SJDT Dracula Digital Program

2023-2024 Season | Dracula

MIS S IO N San Jose Dance Theatre (SJDT) promotes the positive impact of dance in Silicon Valley through our training programs and professional ballet company. We seek to engage our surrounding communities in creative practices dedicated to opportunity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration in dance.

B O A R D O F DIRE CTORS President: Michael Howerton Vice President (and acting Secretary): Marji Karlgaard Treasurer: Brandon Lewke Board Members: Lee Forbes, Kay Pettitt, and Carmen Brammer SJDT would like to sincerely thank the former board members: Ann Timoney, Renee Forbes, Stino Tapia, Brian Dougherty, Phylis Dougherty, Miriam Watson, Jennifer Joyce Watson, Willard Roit, Bronweyn Coleman, Michelle Yasuda, Steve Kaplowitz, and all other former board members for their time, enormous talent, and devotion to keeping our legacy alive!

S JDT H IS T O RY San Jose Dance Theatre was originally founded in 1964 as Paul E. Curtis Jr.’s Los Gatos Academy of Dance and the West Valley Ballet Foundation. The name was later changed to San Jose Dance Theatre in 1965 and was incorporated as a nonprofit educational organization. Across more than 55 years, San Jose Dance Theatre has trained beginning through advanced dancers. The School specializes in classical ballet training for children from 4 years of age to pre-professional level. Many of our alumni have gone on to professional careers in dance.

San Jose Dance Theatre has delighted local audiences for five decades with performances including Peter and the Wolf, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast. In December 2023, we will celebrate our 58th annual production of The Nutcracker at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. This will be in collaboration with Conductor Scott Krijnen and the Cambrian Symphony Orchestra.

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Dracula | 2023-2024 Season

P RE S I DEN T’S MESSAGE Welcome to San Jose Dance Theatre’s rendition of Dracula!

We’re excited to have you join us for this unique production, which offers a twist compared to our usual fairytale and classic ballets. We hope that you will relish this fresh experience!

Save the date for December 8th to 10th for the 58th annual Original San Jose Nutcracker at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. This year, due to availability, we have just one weekend at the CPA, so we urge you to secure your tickets early to avoid missing out. Rest assured, we plan to provide two weekends of performances next year.

Regarding the single Nutcracker weekend, we wish to convey that this poses a significant financial challenge for SJDT. The Nutcracker serves as our primary source of revenue, enabling us to stage additional productions and sustain our exceptional professional company, which consistently delivers top-tier quality performances.

In addition to this, grant funding from the State of California has seen reductions, and like many other arts organizations, SJDT relies on grants, performance revenue, and personal donations from our dedicated supporters, small businesses, and corporations.

This is where your generosity comes into play. We would be immensely grateful if you could consider making a contribution to SJDT today to help sustain our highquality training and year-round productions. Convenient donation options include the Dip-Jars in the lobby, the QR code in your program, or visiting www.sjdt.org, to make one-time or recurring monthly contributions.

We deeply appreciate our board, staff, dancers, students, parents, donors, and volunteers whose dedication made this production possible. Our thanks also extend to our loyal audiences. Your attendance and generous support have sustained SJDT during the challenges of the COVID era, allowing us to share the joy of dance with Silicon Valley’s diverse communities.

We sincerely hope you will continue to support SJDT and engage with this exquisite art form, whether through our performances or our dance academy and open division programs. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

With Gratitude,

Michael Howerton | President of the Board

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2023-2024 Season | Dracula

E X E CUTIV E DIRECTOR’ S MES S AGE Dear Friends, It is my pleasure to welcome you to Dracula! San Jose Dance Theater is thrilled to bring this premier ballet to the stage for San Jose audiences to enjoy. Dracula has had many interpretations, but to see these characters brought to life through dance is inspiring. I am so proud of the work the company dancers have put into this thrilling production.

San Jose Dance Theatre has set the standard for dance in Silicon Valley since its founding, and I am honored to help further this legacy. As Executive Director my mission is to support our Artistic Directors in bringing quality productions to this community.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you at our future productions. Our production of The Nutcracker is a San Jose holiday tradition that you won’t want to miss!

Best Regards, Elizabeth Sweeney | Executive Director

JOIN US FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS! The Nutcracker: Dec. 8-10, 2023 SJDT Winter/Spring Session: Begins Jan. 8, 2024 For questions or inquiries, email godance@sjdt.org

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Dracula | 2023-2024 Season

A R T IS T IC DIRECTOR MARIANA ZSCHOERPER BIO Mariana began her ballet training at the age of 3, training at The Bolshoi Theater School from 2000-2007. She performed soloist roles in Brazil, Italy, Germany, France, and Russia.

She was chosen to do an internship with The Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, graduated The Bolshoi Theater School as the Valedictorian of her class, and received a Certificate of Vaganova Method for Teaching.

In 2007, Mariana joined the professional Bolshoi Ballet company in Brazil. She performed as a soloist for 3 years and also started her teaching career that year. In 2010, Mariana joined Company Ballet in Sao Paolo as a Principal Dancer and in 2011, joined the Baltimore Ballet as a Principal Dancer and coached the advanced dancers in the school. In 2013, she received a merit scholarship to The Boston Conservatory, and in 2017, graduated Valedictorian, with her received her B.F.A. In 2016 and 2017, Mariana performed as a guest in many schools for The Nutcracker and as a Principal Dancer for Charleston City Ballet. Mariana has trained rhythmic gymnasts in Brazil and in Canada and choreographed for and privately coached gymnastic and ballet students for competitions.

Mariana also has a certification in acting for TV and completed two years of college for journalism in Brazil . She is fluent in English, Portuguese and has basic Russian, French and Spanish. Since 2022, Mariana has been the Artistic Director of San Jose Dance Theatre and loves working with the dancers, teachers, board and wonderful families!

A S S OC I A TE ARTI STI C DIR ECTOR A MESSAGE FROM AUGUSTO SILVA Inspired by the 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula film, the choreography for Dracula captures the essence of the iconic vampire’s story while adapting it to our company’s unique Dancers. Drawing inspiration from the haunting classical pieces such as ‘’Danse Macabre’’ and Khachaturian’s ‘’Masquerade’’ the choreography mirrors the haunting melodies and takes the forms of bat-like movements. Through fluid and precise movements, I aim to evoke both fascination and unease, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness the enigmatic allure of Dracula.

Sincerely, Augusto Silva | Associate Artistic Director

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2023-2024 Season | Dracula

ME E T THE C OMPANY ELISE HOLMES Elise Holmes began her training at Pasadena Dance Theatre under Cynthia Young and Laurence Blake. She went on to the University of California, Irvine (UCI) where she received her B.F.A in Dance Performance with a minor in Biological Sciences. During her time at Irvine, she was the recipient of the William J. Gillespie Scholarship.

Holmes returned to Pasadena Dance Theatre for two seasons as a soloist. In 2020, Elise joined San José Dance Theatre as a Trainee and was promoted to the company in 2021. Elise is excited to be a part of San José Dance Theatre’s 2022-2023 season!

JUAN MAGACHO Juan is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started ballet at age 17 at Escola Estadual de Danças Maria Olenewa and National Ballet of Denver. He danced professionally with Grupo Cultural de Dança-Ilha, Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro, Atlantic City Ballet, Península Ballet Theatre. This is Juan’s first season with San Jose Dance Theatre.

ERIN MCMAHON Erin McMahon is originally from Houston, Texas where she trained under Caryn Stoll, Kathleen Waltz, Miroslav “Misha” Bart, and Milena Leben before attending City Ballet of Houston. After graduating high school, Erin attended The University of Utah where she received her BFA in Ballet, BS in Economic and a minor in Modern Dance. She danced with Central West Ballet, performing soloist and principal roles, then moved to Virginia to dance with Roanoke Ballet Theatre performing roles such as Spring Fairy from Sleeping Beauty, Helena from A Midsummer Nights Dream, and the Evil Queen in Rolando Sarabia’s Snow White. Erin is excited to be dancing with San Jose Dance Theatre this season.

ROBERTO VEGA ORTIZ Roberto is a native of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and began his training in hip hop, jazz and ballet at Taller de Bailes LeDaph in Manatí, PR at age 14. He trained with Marie Carmen Márquez, Ana María Castañón, Orlando Carreras and Victor Gilí, and studied at Escuela de Ballets de San Juan, Conservatorio de Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico and Escuela Especializada en Ballet Julián E. Blanco. In 2016, he joined the second company of Nashville Ballet. In 2017, he joined Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, where he toured worldwide, performing female soloist and principal roles en pointe. In 2019, he joined Diablo Ballet. Mr. Vega Ortiz is the Co-Founder Artistic Director and Artist of Ballet22.

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Dracula | 2023-2024 Season

BROOKE WERTWIJN Originally from Minnesota, Brooke Wertwijn trained at Ashley Ballet Arts Academy and graduated from the University of Utah School of Dance with a B.F.A. in Ballet, Ballet Studio Teaching Certificate, and Business Minor. While a Trainee at Ballet Idaho, she performed in Peter Anastos’ The Nutcracker, George Balanchine’s Serenade and Valse Fantasie, Bruce Wells’ Beauty and the Beast, Anne Mueller’s Peter and the Wolf, and other new works. Brooke was also a member of SALT Contemporary Dance’s Pre-Professional Training Company and has taught at schools in Minnesota, Utah, Idaho, and California.

ADRINA HSIEH | Apprentice Adrina started dancing at the age of 6 and began training at Dance Theatre International. Adrina has trained at the San Francisco Ballet, Alonzo King Line Ballet, and Kirov Academy, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensives. She joined SJDT in the summer of 2021. Alongside ballet, she is currently a senior at Valley Christian High School and is recognized as a conservatory honors fellow with an emphasis in dance arts. She is honored to join SJDT’s Company as a junior company member this season.

NOELLE CYBART | Apprentice Noelle Cybart is a 16-year-old high school junior who has recently embarked on a new full time journey as an apprentice with San Jose Dance Theatre. Her passion for dance began at the age of 6, and she has since dedicated herself to mastering various forms of dance, with a particular fondness for classical ballet technique. Noelle’s dedication has been recognized through numerous accolades, including achieving Top 12 in the classical category at YAGP in both 2021 and 2022, and clinching 1st place in the neo-classical category in 2022. She is thrilled to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to this production!

HIKARI JACOBSON | Guest Artist Hikari Jacobson is from Daly City, California. She trained at San Francisco Ballet School and Westlake School for the Performing Arts.

She has danced professionally with Atlantic City Ballet, Peninsula Ballet Theatre, San Jose Dance Theatre, and Oakland Ballet.

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2023-2024 Season | Dracula

NICOLE KHOO | Guest Artist Nicole moved to the Bay area in April 2022 and since then has enjoyed performing in productions with Western Ballet, San Jose Dance Theatre, Oceanica Ballet and New Ballet. Growing up in Singapore, she started with Classical Chinese Dance, and completed vocational levels with the RAD and CSTD under Donato C. Ferrer.

She joined Singapore Ballet’s pre-professional program, directed by Janek Schergen. After dancing soloist and lead roles with Tampa Ballet Theatre, she joined The Georgia Ballet under Daet Rodriguez. She feels so fortunate to be a part of the cast of Dracula with San Jose Dance Theatre.

O R IGIN AL MU SIC CHRIS THOMAS | Composer Chris graduated with a B.A. in Music from Cal State Monterey in 2015 and studied recording, live performance, and composition.

He plays several instruments including trumpet, euphonium, piano, guitar, electric bass, and drums. He has played bass in several rock bands based in the Bay Area, including Ricky and the Swedes, Frantic Romantic, and The Lazy Susans.

Although he composed music for several student films at CSUMB, this is Chris’ first composition for ballet. He uses traditionally symphonic instruments and incorporates elements of rock and electronic music. This composition features Las Vegas based guitarist Rikki Swete, formerly of Ricky and the Swedes and Perfect Blue.

D RAC UL A C AST Count Dracula Roberto Vega Ortiz Lucy Westenra Hikari Jacobson Jonathan Harker Juan Magacho Mina Murray Elise Holmes Verona Brooke Wertwijn Marishka Erin McMahon Aleera Nicole Khoo, Noelle Cybart (Saturday performance) *There will be a 20 minute intermission between Act I and Act II.

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Dracula | 2023-2024 Season

A B O UT T H E BALLET Choreography by Augusto Silva Performed by San Jose Dance Theater Company at the Hammer Theater on October 13-15, 2023 In “Dracula: The Ballet,” we pay homage to Bram Stoker’s iconic novel with a mesmerizing dance adaptation. This haunting ballet captures the essence of the eternal battle between light and darkness, where love and death intertwine in a haunting duet.

PRESHOW High Above (Some light before the darkness) Choreographer: Mariana Zschoerper Music: Ave Maria by Franz Schube Dancer: Adrina Hsieh ACT I

ACT II

Dracula’s Eternal Thirst Music: Lucifer Waltz by Secession Studios

Masquerade Ball Music: Masquerade-Suite: Waltz by Aram Khachaturian

Souls Music: Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens

Bride Allera Music: Ballabile by Blagoji Bersa

Dracula’s Torment Music: Suite en Blanc by Eduard Lalo

Blood Lust Music: Violin Sonata n.2 in G Major by Maurice Ravel

Jonathan’s Reflections Music: Csardes by Vittorio Monti

Bride Marishka Music: Valse sentimentale by Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Invasion of the Mind Music: Playera by Pablo de Sarasate

Lost in the Shadows Music: Avant de Mourir by Georges Boulanger

Pages of Longing Music: Violin Sonata in G Minor “Devil’s Trial” by Giuseppee Tartini

Bride Verona Music: Solfeggio, H 220 by Bach

The Brides Feast Music: Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens

Brides’ Coda Music: Hungarian Dance by Johannes Brahmns Finale Music: Solo Uno by Chris Thomas San Jose Dance Theatre | 8

2023-2024 Season | Dracula

D O N ORS & S PONSORS Gold Sponsors: Ann & Howard Timoney Benefactors: Sean Tyan Brandon Lewke Marilyn Sefchovich Kay Pettitt Michael Howerton Shin Chen Lee & Renee Forbes Marji & Rich Karlgaard Patrons: Gahrahmat Family Judy Guo Gabriela Gonzalez-Do Supporters: Sarah Clish Elizabeth Sweeney Alexandar Sutic Jennifer Joyce Jason Molenda Richard Surprenant

Erin Sweeney Steve Kaplowitz Laura Becker-Lewke Carmen Brammer Alison Otewalt

Friends: Matt Taylor James Fulton Courtney O’Hagan Geri Zerbini Bronwen Carson Megan Hutaff

Cyndy Edwards Carol Uyeda Odette Limosnero Katherine Bui Richard & Kristin DelSoldato Mario Barron

F R I E NDS OF T H E B ALLET Katherine Bui Julia Camp Shin Chen Madeleine Decorwin Monique Figueroa John Fuller Sylvia Heslin 9 | San Jose Dance Theatre

Michael Howerton Melissa Kim Rosalynn Liu Katie Meger Esteban Mejia Jeffrey Orth Kay Pettitt

Caitlin Ryan Richard Surprenant Ann Timoney Kathy Troyer Mariana Zschoerper

Dracula | 2023-2024 Season

A CKN O WL EDGEMENTS Jennifer Hsu–Stage Manager Anthony Sutton–Lighting Designer Renee Forbes–Costume Director Kay Pettitt–Props Elizabeth Sweeney–Admin & Marketing Alison Otewalt–Accounting Mario Barron–Admin & Marketing Ann Timoney–VIP Chairperson Karina Cervantes- Boutique Robbie Zylstra–Marketing Jacqui Culler–Graphics

Diane Rose–Photography Kyle Adler–Media Photography Pankaj Bhargava–Media Photography Steve DiBartolomeo–Media Photography Joe Bandy–Media Videographer Tim Jeghers–Media Videographer John Parenica–Media Videographer Stage Crew: Mario Barron, CJ Cheng, Lee Forbes, Kayvan Gahrahmat, Alvaro Villoria

Photo Credits: Tim Jeghers and Kyle Adler

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2023-2024 Season | Dracula

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