armstrong Merle C. Chambers Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Kaye Ferry Susan Frawley Andi and John Fryer, Jr. Paul E. Goodspeed and Mary Poole Chris and Alyson Graves Noel and Terry Hefty Mr. and Mrs. Curt Hockemeier Christine L. Honnen Merry and Steven D. Logan Joanne Posner Mayer Denise and James Sanderson Jean and Dick Saunders Dr. David J. Scanavino Nancy and Thomas Stevens Debbi and Bill Tryon Julie C. Van Camp CHOREOGRAPHER CIRCLE $5,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Bright Funds DCP Midstream Matching Gifts Program The Glyphis Family Charitable Fund Peggy Goldman Read Foundation RLC Foundation Skratch Labs Susan Hymers Fund The Schramm Foundation The Sherwin-Willams Co Tang Fund Individual Donors Anonymous Steven Backes Melanie Kopperud and Brent Backes Jeffrey and Tammi Belden Michael Bena Larry Corff Fred Fielder Ann and Ford Frick David and Mary Mead Hammond Susan Diane Harmon Debby Herz

Stuart and Gail Kassan Elizabeth Katkin Waryn and Rich Waryn Diana and Michael Kinsey Michael Korenblat and Talia Ballinger Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz Rachel and Yuval Moskovich Dr. Timothy Mottet and Mr. Rick Gonzalez Dr. Harold and Sarah Nelson Mark and Keira Norman Mr. Bill Plummer The Ponzio Family Mary Poole Suzan and Gary Schlatter Marlene Siegel Zachary Smith Susan and Stephen Struna Katherine and Michael Whitcomb Tania Zeigler and Kenneth Ho BALLET MASTERS CIRCLE $2,500+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Benevity Community Impact Fund Microsoft Giving Campaign Robertson Family Foundation Women’s Foundation of Colorado Individual Donors Anonymous Michelle Moorman-Applegate David Bayendor Ghislaine G Torres Bruner and March Edward Bruner Joseph J. Bronesky and Jacquelin A. Medina Daniel and Aimee Sporer Caplis Casey Carson Donald Cook Mike and Pam Copp Erin and Matthew Dollarhide James and Julia Eichenberger Yvette and Chris Frampton Pam and Barry Gatz Naji Ghorayeb William and Helen Gleason Sally C. Haas Linda and Steve Heiss Jan and Gordon Holfelder The Patrick Keleher Family Kathy and Derek Konopka Greg Laugero Mr. Long and Ms. Acton Patty Lorie Bonnie Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rinehart Ruth Schoening Daniel Silverman Steve and Myra Skinner

Lisa and Bill Snider Cari and Mark Spiecker Lisa Strachan and Patrick Nicholson Maureen Tarrant Janet Tobin Wendy Williams PRINCIPAL CIRCLE $1,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government April Fund The Blackbaud Giving Fund The Caulkins Family Foundation Community First Foundation ConocoPhillips Dual Star Dance Academy Eisele Family Foundation The Hackstock Family Foundation John and Meg Heller Fund The Herzberg Family Trust Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation Intelligent Investments, Inc The Jo Marie and George Dancik Charitable Fund Joanne Carlin Memorial Fund Antionette MacAluso and Donald Hagengruber Marsico Capital Management LLC Otten Johnson Robinston Neff & Ragonettie Charitable Foundation Janet Trafton Tobin Charitable Gift Fund Individual Donors Anonymous Christina and Anthony Albanese Phyllis Albritton Sharleen Aoki Gary and Gail Armstrong David and Anna Asarch Anees Bardini Cindy and Scott Baroway David Bassuk Kay Bell Ruth and Robert Beriault Scott Binder Sharon and Steven Birnbaum Hillary Biskner Meghan Blades Keri and Ken Blair John and Jan Blumer Kathy and Bjorn Borgan Jerry and Julie Buck Charlie and Cissie Busch Bruce and Kathy Butterfield Ellen and John Bywaters John and Marty Chamberlin Karen Chin

Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 13

SUPPORTERS Matthew and Kate Cihon Scott and Alyssa Clarke Ann U. Collier Dr. and Mrs. Alan Como Donna and Ted Connolly Nick and Kallyn Connor Josh Cook Cami Cooper Peter and Amy Corrigan Christin Crampton Day Sara Curran Jean Cutshall Carolyn E. Daniels James Davis-Massey John and Joanie Dee Cara and Scott Dessens Joy Dinsdale Lynn Bolinske Dolven Margaret Dzwilewski Gretchen Edwards Alessandro Eichstaedt Patricia and Christopher Elliott Kevin Ellson Walter Espinoza and Katherine Aliaga Patrick and Nicole Evans Joe Lynott and Stacey Farnum Amanda Fein Melissa Fetzer Dr. and Mr. Rachel Finehout Stacy and Henry Fischer Max and Amy Fletcher Shayla Francis Grant Fritz Robert and Virgina Fuller Melissa and Mark Garland Richard and Julia Parrino George Rebecca Givens Mary Green Dr. Frederick and Carol Grover Jared and Megan Harbaugh Jeffrey and Kathleen Hartmann Jim Harvey Janet Hehn John and Meg Heller Fund Allison Herman Susan and Kevin Hollern Steve and Lynn Horton Tahl Humes Vernon and Kaye Isaacs Niklas Iveslatt Jameson Jones and Malena Wiggin Dr. and Mrs. James Johnson Katie Johnson and Cary Weinstein Monica Jordan Sangwook and Amber Ju Alice Kaderlan Nicholas Kemp Ms. Carol King Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Kirkpatrick Sharon Kirts Sarah and Dan Kozlowski Rich Kylberg and Jillian Parker Henny and Bert Lasley

Patricia E. Laverty Catherine Lazar Ronald and Alysa Levine Craig Lewis Tatum McArthur Mr. Cong Lu and Ms. Laura McCormick Eric Liu and Eunice Park John and Janet MacFarlane Elspeth MacHattie Sharon and Greg Maffei Margaretha Maloney and Robert Palaich Joseph Marshall Tatum McArthur Tracy McCarthy Steve and Kathy McConahey Dr. James and Ms. Pat McElhinney Margaret R. Jurado and V.W. McKnab Dr. Josh and Ali Metzl Val and Meredith Milshtein Michelle Mize Regina and Marc Musyl Chris Murphy Gregory Olive Jamie Olson John and Patricia Orr Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald Laura Papazian Jeru and Harsh Parikh David Paul and Anne Austin Zeckser Susan and Dan Paulien Sue Pawlik Jake and Trisha Perlman Cason and Rachel Pierce Corbin and Whitney Popp Jim and Kathleen Potter Chaun and Erin Powell Jeff and Judi Pring Andrew Quinlan Sue and Walt Rakowich Lindsey Reifsnider Carolyn and John Riedlin Charlotte Revol and Heimata Rutgers Carolyn and John Riedlin Jeff Riggs Timothy Robertson Daniel and Jennifer Rohan Dennis Rodgers and Robert Gomez Daniel and Kelly Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Cory Ross Margaret Rousseau Natalie Marika Ruh Barbara and James Ruh Joyce Rutledge Sarah Ryals Dr. Richard and Mrs. Jo Sanders Becky and Brian Schaub Connie and Michael Schingle Ruth Schoening Robert Schueller

14 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet

Servatius Family William Robert Sinclair Mr and Dr David and Nancy (Gill) Skuodas Jeffrey Smith Robert and Ann Stailey Dr. Carol A. Stamm Zachary Stassen Nina Casanova and Matthew Stenmark Mark and Bernee Strom Sean and Melanie Tafaro Chris and Emily Taylor Kenneth Thomas John Uppendahl and Travis Railey Kacy and Patrick Vahey Stephanie Vara Jennie Virgilio Carl Vogel David and Nadia Watts Daniel and Marie Welch Kristine Wells Piers Wendlandt Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Wheeler Brian and Marcy White Mr. and Mrs. William White Quentin and Marie White Joe and Jacqueline Wilson Margarert Woodhull and David Hildebrand Dr. Raymond and Mrs. Bernice Yost Linda and Eugene Young Paul and Anne Zeckser SOLOIST CIRCLE $500+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government CoBANK Individual Donors Anonymous Brian Abrams Ms. Tammy Ackerman Baris Akdis Victoria Al-Hamoodah Mary Amend Dr. Frank and Mrs. Celia Anderson Marcia and Rick Ashton Robert Baird and Elizabeth Yeung Oksana Bantley Marilyn Barrett Andrea Beesley Jessica Benjamin Amy Betts Gil Boggs and Sandy Brown Beatriz Bonnet and Michael O’Connor John Bonno Tyler Boon Daniel Bowles Ann & Bruce Brookens Blake Brown

Mr. David Bratten and Ms. Kimberly Bruetsch Samantha Buck and Sarah Davis Liz Buckley David Burch Troy and Lauren Butler Heather Camden Carol and Alan Caniglia Leah Capritta Gene Child Matthew and Michelle Chiodini Ethel K. Clow Mr. and Mrs. Marc Cohen Toni Cohig Jeffrey and Treya Collins Marty and Howard Corren Tim Curry Stefanie Davies Dr. Pete and Lindsey Deol Mark DeOrio Meg Dixit and Joe Duer James Eckhart Jonathan and Judith Weisiger Jann Engelstad Erika Enger Evan and Kristina Eschmeyer Stuart Fehr Dr. Louis and Mrs. Victoria Howard Fine Bill and Paula Fitzgerald Mr. and Mrs. Adam Flatt Stu and Barb Fonda Deborah Ford Erin Gallegos Fran and Craig Gander Shelley Garner Michael Gerrity Dr. Rosalynn D Gill Ronald Gloekler Murali Gokki Danielle Good Laura Goodman Roger and Denise Gould Andrea Griebe Eileen and Dennis Griffin Hillary Grippaldi Dr. Theresa Grover Babette Groves Bob and Mariellen Guerra Bryan and Pamela Hall Dawnette Ham Matthew Hamory Dr. Wendell and Mrs. Charlotte Hatfield Steve Hauff Amanda Heersink Elizabeth Hewes Orville and Debra Hinerman Karen Hirko Mary Hogan Amanda Horvath Sara Glover Michael Inman Kyros Ipaktchi Pamela Jadlos Sarah Jamieson

SUPPORTERS Stephanie Jaworski Maria Jennett Daren and Lori Johnson Marci Johnson Robert Johnson Margaret Torrans Kaluk The Kispert Family Diana Knigge Donna Kornfeld Joshua Koubek John Kure and Cheryl Solich Kristy LaGuardia Gary Landis Sonia Lapinsky Marise Lariviere Brina Larson Victoria Levine Allen Lim Keith Livo Drs. Charles and Gretchen Lobitz Antoinette MacAluso and Donald Hagengruber Natalie Mahler Tanya Maierhofer Claire Margolf Lance Marx Leslie McCarty Theresa McGregor Kevin McLane and Michael Ragsdale Linda Miller Mark Mitchell and Suzanne Gallie Danielle Mohn Britni Moritz Jeff and Peggy Morse Dr. Timothy Mottet Michael Newman Richard Newton Dougals and Jenny Nikaido Lene Nichols Noemi Nunez Esq Ann Obrzut Dr. Todd and Lyndsie Oldroyd Norm Parker Jimmy and Kingsley Parsely Dorothy Pedicord The Pedler Family Cleveland Piggott Steve Prew Charlene Pring Debbie Queen Cyndy and Don Redifer Katie Reid Alexandra Rhodes Michael Ritchie Mary Rollins Jackie Rotole Daryl A. Russell Afshin Safavi Wendy Sanchez Andrea and Timothy Sayles Ted Seides Eileen Sharkey and James Darling Mr. and Mrs. David Snyder

Jack Sparks Erik Stattman Judith Steinberg Holly Stevens Jeffrey Stevens Susan Stiff Karen Sumner Dana Tartar and Jeffrey Ruff Ashley Terwilleger Jeff Thomas Amira Toubia Aubrey Tramontina Kathleen and Gordon Tucker Katie Turner Alberta Utech Buzz Victor Michael and Tami Wakeman Evelyn Waldron Linda Walmsley Melissa Wasgatt Erin Weidner Eric Weisenstein Karen and Brian Wendling Lois K Williams Laura and Douglas Wright JoAnne Zboyan Jacquie Zegan Kathy and Jon Zeschin ARTIST CIRCLE $250+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Colorado Combined Campaign Amazonsmile Foundation Bardsley Foundation Boeing Company CoBANK Colorado Combined Campaign Frederick Fish Foundation Halvorson-Freese 21st Century Isenhart Charitable Fund J Kelly Garrod Fund Network For Good Roe Family Giving Fund The Handler Family Charitable Fund The Lucy R. Steven Memorial Fund The S Lundstrom Fund The Stutzer Tzedakah Fund WPX Energy Inc Individual Donors Anonymous Cheryl Ackerman Zachary and Ashley Adler Abigail Angulo Sofia Antal Yoshio Aoki Jack and Martha Arrington Christie Austin Janice Babcock The Bachelder Lew Family Karen Baczkowski Sharon Baer

Ms. Donna Baily Lornel Baker Jennifer Bater Megan Becher Greg Berry John Berry Donna Beutter Judith Bingenhemier Kisha Blanton Dr. Linda Bluestein MD Leyla Bly Ms. Jo Boggs Matt and Allison Boone Karen Bossaller Nancy Box Karen Boyd Elizabeth Bradley Malinda Bray Diane Brown Joan Brown Stacie and Greg Brown Joan Brown Helen Browne Janet Bruchmann Kenneth Bunch Steve and Lori Burch Bethany Burton Diane Butler Kiel Butterfield and Jason Malin Ian and Lindsay Campbell Kathryn Campbell Bradley Cardon Karen Carrigan Carolyn Malaby and Jack Thompson Carl and Gretchen Cerveny Ralph Adam Chapuis Sandra Christiansen Tom Cladis Steven and Betsy Clark Nicholas Clements Deborah Clendenning Susan Cobb Liz Coolman Scott and Christy Crase Marcia Curran Suzanne Dakin Gary Darfler Dr. Deborah Davis-Merritt William Davison Kathy Day Kevin Delaney and Angie Peluse Chris DeMarche Laura Demoye Andrew Detch David Dusing Michael Eaton Angela Enyeart Renee Estelle Joe Ewaskowitz Hugh Fagan Marilyn Faye Joan and John Feek Richard Field Jr Steve Fincher

Elizabeth Fischer Gregory and Francine Floerke Ingrid Fotino Kevin and Elizabeth Fraker Sigrid H. Freese Linda and Norbert Frueh Erin Gallegos Elizabeth Garboczi Sally Gates Tom Gionet Jennifer Glennon Daniela Golden Adam Goldstone Melissa Goslee Suzanne Grady Reva Greenburg Elizabeth Grinevics Mary Groote Steven and Patricia Gulevich Julie Haffner Ronette Hall Melissa Haniewicz Marcia Hannum Edward Harman Christina Hatherly Brian Hawkins Aurora Ruiz-Hernandez and Elmer Hernandez Allison and Corey Hicks Jennifer Hoffman Michael and Denise Incorvia Kathryn Johnson Paul and Kathleen Johnson Douglas Jones Tammy Kanary Cynthia Kelly Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kem MD Heidi and Randy Keogh Fund Alicia and Eric Kintner Sarah Klahn Chris Klein Katherine Kline Julie Kronbach James Kunze Griff Larson Patricia LaVesser and Mark Johnston Hamilton Lee Patricia Lee Heather Leslie Elizabeth Lesold John Lewis Allie Liebgott Ann and Michael Lloyd Elvira Lyons Laurent Lyons Karly Makovy Frank Mango Tanya Mann Kay Maune and David Elmore Heather and Conor McCallin Carolyn McCowan Rita McCurdy Cheryl McGovern Margaret McLees Melissa Wasgatt Christopher Merrell

Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 15

SUPPORTERS Staci Milton Sandra Miyahara Mark Morrison Adam Moskowitz Marina Mukhina Ms. Neva L. Murphy Dennis and Liz Myers Kendra Nachtrieb Lillian Narumi Ron and Judie Neel Miranda Nelson Dr. Cassandra Olenick Andi Oliveria Kelsey Olson Rupert and Claire O’Neal Elizabeth Otte Ashley Padgett John Parkinsonn Samantha Parris Janet Pasterkamp Catherine and Henry Pawlak Jr. Lilian Peeters Michel Pelletier and Lucille Perron Dennis Peterson Nathaniel Phillips Adam Pressman Katie Prew Stefania B. Pruscino James and Danielle Pyeatte Natalie and Toby Ralston Joel Rampoldt Mark Reese and Martha Graves Reese Cathy Richards Jane Rogers Paul Rogers Thomas and Mary Rogers Gordon Rogier Paula and David Roney Laura Ross Ann and Mike Rowse Melanie Sandoval Erika Sandre Gwendolyn and Richard Scalpello Heather Schaefer Melissa Scoggins Thomas Scripps

Deanna Seitz Jim and Sandy Sexton Holly Simpson Lynne Sirpolaidis John Sisson Dave and Nancy Skuodas Kyle Spies Andrea Spridgen Douglas Stout The Strain Family Arthur and Stephanie Strasburger Lynn Swanson Kenneth Thibodeau Carolyn Malaby and Jack Thompson Barbara Thorngren The Tonsmeire Family Martha Tracey Sal Tripodi Jeff and Tiffany Tuell Tom Uba Lauren Urich Lois Vaccariello Claudia Van Dijk Gail VanderVoort Klasina Vanderwerf Sondra Vernon Thomas Viola Jacques Vroom Mariana Wagner Tiffany Walker Randy and Patricia Wambsganss Kelsey Webster Nolan Wessell Deborah Wicks Jennifer Willard Bernard Williams Marilyn Hodges Wilmerding Dr. and Mrs. James Wilson John Patrick Wilson Michael Woitach Sandy Zdunich Kevin and Whitney Zimmerman

16 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet

GIFTS IN HONOR OF Raydean Acevedo and Walt Jenkins Jo Marie and George Dancik Toni Cohig Kevin McClane

Lorita Travaglia Lisa and Bill Snider

Lisa Levin Appel Ellen Bywaters

Frances Ford Julie Haffner

Brent Backes DCP Midstream Charitable Fund

Meg Fonda Mrs. Barb Fonda

Angela Eaton Michael Eaton Molly Epstein Gloria Sankel Adam Flatt Eileen Griffin Eleanor Fletcher Max Fletcher Donald K Herman MD Allison Herman Anne Hillary Lynn Bolinske Dolven Jim Hillary Steve and Kathy McConahey Greg Laugero Margaret Woodhull Catalina and Acton Long James and Patricia Long

GIFTS IN MEMORY OF Ivan Burleigh Karen Ritz

Montine Hansl Susan Harmon John Patrick Kelley, Jr and Marjorie Dinsmore Russell Kelley Larry Corff Tracy McCarthy Barbara Reed Nancy Otto Jo Marie and George Dancik Jack Pappalardo Anonymous Otto Johnson Robinson Neff & Ragonetti Dr. Barbara Reed Ginny Hamilton Backer Mary Poncel Bricker Diane Rankin Wallace Reed Carolyn and Robert Anderson Merriam Spurgeon

Domenico Luciano The Stutzer Tzedakah Fund

GIFTS IN KIND $2,500+ Mark Hutchens Photography

Joanne Posner Mayer Anna & John Sie Foundation

$1,000+ High Noon Entertainment

Heather Prokhnitski Rowena Reyes

Do you have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head?

Photo by Misha Photography

Come if for a free trial class and make your dreams come true!

Just off Highway 36 in Broomfield 3001 Industrial Lane #12 I Broomfield, CO 80020 303.466.5685 I ccdance.org

Colorado Ballet 19

Presented by

m i d f i r s t ba nk

Leah McFadden by Rachel Neville

m a r c h 1 1 – 2 0 , 2 022 Ellie C aulki n s Op e ra H ou s e W I T H L I V E M U S I C F E AT U R I N G T H E

Co l o r a d o Ba l l e t Or c h e s t ra Presented by:

Supported by:

Today is the Today is the day the arts day the arts take center take center stage. stage.

We’re proud supporters of the arts, and big fans of the people behind them. Thank you, Colorado Ballet, for helping to make Denver a We’re proud supporters of the arts, and big fans of the people behind beautiful place. them. Thank you, Colorado Ballet, for helping to make Denver a beautiful place.

Contact Ryan Beiser

Regional President Contact Ryan Beiser ryan.beiser@pnc.com Regional President for Colorado pnc.com ryan.beiser@pnc.com

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©2021 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC CON PDF 0618-0106

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COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY REPERTOIRE WORKSHOPS EN R O L L . T R A I N. G R O W . P E R F O R M .

Colorado Ballet Company Dancer, Alexander Roy, with CBA Student by Mark Hutchens

THE WIZARD OF OZ SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 10:00AM-2:00PM

Instruction by Sandra Brown & Alexander Roy

BALLET MASTERWORKS SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022 10:00AM-2:00PM

Instruction by Dana Benton & Ariel McCarty

For more information COLORADOBALLET.ORG/REPERTOIRE-WORKSHOPS

COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL AUDITIONS BEGIN JANUARY 2022!

CBA Students by Mark Hutchens

Qualified PPD students have first priority for available Studio Company contracts

For more information: COLORADOBALLET.ORG/PRE-PROFESSIONAL-DIVISION

22 Colorado Ballet

We are inspired by Denver’s performing arts community and its relentless pursuit of artistry, innovative thinking, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences.

We cannot wait to do the same for you.

Serendipity is now a Preferred Catering Partner of the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

Colorado Ballet 23

2021 SUGARPLUMS

Cora Chandler Albanese Anthony and Christina Albanese

Matilda Cecilia Asarch David and Anna Asarch

Katherine Megyesy Busch Charlie and Cissie Busch

Carol Josephine Charles Douglas Charles and Marika Ruh

Samantha Grace Chin Joseph and Karen Chin

Darcy Catherine Cihon Matthew and Kate Cihon

Allison Lane Corrigan Peter and Amy Corrigan

Luiza Martins Eichstaedt Alessandro and Taciane Eichstaedt

Giulia Noemi Espinoza Walter Espinoza and Kathy Aliaga

Nora Stone Evans Patrick and Nicole Evans

Georgia Victoria Francis Garret and Shayla Francis

Emmi Tatum Gerhardt David Gerhardt and Tatum McArthur

24 Colorado Ballet

2021 SUGARPLUMS

Kathryn Mae Harbaugh Jerad and Megan Harbaugh

Hayden Olivia Humes Patrick and Tahl Humes

Juliette Reece Jones Jameson Jones and Malena Wiggin

Everly Grace Jordan Gabriel and Monica Jordan

Lila Tilden Kirkpatrick Ryan and Elizabeth Kirkpatrick

Stella Annmarie Davis-Massey James and Christopher Davis-Massey

Reagan Elizabeth Powell Chaun and Erin Powell

Rooney Anne Quinlan Andrew and Melanie Quinlan

Hattie Simpson Ray Tyler Ray and Ann Collier

Hannah Kate Robertson Tim and Katie Robertson

Charlotte Annabelle-Rose Rohan Daniel and Jennifer Rohan

Anna Cordelia Rosenberg Daniel and Kelly Rosenberg Colorado Ballet 25

2021 SUGARPLUMS

Charlotte Anne Ross Cory and Elizabeth Ross

Addison Welwyn Servatius Matthew and Hayley Servatius

Ellenor Josephine Sinclair Bill and Josephine Sinclair

Elizabeth Mae Skinner Stephen and Myra Skinner

Cecilia Hope Skuodas Dave and Nancy (Gill) Skuodas

Avery Jane Stassen Zach and Allie Stassen

Elin Lizbeth Stenmark Matthew Stenmark and Nina Casanova

Quincy Jean Thomas Jeter and Meagan Thomas

Hannah Margaret Vahey Patrick Vahey and Kacy Vahey

Virginia Comfort Watts David and Nadia Watts

Kaia Ann Weinstein Cary Weinstein and Katie Johnson

26 Colorado Ballet

Maxine Harper Wheeler Jeff and Cora Wheeler

Sloane Elizabeth White Quentin and Marie White

2021 SUGARPLUM ALUMS

BACK ROW

(left to right) Whitney Jane Schaub, Audrey Caroline Connor, Emerson Grace Johnson, Lillian Hannah Zeckser, Charlotte Wylie White, Adelaide Avery Stenmark, Zella Lexington Freyer

FRONT ROW

(left to right) Lior Solís Korenblat, Quinn Marie Byrnes Clarke, Grace Lucille Kozlowski, Charlie Marie Albanese, Holly Christine Hartmann, Stella Faith Blair

NOT PICTURED

Cary McCormick Lu, Eleanor Glarum Perlman

Colorado Ballet 27

Next Thanksgiving, give your little Sugarplum a gift to remember...

SUGARPLUM CLASS OF 2022 NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS CELEBRATING MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF MAGIC

Girls currently in first grade may apply for the Sugarplum Program in December 2021 and January 2022. Request an application at COLORADOBALLETAUX.ORG

Principal Dancer Asuka Sasaki, Photography by Doug Wells /Wells Photography

T H E R AY D E A N A C E V E D O C O L O R A D O B A L L E T A C A D E M Y P R E S E N T S

E L L I E C A U L K I N S O P E R A H O U S E · M AY 28, 2022 · 1:00P M & 6:00P M COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY LEVELS 1 - PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

CBA Student by Mark Hutchens

COLORADOBALLET.ORG/ACADEMY-PERFORMANCES

GIL BOGGS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ERICA FISCHBACH, ACADEMY DIRECTOR

COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY 2022 SUMMER INTENSIVE Ages 11-20; En Pointe June 13 - July 16

CBA Students by Mark Hutchens

In-Person & Virtual Auditions begin January 2022!

For more information COLORADOBALLET.ORG/SUMMER-INTENSIVE

COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY 2022 YOUNG DANCER WORKSHOP Boys and Girls Ages 9-12; Not Yet En Pointe June and July 2022

CBA Students by Mark Hutchens

In-Person & Virtual Auditions begin January 2022!

30 Colorado Ballet

For more information COLORADOBALLET.ORG/YOUNG-DANCER-WORKSHOP

DANCE INSPIRED SCULPTURES & JEWELRY Spirited Figures in Fabric Sculptures are molded directly from professional ballet dancers, then transformed into mini sculptures and jewelry.

SHOP Denver Art Museum GKlawitter.com Colorado Ballet 31

COLORADO BALLET EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Donate now to support schools across the Denver Metro Area so that students can continue to receive free and highly discounted programming! Help to lower financial barriers to make dance education accessible.

ASSEMBLIES

Highly discounted in-school performances

GROWING SCIENTISTS

Free STEAM programs for select local schools

LIVE STREAMS

Productions streams into classrooms at no cost

AFTERSCHOOL CLASSES

No cost or sliding scale dance classes at school

DON ATE TODAY !

For more information

COLORADOBALLET.ORG/ABOUT-EDUCATION 32 Colorado Ballet

Presented by

denver ballet guild

Ariel McCarty by Rachel Neville

a p r i l 1 5 – 2 4 , 2 022 ellie caulkins opera house Presented by:

Supported by:

The Chiropractor for COLORADO BALLET

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF THE BALLET

If we can help them, imagine what we can do for you. massage + orthotics also available

303.504.4800 www.shapirochiro.com New Highlands location coming soon to NW Denver!

COLORADOBALLET.ORG/BACKSTAGE-BARRE

Dana Benton by Kendra Harris

SE Denver location: 2121 S. Oneida St. Suite 420 Denver, CO 80224

Colorado Ballet 33

STAFF DIRECTORY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

ARTISTIC

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Ballet Master/Assistant to Artistic Director Sandra Brown

Gil Boggs

Mark Chase

Ballet Masters Lorita Travaglia Maria Mosina

ACADEMY Academy Director Erica Fischbach Academy Principal Domenico Luciano Academy Business, Pre-Professional Divison & Summer Programs Administrator Michael Williams Academy Administrator Lindsay Falter Lower Division Coordinator Erika Sandre Academy Wardrobe Manager Jennifer Aiken Academy Administrative Assistant Angela Ndreca

ADMINISTRATIVE Director of Accounting Janina Falik

Boutique Manager Edie Bell

Director of Advancement Karen Sumner Senior Philanthropy Officer Allie Coppeak Grants Manager Tricia Schmuki

Associate Conductor Catherine Sailer

Assistant Stage Manager Paul Smith

Company Pianist Natalia Arefieva

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Director of Education & Community Engagement Emily Herrin Manager of Education & Community Engagement Cassie Wilson

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS Director of Marketing & Communications Rachel Perez

Marketing & Graphic Design Associate Chris Hernandez

ADVANCEMENT

Production Consultant James Whitehill Production Stage Manager Hally Albers

Marketing & Communications Associate Melissa Longiaru

Staff Accountant Stephanie Kautz

PRODUCTION

Music Director & Principal Conductor Adam Flatt

Visit coloradoballet.org to see all teaching staff

Visit coloradoballet.org to see all teaching staff

Patron Services Representatives Rosa Gasdia Hannah Rosenfield

Company Manager Natalie Kelce Production & Advancement Coordinator Kristina Sablatura Wardrobe & Shoe Manager & Costume Designer Shirin Lankarani

Company Orthopedist Joshua Metzl, MD Massage Therapist Stephen Jacoby, LMT Acupuncturist Lorita Travaglia, L.Ac, Dipl. CHM Chiropractor Dr. David S. Shapiro Makeup Artist Kari Kisch Company Photographers Rachel Neville Mike Watson Company Videographer David Andrews Orchestra Personnel Manager Steve Simpson

Master Carpenter Michael Duran

Orchestra Librarian Chris Menter

Assistant Carpenter/ Head Flyman Travis Schadle

Wardrobe Assistants Melissa Van Tassel Katherine Scoggins

Lighting Director Patrick “Red” Howard Master Electrician Susan Osborne Property Master Kathryn Maleva Technical Director & Production Manager Emeritus Pete Nielson

Videographer Taylor Keating

Master Carpenter Emeritus David Jackson

PATRON SERVICES AND DATABASE

Property Master Emeritus David Jaramillo

Director of Patron Services and DBA Michelle Herring

Company Physical Therapist Mieke Braun Scripps MPT, DPT

Assistant Database Administrator Ashley Kohl Adler

Assistant Physical Therapist Sarah Graham, MSPT

Dressers Jessica Sotwick Emily Mastalerz Sarah Hunsinger Maria Hajiaghaee Rebecca Travers Stitchers Carol Atkins Wig Maker Anne Davis Wig Stylist Megan O’Connor

FOLLOW COLORADO BALLET ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/colorado.ballet

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