Babes in Toyland Program

Support art you love

2

2023

NEW CLASSIC STORIES FRESH DANCE THEATER YOURS

VOL 02

BABES IN TOYLAND

PHYSICAL THERAPY MASSAGE THERAPY PILATES

+MORE

Returning you to living

the life you love.

See how we're different...

Call for your appointment today!

541-505-8180 | staszakpt.com

Feel Strong.

Feel Fierce.

HULT SEASON

. e v o l u o y t r a t r o p p

S u T ic k e ts $ 1 5 - 7 8

SAVE YOUR BFAN SEATS NOW

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

MOTHER'S DAY

1ST TIME SINCE 2015

— CONTENTS —

INSIDE

Artists of Ballet Fantastique in Babes in Toyland, 2022, Hult Center | Jeremy Bronson

FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHERPRODUCERS

BABES IN TOYLAND PROGRAM & MAKERS

PAGE 9

BEGINS PAGE 20

BFAN EVENTS CALENDAR PAGE 11 FROM PHILIP PIELE, BFAN BOARD PRESIDENT PAGE 13 BFAN SECRET SOCIETY DONORS

FEATURE: WELCOMING YOUNG STARS PAGE 27 DANCERS OF BFAN BEGINS PAGE 30

BEGINS PAGE 18

City Center for Dance, 960 Oak Street, Eugene, OR 97401 C/T: 844-494-6793 | balletfantastique.org BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 7

BFan Ladies’ Night

CELEBRATING THE POWER OF FEMALE LEADERSHIP. Artists of Ballet Fantastique in the world premiere of Robin Hood | Bob Williams

Join us for BFan Ladies’ Night @Hult PRESENTED BY SUMMIT BANK

THUR FEB 29 — CINDERELLA THU MAY 9 — ALICE: REMIX

Summit Bank: Internationally recognized as a leading community bank. Female top-ranking employees and Women of Influence Awardwinners at the helm. Remarkable expansion, proven stability, and consistently growing impact in the PNW. Ballet Fantastique: As a groundbreaking, Emmy®-nominated company founded and led by women, we challenge the status quo about whose voices are telling the story: Women fill ballet stage's and classrooms, but the vast majority of choreographers and artistic directors are men. We are an immersive theatrical experience embodying stories that resonate, inspire, and matter.

Together, we are challenger brands, industry leaders, and community trailblazers, committed to genuine connection with our audiences and stakeholders.

— WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTORS —

YOUR NEW ART isHERE. Dear BFans,

When we unleash our imagination, we find new parts of ourselves. There’s unexpected raw humanity in the fantastical.

The new stories we’ve chosen to tell you in dance this season are filled with adventure, hope, loss, survival, love, grief, spirit, grit, passion. And not only do they showcase the humans and artists of this company like never before (and we’re so proud of them!)—but we hope that they speak to you in new ways, too.

Thank you for supporting art you love.

We cherish this opportunity to share the art we make with you in this space, together.

Donna & Hannah DONNA MARISA BONTRAGER & HANNAH BONTRAGER FOUNDING CHOREOGRAPHER-PRODUCERS

Donna Marisa & Hannah Bontrager | Bob Williams

Donna Bontrager, Founding Artistic Director Co-Choreographer-Producer Lead Costume Designer

23-24 HULT CENTER CONCERT SEASON

Hannah Bontrager, Founding Executive Director Co-Choreographer-Producer

Nevermore: Stories of Edgar Allan Poe Oct. 19-22, 2023 | Soreng

Hannah Bontrager Ashley Bontrager Izzy Bloodgood Ana Brooks Nicole Brown

Elizabeth Chapa Brooke Geffrey-Bowler Tavari Groesbeck Jenavieve Hernandez Madeline Kiesel Preston Andrew Patterson

Lucy Pearce Gustavo Ramirez Raymond Silos Joshua Richard Webb Phoebe Wind

Gustavo Ramirez, Rehearsal Director, Ballet Master

Babes in Toyland: A Holiday Story Nov. 25–26, 2023 | Silva Cinderella: A Rock Opera Feb 29, Mar. 1-3, 2024 | Soreng Alice in Wonderland May 9-12, 2024 | Soreng BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 9

— BFAN EVENTS CALENDAR — FRI / OCT 6 / 6:30PM NEVERMORE OPEN BARRE Open rehearsal, first-release tastings, mini-lecture w/ Dr. B —toast the new art with us. $10 or free for subscribers (City Center for Dance)

FRI / NOV 24 / 5:30PM BABES IN TOYLAND PREVIEW FESTIVAL OF TREES Join us at Festival of Trees for a free preview + mini-dance lesson!

SAT-SUN / OCT 7-8 / 5:30PM NEVERMORE HAUNTED HOUSE

SAT-SUN / NOV 25-26 BABES IN TOYLAND: A HOLIDAY STORY

Haunting poetry, mysterious characters in dark corners as you are guided through a candle-lit Victorian mansion. Get spooky with us (Shelton McMurphey Johnson House)

Retroglam choreography, bright whimsy—We spin Victor Herbert’s madcap fairytale mashup with hot jazz—and bring a lost holiday classic to life in splashy dance theater.

THU / OCT 19 / 7PM NEVERMORE LADIES’ NIGHT Nevermore dinner + wine pairings @ Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge, Hult performance to follow. Mingle with the artists following the show (Hult Lobby)

THU-SUN / OCT 19-22 NEVERMORE: STORIES OF EDGAR ALLAN POE The haunting stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life on stage.

Join us for an exclusive dance theater experience inspired by the tantalizing dark romances and poetry of a Victorian genius.

SUN / OCT 22 / 5PM NEVERMORE CAST PARTY MIXER Meet the artists after the show, flash your BFan ticket, and support BFan @Alesong on 5th!

SAT / NOV 11 / 11AM BABES IN TOYLAND PREVIEW Join us at the Children’s Adventure Museum for a free preview + mini-dance lesson!

FRI / DEC 1 / 5:30PM ALPHA IT PRESENTS: WINTER WONDERLAND GALA Join us, don your finest attire, and embrace the intrigue of a Black Tie Masquerade as we gather for an evening of elegance in support of Ballet Fantastique’s immersive, innovative arts and education work in our city (Downtown Athletic Club Ballroom)

FRI / FEB 9 / 6:30PM CINDERELLA OPEN BARRE Open rehearsal, first-release tastings, mini-lecture w/ Dr. B —toast the new art with us. $10 or free for subscribers (City Center for Dance)

THU / FEB 29 / 7:30PM CINDERELLA LADIES’ NIGHT Cinderella dinner + wine pairings @ Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge, Hult performance to follow. Mingle with the artists following the show (Hult Lobby)

THU-SUN / FEB 29-MAR 3 CINDERELLA: THE ROCK OPERA Don't miss this unique and exhilarating immersive performance experience, bringing together the elegance of ballet, the energy of rock 'n' roll, and the timeless tale of Cinderella.

FRI / APR 19 / 6:30PM ALICE OPEN BARRE Open rehearsal, first-release tastings, mini-lecture w/ Dr. B —toast the new art with us. $10 or free for subscribers (City Center for Dance)

FRI / APR 19 / 6:30PM ALICE OPEN BARRE Open rehearsal, first-release tastings, mini-lecture w/ Dr. B —toast the new art with us. $10 or free for subscribers (City Center for Dance)

SAT / MAY 11 / 1PM ALICE IN WONDERLAND TEA PARTY + CHARACTER MEET Join us @Shelton McMurphey Johnson House for a Tea with the characters before the evening show!

THU / MAY 9 / 7:30PM ALICE IN WONDERLAND LADIES’ NIGHT Alice in Wonderland dinner + wine pairings @ Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge, Hult performance to follow. Mingle with the artists following the show (Hult Lobby)

Add all BFan Events to your Calendar now!

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 11

TEAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD PRESIDENT Philip Piele SECRETARY Dianna Pounder BOARD MEMBERS Brandy Rodtsbrooks Nicole Roselio Steve Webster Donna Marisa Bontrager Hannah Bontrager Izzy Bloodgood, Dancer representative

ADVISORY BOARD Mary Spilde Matthew King Emily Dew Thea Vandervoort Amy Stoddart Gina Bolles Sorenson Steve Robinson

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 12

— PEOPLE — Donna Bontrager, Founding Artistic Director Hannah Bontrager, Founding Executive Director

PRODUCTION + CREATIVE TEAM

ACADEMY FACULTY

Donna Marisa Bontrager, Lead Costume Designer Hannah Bontrager, Production Manager Deborah Speer, Libretto, Historical, Music Research, Creative Team Genevieve Speer, Artistic Associate, Libretto Support, Historical, Music Research Allison Ditson, Costume Design, Production JP Durand, Stage Manager Michael Peterson, Lighting Designer Sam Fox, Wardrobe Supervisor, Resident Maker Debora Peña, Set Design & Construction Kelle DeForrest, Sets, Props Design & Construction Liza Carbé, Assistant Stage Manager Andréa Taggart, Headpieces, Jewelry Gerry Rempel, Resident Composer & Arranger Nathan Farrington, Musical Arrangements Adam Goldthwaite, Set Design, Special Effects, Sculptor

Isabelle Bloodgood, Teen/Adult Division Ashley Bontrager, Professional Training Division, Company Donna Marisa Bontrager, Professional Training Division, Company Hannah Bontrager, Professional Training Division, Company Ana Brooks, Professional Training Division, Young Dancer Division, Teen/Adult Division Elizabeth Chapa, Young Dancer Division, Teen/Adult Division Brooke Geffrey-Bowler, Professional Training Division Tavari Groesbeck, Teen/Adult Division Jenavieve Hernandez, Teen/Adult Division Lucy Pearce, Professional Training Division, Young Dancer Division Gustavo Ramirez, Company Rehearsal Director Raymond Silos, Professional Training Division

STAFF

PHOTO/VIDEO

Ashley Bontrager, Development Director Jeany Snider, Director of Community Engagement Elizabeth Chapa & Sara Stewart, Academy Administrators Ana Brooks, Administration Support Genevieve Speer, Finance Manager Dianna Pounder, Academy Billing Monica Piper, Events Support Emmaline Melton, Events Support Jeff Mecredy, Leadership & Growth Phoebe Wind, Administrative Assistant

Attic Media Greg Burns Bronson Studios Miki Markovitch Chappel Miller Gustavo Ramirez Raymond Silos Bob Williams

MARKETING/MEDIA Isabelle Bloodgood, Marketing Coordinator Elise Ferguson, Elizabeth Chapa, Nicole Brown, Ana Brooks, Marketing Support Jeremy Bronson, Film, Audio, Marketing Gustavo Ramirez, Film, Audio, Marketing Hannah Bontrager, Graphic Design, Program Magazine Design

KEY VOLUNTEERS Kimberly Grimes, Backstage Jitendra Joshi, Web Karen Moon, Costumes Sarah Preston, Backstage Dianna Pounder, Angel Christie Rodewald, Backstage Support Sara Stewart, Youth Cast Joshua Whitley, Sets Support Dylan Wilcox, Sets Support BFan’s Academy Families & many, many more

— WELCOME FROM THE BOARD —

classic stories. new dance theater. immersive theatrical experiences. ballet like you’ve never seen before.

F

ollowing four sell-out performances of our extraordinarily successful production of Nevermore, I want to welcome you, on behalf of the Board of Directors, to the second production in Ballet Fantastique’s 2023-2024 season: Babes in Toyland— with some exciting updates to last season’s spectacular production.

We have added gifted actors who tell the story of Mary and Tom’s journey through Toyland, a magical world filled with toys and nursery rhyme characters such as Little Bo Peep, Jack and Jill and Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. We are also filling the stage with dazzling new sets, vibrant new costumes, exciting new choreography, and many, many more dancers including the addition of youth performers from our Ballet Fantastique Academy, including young Bella Preston, who acts and dances in our new role of “Twyla.”

The dancers bring brilliantly choreographed movements and expressive storytelling to life and transform the stage into a vibrantly colorful, mesmerizing display of artistry and skill. We also hope the story’s message of bravery, friendship, and the power of love will resonate with you and that you will share the joy and happiness our dancers feel in bringing this wonderful production to the Silva stage.

SUPPORT

ART YOU love.

We want Babes in Toyland to become an annual holiday classic enjoyed by family and friends for years to come. But to ensure this will happen, as we hope it will, we need your continued attendance at this and our other productions throughout the season, and your financial support and enthusiastic advocacy of Ballet Fantastique throughout this wonderful community.

Thanks to the generous support of local community givers such as the Elks Lodge #357, many children and families across our community can attend this production.

So now sit back and enjoy the enchanting, magical kingdom of Toyland, where dreams always come true and the good guys always win—with a little bravery, ingenuity, and great dancing.

With sincere appreciation,

Philip K. Piele President, Ballet Fantastique Board ON BEHALF OF OUR STAFF, ARTISTS, AND THE BFAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 13

— MAKERS OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

donna marisa bontrager Ballet Fantastique's Canadian-born Artistic Director, Donna, is a choreographer, designer, and expert master teacher in the Vaganova Syllabus. Ms. Bontrager's performance résumé embraces work with New York companies, including Empire State Ballet, Buffalo City Ballet, Royale Dance Theatre New York, and Festival Choir Ballet. She was one of ten dancers invited to perform as part of the international Feast of the Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Israel, and has been invited to join the World Congress on Dance. Ms. Bontrager has overseen Ballet Fantastique repertoire and productions involving partnerships with choirs, opera, and soloist vocalists, symphony and chamber orchestras, literary and visual artists, and composers. Ms. Bontrager has visioned, choreographed, produced, and staged the entire critically acclaimed alloriginal Ballet Fantastique repertoire of over 92 original works since 2000—including 26 full-length contemporary narrative ballets, and 25 consecutive productions with live music, including creating new work during the Covid-19 pandemic and shutdown. She has also led BFan commissions for Eugene Symphony, Oregon Mozart Players, and many others. Under Donna's leadership, Ballet Fantastique has toured across the NW. Donna also oversaw BFan's sold out, critically-acclaimed international debut at the Palariviera Theater as the first US dance company invited to perform in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. Donna's love of the arts also extends to her design work as an alumna of the University of Oregon's School of Architecture and in the design of BFan's critically-acclaimed costumes. Donna has also developed the complete Academy of Ballet Fantastique curriculum.

CHOREOGRAPHER-PRODUCER FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR COSTUME DESIGN DIRECTOR

— THE MAKERS OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

hannah bontrager Hannah is Ballet Fantastique's Executive Director, CoChoreographer Producer, and lead grant writer. Hannah graduated at the top of her class (summa cum laude and phi beta kappa) from the Robert D. Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon where, as a full scholarship student, she earned concurrent degrees in Dance and English Literature and a minor in Arts Administration, as well as the American Association of University Women Award, the Dance Achievement Award, and the Dean's Award for Service, and was the invited Honors College graduation speaker. Under Hannah’s leadership, Ballet Fantastique has earned touring invitations on behalf of Ballet Fantastique nationally and internationally; grant awards from major foundations; and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and in-kind corporate and individual support.

Hannah is listed among the international Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals, is a Comcast Newsmaker, and Blue Chip "20 under 40" award recipient. Hannah also leads a number of educational initiatives for Ballet Fantastique, including Passport to Dance and The EXPERIENCE DANCE! Project, which have brought innovative dance experiences to thousands of schoolchildren across Oregon ever year for the past 20+ years.

CHOREOGRAPHER-PRODUCER

FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Also a trained professional dancer and performer, Hannah studied Vaganova pedagogy with her mother, Donna Marisa Bontrager. She also trained at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. Hannah spent a season with Colorado Ballet Company and subsequently with Manassas Ballet Theatre in the Washington, DC metro area (where she performed leading roles including Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker and the lead in Vivandière/ Markitenka). Donna and Hannah have collaborated to produce bold crossdisciplinary Ballet Fantastique contemporary ballet premieres and collaborations at home and on tour, including the entire body of Ballet Fantastique's work. As a founding principal dancer with Ballet Fantastique, Hannah has earned rave critical reviews in myriad soloist roles.

Hannah is proud mom to Finn (age three) and Liam (age one), and is thrilled to be back on stage with her BFan family.

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 14

FALL CLASSES: SEPT 11-DEC 16

your boutique professional dance theater training school in the pnw

ACADEMY OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE CLASSES FOR YOUNG DANCERS

EDUCATION

BITSY BALLET (AGES 2-3) Sat 9:30-10am * WAIT LIST ONLY TWINKLING STARS (AGES 3-5) Mon 3:45-4:30pm &/or Sat 9-9:45am RISING STARS (AGES 5-7) Mon 4-4:45 pm &/or Sat 9-9:45am WAIT LIST ONLY

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING DIVISIONages 7+ perform with the company!

CONTACT US TO AUDITION (AGES 7+)

CLASSES FOR TEENS/ADULTS (AGES 13+) BEGINNING BALLET Tue 6:30-8pm &/or Sat 10:30am-12pm INTERMEDIATE BALLET Mon 6:30-7:45pm &/or Wed 6:30-7:45pm INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED BALLET Wed 9-10:30am &/or Fri 9-10:30am POINTE REPERTOIRE Fri 6:45-7:45pm

official training school of the Ballet Fantastique professional company —individual approach, mentorship + performances!

BROWSE BFAN CLASSES NOW!

CONTEMPORARY Tue 7:15-8:15pm TEEN/ADULT WORKSHOPS: BEGINNING BALLET, BALLROOM, POINTE!

MAKE A GIFT WITH POWER, PRESENCE, AND LEGACY

CALLING ALL RENEGADES DONATE TO BALLET FANTASTIQUE TODAY —AND JOIN OUR SECRET SOCIETY— —AND NEVER LOOK BACK—

Support art you LOVE. WHEN YOU SUPPORT BFAN, YOU FUND : NEW ART | LIVE MUSIC | INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION | NEW ARTISTIC VOICES | THE NEXT GENERATION OF KIDS WHO BELONG IN THIS THEATER WHEN YOU SUPPORT BFAN, YOU GET : YOUR NAME ON THE LIST | FANCY SOUVENIRS | SECRET PARTY INVITES (REALLY) | TAX WRITEOFF (TALK TO YOUR ACCOUNTANT; IT COULD BE BIG)

DONATE CASH, STOCK,

OR CRYPTO TO BFAN HERE >> (or sign up for a recurring monthly gift)

— DONORS TO BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

BALLET FANTASTIQUE

SECRET SOCIETY We would like to recognize the incredible generosity of the individuals, foundations, and businesses who support Ballet Fantastique’s mission and programs. Pledges and contributions received between 8/1/22–9/30/23.

FOUNDATION SUPPORT Charles & Betti Saunders Foundation Fund of the Austin Community Fund (gratitude to Erin Walter, who contributed this in honor of Preston Patterson joining the BFan company) Clement Family Chartiable Fund (gratitude to Judy Clement, who contributed this in honor of McKenna Morrigan) Dorothea M. Lensch Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation Ellen Glendel Hyman Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation Fidelity Charitable Herbert Merker Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation Hult Endowment Fund of the Western Oregon Community Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation Mehlum Family Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Neil Chinn Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation Oregon Arts Commission Oregon Community Foundation Oregon Cultural Trust Renaissance Charitable Foundation Ronald W. Naito Foundation San Francisco Foundation SHO — Support Hult Operations Silva Endowment Fund of the Western Oregon Community Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation Tamolitch Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation Walker Charitable Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 18

LUMINARIES ($30,000 OR MORE) Alpha IT Anonymous

VISIONARIES ($20,000-$29,000) Anonymous (2) Team Kammerer, Summit Funding Sandra & Philip Piele Dr. Averno & Wendlyn Rempel

RENEGADES ($10,000–$19,999) Bennett-Hooper Family Bicoastal Media Bronson Studios Downtown Athletic Club Stephanie Coats, DC Real Estate David & Sherrie Kammerer Vicky Mello Dianna & Todd Pounder

DESPERADOS ($5,000-$9,999) Summit Bank Deborah Basler & John Tamolinis Mary Bruskotter & John Thompson Stephanie & Ted Coopman Judy Grubbs & Barry Polonsky Shelton McMurphey Johnson House Silvan Ridge Winery Staszak Physical Therapy Steven Yett

PROVOCATEURS ($2,000-$4,999) Anonymous Attic Media

Jeff Ball Cindy Bedell & Rich Blanton Sarah & Adam Burner Ravi & Tirzah Brounstein Robert J. Cummings Charlcie Kaylor & Charles L. Crawford Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge Eugene Elks Lodge #357 Sue & Bob McClelland Nancy Nathanson & Steve Robinson Sally & Eric Overstreet Susan E & Arthur R Palsbo Debby & John Phillips Helmut Plant, In memory of Carol Hamrick Plant QSL Printing Rhythm & Blooms Mary & Mike Staszak Sara & Kristopher “Stew” Stewart Patricia Thomas & Russell Mecredy

ROGUES ($1,000-$1,999) Sherry & Alan Bennett Alesong Brewing & Blending Polly & Brian Caughey Dawn Duerksen Chelsea & Jonathan Duke Sara Ferris Gordon Hotel Jill Hendrickson & Nathan Markowitz Michele Henney Carla Hoeger Marcy Hammock & Herbert Merker Jillyn & Graham Kaiser Paul Roth Annette Briggs & Scott South Drs. Barbara & James Walker Steve & Elaine Webster

— DONORS TO BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

Every effort has been made to ensure that this list is up to date as of 11/6/23. Please reach out to Ashley Bontrager to update us on any errors or omissions AND/OR to add your name to BFan's Secret Society: ashley@balletfantastique.org.

OUTLAWS ($500–$999) Patricia Ahlen Susan Anderson & Alexander Mathas Polly Ashworth & Robert Horner Victoria Blackman Hannah Bontrager & Jeff Mecredy Eugene Airport Gayle Faust Joy & Mark Gall Patricia & Dennis Hyatt Mary Hope O’Leary, Gratitude to Clare & Alex Vonderhaar, gifting in her honor Cindy & Stephen Leonard Linda & Fred Meyer Gerald D Morgan, Jr. Elizabeth Ovitt Dr. Martha Reilly & Paul Brown Brandy Rodtsbrooks Mary Lou & Richard Rohl Sandra & Jerry South

ASSETS ($100-$499) Marti & Ken Alderfer Rose Marie & Mike Barber Giselle Barone & Adam Byrd Nancy & Jeffrey Beckwith Juliet Bender Louise M Bishop & Jim Earl Lily Belle Bistro

Elizabeth Cawood Liz Cawood Marta Cuboni The Gunnarson Family Birgit & Hugh Foley Susanne Fountain Summer & Travis Freeman Marissa Geoffrey & David Gibson Sandra Gill Kathy & Alan Haley Barbara & David Hascall Sylvia & Lew Hayse Steven Hecker Kathy & Mark Heerema Lola & Arlen Hershberger Pam & Bob Hess Lauren Hesse Diane Horvath-Pearson Gina & Al King Michael King Elizabeth Kramer Kathy & Eric Lieberman Zenia Liebman Jan Lintz Sarah Maggio Kathy Magnusson Sarah Maggio Joan & Gary Martin Malia Martin James Meadows Vicki Morgan & Mike Duran McKenna Morrigan Barbara "Bee" Morris

Eugene Elks Lodge #357

Barbara & Christer Mossberg Katie Murray Kathryn Nance Natalie S. Narvid Chris & Dave Nordenson New Twist Marietta & Ernest O'Byrne Laramie & Theodore W Palmer Rita Perini-Vance Roaring Rapids Pizza Letha & James Pontious Susan Ratzlaff Leigh A Rieder Richard Romm Cynthia Secrest & Douglas Pierce Bonnita Stahlberg Stephen Sunderlin Andréa Taggart & Mike Ricker Susan & Bahram Tavakolian Kelly Thomas Margaret Thornton The Timbers Inn Memory Tracy Shirley Vinson Christy Waters, MD Jennifer Webster

SUPPORT

ART YOU love.

donor spotlight

We are so grateful to the Eugene Elks, who are providing Thanksgiving dinner and the experience of BFan’s ballet theater to a wide range of patrons, kids and families in our community. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks holds a storied legacy of community service, with a mission deeply rooted in the principle of charity. They are committed to promoting integrity and enlightenment, social welfare, and the spirit of American patriotism among their members. The Eugene Lodge amplifies this mission by focusing on enriching the lives of children in our community, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and lead in a supportive environment. We hope to join them in their quest to build a brighter future, one child at a time.

WORLD PREMIERE 2018 BALLET FANTASTIQUE // HULT CENTER, EUGENE OR

sun

concept, choreography, production DONNA MARISA + HANNAH BONTRAGER Inspired by the 1903 Victor Herbert Operetta, with some extra love, imagination & magic story, libretto DONNA MARISA + HANNAH BONTRAGER GENEVIEVE + DEBORAH SPEER music - Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and other holiday favorites, as arranged by Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, and Glenn Miller chief script writer JEANY VAN MELTEBEKE

Carolin Koepplin in “Babes in Toyland” | Jeremy Bronson

Cast

Gramps Twyla

THE GOOD GUYS Mary, Mary Quite Contrary Tom, Tom The Piper’s Son Little Bo Peep Boy Blue Jill Jack Red Riding Hood Miss Muffet Jack Be Nimble The Gumdrops sponsored by philip & sandra piele

Bo Peep’s Sheep

THE BAD GUYS Barnaby Barnacle, Lord of Licorice, Landlord of Candyland The Faerie Dragee, Big Sister to Barnaby Gonzo, the Glop, Little Brother to Them Both ACADEMY OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE Little Children Who Live in the Shoe

Lamb Lead Baby Lambs

Peppermint Candy Leads Peppermint Candies

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 21

— STORY GUIDE —

ACT 1 David Snider Bella Preston Isabelle Bloodgood Joshua Webb Ashley Bontrager Gustavo Ramirez Jenavieve Hernandez, Tavari Groesbeck Brooke Geffrey-Bowler Lucy Pearce Phoebe Wind Ana Brooks Nicole Brown Elizabeth Chapa Madeline Kiesel Ana Brooks, Nicole Brown, Brooke Geffrey-Bowler, Jenavieve Hernandez, Madeline Kiesel, Phoebe Wind Preston Andrew Patterson

Scenes 1-4

Eleven-year-old Twyla doesn't want to go to school on this winter day, so Grandpa comes to cheer her up with some good old Mother Goose.

As Grandpa says, “...it’s everyone's favorite time of year: Christmastime in Candyland.”

In the midst of an active to-do list including winter garden cultivation and plans for their upcoming yuletide nuptials, Mary, Quite Contrary & Tom, Tom, the Piper’s Son are not too busy to dance! Do you recognize their Storybook friends? Little Bo Peep & Boy Blue; Jack & Jill, who else? And, the Gumdrops! (The candy dances around here.)

Scenes 5-6

Enter villainous Barnaby Barnacle, Lord of Licorice/Landlord of Candyland. Barnaby not only wants to ruin Christmas for everyone, but plans to marry Mary to steal her hard-won agricultural fortune (Silver Bells in her garden)!

Barnaby Barnacle is always seen with The Faerie Dragee (his older sister, who makes great ginger snaps but is very unkind) and their little brother, Gonzo the Glop (strong as an ox, smart as a doornail).

Together, The Three Bad Guys plot methods of kidnapping Tom at the Choo Choo Ch’Boogie Holiday Jive—so that Barnaby can throw Tom into the Chocolate Swamp and marry Mary himself.

Hannah Bontrager

Scene 7

Raymond Silos

With Tom kidnapped, Barnaby felt sure that Mary would accept his proposal for marriage. She did not.

Elysianna Brounstein, Julieann Campbell, Penelope Chase, Madison Golden, Beau Grimes, Juliette Rodewald, Ruth Tanner, Joy Taylor, Chloe Whitaker, Zo Zinke-Haschemeyer Emelia Stewart Evelyn Dunsmore, Lorelei Jordan-Rice, Mirabel Lewis, Teddy Mellgren, Louisa Stewart Emelia Stewart, Chloe Whitaker Nina Albertini, Haven Amabisca, Vivian Banse, Finley Mae Dorman, Minna Eitenmiller, Campbell Lyche, Denia Smith, Sienna Smith, Louisa Stewart, Anna Turnbull

Scenes 8-9

Tom away does run. Barnaby and Gonzo try to find another way to ruin Christmas: Kidnap Little Bo Peep’s Sheep while Bo Peep and Boy Blue are fast asleep at Snowflake Lake. (Sheep are an important part of Mary’s agricultural empire.) Little lambs eat ivy. Tom has the idea to ask the Children in the Shoe if they will help to seek the lost sheep!

Tom and Mary and the kids fall asleep in the Candycane Forest as the snowflakes start to swirl and Barnaby flees the scene!

Intermission—20 mins in the lobby: Visit our BFan boutique!

— STORY GUIDE —

Cast

IN THE TOYSHOP The Toymakers Ana Brooks Tavari Groesbeck WORKER ELVES

Spazzy Elizabeth Chapa Bossy Madeline Kiesel Dippy Lucy Pearce Sleepy Phoebe Wind

Naughty Doll Nicole Brown Mechanical Dolls Brooke Geffrey-Bowler Jenavieve Hernandez Jack-in-the-Box Gustavo Ramirez Lead Lieutenant Soldier Gustavo Ramirez Company Soldiers Elizabeth Chapa Madeline Kiesel Lucy Pearce Phoebe Wind Princess Lollipop— Ashley Bontrager The Music Box Ballerina

ACADEMY OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE Mother Gingerbread Chelsea Lovejoy Gingerbread Teddy Bears Moeema Bloch Trefousse de Paula, Annabelle DeHart, Ruthie Fahlgren, Beatrix Fowler, Hazel Henderson, Aviana Rodewald, Juliette Rodewald, Louisa Stewart, Malia Yakovich, Imani Young Toy Soldiers Beau Grimes Kayleigh Jordan Emelia Stewart Ruth Tanner (Bella Preston)

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 22

ACT 2 Scenes 1-2

Twyla is now quite invested in the story, and encourages Grandpa to keep reading...

Back in Candyland, little did Barnaby know that one Little Lamb awoke Mary and Tom and led them to Toyland, where the Toymakers and Elves were sleeping early Christmas Eve. But what do Tom and Mary spy through the window? ...None other than Barnaby, Faerie and Gonzo wreaking havoc in the Toy Shop! Barnaby and Gonzo throw a wrench into the works by sabotaging the toy-making machine, while Faerie reprograms one of the dolls in a fit of jealousy (she is very tall and pretty).

When they awaken, the Toymakers and Worker Elves (Bossy, Dippy, Spazzy, and Sleepy) find they have a long list of toys to make, a broken Toy Machine, and a surprisingly rebellious Naughty Doll!

Scenes 3-8

Without an operable machine, the Toymakers must get resourceful.

They find a Jack-in-the-Box, a Music Box Ballerina, and even Tom and Mary offer their services by dressing up as Western Toys!

Next, they discover a batch of Teddy Bear Cookies with a Mother Gingerbread. Well, that will sure bring Christmas joy—but we still need more toys!

Scene 9

Barnaby, Faerie, and Gonzo return to finish the job and put everyone to sleep with their disgusting but magical marzipan foam.

When Grandpa closes the book, Twyla is furious. Who’s coming to save them—and Christmas?

Twyla leaps into the story and turns on light. Then, she marches over and repairs the Toy Machine once and for all, so that the Soldiers and Lead Lieutenant can come fend off Barnaby and his cronies.

Scenes 10-11

A terrific battle ensues, with all the Toymakers, Soldiers, and Toys trying to contain the Evil-Doers (Twyla and the little Toy Soldiers help, too!). Tom and the Lieutenant out-duel Barnaby and toss him into the machine—and thanks to Twyla’s ingenious repairs, the Toy Machine transforms Barnaby into a little teddy bear! The Toymakers can now finish making the Christmas toys, because Twyla has saved Christmas.

(And—the stow-away Little Lamb gets to ride in the magic sleigh to help deliver toys to all the children in Candyland, and beyond!)

PLAYWRIGHT FOR NARRATIVE SCENES Jeany has loved stories since listening to them on records and cassette tapes as a child. She especially enjoys adapting Scripture into theatre. Jeany has recently returned to her hometown of Eugene after spending the last 25 years in Canada, most notably at the Chemainus Theatre (BC) and Rosebud Theatre and School of the Arts (AB). Other plays include: Conversation with a Cucumber; An “L. M. Montgomery” Christmas; The Way of the Wolf; The Kindling Box; The Provision of Ishmael; On the Road; Hannah and Anna; The Good Shepherd; A Lion Has Roared; Washing His Hands of the Truth; and The Journey to Bethlehem.

GRAMPS David has recently returned to the area after twenty-five years in Canada working in theatre. In Alberta, he spent seventeen years in the arts village of Rosebud as a resident actor, director and sound designer with Rosebud Theatre and as a post-secondary acting instructor for Rosebud School of the Arts. He also co-directed the Canadian Badlands Passion Play, an epic outdoor production. Prior to that, he spent eight years as a resident company member with Chemainus Theatre Festival on Vancouver Island. Selected roles include: Charlie Cowell in The Music Man, Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Toad and Dragon in A Wind in the Willows Christmas, and Mr. Tumnus in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. In 1992, he played Jesus in Godspell for the Eugene Festival of Musical Theatre.

GALA

DAVID SNIDER

JEANY VAN MELTEBEKE

— BABES IN TOYLAND GUEST ARTISTS —

FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT BENEFIT EVENT OF THE SEASON

8TH ANNUAL WINTER GALA

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 26

1 D E C

PRESENTED BY

ALPHA IT

— BABES PRODUCTION TEAM — F O U N D I N G A R T I S T I C D I R E C T O R , V I S I O N A R Y Donna Marisa Bontrager C H O R E O G R A P H E R - P R O D U C E R S Donna Marisa Bontrager, Hannah Bontrager M U S I C Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and other holiday favorites, as arranged by Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, and Glenn Miller R E S E A R C H , L I B R E T T O T E A M Donna & Hannah Bontrager, Deborah & Genevieve Speer C H I E F S C R I P T W R I T E R ( N E W I N 2 0 2 3 ) Jeany Van Meltebeke A S S I S T A N T S T O T H E P R O D U C E R S Elizabeth Chapa, Phoebe Green C O S T U M E D E S I G N / V I S I O N Donna Marisa Bontrager C O S T U M E D E S I G N / C O N S T R U C T I O N T E A M Sam Fox, Allison Ditson/Allihalla Noelle Guetti, Primadonna Tutus/LA, Rita Perini-Vance H E A D P I E C E S , J E W E L R Y Laura Boyle, Mitra Gruwell, Andréa Taggart, Gabriel Ritzmann W A R D R O B E S U P E R V I S O R Sam Fox S E T D E S I G N V I S I O N Donna + Hannah Bontrager, Kelle Deforrest, Debra Peña S E T S D E S I G N , P A I N T I N G , B U I L D , M A G I C Kelle DeForrest, Debora Peña, Mike Ricker C A N D Y L A N D B A C K D R O P Kelle DeForrest for Ballet Fantastique, with Backdrops Fantastic (GA) S E T / P R O P S / E V E N T S S U P P O R T Jeremiah Ricker, Kimberly Grimes, David Snider, Dylan Wilcox L I G H T I N G D E S I G N E R Michael Peterson P R O D U C T I O N M A N A G E R Hannah Bontrager S T A G E M A N A G E R JP Durand with Liza Carbé P R O M O V I D E O Gustavo Ramirez P R O M O P H O T O G R A P H Y P E R F O R M A N C E Bob Williams V I D E O + L I V E S T R E A M Jeremy Bronson O U T R E A C H & C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T Jeany Van Meltebeke Y O U T H C A S T C O A C H E S Ashley Bontrager, Ana Brooks, Elizabeth Chapa, Brooke Geffrey-Bowler Y O U T H C A S T C O O R D I N A T O R Sara Stewart W I T H Sarah Preston, Christie Rodewald, and our Academy of Ballet Fantastique families M A R K E T I N G Hannah Bontrager, Isabelle Bloodgood H O S P I T A L I T Y S U P P O R T Dianna Pounder, Deborah Basler & John Tamolinis P R O G R A M D E S I G N Hannah Bontrager with Elizabeth Chapa F R O N T O F H O U S E M A N A G E R Monica Piper

Toyshop borders courtesy of Eugene Ballet, Eugene OR Snow cradle courtesy of Lane Community College Theatre Department

A note on BFan's artistic process: Ballet Fantastique collaborates and weaves our work in partnership with our artists. Just as each of our makers contributed their own personality to each final set piece, headpiece, and costume inspired by our vision and conversations, each dancer in our ballet contributed to the development and movement of their characters. We continue to be (so) inspired by our incredible team and thankful to the dancers of Ballet Fantastique for their choreographic and artistic inspiration and many contributions! Additionally, we would like to recognize BFan artists Ashley Bontrager and Gustavo Ramirez (”Spring Waltz” and “Desolation”) and Nicole Brown, who contributed movement that shaped the piece "Angels Reprise.”

O F F I C I A L W O R K O U T C L U B O F T H E B A L L E T F A N T A S T I Q U E C O M P A N Y.

QSL

— BABES FEATURE STORY —

Welcoming Young Stars INTERVIEW WITH ACADEMY OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE DANCER EMELIA STEWART Tell us a little bit about yourself! Where are you from, what is your age, what roles do you dance in the performance?

My name is Emmy Stewart, I am from Eugene, Oregon and I am ten years old. In the performance I dance the roles of a toy soldier, a peppermint candy and a lamb.

What classes do you currently take at Ballet Fantastique?

What is your week of dance training like? Do you have any favorites?

I take ballet technique class five days a week, plus pointe class, character, variations, jazz, acro, and theater.

Pointe class is my favorite right now, with Ms. Ashley and Ms. Donna. We have dance five days a week and for about 2-4 hours every day.

What excites you most about getting to perform in Babes in Toyland: A Holiday Story?

I love the music, and I love getting to bring joy to the audience. I also love getting to dance with my friends and my teachers on stage.

Every year, the holiday season brings a sense of magic and wonder to the world of ballet, and Ballet Fantastique’s holiday production of Babes in Toyland: A Holiday Story is no exception. This year, however, there is something extra special in the air.

Our Academy students are getting ready to take the spotlight alongside our professional dancers on the beautiful Hult Center Silva Concert Hall stage!

EXPLORE THE FULL INTERVIEW << W/ EMMY HERE

You have performed in other professional performances with Ballet Fantastique. Can you tell us a little bit about it and anything else about your experience on the big stage?

I love getting to dance on the big stage in front of so many people. I think it’s so fun we get to do this! I have been watching these BFan shows since I was two and watching my teachers perform. It is really fun to get to dance next to them now in these shows.

How has performing and rehearsing alongside the professional dancers inspired you?

I love getting to watch the professionals dance before we have our rehearsals. It inspires me to dance even more in my rehearsals.

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 27

23-24 POINTE SHOE SPONSOR FOR THE WOMEN OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE Dianna Pounder

23–24 LADIES’ NIGHT SERIES SPONSOR Summit Bank

THIS SEASON IS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF OUR SEASON TITLE SPONSOR

OFFICIAL WINERY OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE Silvan Ridge Winery Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge

OFFICIAL PHYSICAL THERAPISTS & TRAINERS OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE Staszak Physical Therapy

OFFICIAL WORKOUT CLUB OF THE BALLET FANTASTIQUE COMPANY The Downtown Athletic Club

OTHER MAJOR SUPPORT

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER Bicoastal Media

advertise with us.

Invest in the careers of our powerful artists By offering your support, you not only empower the artistry and athleticism you see tonight, but also receive: listing alongside dancer’s bio pre- and post-performance events to meet the artist and other BFan patrons backstage tours and receptions regular updates on your sponsored dancer

— ARTISTS OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

"A bold, cross-disciplinary dance company...filled with virtuosos...insanely talented"

principals

—DANTE ZUÑIGA-WEST, EUGENE WEEKLY

ASHLEY BONTRAGER

HOMETOWN: Buffalo, NY BFAN: Founding BFan Principal Dancer, favorite role Cleopatra* in the world premiere of Cleopatra TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Buffalo City Ballet, Conservatory of Classical Dance, Ballet Fantastique SPONSORED BY: DAVE & SHERRIE KAMMERER

HANNAH BONTRAGER HOMETOWN: Eugene, OR BFAN: Founding BFan Principal Dancer, favorite role Alice* in the world premiere of Alice in Wonderland: Remix TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Buffalo City Ballet, Conservatory of Classical Dance, Ballet Fantastique, Kirov Academy, Colorado Ballet, Manassas Ballet Theatre SPONSOR HANNAH

ISABELLE BLOODGOOD HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA BFAN: Joined BFan in 2020 as Soloist; promoted to Principal Dancer in 2023; favorite role Estrella in Cirque de la Lune TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Los Angeles Ballet Academy, Walnut Hill School of the Arts, Butler University, Central Illinois Ballet, San Diego Ballet SPONSORED BY: THE BENNETT-HOOPER FAMILY

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 30

Photos: Artists of Ballet Fantastique | Bob Williams | Edited by Gustavo Ramirez

— ARTISTS OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

PRESTON ANDREW PATTERSON

principals

HOMETOWN: Atlanta, GA BFAN: Featured BFan Guest Artist since 2014; joined BFan as a Principal Dancer in 2023; favorite role Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Tom Tom, the Piper’s Son in Babes in Toyland TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Balletethnic Academy of Dance, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, National Ballet School of Canada, Ballet Austin SPONSOR PRESTON

GUSTAVO RAMIREZ HOMETOWN: Cali, Colombia BFAN: Joined BFan in 2016 as a Principal Dancer; favorite role Marc Anthony* in the world premiere of Cleopatra TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Colombian Institute for Classical Ballet (Incolballet), Gelsey Kirkland Ballet SPONSOR GUS

JOSHUA WEBB HOMETOWN: Dronfield, UK BFAN: Joined BFan as a Principal Dancer in 2023 after guesting in BFan’s 2022 Babes in Toyland TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: San Diego Ballet, English Youth Ballet, Ajkun Ballet Theatre, Florida Classical Ballet, Varna State Opera Ballet SPONSOR JOSH

FULL BIOS HERE >>

*ORIGINATED ROLE

BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 31

D

— ARTISTS OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

soloists

NICOLE BROWN

HOMETOWN: Lakeville, MN BFAN: Joined BFan in 2022 as a Soloist; favorite role Queen Anne in (The Misadventures of) Casanova TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Ballet Royale Minnesota, St. Paul Ballet, Ballet CoLaboratory, Hatch Dance, Honeyworks SPONSOR NICOLE

JENAVIEVE HERNANDEZ HOMETOWN: Spokane, WA BFAN: Joined BFan in 2018 as a Fellowship Apprentice; promoted to Senior Apprentice in 2019; Corps in 2020; Artist in 2021; Soloist in 2022; favorite role Lenore in Nevermore: Stories of Edgar Allan Poe TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Ballet Idaho Academy, Spokane Academy of Dance, Ballet Idaho, Boise Dance Co-op, Project Flux, Idaho Dance Theater SPONSORED BY: ANONYMOUS

RAYMOND SILOS HOMETOWN: Honolulu, HI BFAN: Featured guest artist since 2012; officially joined the BFan Company in 2023; favorite role Ansel the Amazing* in the world premiere of Cirque de la Lune TRAINING& PERFORMANCE: Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Dreams, Walt Disney World, guest artist on ABC's All my Children, Royal Ballet of Celebration, Honolulu Dance & Opera Theater, Ioana Contemporary Dance SPONSOR RAY

*ORIGINATED ROLE BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 32

HOMETOWN: Hertfordshire, UK

— ARTISTS OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

artists

ANA BROOKS

HOMETOWN: Salt Lake City, UT BFAN: Joined BFan Corps in 2022; promoted to Artist in 2023; favorite role Cecily* in the world premiere of Robin Hood & Maid Marian TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Ballet West, Brigham Young University SPONSORED BY: ANONYMOUS

BROOKE GEFFREY-BOWLER HOMETOWN: Spokane, WA BFAN: Since 2022, favorite role The Keeper in Nevermore: Stories of Edgar Allan Poe TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Spokane Academy of Dance, Gonzaga University, Fort Wayne Ballet, University of Utah, Ballethnic Dance Company, #instaballet SPONSOR BROOKE

TAVARI GROESBECK HOMETOWN: Eugene, OR BFAN: Joined 2023, favorite role Mime in Nevermore: Stories of Edgar Allan Poe TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: All That Dance Company, Upstart Crow Company, Eugene Ballet Academy, Summer Dance Lab, Northwest Dance Project, Utah Balroom Dance Company, Legacy Theater SPONSOR TAVARI

FULL BIOS HERE >> *ORIGINATED ROLE BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 33

— ARTISTS OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE —

corps

ELIZABETH CHAPA

MADELINE KIESEL

HOMETOWN: Barrington, IL BFAN: Joined BFan Corps in 2023 TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Joffrey Academy of Ballet, A&A Ballet, Butler University

HOMETOWN: Hanover Park, IL BFAN: Joined BFan as Senior Apprentice in 2022; promoted to Corps in 2023; favorite role Guard* in the world premiere of Robin Hood & Maid Marian TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Faubourg School of Ballet, Ruth Page School of Dance, NASD

SPONSOR LIZ

LUCY PEARCE

SPONSOR MADELINE

PHOEBE WIND

HOMETOWN: Hertfordshire, UK BFAN: Joined BFan as Corps in 2023 TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: West London School of Dance, Kings International Ballet Academy, Brecon Festival Ballet, United Ballet Theatre SPONSOR LUCY

HOMETOWN: Dummerston, VT Joined BFan as Apprentice in 2017; promoted to Senior Apprentice in 2018; promoted to Corps in 2023; favorite role Bird* in the world premiere of ARRIVALS: RIO TRAINING & PERFORMANCE: Brattlebro School of Dance, Nashville Ballet, Albany Berkshire Ballet Theatre SPONSOR PHOEBE

FULL BIOS HERE >> BALLET FANTASTIQUE | 34

PROUD 23-24 SEASON MEDIA SPONSOR OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE'S NEW CLASSIC ART