Canada’s Ballet Jörgen Sleeping Beauty House Program - Halifax

Dalhousie Arts Centre, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium Halifax, NS April 8 & 9, 2016 Sleeping Beauty was created with the support of Margaret and David Fountain

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A Message from Bengt Jรถrgen Artistic Director & CEO Welcome to this performance of Sleeping Beauty!

Our production of Sleeping Beauty, which is in part an adaption of the librettos from Charles Perrault's story La Belle au bois dormant and the Brothers Grimm's Little Briar Rose, follows the young Aurora through an enchanted world of light and darkness.

Sleeping Beauty can be interpreted as a nature allegory with a tug-ofwar between winter and summer, darkness and light; this is a theme of conflicting forces that can also be found in the music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in the form of the characters of the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse, who each possess their own distinct leitmotifs. The setting of the ballet has been re-imagined to a place where legend and myth meet: a proverbial garden of Eden. This production was inspired by the many legends, including those of North America, of how the rose got its thorns. The rose, symbolized by the budding Aurora, is loosely based on the Greek myth of Persephone, which holds that the months Persephone spent in the underworld with Hades left the earth cold, dark, and wintry. As in the nature allegory, Florimund, who represents Spring, cuts away the brambles with his sword, allowing the Sun to awaken the sleeping nature. The kidnapping of Persephone and her ultimate fate of belonging to both Hades and Demeter underlies the dramatic axis of this production: a rose bush is comprised of both flowers and thorns.

I am indebted to Margaret and David Fountain for making Sleeping Beauty possible. I also want to acknowledge the critical support for this performance by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and from our National Presenting Partner, BMO Financial Group.

Thank you for coming and enjoy the show.

Warmest regards,

Bengt Jรถrgen Cover photograph by Kamal Daid

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Sleeping Beauty – How the Rose got its Thorns Cast in order of appearance Carabosse: Adrián Ramírez Juárez Lilac Fairy: Hannah Mae Cruddas Rose Bud Child: Local Participant* Servant Seedlings: Elizabeth Gagnon & Ayva Rossouw-Holland Flower Courtiers: Sarahi Cardenas, Michaela Gobas (eve), Julia Pochko, Heather Lumsden-Ruegg, Junior Gaspar Caballero, Dash Grundy, Gustavo Hernandez (mat)/Kealan McLaughlin (eve), Igor Voloshyn Ladies in Waiting: Local Participants* Humming Bird: Annelie Liliemark (mat)/Momoka Matsui (eve) Canary: Michaela Gobas (mat)/Taylor Gill (eve) Blue Bird: Momoka Matsui (mat)/Annelie Liliemark (eve) Queen: Emily Whittome King: Bengt Jörgen Attendants: Local Participants* Carabosse Minion: Junior Gaspar Caballero (mat)/Gustavo Hernandez (eve) Hedge: Local Participants* and Members of the Company Knitting Vines: Elizabeth Gagnon, Heather Lumsden-Ruegg, Ayva Rossouw-Holland, Julia Pochko Pages: Local Participants* Waltzing Flowers: Members of the Company Suitors: Adrián Ramírez Juárez (mat)/Junior Gaspar Caballero (eve), Gustavo Hernandez, Daniel Da Silva (mat)/Kealan McLaughlin (eve), Igor Voloshyn Aurora: Taylor Gill (mat)/Saniya Abilmajineva (eve) Flower Friends: Elizabeth Gagnon, Sarahi Cardenas (mat)/Taylor Gill (eve), Michaela Gobas, Momoka Matsui Picnic Party: Elizabeth Gagnon, Heather Lumsden-Ruegg, Julia Pochko, Emily Whittome, Erik Bruendl (mat), Junior Gaspar Caballero, Kenny Chung, Dash Grundy, Gustavo Hernandez, Kealan McLaughlin (eve), Igor Voloshyn Children: Ayva Rossouw-Holland and Local Participants* Florimund: Kealan McLaughlin (mat)/Daniel Da Silva (eve) Naiads: Sarahi Cardenas, Elizabeth Gagnon, Taylor Gill (eve), Michaela Gobas, Annelie Liliemark, Heather Lumsden-Ruegg, Momoka Matsui, Julia Pochko, Ayva Rossouw-Holland, Emily Whittome Trees: Members of the Company Blue Bird: Igor Voloshyn (mat)/Gustavo Hernandez (eve) ö

Please note casting is subject to change.

*Local Youth Cast is Courtesy of: Ashlei Ballet School, Avon Dance Academy, Cadance Academy, Coastal Dance, Cobequid Dance Academy, Halifax Dance, Leica Hardy School of Dance, Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts *Local Youth Cast: Netanya Backhouse, Ella DeBow, Charlotte Dort, Ella Drew, Phylecia Ferguson, Beyoncé Gibbons, Alba Gjelaj, Olivia Grund, Faye Hiscock, Jordan Horne, Cassidy Lutes, Vivian Macnab, Ellen Moore, Livia Nauss, Ella Parsons, Emma Purdy, Camryn Rieksts, Laurel Sajko, Marguerite Tomlin, Jackson Young Local Rehearsal Space provided by: Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts

Canada's Ballet Jörgen George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus 160 Kendal Ave Bldg C, Rm 126 Toronto, ON M5R 1M3 (416) 961 - 4725 info@balletjorgen.ca www.balletjorgencanada.ca Registered Charitable Number: 118798586RR0001

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Synopsis ACT I Scene 1: Carabosse – ruler of the underworld, the Roots, Weeds and Thorns – and the Lilac Fairy – ruler of the upper world with its Flowers, Sky and Sun – struggle with the memories of an impossible love. Neither can live in the space of the other but, united through a child whom they each struggle to possess, a beautiful new blossom is formed.

Scene 2: A newborn's arrival is celebrated by the King and Queen of the Garden of Flowers. Everyone is excited from the lowliest seedlings to the most elegantly scented petals. Birds - handmaidens of the Lilac Fairy arrive to bestow gifts of Beauty, Purity, and Elegance on the newborn child. The festivities are abruptly interrupted by Carabosse, who is outraged by not having received an invitation to the christening. In retaliation, he casts his spell: the newborn – Aurora - will live for 16 years in the upper world garden, after which she will prick her finger on a spindle and become subsumed as a thorn into the underworld. The Lilac Fairy, arriving late to the celebrations, is unable to reverse the spell, but is instead able to alter it so that Aurora will not become a thorn, but that the world of flowers will fall into a still sleep underneath the hedge of thorns that will rise around them. The spells can only be broken by true love’s kiss.

Scene 3: Happy-go-lucky knitting and weaving seedlings go about their business until Carabosse crosses their path, sowing discord. Carabosse is on his way to ensure his spell is fulfilled.

Scene 4: Celebrations are underway for Aurora’s sixteenth birthday.

Arriving at the party Aurora has now grown into a vibrant and enchanting Rosebud. The young suitors swoon around her. An old lady appears, offering Aurora a beautiful golden spindle; before the King and Queen can take it from her, Aurora pricks her finger. Carabosse reveals himself and claims his prize, but before he can bring Aurora with him the Lilac Fairy arrives with her handmaiden. They fulfill the vow to protect Aurora and put all the flowers to sleep. Deadly weeds and thorns grow around the flowers, a hedge which only one who is pure of heart can get through without becoming entangled.

-- Intermission --

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ACT II Scene 1: With the flower garden long forgotten, new plants and trees have sprung forth. Celebrating the arrival of spring, a party of young revelers enjoys a picnic in a clearing in the forest. Among them there is one who is more distinguished than others named Florimund. The Lilac Fairy, searching for someone able to break the spell on Aurora, seizes the moment and guides him deeper into the forests.

Scene 2: Arriving at a lake deep in the forest, Florimund is surrounded by Naiads, water nymphs and servants of the Lilac Fairy. Rising out of the water, the Lilac Fairy conjures a vision that is so true of the beautiful Aurora that it feels real to the touch.

Scene 3: Florimund, smitten with love, is guided by the Lilac Fairy and plunges deeper into the forest to find the sleeping Aurora. At the edge of the world of Carabosse, the Lilac Fairy can go no further and sends Florimund forward to face the darkness on his own.

Scene 4: Carabosse, jealously guarding his domain, is disturbed by the approaching Florimund and commands his destruction. Florimund almost succumbs to the thorns but at last fights his way through and breaks the spell with true love's kiss.

Scene 5: With the spell broken, the Garden of Flowers blooms anew, bringing birds and flowers to celebrate the union of Aurora and Florimund. Aurora is no longer just a blossom: through the prick of his world, Carabosse still jealously guards the lovely flower we now call a Rose, bestowing the sting of sharp thorns on greedy fingers. The Rose has both flower and thorns, shared by the worlds of Carabosse and the Lilac Fairy.

Visit www.georgebrowndance.ca and www.balletjorgencanada.ca/education for information on our training programs, workshops and George Brown Dance.

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Sleeping Beauty – Production Credits Choreography (after Marius Petipa) & Synopsis: Bengt Jörgen Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Set & Costume Design: Camellia Koo Lighting Design: Rebecca Picherack Stage Director & Additional Concept Development: Heinar Piller Principal Coach: Svea Eklof Scenic Carpentry: Hamilton Scenic Specialty Costumes Coordinator: Nicole Franklin-Ablanedo Cutters: Brenda Clark, Kim Crossley, Susan Dicks Tutu Coordinator & Cutter: Anne Armit Tutu bases: Noel DeLeon Tutu decorator: Kath Posslif Costume Construction: Monica Berg, Susan Dicks Company, Carolyn Kasperski, Kamila Kayser, Debbie Kschesinski, Deborah S. Lount, Lucie Moreau, Christine Yurt Assistants: Karoline Kayser, Jenna Selvey, Monica Wier Millinery: Monica Viani Custom Millinery Dyer: Jean Rumney Props Builder: Vanessa Janiszewski Special Thanks: Creeds Dry Cleaning Pivot Sport Medicine and Orthopaedics David Evans MSc(PT) BSc, Registered Physiotherapist Citadel Physiotherapy 1554 Dresden Row, Suite 3070, Park Lane Mall, Halifax, NS Phone: 902- 442- 5623 For their help in creation: Sara Blazanin, Shinenescy Clarke, Adrian Cross, Meghan Elsenaar, Lauren Halladay, Emily Holmes, Deanna Shaw & Shelby Ward

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About Canada’s Ballet Jörgen Canada’s Ballet Jörgen builds communities across Canada through the shared experience of professional ballet. Reaching every province with over 600 events annually, we ensure communities large and small, urban and rural have access to a ballet experience that is recognized for its innovation, warmth and beauty. Inspiring and connecting with Canadians for over 25 years, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen makes ballet and Canadian choreography a meaningful part of Canadians’ lives through performance, education, and community engagement. www.balletjorgencanada.ca Co-Founders: Bengt Jörgen, Susan Bodie Chair: Mara L. Nickerson Chair, Finance & Audit Committee: Rob D. Brouwer Past Chair: David Aylward Chair, Development Committee: Lynne Golding Directors: Salvatore Badali, Gayle Boxer-Duncanson, Elaine M. Todres, Jane Cooke-Lauder, Catherine Graham, Alden Hadwen, Helene Vukovich, David Windross Honorary Trustees: Steven Carter, Richard W. Dodds, William B. Harris, Buchanan Henderson, Corey Keeble Atlantic Advisory Board: Janice Flemming, Leila Kovacevik, Eddy Ng, candice prior

Sleeping Beauty is created and presented with the support of Margaret & David Fountain Individual donors play a pivotal part in sustaining our artistic creations.

Help us stay on pointe by making a gift today!

To make a donation, please visit our webpage or contact Mimi Mok, Development Manager: mimi@balletjorgen.ca, 416-415-5000 x 2857 ö

Canada’s Ballet Jörgen Artistic Director & CEO: Bengt Jörgen Director of Touring: Cameron Smillie Production Manager: Cindy Smith Education Manager: Clea Iveson Manager, Business Operations: Kimara Allard Principal Ballet Coach: Svea Eklof Development Manager: Mimi Mok Marketing Associate: Michelle Yagi Business Operations Coordinator: Cody Neville Program Manager George Brown Dance: Derek Sangster Dance Program Coordinator: Kia Kotsanis Stage Manager: Martine Beland+ Technical Director: Jake Gow Lighting Director: Adam Jules Wardrobe Supervisor: Laura Delchiaro Computer Consultant: Steve Carpenter Education Coordinators: Natalie Buckley, Rose Hajas Bookkeeper: Irene Lockrey Footwear Assistant: Annelie Liliemark Artistic Working Group: Taylor Gill, Hiroto Saito Rehearsal Coaches: Svea Eklof, Clea Iveson, Cindy Macedo, Heinar Piller, Hiroto Saito Company Dancers: Saniya Abilmajineva, Emily Bartosiewicz°, Erik Bruendl°, Junior Gaspar Caballero˘, Sarahi Cardenas, Kenny Chung, Hannah Mae Cruddas˘, Daniel da Silva, Elizabeth Gagnon˘^, Taylor Gill˘, Michaela Gobas°, Dash Grundy°, Gustavo Hernandez˘, Mei Ishibashi°, Annelie Liliemark+, Heather Lumsden-Ruegg˘ , Momoka Matsui˘, Kealan McLaughlin+, Julia Pochko°, Adrián Ramírez Juárez, Ayva Rossouw-Holland˘^, Hiroto Saito, Igor Voloshyn, Emily Whittome° Representative Québec: Chantal Cimon Hamilton & Kitchener Coordinator: Allyson Wenzowski Ottawa Coordinator: Kita Szpak St. John’s Coordinator: Tara Lehman Saskatoon Coordinator: Jim Hodges + Appears Courtesy of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association ° RBC Foundation Apprentice Dancer ˘ Past RBC Foundation Apprentice Dancer* ^ Sponsored by Pivot Sport Medicine and Orthopaedics through the Sponsor-a-Dancer Program

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We gratefully acknowledge our 2015-2016 supporters Sleeping Beauty was created with the support of Margaret & David Fountain Sleeping Beauty National Presenting Partner: Touring Partners: This performance is made possible in part by a grant from the Ontario Arts Council’s National and International Touring Program.

Other Government Partners:

Apprentice Program Partner:

Creation Partner:

Education Partner:

Aeroplan Beyond the Miles Program: We thank Aeroplan for its ongoing support through the Beyond Miles program

Atlantic Youth Program Partner:

Travel Partner:

Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation Performance Sponsor:

Dancer Sponsor and Health & Wellness Partner:

Programming Partners:

The Bennett Family Foundation, J. P. Bickell Foundation, Findlay Family Foundation, The Linda Frum and Howard Sokolowski Foundation, Charles H. Ivey Foundation, Sanford McFarlane Family Foundation, Adele & Paul Deacon Nanton Foundation

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