THE
OCK SCHOOL f o r
Dance Education
presents
Dreams of
December 2 -11, 2021 • The Rock School - Studio A 1101 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19147
THE
OCK SCHOOL
2022
SUMMER BALLET INTENSIVE June 27 - August 5, 2022
In-Person Auditions at The Rock School: Sat. Jan. 29, Sat. Feb. 19, Sun. Mar. 6
Join us for our Virtual Open House on December 13th & January 10th! RSVP here:
Join Co-Artistic Director/ Resident Choreographer Justin Allen and Director of Operations/ Director of Academics Robert Hodges for an introduction to The Rock School and the Summer Ballet Intensive 2022. This webinar will include a live Q & A.
V I D E O
A U D I T I O N
T O D A Y
For session dates, tuition, audition & registration information, please visit:
w w w . t h e r o c k s c h o o l . o r g / S B I 2 0 2 2
Photo: Rock School Professional Division Student, Sydeny Henson by Michael Pilla
Virtual Rock School 2022 SBI Auditions: Sat. Jan. 22, Sat. Feb. 5
THE
OCK SCHOOL presents
Dreams of
Produced by The Rock School Artistic Director Stephanie Wolf Spassoff Co-Artistic Directors Justin Allen Jody Anderson Ballet Master Telmo Moreira Lighting Design Stefan Didizian Lighting Courtesy of Wen Xiang & Denali Lighting Costumes Jody Anderson Taylor Grace Lilith Marchetti Elise Waychoff
Choreography: Stars/Angels Gina Grace Party Scene March/ Dolls Christina Pastras Chinese Levels 2-2X Laura Banchero Toy Soldiers Russian/ Spanish/ Arabian Telmo Moreira Dream Fairies/ Chinese Levels 3-6/ Mirlitons Jody Anderson Waltz of the Flowers/ Sugar Plum Fairy/ Candy Cavalier/ English Toffee Justin Allen Music Coordinator Asya Haykin Production Manager Brian McCole
In Memory of Constance W. Benoliel Rock (July 25, 1930 - September 15, 2021)
For more than half a century, Connie Rock selflessly devoted her time to ensuring that Philadelphians have access to dance of the highest quality. She served actively on the Pennsylvania Ballet Board from 1962 - 2000, and in 1992, when The Rock School became an independent, non-profit, educational institution she was elected its first chairman, a position she held until June of 2000. That year, Connie was honored at The Rock School’s Annual Gala along with her husband, Rock School founding benefactor, Dr. Milton L. Rock, who passed away in January of 2018. As Chairman of the Board, Connie was a tireless advocate of The Rock School’s training program. Her passion for education and the arts was contagious and helped to build a broad base of support for The School. During her tenure and along with the Board and staff she helped to assemble, The School grew from a small organization with a budget of $300,000 to one with a budget of nearly $3 million, two facilities, and a student body of nearly 1000 young dancers. Her vision and support made it possible for The School to initiate its international exchange program with the Paris Opera Ballet School and London’s Royal Ballet School. This year, plans are in progress to expand the program to include the Ululate School in Madrid and the National School of the Czech Republic. Connie was also responsible for the creation of the Career Development Series, a program designed to enhance the students’ training through mentoring. As the mother of five successful children, Connie Rock was a proven teacher. She had endless enthusiasm for learning and was always eager to share her experiences and knowledge. Her deep concerns about education carried over into her work with The Rock School. After stepping down as Board Chair, she shifted her focus to The School’s Education Committee, which addressed the unique academic needs of young artists to ensure that they receive a superior education. Today we invite our trustees to take a moment to reflect on the gifts of a great mentor, philanthropist, and grassroots volunteer, Chairman Emeritus, Constance W. Benoliel Rock. We honor her dedication, support, and enthusiasm and are grateful for her incalculable contributions to The School. She has led by example and set the “barre” high for those who follow. Bravo et merci, Madame Benoliel!
Welcome and Happy Holidays! This is always such a joyful time of year–after months of rehearsing we all get to see the wonderful talent and progress of these young dancers. We always invite all enrolled students to participate in our Nutcracker provided they are available to commit to the rehearsals necessary to properly mount the production. Our youngest students are our precious Pre-Ballet dancers, and they are especially entertaining! We are so grateful to our in-house costumers for enlisting their double-duty in costume ordering, and fittings. We couldn’t have made this intimate performance experience possible without the dedication of these lovely folks and our entire artistic and administrative staff. Thank you for the joy we all experience working with all of your children. We hope that our Nutcracker will become a part of your family’s tradition for many years to come as we return to our fully staged production in 2022.
Bo & Stephanie Spassoff
Photo: Bojan & Stephanie Spassoff with Isaac Hernandez at The Bolshoi Theater Rock students, Christine Shevchenko and Isaac Hernandez competed and won Gold and Bronze Medals at the Moscow International Ballet Competition, 2005.
Bojan Spassoff
Rock School for Dance Education President and Director Emeritus Bo Spassoff began his time at The Rock School in 1983 as Director. Over the 37 years that followed, Bo and Stephanie have been the heart and soul of The School.The Spassoffs were instrumental in helping The Rock School grow from a relatively small, company school into the internationally acclaimed independent school and conservatory that it has become. In 1995, Bojan and Stephanie guided the school through its transition to a larger facility in South Philadelphia, which included the renaming of the organization and its establishment as a nonprofit entity. This new facility allowed the Spassoffs to dramatically expand the size and prowess of their summer dance intensive program. At the same time, they changed their admissions process from a traditional audition to a more compassionate master-class program. These two changes revolutionized how the ballet community viewed summer dance intensives. “Bo’s commitment to The Rock School as our Artistic Leader for well over three decades has taken the organization to world renown acclaim.” He has led the organization with a nurturing care for so many generations of young artists and launched the careers of a near endless list of professional performers from across the globe. I speak for my fellow trustees in conveying our gratitude and appreciation for his devotion, loyalty, and service.” -Christopher Raphaely, Chairman of The School’s Board of Trustees
Annenberg Center.
2021 CAST - Dreams of Nutcracker Featuring Levels 3-6 THE ROCK SCHOOL’S STUDIO A - Philadelphia, PA Fri. Dec. 10 - 3pm, 5pm, 7pm (by invitation) • Sat. Dec. 11 - 1pm, 3pm, 5pm SUGARPLUM FAIRY: Yuzuka Ogata Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Akari Tagawa Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
DEMI FLOWERS: Madelyn Growney Sat. 1pm Sydney Henson Fri. 5pm, Sat. 5pm
Lilith Marchetti Fri. 5pm, Sat. 5pm
CANDY CAVALIER: Beñat Arambarri Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Tomoya Suzuki Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Audrey Munson Sat. 1pm Lily Munson Sat. 3pm Parker Roman Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 3pm
Sabrina Sierens Fri. 3pm, 7pm
ENGLISH TOFFEE: Sydney Henson Sat. 1pm Audrey Munson Fri., Sat. 5pm
Lily Munson Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 3pm
Reagan Pender Fri. 5pm, Sat. 5pm
Parker Roman Fri. 5pm, Sat. 1pm, 5pm
Sabrina Sierens Sat. 1pm Akari Tagawa Sat. 3pm Jasmine Wong Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 3pm
DEWDROP FAIRY: Lilith Marchetti Sat. 3pm Yuzuka Ogata Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Sabrina Sierens Fri. 5pm, Sat. 5pm
FLOWER CORPS: Brooke Albee Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Leila Alpizar Sanchez Kae Bright Aisha Callahan Charlotte Carrier Leonela Andrea Contreras Mora Sat. 3pm
Allison Divito Veronica Dronsky Chloe Fletcher Charlotte Grace Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm, 3pm Madelyn Growney Fri., Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Soyo Ijima Sierra Lee Olivia Link Emi Makimura Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Brianna Mansi Fri. 5pm, Sat.
Lilith Marchetti Fri. 3pm, 7pm
Ava Ownby Isabella Patchell Reagan Pender Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Kali Phillips Lizzie Rasmussen Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat 1pm
Parker Roman Fri. 5pm, Sat 5pm
Clara Sanchez Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Schuyler Torres Jasmine Wong Fri. 5pm, Sat. 1pm, 5pm
MIRLITONS: Charlotte Carrier Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Chloe Fletcher Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Charlotte Grace Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Audrey Munson Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Kali Phillips Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Parker Roman Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Clara Sanchez Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Jasmine Wong Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
SPANISH LEADS: Brooke Albee Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Beñat Arambarri Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Manuel Alejandro Calderon Morales Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Nick Garvey Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Milo Mills Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm Lilith Marchetti Sat. 1pm
Lily Munson
Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Sabrina Sierens
CHINESE LEADS: Manuel Alejandro Calderon Morales Fri. 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Valeria Castillo Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Yui Hayashi
Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
SPANISH CORPS: Aria Apparies Leonela Andrea Contreras Mora Gwenna Lesko Jemma Nishanian Madeline Reece Ava Yeash
Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Nick Garvey Fri. 5pm, Sat. 5pm
Tomoya Suzuki Sat. 3pm
Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Dru Hoffman Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm
Emma Kaufman Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Kiegan Kepner
RUSSIAN CORPS: Manuel Alejandro Calderon Morales
Dru Hoffman Kiegan Kepner Milo Mills
Fri. 3pm, Sat. 5pm
Isabella Patchell Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Fri. 3pm, 7pm
Jasmine Wong
RUSSIAN LEAD: Ezra Paisley
ARABIAN LEAD: Ava Ownby Sat. 1pm
CHINESE CORPS Gael Andrade Rodriguez Aria Apparies Leonela Andrea Contreras Mora Kiegan Kepner Fri. 5pm, 7pm Sat. 1pm, 3pm
Mac Pampinella Fri. 3pm, Sat. 5pm
DREAM FAIRIES: Valeria Castillo Miranda Gao Naomi Gasser Clara Gutstadt Yui Hayashi Gigi Hoffman Emma Kaufman Hannah Leonard Brianna Mansi Kemani Murphy Isabella Patchell Olivia Pergine Kyla Ward
Reagan Pender Fri. 3pm, 7pm
Sydney Henson Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
DEMI ARABIAN: Leila Alpizar Sanchez Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
Emi Makimura Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Lizzie Rasmussen Fri. 5pm, Sat. 3pm, 5pm
Clara Sanchez Fri. 3pm, 7pm, Sat. 1pm
2021 CAST - Dreams of Nutcracker PRE-B ALLET 1 & 2, 1, 1X, 2, 2X Featuring Roles by Professional Division Students
THE ROCK SCHOOL’S STUDIO A - Philadelphia, PA Thurs. Dec, 2 - 6pm, Fri. Dec. 3 - 6pm, Sat. Dec. 4 1pm, 2:30pm, & 4pm
PARTY CHILDREN: Cealy Delaney Atti Hellyer Elija Horst Maria Meza Yasmine Nakchbandi Wilfred Peacock-Gentry Cora Pursley Isabel Randolph Amylah Sistrunk DOLLS: Miya Freeman Emma Lee Luisa Ortiz-Landazabal Makaria Sossman RUSSIAN LEAD: Ezra Paisley Thurs., Fri., Sat. 2:30pm
Nick Garvey Sat. 1pm, 4pm
RUSSIAN CORPS: Gael Andrade Rodriguez Sat. 1pm, 4pm
Manuel Alejandro Calderon Morales
Dru Hoffman Kiegan Kepner Milo Mills
Thurs., Fri., Sat, 2:30pm
ANGEL LEADERS: Rachel Hines Katalina Kontostergios Lea Marcinkiewicz Yasmine Nakchbandi Na’ilah Quach Isabel Randolph
MIRLITONS: Charlotte Carrier
ANGELS: Aurora Adamo Ruth Bigio Detres Elia Catalan Charlotte Evan Brooke Lorah Sabrina Noon
Madelyn Growney
CHINESE: Alice Ho Lilian Liu Owen McCarroll Karina Morales Keyleen Salazar Ella Schultz Ella Sherwood
Jasmine Wong
Thurs., Fri., Sat. 2:30pm
Veronica Dronsky Sat. 4pm Chloe Fletcher Sat. 1pm, 4pm
Charlotte Grace Sat. 1pm, 4pm Sat. 1pm
Kali Phillips Thurs., Fri., Sat. 2:30pm
Parker Roman Thurs., Fri., Sat. 2:30pm
Clara Sanchez Sat. 1pm, 4pm Thurs., Fri., Sat. 2:30pm
TOY SOLDIERS: Owen McCarroll Kieran Usher-Martin
SUGAR PLUM FAIRY: Yuzuka Ogata Thurs. Lilith Marchetti Sat. 2:30pm Audrey Munson Fri. Sabrina Sierens Sat. 4pm Akari Tagawa Sat. 1pm STAR/ STARLET LEADERS: Rachel Hines Elija Horst Katalina Kontostergios Lea Marcinkiewicz Wilfred Peacock-Gentry Na’ilah Quach Ella Schultz
LITTLE STAR/STARLETS: Rosie Bishop Marin Engler Gisella Federico Jemma Hendri Kolette Kontostergios Shea Lorah Truman McGraw Sloane Mills Ameera Nakchbandi Amelia Peacock-Gentry Ellinor Sairsingh Simone Schneider-Mates Margaret Truppo Apolonia Tyczynska Harper Valentino Amelie Volcy Jett Devyn Woodson Leia Wu Khloe Zdanavage
LEAD LIBERTY STARS: Miya Freeman Luisa Ortiz-Landazabal LIBERTY STARS: Alice Ho Emma Lee Lilian Liu Karina Morales Keyleen Salazar Makaria Sossman
LEVEL 6
Brooke Albee
Leila Alpizar Sanchez
Beñat Arambarri
Nick Garvey
Maddie Growney
Sydney Henson
Soyo Iijima
Lilith Marchetti
Lily Munson
Yuzuka Ogata
Ava Ownby
Reagan Pender
Parker Roman
Clara Sanchez
Sabrina Sierens
Lizzie Rasmussen
Tomoya Suzuki
Akari Tagawa
LEVEL 5
Kae Bright
Aisha Callahan
Charlotte Carrier
Allison DiVito
Veronica Dronsky
Chloe Fletcher
Charlotte Grace
Sierra Lee
Olivia Link
Emi Makimura
Milo Mills
Audrey Munson
Ezra Paisley
Mac Pampinella
Kali Phillips
Schuyler Torres
Jasmine Wong
LEVEL 4
Gael Andrade Rodriguez
Aria Apparies
Manuel Alejandro
Valeria Castillo
Leonela Andrea
Naomi Gasser
Yui Hayashi
Dru Hoffman
Emma Kaufman
Kiegan Kepner
Hannah Leonard
Gwenna Lesko
Brianna Mansi
Jemma Nishanian
Isabella Patchell
Madeline Reece
Kieran Usher-Martin
Ava Yeash
LEVEL 3/3X
Miranda Gao
Clara Gutstadt
Gigi Hoffman
Olivia Pergine
Kyla Ward Sophia Schultz
Kyla Ward
Kemani Murphy
LEVEL 2/2X
Miya Freeman
Alice Ho
Karina Morales
Luisa Ortiz-Landazabal
Ella Sherwood
Makaria Sossman
Emma Lee
Keyleen Salazar
Lilian Liu
Ella Schultz
Owen McCarroll
LEVEL 1X
Rachel Hines
Elija Horst
Katalina Konstostergios
Lea Marcinkiewicz
Wilfred Peacock-Gentry
Na’ilah Quach
Isabel Randolph
Atti Hellyer
Maria Meza
Cora Pursley
Elia Catalan
Charlotte Evan
Yasmine Nakchbandi
LEVEL 1
Cealy Delaney
Amylah Sistrunk
PRE-BALLET 2
Aurora Adamo
Truman McGraw
Ruth Bigio Detres
Sabrina Noon
Brooke Lorah
PRE-BALLET 1
Rosie Bishop
Marin Engler
Gisella Federico
Kolette Kontostergios
Shea Lorah
Sloane Mills
Ameera Nakchbandi
Margaret Truppo
Apolonia Tczynska
Leia Wu
Khloe Zdanavage
Ellinor Sairsingh
Amelie Volcy
Simone Schneider-Mates
Jett Devyn Woodson
Jemma Hendri
Amelia Peacock-Gentry
Harper Valentino
ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP Bojan Spassoff - Director Emeritus
Bojan Spassoff was a Ford Foundation Scholarship student at the School of American Ballet and was an apprentice with the Harkness Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and New York City Ballet companies. Thereafter, Mr. Spassoff became a member of the Dutch National Ballet and was later among the first foreigners to join the Royal Danish Ballet. Subsequently, Mr. Spassoff was invited to join American Ballet Theatre and continued his career dancing solo and principal roles with the San Francisco Ballet and teaching for that company and its school. Mr. Spassoff served as Artistic Director for both Savannah Ballet and Ballet Oklahoma and their associated schools. He has been a guest artist and teacher for numerous regional companies, schools, and universities. A former Ballet Master for Pennsylvania Ballet, he was Associate Director of the New York State Summer School of the Arts, operated in conjunction with New York City Ballet. He has coached gold medalists in prestigious international competitions in Havana, Berlin, as well as Moscow and USA International Ballet Competitions. He is a judge for Youth America Grand Prix and the World Ballet Competition. In 2011 and 2012, Mr. Spassoff was Artistic Director for the largest ballet galas held in Mexico City, Despertares. Bojan Spassof was the Director of The Rock School from 1989, retiring from the position this year.
Stephanie Wolf Spassoff - Artistic Director
An alumna of the School of American Ballet and New York’s Performing Arts High School, Stephanie Spassoff privately auditioned with Agnes de Mille for a national tour of “Where’s Charley” and worked as a commercial model. She was invited to be a member of American Ballet Theatre where she stayed for five years. While at ABT she and Bo got married and later the couple was expecting their first child. Bo and Stephanie were then offered a job at San Francisco Ballet. Bo and Stephanie were permanent guest teachers at New York State Summer School for the Arts for 26 summers. Years after San Francisco Ballet she became a principal dancer with both Savannah Ballet and Ballet Oklahoma. She was Associate Director of Savannah Ballet, Ballet Oklahoma, and their respective associated schools. Stephanie was a member of Finis Jhung’s New York Chamber Ballet. Stephanie Wolf Spassoff is a former Pennsylvania Ballet soloist who performed solo and principal roles. After having her second child, she returned to dancing, teaching and directing. Ms. Spassoff has been a guest artist and teacher for many regional companies, schools, and universities. She has coached gold medalists in prestigious international competitions in Moscow and the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MS and is a judge for Youth America Grand Prix. In 2011, 2012, and 2017, Mrs. Spassoff was Co-Artistic Director for the largest Ballet Galas ever held in Mexico City, Despertares. Stephanie Spassof has been Artistic Director of The Rock School since 1989.
Justin Allen - Co-Artistic Director Born in Baltimore Maryland, Justin began his dance training at the Baltimore School for the arts. He decided he wanted more serious ballet training and in 2004 he began training at The Rock School for Dance Education where he had the opportunity to dance different styles of ballet and finish his education in the Rock Academics Program Alliance. Justin studied at The Rock School for 4 years. He spent his summers training with the Miami City Ballet School from 2004-2008. In 2008 Justin got his first opportunity to dance as a professional guest artist with The Dayton Ballet, which led to his first professional contract. In 2009 Justin joined The Ballet Theatre of Maryland where he performed many soloist roles. In 2010, Justin joined The Rock School as full time Faculty and Choreographer. Justin was the recipient of The Joffrey Ballet’s 2013 Choreographers of Color Award.
Jody Anderson - Co-Artistic Director Jody started her serious training at age 14 at North Carolina School of the Arts and continued at the American Ballet Theatre School in New York City on full scholarship. As a principal dancer with the Kansas City Ballet for 16 years, Jody had the honor of performing principal roles in ballets by George Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Alvin Ailey, Agnes DeMille, Todd Bolender, Ann Reinking and many other noted choreographers. She was also hand picked by Alvin Ailey to perform as a guest artist with his company, and to recreate his ballet FLOWERS to much critical acclaim. Jody also performed and was the Associate Choreographer and Community Chorus Director with Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre in addition to performing with St. Louis MUNY, Atlanta Theatre of the Stars and Houston’s Theater Under the Stars, and toured with several musical theatre productions. As a choreographer she has staged original works for Kansas City Ballet, Delaware Dance Company, Berks Ballet Theater and for The Rock School in addition to choreographing musicals for several regional theatres. Jody has been on the faculty with The Kansas City Ballet School, Berks Ballet Theatre, Delaware Dance Company and was the director of dance at The Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan while teaching master classes all over the country. Jody was honored to be nominated for a Philadelphia Theatre Alliance Barrymore Award for her choreography for Candlelight Theatre’s 2007 production of CHICAGO, won the 2013 Barney Award for her choreography for Candlelight Theatre’s 2013 production of A CHORUS LINE. For Rock School she choreographed WEST SIDE STORY SUITE which was performed at the Mann Center with The Curtis Institute, and next, CATTO AT BAT for the Philadelphia Freedom Festival. Jody has been on the faculty since 2004, and also teaches at Rock West.
Telmo Moreira - Ballet Master
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Telmo began his training at the National Conservatory Dance school of Portugal. Then After being awarded one of the top prizes in the 2007 Prix de Lausanne he received a scholarship to complete his studies at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, where he had the opportunity to perform Flower Festival Pas de deux at the Marinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Telmo has also received the Outstanding European Dancer at the Youth American Grand Prix finals, the Judges Prize at the 2008 Varna International Ballet Competition, was a finalist at the 2008 Bejing IBC, and was a semi finalist in Jackson USA IBC 2014.. After competing in the Prix de Lausanne for the second time Telmo received the apprenticeship award, and chose to join American Ballet Theatre’s second company, where he danced works by Jerome Robbins, Balanchine, and Eduard Liang. Telmo has been invited to participate in International galas such as Youth American Grand Prix’s Japan Gala. Telmo Joined Orlando Ballet in 2011 where he danced numerous leading and danced works by Jessica Lang, Peter Chu , Abdur Jackson, Robert Hill, Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. During his time with the company Telmo had the opportunity to choreograph his own ballets and created “Barco Negro”(2014) “Unsaid”. (2015) “same old fear”(2016) he also has his own production of Firebird created for the Florida Ballet. In 2016 he won best choreography at the YAGP regionals in Tampa. Telmo joined The Rock School’s faculty as Ballet Master in 2017.
FACULTY & STAFF ARTISTIC STAFF Director Emeritus Bojan Spassoff Artistic Director Stephanie Wolf Spassoff Ballet Master, Resident Choreographer, & Co-Artistic Director Justin Allen Co-Artistic Director Jody Anderson Ballet Master Telmo Moreira Music Coordinator Asya Haykin Assistant to the Director Taylor Grace ARTISTIC FACULTY Justin Allen Jody Anderson Laura Banchero William Burden Yosbel Delgado Chrissy Eltvedt Gina Grace Telmo Moreira Christina Pastras Ruiz Eva Szabo Natalya Zeiger
Permanent Guest Faculty Karin Averty Rachel Butler Colby Damon Joaquin de Luz Jeannette Kakareka Maiqui Manosa Benjamin Millipied Chase O’Connell Eric Otto Phillip M. Otto Rachel Richardson Beckanne Sisk Jennifer Savelli Daniel Ulbricht
ADMINISTRATION Boutique Manager Catherine Lackey
Pianists Karina Adriano Olga Borisovsky Asya Haykin Erica Morris Valentina Slutsky Natalia Varlashova
ROCK CAFE Head Chef Manager Tara Perkins
RockReach Faculty Fallon Gannon Social Media Manager Christina Pastras RockReach Director Kelly Rambo Project Manager Jennifer Yackel Independent Evaluator RockReach Teaching Faculty Stephanie Demby Fallon Gannon Catherine Long Christina Pastras Kelly Rambo Angelica Spillis ROCK ACADEMICS Director of Academics Robert Hodges Academics Manager Katie Borger ESL Instructor Kim Alsbrook
Registrar Elise Waychoff Admissions Coordinator Jenna Hodges Customer Service Manager Niccole Turoscy Residence Director Yenni Leoto
Utilities Richard Freeman STUDENT WELLNESS School Physician Marc Harwood, M.D. Orthopedic Consultant Nicholas A. DiNubile, M.D. Wellness Consultant Michael Kowitt, M.D. Physical Therapist Julie Green Heather Stewart FINANCE Accounting Manager Michelle Baitinger Accountant Janette Fairbanks Paull Bookkeeper Lorraine Pappalardo
PRODUCTION & FACILITIES Production & Technical Manager Brian McCole Reception/ Security Ron Fultz Andre Brown ADVANCEMENT Director of Advancement Richard Clark Marketing and Communications Manager Alisa Moore Advancement Associate Blake Caple Design/ Photography Cat Park
Philadelphia • December, 1776 The
American Revolutionary War, or the American War of Independence was fought between Great Britain and the thirteen British colonies between the years 1775 and 1783. The eight-year struggle against the political and economic policies of the British Empire had really just begun and was not halted by The Declaration of Independence earlier that year. The newly declared United States of America was entering a long and cold road to freedom with some decisive turns to be made in late December 1776. British General William Howe had advanced his army south into New Jersey after fair weather battles in New York, but poorer, winter weather conditions soon drove the British into encampments across the state. The fervor of our Patriot forces was boosted on December 19 when a new pamphlet titled “The American Crisis” written by Thomas Paine, was published. “These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” Within a day of its publication in Philadelphia, General Washington ordered Paine’s callto-action to be read to all Patriot forces under his command. It enlivened and uplifted the soldiers and afforded tolerance of the harsh 1776 winter’s difficult conditions. The morale boost of Paine’s pamphlet fueled the subsequent Battle of Trenton. Led by Washington, a small army of around 2,400 men crossed the Delaware River to attack Hessian troops in Trenton, N.J. in the early hours of December 26th. Washington’s victory raised troop morale and the spirits of the American colonists and is seen as a turning point in the American War of Independence. Nutcracker 1776 is set amidst this turning point in the birth of our nation and is inspired by Philadelphia’s Revolutionary history. We hope you enjoy our spirited adaptation of the classic tale of The Nutcracker (circa 1892) in its first iteration (circa 1776)! Written by: The Rock School Advancement Team with a special thanks to The Museum of the American Revolution
THE SCHOOL Over the past 37 years, Bo, along with Artistic Director, Stephanie Wolf Spassoff and the Trustees of The School, have transformed a small regional school into an internationally acclaimed institution. Throughout it’s history, the school has developed dancers for most premier dance companies throughout the world. Our faculty includes distinguished dancers, instructors, and choreographers. Additionally, The Rock School owns the best ballet training facilities in the Philadelphia area, with Rock Center in the city and the West Chester branch school, Rock School West, in the suburbs. To compliment The Rock School’s ballet training, Rock Academics provides flexible but rigorous 7-12 grade course work while Residence provides a nurturing and convenient home away from home for elite national and international ballet talent. All told, annual enrollment exceeds 1,200 students, with a budget in excess of $5.8 million. Because the Professional Division students are the dance stars of tomorrow, The Rock School awards more than $900,000 in annual scholarships to its dancers. Our dancers are consistently awarded the highest ranks at Youth America Grand Prix, the largest ballet competition in the world. For an unprecedented fourteen consecutive years, The Rock School has been awarded “Outstanding School” by Youth America Grand Prix and was the only school asked to perform at the YAGP 15th Anniversary Gala in Lincoln Center, New York City in 2014. Rock students have competed and received honors in the Prix de Lausanne, World Ballet Competitions, USA International Ballet Competition, Moscow IBC, & Berlin Tanzolymp.
ROCK RESIDENCE
The Rock School Residence is a home away from home for students coming from all over the world to train and refine their technique. Our Residence is located in the Marine Club condominiums directly across the street from The Rock School. The Residence occupies one floor and includes sixteen large, loft-style apartments, a spacious student lounge with a large television, and a study room. Each apartment has a full bath, laundry facilities, and is airconditioned. The Residence Life Management Staff live on the floor, ensuring students are well supported by providing 24-hour care for each and every student. There is also a 24-hour doormen/security at the building entrance to ensure the safety of our residents.
ROCK ACADEMICS In Rock Academics, we believe that dancers should not be expected to compromise their education when they enroll in a preprofessional dance training program. Furthermore, we believe that a blend of online and face-to-face learning provides students with the proper balance of academic rigor and individual flexibility. We take an integrated approach to our students’ education, with our entire day designed to facilitate both academic learning and dance training. Our students use state-of-the-art technology to access the online college-preparatory curriculum provided by one of our three partner institutions, which we augment with on-site classes, personalized tutoring, and guidance counseling. Our goal is to develop students who are responsible and motivated young adults with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to meet the challenges of whatever career they pursue. For further information and to answer your questions, email: rockacademics@therockschool.org Rock Academics Assistant Manager, Katie Borger My Dear Rock Academics Students, Thank you all for a successful fall semester. I have enjoyed getting to know and work with each of you this year. Your enthusiasm and engagement in our Academics program truly makes Rock Academics a community. I have witnessed you conquer many challenges amidst the pandemic, and yet, remain focused and determined. You continue to amaze me each day with the support and encouragement you show one another. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season! Sincerely, Katie
My Dear Rock School Students, Thank you all so much for a memorable start to this year. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey you’re all on, to achieve your career aspirations of being dancers. I am truly humbled to work with such a wealth of talent and dedication. Many times over the years I’ve said, but it bears repeating, that you all inspire me every day with your work ethic, your diligence, and your perseverance. I am also so very proud of each and every one of you, for your patience and your conscientiousness in helping make this fall semester such a success. It’s been great and you all deserve the credit. I wish you all a happy winter holiday break and look forward to seeing you all again in January. Sincerely, Robert Hodges Director of Operations Director of Academics
SUPPORT THE ROCK SCHOOL The Rock School is a non-profit organization that depends on the generosity from donors to achieve its goals of providing the highest quality dance training, superior academic programming, community outreach, and such innovative productions as Nutcracker 1776.
Programs
Community Outreach
Scholarships
For dancers ages 3+ Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Rock Academics, Professional and Pre-Profressional, Adult Ballet, Summer Ballet Intensive
RockReach: Dance classes & interactive performances integrated into Philadelphia-area schools
Highest quality dance training
Collaborations with Philadelphia Orchestra, Curtis Institute, and more
Rock Academics & ESL program
Long-term scholarships to train at The Rock School
Room & Board for qualified students
Make a tax deductable donation TODAY to any of our initiatives to secure the future of The Rock School, our programs, and our dancers!
therockschool.org/donate
SPECIAL THANK YOU The Rock School for Dance Education would like to thank the following corporations and individuals who generously support underserved Philadelphia school children to enjoy the wonder and magic of Nutcracker 1776. For more info on our outreach program, RockReach, please visit: RockReach.org
You can support RockReach’s Nutcracker 1776 sensorysensitive performances for 1,800 children–from underserved communities across Philadelphia. Text THEROCKSCHOOL to the number 24365 from your mobile device today!
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bojan Spassoff,
President & Director
Stephanie Wolf Spassoff, Artistic Director
Christopher Raphaely, Chairman
Robert Rock, PhD, Vice Chairman, Chair Finance
TRUSTEES EMERITI
The Late Constance W. Benoliel-Rock Chairman Emeritus Diane Breckenridge, PhD Michael DeLuca Howard Fischer
Nancy S. Brodie,
Jennifer Franklin
Clare Putnam Pozos
Leroy Kean
Treasurer Secretary
Carol Clark Lawrence
Chairman Emeritus
Robert F. McCadden
Caro U. Rock Liza Herzog,
Chair Education
Howard D. Ross
Robert L. Abramowitz, Esq.,
Suzanne Schoch Rehl, Esq.
Lauren R. Baer Mindy Dougherty Baiada,
Randi Zemsky
Chair Compensation, HR Committee Co-Chair Gala
Alexandra Bauer Crouch John Hyman Victoria Kaplan Patricia Quinn McAuley Ed McDevitt J. Nicole Martin Lawton David Munson, MD Ronald J. Naples Carla I. Rock Susan Rock Casey Satell Jeanne Scandura Vikki Sloviter Scott D. Thompson
Sherry Varrelman
SUPPORTERS Thank you to the following corporate, foundation, government agencies, and individuals who provide The Rock School for Dance Education with necessary funding, which aids in the sustainability for general programs and operations, scholarships, performances, and community outreach efforts. We are exceedingly grateful for their generosity. $100,000 and Above William Penn Foundation 50,000-$99,999 Caro U. and Robert Rock $25,000-$49,000 Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund† Lisa Kabnick & John McFadden National Endowment for the Arts $10,000-$24,999 Mindy and David Baiada Vanessa Benton* Amy Branch & D. Jeffry Benoliel DEA Education Foundation Marguerite Lenfest $5,000-$9,999 Susanna L. and Dean S. Adler The Late Constance W. Benoliel-Rock Leslie Benoliel & L. Alexander Hamilton, III Nancy S. Brodie Marsha and Robert E. Chappell Cozen O’Connor Alexandra B. and Ryan Crouch Enterprise Holdings Christina Grant Juan Perdomo Carla I. and William Rock Samuel P. Mandell Foundation Sheila Fortune Foundation Vikki Sloviter Tracey and Shanin Specter James A. Stern $2,500-$4,999 Liza Herzog Ph.D. Laura Jontz* Joseph Kennard Skilling Trust Patricia Q. McAuley Neubauer Family Foundation Suzanna Roberts Cultural Development Fund TD Bank The Christopher Ludwick Foundation The Victory Foundation Tower Investments* UBS Financial Services
$1,000-$2,499 Susan Stewart & Robert L. Abramowitz, Esq. Robert Adelson Barbara and Todd Albert Deanna Allen* Lauren Baer Peter A. Benoliel Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Cedric Fan Jamie S. Field Phyllis and Howard Fischer John M. Hyman Steven M. Katz Leroy E. Kean J. Nicole Lawton Edward J. McDevitt, III Eileen McDonnell Frank J. Mechura Tara N. Trimarchi & David Munson Suzanne and Ronald J. Naples Daniel H. Polett Clare Pozos R. Christopher Raphaely Kristen and Thomas A. Rock Susan M. Rock Casey Anne Satell Linda Schelke Scott D. Thompson Robert Traub $500-$999 Anonymous Arena, Snyder & Dunlap LLP Sarah Chappell Carol M. Christensen Northrop Grumman Corp. Russell C. Raphaely
The Dagger † represents Special Purpose Entity for EITC funds from individual Rock Scholarship supporters The Asterisk * represents in kind donations For more info about supporting The Rock School, please visit: www.therockschool.org/sponsors
T h a n k yo u t o t h e R o c k f a m i ly a n d T h e R o c k S c h o o l fo r b e i n g a leader in ar ts education. - The Lenfest Family Foundation
Dancers: L-R Alumni, Teresa D’Ortone - ABT Apprentice, Jose Hurtado - Ballet de Monterrey, Gaby Gutierrez - Butler University, Luciano Perotto - Ballet de Monterrey Principal
We a r e p r o u d t o s u p p o r t T h e R o c k S c h o o l ’s wo n d e r f u l d a n c e e d u c a t i o n p r o g r a m s w h i c h p r ov i d e j oy t o m a ny students in the Philadelphia area as we l l a s a r o u n d t h e wo r l d . - Marsha & Robert Chappell
Dancers: Rock Alumni, Ellie Iannotti & Angel Ramirez, Atlanta Ballet Apprentice Nutcracker 1776 at the Annenberg Center, 2019
ALUMNI JAMES ADY, Instructor - Ballet Conservatory West, American Ballet Theatre, Principal Pennsylvania Ballet ROCÍO AGÜERO,Teatro Colon Ballet DEVIN ALBERDA, New York City Ballet JUSTIN ALLEN, Co-Artistic Director at The Rock School for Dance Education, Dayton Ballet JOSHUA ALLENBACK, Colorado Ballet TAMARA ALLISON, Child Lead NY Radio City Christmas VALERIE AMISS, Academy of Ballet NJ, Soloist Pennsylvania Ballet ALEXANDRA ANSENELLI, Principal, NYCB,The Royal Ballet ROBERT AROLD, Houston Ballet ALLYSON ASHLEY, Dance Theatre of Harlem CAMERON AUBLE-BRANIGAN, American Repertory Ballet ELIZA BARBIC, Eugene Ballet, Ballet Idaho MELISSA BARTUSCH, City Ballet of San Diego ALLISON BASFORD, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet ASHLEY BASZTO, Orlando Ballet MAXIMILIEN BAUD, Pennsylvania Ballet ALLADSON BARRETO, Ballet West II CATO BERRY, Pennsylvania Ballet Corps Member KATIE BERRY, Child Lead NY Radio City Christmas Spectacular LUCAS BILBRO, North Carolina Dance Theatre GILBERT BOLDEN III, Corps, New York City Ballet LAURA BOWMAN, Pennsylvania Ballet LAURA BRECKENRIDGE, Broadway shows, Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl BOBBIE BRISCOE, Company C Contemporary Ballet, Joffrey Ballet SAMANTHA BRISTOW, San Francisco Ballet ALLISON BURBACH, Columbia Classical Ballet KACEY BURKE, Roxy Ballet RACHEL BUTLER, Director, Huntsville Ballet School, Soloist, Pennsylvania Ballet, Soloist, Pacific Northwest Ballet FABRICE CALMELS, Principal, Joffrey Ballet TIM CANNON, Dance Alive! NICK CARTER, Louisville Ballet MARTHA CHAMBERLAIN, Principal and Instructor Pennsylvania Ballet, Senior lecturer at the UARTS ELIZABETH CHAPMAN, Georgia Ballet TAYLOR CIAMPI, Atlanta Ballet, First State Ballet EMILY CORNEY, Lead in Fame CHRISTINE COX, Artistic Director Ballet X, former Pennsylvania Ballet KAREL CRUZ, Principal Pacific Northwest Ballet KYLE DAVIS, Pacific Northwest Ballet MICHAEL DAVIS, Kansas City Ballet MADELINE DEAVENPORT, North Carolina Dance Theatre, New Chamber Ballet YOSBEL DELGADO, Rock School Faculty Member, Pennsylvania Ballet ELENA DEGUZMAN, First State Ballet MICHAELA DEPRINCE, Soloist, Boston Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Author of -Taking FlightMEGAN DILLON, Colorado Ballet GREGORY DOMINIAK, Paris Opera Ballet MATTHEW DONNELL, Program Director UNCSA, Kansas City Ballet TERESA D’ORTONE, American Ballet Theatre Apprentice DEREK DUNN, Principal, Boston Ballet TINA EGAN, American Repertory Ballet DAMIR EMERIC, Soloist Ballet San Jose, Royal New Zealand Ballet SHAELYNN ESTRADA, Corps, National Ballet of Canada KATCHIRI FEYS, Ballet Arkansas MOLLY FLIPPEN, Los Angeles Ballet JAMES FLOYD, Dayton Ballet NICK FONSECA, Orlando Ballet
MAKO FUJITA, Joffrey Ballet Trainee JESSICA GATINELLA, Instructor Pennsylvania Ballet JOSEPH GATTI, Principal - Cincinnati Ballet, Soloist Boston Ballet, Corella Ballet, Principal Guest Artist Orlando Ballet TONATIAH GOMEZ, San Diego Ballet ELLEN GREEN, Guest Artist and Faculty Ballet Chicago, New York City Ballet JINCHANG GU, Texas Ballet Theater, Columbia Classical Ballet CHRISTIAN GUTIERREZ, Carolina Ballet KARA HANRETTY, formerly Ballet Arizona MADDY HARPOLE, Cincinnatti Ballet Trainee REGGIE HARRIS, Austin Ballet, Chicago High School for the Arts ALEXANDRA HARTNETT, Ballet Arizona, Ballet of Indiana University Jacobs School of Music JESSICA HE, Atlanta Ballet ISAAC HERNANDEZ, Lead Principal English National Ballet ESTEBAN HERNANDEZ, Soloist, San Francisco Ballet KYRA HOMERES, M.J.M. Dance Inc., Dancer and Instructor Miami City Ballet PATRICK HOWELL, Milwaukee Ballet JOSÉ HURTADO, Ballet de Monterrey IAN HUSSEY, Principal Pennsylvania Ballet JAMES IHDE, Soloist Pennsylvania Ballet VICTORIA JAENSON, Charlotte Ballet II RUSSELL JANZEN, Soloist New York City Ballet DAMIAN JOHNSON, New York City Ballet ERIK JOHNSON, Milwaukee Ballet RACHAEL JONES, Nashville Ballet,The Washington Ballet ROBERT JUMMONVILLE, Carnival Cruises JEANETTE KAKAREKA, formerly English National Ballet, Bayerisches Staatsballett DARIA KASUSKA, Sarasota Ballet MASAYOSHI KATORI, Saarlandisches Straatstheater ELIZABETH KELLER, formerly Trey McIntyre Project, Miami City Ballet, Ballet Idaho REBECCA KING, Soloist Miami City Ballet MINE KUSANO, Pennsylvania Ballet Apprentice ASHLEY KNAPP, formerly New York City Ballet PETER KURTA, Ballet Met LUCAS LABRADOR, Atlanta Ballet II, Iniandapolis Ballet SARAH LAPOINTE, Charlotte Ballet KRISTIE LATHAM, formerly Ballet Memphis, Ballet Met TIM LEONARD, Koblenz Balett, Germany ANDREA LONG, Principal Dance Theater of Harlem SKYLER LUBIN, Ballet X, Miami City Ballet VERONICA LYNN, former Soloist American Ballet Theater ALSTON MACGILL, Corps, New York City Ballet CALLIE MANNING, Principal - Miami City Ballet ABDUL MANZANO, Dance Theater of Harlem, Charlotte Ballet SKYLER MARTIN, Dutch National Ballet JANEY MCGEARY, formerly Pennsylvania Ballet, NYCB KATIE MEEUSEN, Ballet West, Ballet San Jose, Ballet Met JULIANA MISSANO, Atlanta Ballet Apprentice REGINA MONTGOMERY, Tulsa Ballet MIGUEL ANGEL MONTOYA. Atlanta Ballet ALANA MORGENSTERN, Chevalier Ballet NYC SARA MICHELLE MURAWSKI, Dresden Semper Opera Ballet, Soloist Slovak National Ballet ELIZABETH MURPHY, Principal - PNB, Ballet West JACKIE NASH, Atlanta Ballet OLIVER OGUMA, Ballet West TARYN OLIVERI, Ballet Memphis TEMPE OSTERGREN, Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet
Juliana Missano, Atlanta Ballet
ERIC OTTO, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Movin’ Out, Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Ballet X, Faculty Central Park Dance NIKKIA PARRISH, Washington Ballet COLBY PARSONS, Alberta Ballet, American Ballet Theatre OLIVIA PARSONS , Charlotte Ballet LUCIANO PEROTTO, Principal, Ballet de Monterrey JAIME POLOVCAK, formerly Orlando Ballet JILLIAN PRICE, Orlando Ballet Company Member MARINA PROFY, First State Ballet ANGEL RAMIREZ, Georgia Ballet, Atlanta Ballet CESAR RAMIREZ, Los Angeles Ballet MARCOS RAMIREZ, Los Angeles Ballet CLAIRE RATHBUN, The Washington Ballet, CATS on Broadway GIOVANNI RAVELO, Roxy Ballet JOSHUA REYNOLDS, Atlanta Ballet, Smuin Ballet RACHEL RICHARDSON, American Ballet Theatre LAWRENCE RINES, Boston Ballet SHAYNA RUDD, PHILADANCO ASHLEY RUHL, formerly Ballet West CATHERINE RUSSELL, Kansas City Ballet JENNITA RUSSO, Hubbard Street Dance Company, Choreographer for Celine Dion, Jay-Z & Beyonce SARAH RYAN, Pacific Northwest Ballet ERICA SABATINI, Carolina Ballet, Dresden Ballet TAYLOR SAMBOLA, Orlando Ballet AYAMI SATO, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida JENNIFER SAVELLI, Pennsylvania Ballet, Fosse, Boy From Oz, Chicago the Movie, Anything Goes TYLER SAVOIE, Pennsylvania Ballet, Kansas City Ballet KATY SCHWARZWELLER, Ballet Arizona Studio Co. ANDREW SCORDATO, New York City Ballet CHRISTIE SCITURRO, Miami City Ballet KRISTEN SEGIN, New York City Ballet CHRISTOPHER SELLERS, 1st Soloist, Ballet West JOSE SERRANO, Principal - Columbia City Ballet JIMMY SHUGHART, Alabama Ballet GABE STONE SHAYER, American Ballet Theatre Corps CHRISTINE SHEVCHENKO, Principal - American Ballet Theatre RAMMARU SHINDO, Carolina Ballet ILIR SHTYLLA, formerly Ballet Arizona BECKANNE SISK, Principal Ballet West, Breaking Pointe reality television series JENNIFER SMITH, Pennsylvania Ballet
Luciano Perotto, Ballet de Monterrey Principal PROMISE SMITH, Charlottesville Ballet NICOLE STALKER, Miami City Ballet ABIGAIL STEWART, Corps, Columbia Classical Ballet ISAIAH SUMLER, Ballet Tucson TAYLOR STANLEY, Principal, New York City Ballet NICK STUCCIO, Director, Fringe Arts ABE TAKAHASHI, Reiko Matsuoka Ballet, Japan HITOMI TAKEDA, Houston Ballet YUKIHIRO TAMURA, Colombia Classical Ballet, Asami maki Ballet,Tokyo MAY TANIGAITO, Royal New Zealand Ballet MARGARET TAPPAN, Berlin Ballet, Dutch National Ballet LINDSEY TATUM, Tulsa Ballet TOMOHA TERADA, Soloist, Ekaterinburg Ballet (Russia) MICHELLE THIEME, Ballet West MARIAH THOMAS, Austin Ballet LISL VAILLANT-MCDONALD, Director Ballet Southwest Academy, LLC, Phantom of the Opera Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, LUIS VALDEZ, Cincinnati Ballet ANDREW VEYETTE, Principal - New York City Ballet FRANCIS VEYETTE, Director Pennsylvania Ballet II, Principal Pennsylvania Ballet YUEH ERICA WANG, Corps - Hong Kong Ballet MICHAEL WARDLOW, Soloist - Cincinnati Ballet JODI WEINER, Georgia Ballet JESSICA WEISNER, USMC, Jean Ann Ryan Prod. MAYA WHEELER, SF Ballet School Choreographic Fellow, Royal Swedish Ballet ALISON WHITAKER, Louisville Ballet KATHERINE WHITLOCK, Washington Ballet LATEEF WILLIAMS, Kansas City Ballet BROOKE WILSON, Boston Ballet II LORI WILSON, St. Louis Ballet GABRIELLA YUDENICH, Pennsylvania Ballet KYOHEI YOSHIDA, Grand Rapids Ballet JOAN SEBASTIAN ZAMORA, English National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet ROMAN ZAVAROV, Soloist - Ballet Arizona, Boston Ballet JIN ZHANG, American Ballet Theatre Corps MOCEN ZHAO, Lionang Ballet of China WAN TING ZHAO, Principal, San Francisco Ballet ANDRES ZUNIGA, Corps, New York City Ballet
Congratulations to all Rock School dancers, leadership, faculty, and staff on another spectacular School Year!
-Carla & Bill Rock
Rock Alumni, Beckanne Sisk, Ballet West Principal; Miguel Montoya, Atlanta Ballet
We are proud to support the talented young dancers of The Rock School for Dance Education and their uplifting dedication to the arts. - Amy Branch & Jeffry Benoliel
We are pleased to support The Rock School for Dance Education’s 2021 Dreams of Nutcracker. Thank you to the Rock family for giving the school’s students the opportunity to achieve their dreams. - Jane & James Stern
P hy l l i s a n d H ow a r d F i s c h e r
We are proud to support The Rock School and its decades of leadership in dance education. -Phyllis & Howard Fischer
We are so proud of all the talented Rock School Dancers performing in t h i s y e a r ’ s N u t c r a c k e r . Toi Toi Toi! -Jaimie & David Field
Dancers: Yuzuka Ogata & Tomoya Suzuki 2021 Candlelight Ballet - Offenbach – “Barcarolle” Photo/ Choreography: Co-Artistic Director, Justin Allen
“Dancing can reveal all the mystery that music that music conceals.” - Charles Baudelaire
Thank you to The Rock School, for realizing students artistic visions and dreams.
A r e n a S ny d e r D u n l a p
Consider motorcoach transportation for your group’s next outing. 610-933-7100 option 2
722 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA 19341 • ARENACPA.COM
Thank you to The Rock School for Dance Education for developing world class dancers and enriching the arts community. - Nancy & George Brodie
Rock Alumna, Boston Ballet Soloist, Michaela DePrince, 2010
Nancy Brodie
C o ze n
We proudly continue our support of The Rock School and its 2021 Dreams Nutcracker Havana Nights of Gala. Performance. Michael J. Heller Executive Chairman & CEO (215) 665-414 | mheller@cozen.com
Vincent R. McGuinness President & Managing Partner (215) 665-2097 | vmcguinness@cozen.com
R. Christopher Raphaely Co-Chair, Health Care (215) 665-2099 | craphaely@cozen.com 700 attorneys | 28 offices | cozen.com
We are proud to support scholarships for the outstanding students at The Rock School For Dance Education. -Susanna Lachs & Dean Adler
Susanna Lach and Dean Adler
Alumni: Christian Gutierrez, of Carolina Ballet & Carmella Casabella • Photo by: Vikki Sloviter
We are proud to support The Rock School for Dance Education and their performance of Dreams of Nutcracker. -Bob Abramowitz & Susan Stewart
B o b A b r o m ow i t z a n d S u s a n Stewar t
penn mutual
Rock Alumni, Teresa D’Ortone, ABT Apprentice & Jessica He, Atlanta Ballet Member
Congratulations to all the talented Rock dancers, Directors, and staff on a successful and JOYOUS Nutcracker performance. -Neubauer Family Foundation
Dancer: Alumna, Juliana Missano, Atanta Ballet Member , Photo: Vikki Sloviter
N e u b a u e r F a m i ly F o u n d a t i o n
Thank you to The Rock School for Dance Education for cultivating talented young artists from around the world in Philadelphia, PA. - Leslie Benoliel & L. Alexander Hamilton, III Dancer: Akari Tagawa as Sugar Plum Fairy Photo/ Choreography: Co-Artistic Director, Justin Allen 2021 Candlelight Ballet
M u s i c T h e a t r e P h i l ly
Dreams of Nutcracker!
Elliot Lewis
Thank you to the Rock family for their dedication to the arts. Your vision has created a significant impact.
- Tracey & Shanin Specter
Rock Alumna, 2020 Rock Academics graduate, Kaeli Ware, Ballet West Trainee
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o THE ROCK SCHOOL on decades of leadership in training successful artists of tomorrow.
-Ron Naples
Alumna, Sarah Lapointe of Charlotte Ballet Photo by Vikki Sloviter
Mcfadden 2 p
“To dance is to be out of beautiful, more powerful. on earth and it is yours - Agnes De Mille Pe n n M u t u a l The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company is proud to support the next generation of great dancers. We are also committed to empowering generations of individuals, families and businesses to achieve their dreams.
Live life with confidence.
©2019 The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company Philadelphia, PA 19172 www.pennmutual.com T4195 3/19 | 2481103RM-Mar21
yourself. Larger, more This is power, it is glory for the taking.”
We appreciate all the hard work during this difficult time. We take great pleasure in the joy the Rock School students show when they practice, and we take great pride in the recognition they gain when they perform. Congratulations and thanks to all the Rock School dancers, teachers and staff.
Caro & Bob Rock
Dancers Left to Right: Mo Cen Zhao - Liaoning Ballet of China, Teresa D’Ortone ABT Apprentice, Chloe Kelly - State Street Ballet, Maya Wheeler - Royal Swedish Ballet, Jessica He - Atlanta Ballet, Amparo Vazquez- Teatro Colón,Victoria Jaenson - Charlotte Ballet II, Tsipporah Thompson
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o all Rock School Dancers on a wonderful Dreams of Nutcracker performance. -Susan Rock & Michael Phillips
Dancers: L-R Yueh Wang, Hong Kong Ballet, Abbey Yoder, Victoria Jensen, Ballet Theatre Co.
V I RT U A L AUCTION & BENEFIT
Rock Student, Ezra Paisley Photo: Michael Pilla
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Register for classes by Quar ter 3 to perfor m on stage . Creative Movement through Level 6 dancers are invited to par ticipate.
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Rock Student: Kali Phillips, Photo: Michael Pilla