Cincinnati Ballet - More Room to Play, Kaplan New Works

ARONOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS

LENAI WILKERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL NEVILLE

Mona Dermatology is a proud season partner of the Cincinnati Ballet.

REP 2 JEWELS

NOVEMBER 3-5, 2023

MUSIC HALL

MUSIC HALL NUTCRACKER

DECEMBER 14-24, 2023

REP 3 DON QUIXOTE

FEBRUARY 16-25, 2024

MUSIC HALL

REP 4 MERCURIAL

APRIL 5-7, 2024

FAMILY SERIES SLEEPING

APRIL 11-14, 2024

BEAUTY

ARONOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS

REP 5 PLAYLIST

MAY 10-12, 2024

ARONOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS

MARGARET AND MICHAEL VALENTINE SIRUI LIU | PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL NEVILLE

Cincinnati’s Favorite Holiday Event!

December 16, 2023 in the Music Hall Ballroom

This kid-friendly luncheon features delicious treats and performances by Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy Professional Training Division dancers. Plus, meet your favorite Nutcracker characters!

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Rhonda Sheakley, Eileen Barrett, Carly Byer, and Chrissey Haslam

SPONSORSHIPS ON SALE NOW! SCAN

A proud sponsor of the musical a

DEAR FRIEND OF CINCINNATI BALLET,

Iam so pleased to welcome you to the 2023–2024 Season, our Diamond Anniversary Season! As we begin this season-long celebration of 60 years of world-class dance, I must take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your incredible support of Cincinnati Ballet over the last six decades. Without you, our loyal patrons and donors, this watershed moment would not be possible. From innovative world premieres on the mainstage to our high-caliber Academy classes and our spectacular home, the Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, it is all thanks to you.

Our 60th Anniversary Season will not disappoint. This is the first curated season from new Artistic Director Jodie Gates and her first opportunity to fully share her artistic vision with you. You are in for such a rich and varied season of classical and contemporary works, world premieres by up-and-coming choreographers, and unique collaborations. Jodie’s vision includes supporting new artists from diverse backgrounds—including Dresden-based choreographer Houston Thomas and New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck, who have both created world premieres for More Room to Play; reimagining classical works such as our Winter Series, Don Quixote, with thoughtful collaboration from Latin artists Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Gonzalo Garcia; and a tour-de-force production of George Balanchine’s Jewels in the Fall, a perfect production to celebrate our Diamond Anniversary Season.

The Company is at a momentous time in its history. Our Otto M. Budig Academy continues to serve as the region’s destination for elite dance training. Our esteemed faculty has the honor to work with hundreds of local families, creating the next generation of dancers and dance lovers. CincyDance! has expanded to offer even more free, in-school residencies to thousands of second graders in the region. Meanwhile, our extraordinarily successful CB Moves programs are also growing, now offering adaptive dance education to not only children with physical and cognitive challenges, but also adults living with Parkinson’s disease. Our goal is to continue to expand these programs and share the healing power of dance with even more individuals.

Dance is for everyone. We genuinely believe dance has the power to inspire and create a sense of belonging. We are so grateful to share this beautiful artform with all of you.

Please enjoy the innovative choreography of More Room to Play, Kaplan New Works and we look forward to seeing you at other productions this season.

SCOTT ALTMAN President and CEO

SEASON SPONSORS

SEASON PRESENTER

60 TH DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY PARTNER

SEASON FUNDER

COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT SPONSOR

LIVE MUSIC SPONSOR

SUSTAINABILITY SPONSOR

ADDITIONAL SEASON SUPPORT

When you give to ArtsWave, you support 150+ arts organizations throughout the year that make thousands of concerts, shows, exhibitions, public art and experiences like BLINK® happen!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

The Kaplan Foundation

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Dianne and J. David Rosenberg

Connie and Buzz Dow

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation is a proud season partner of Cincinnati Ballet

MORE ROOM TO PLAY KAPLAN NEW WORKS

JARSON-KAPLAN THEATER | ARONOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS

September 15–24, 2023

WORLD PREMIERE: BALDERRAMA

CHOREOGRAPHY Tiler Peck

MUSIC La Muerte Chiquita, Enrique Rangel Arroyo and Brooklyn Rider Balderrama and Niña, Magos Herrera and Brooklyn Rider

COSTUME DESIGN Noelle Wedig-Johnston

IT’S NOT A CRY

CHOREOGRAPHY Amy Seiwert

MUSIC Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley (Cover of Leonard Cohen)

STAGER Ilana Goldman

ORIGINAL LIGHTING DESIGN Kyle Lemoi

Premiered April 5, 2009, Sacramento Ballet, Mondavi Center for the Arts, Davis, California

WORLD PREMIERE: IN THE SMOKE

CHOREOGRAPHY Houston Thomas

MUSIC Unrasiert, Im Rauch, Bohren & Der Club Of Gore* Yield - A COLORS SHOW, cktrl QuietMusic, Nico Muhly

COSTUME DESIGN Noelle Wedig-Johnston

* Written by C.Clöser/M.Gass performed by Bohren & der Club of Gore taken from the album Piano Nights released by PIAS Recordings courtesy of Ipecac Recordings

QUEM VIVER, VERÁ (HE WHO LIVES SHALL SEE)

CHOREOGRAPHY Jennifer Archibald

MUSIC Algir - Tognatale, Wardruna

The Host Of Seraphim, Dead Can Dance Soon Will Wake Up, Roger Goula

STAGER Cervilio Amador

COSTUME DESIGN Jennifer Archibald

ORIGINAL LIGHTING DESIGN Kyle Lemoi

Premiered September 13, 2018, Cincinnati Ballet, Aronoff Center for the Arts, Cincinnati, Ohio

WORLD PREMIERE: MORE ROOM TO PLAY

CHOREOGRAPHY David Morse

MUSIC Fearful Symmetries, John Adams*

COSTUME DESIGN Noelle Wedig-Johnston

*Performed with permission of Boosey and Hawkes Music Publishers Limited

NEW WORKS LIGHTING DESIGNER Michael Korsch

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER Carissa Gandenberger

MORE ROOM TO PLAY KAPLAN NEW WORKS

BALDERRAMA

CHOREOGRAPHY Tiler Peck

MUSIC La Muerte Chiquita, Enrique Rangel Arroyo and Brooklyn Rider Balderrama and Niña, Magos Herrera and Brooklyn Rider COSTUME DESIGN Noelle Wedig-Johnston

PROGRAM NOTES

The power of music to bring people together is ultimately my inspiration for this piece. The song “Balderrama” is a tribute to a traditional folk music club located in the city of Salta, Argentina, called “Lo de Balderrama.” The first stanza sets the scene at a canal, where at dawn the night comes to an end with the sound of singing coming from “Lo de Balderrama.” This is a place where the music is played and everyone dances and feels the rhythm deep in their bones.

CREATIVE TEAM

TILER PECK CHOREOGRAPHER

Tiler Peck has been a Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet since 2009. She made her Broadway debut at age 11 as Gracie Shinn in The Music Man and was seen on Broadway as Ivy Smith in Tony-nominated On The Town She originated the title role in Susan Stroman’s newest musical, Little Dancer , at the Kennedy Center and is attached to star in the Broadway production. Peck made her choreographic debut at the Vail Dance Festival in 2018 and has gone on to choreograph and appear in episodes of Tiny Pretty Things and Ray Donovan, and she recently choreographed the box office smash hit film John Wick 3 . Most recently she curated and directed the highly anticipated inaugural Artists at the

Center for New York City Center. This program marked her NYC choreographic debut and featured premieres from William Forsythe, Alonzo King, Jillian Meyers, and Michelle Dorrance. Peck has appeared on Dancing with the Stars, twice on The Kennedy Center Honors , and in Live From Lincoln Center broadcasts of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel.

Peck starred in Ballet Now, a Hulu documentary that followed her as she became the first woman to curate and star in The Los Angeles Music Center’s presentation of BalletNOW . She also appeared in Ballet 422, A Time for Dancing, and Donnie Darko . She is a recipient of the Princess Grace Statue Award, The Dance Magazine Award, and was named one of Forbes 30 under 30.

NOELLE WEDIG-JOHNSTON

COSTUME DESIGNER

Wedig-Johnston’s work tells stories and explores the depths of movement and composition. Her background is in textiles and fabric art & design (BFA Fibers, College of Mount St. Joseph), (MFA Textile Design, Savannah College of Art & Design). As a textile artist her work was shown at the Gallery Vernissage in Lacoste, France. She has been the resident costume designer for The Know Theatre

of Cincinnati for over a decade. Wedig-Johnston has been creating costumes for the Cincinnati Ballet as the Wardrobe Supervisor for the last several seasons. She has also designed for The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Artworks, Madcap Puppets, Cedar Fair’s Kings Island, LF Creative Group, and The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Wedig-Johnston is a member of The Cincinnati Wardrobe Union (Local 864).

MORE ROOM TO PLAY KAPLAN NEW WORKS

MICHAEL KORSCH LIGHTING SUPERVISOR

Michael Korsch is a lighting, projection, and scenic designer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he earned his BA in theatre from Temple University. He has worked with numerous directors and choreographers, creating hundreds of visual designs for dance, theater, and other live performances throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, as well as New Zealand. Michael has been the resident lighting designer for Complexions Contemporary Ballet since 1998, and Ballet Arizona since 2001. In

addition, Michael has created designs for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Backhausdance, BalletMet, Ballet Nice Méditerranée, Ballet West, BalletX, Carolina Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Cleveland Play House, Czech National Ballet, DanceBrazil, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Disney Creative Entertainment, English National Ballet, FELA! The Concert, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, MOMIX, Oakland Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, and Washington Ballet among others.

MORE ROOM TO PLAY KAPLAN NEW WORKS

CHOREOGRAPHY Amy Seiwert

MUSIC Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley (Cover of Leonard Cohen)

STAGER Ilana Goldman

ORIGINAL LIGHTING DESIGN Kyle Lemoi

IT’S NOT A CRY CREATIVE TEAM

AMY SEIWERT CHOREOGRAPHER

Amy Seiwert enjoyed a 19-year performing career dancing with Smuin, Los Angeles Chamber, and Sacramento Ballets. As a dancer with Smuin, she became involved with the “Protégé Program,” with Michael Smuin serving as her mentor. She was Choreographer in Residence with that company upon her retirement from dancing in 2008 until 2018. She is the recipient of numerous choreographic awards, including a “Goldie” award from the San Francisco Bay Guardian, which described Seiwert as the Bay Area’s most original dance thinker, “taking what some consider a dead language and using it with a 21st century lingo to tell us

ILANA GOLDMAN STAGER

Ilana Goldman is a dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, educator, and Associate Professor of Dance and Undergraduate Program Director at Florida State University. She received her BFA in dance from The Juilliard School, where she was awarded the John Erskine Prize for artistic and academic excellence, and her MFA in dance from the University of Washington. She performed professionally as a principal dancer with Oakland Ballet and Sacramento Ballet, as a member of Cedar

something about who we are.”

In 2017 Seiwert’s first full-evening work “Wandering,” set to Schubert’s Winterreise, was commissioned by the Joyce Theater in New York. She has been an Artist in Residence at ODC Theater and on the Artist Faculty for Jacob’s Pillow’s Contemporary Ballet program. Seiwert’s works have also been supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Her creations are in the repertory of her own company, Imagery, as well as Smuin, ODC/Dance, Ballet Austin, Opera Parallèle, AXIS Dance, Atlanta, Washington, Cincinnati, Colorado, Louisville, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Oakland Ballets. She currently serves as Associate Artistic Director of Smuin Ballet in San Francisco.

Lake Contemporary Ballet, Trey McIntyre Project, and Amy Seiwert’s Imagery, and as a guest artist with Alonzo King LINES Ballet. She has choreographed works and taught classes for schools and companies across the country and served as Choreographer in Residence of Bowen McCauley Dance Company from 2018 to 2019 and Artist-in-Residence at Glacier National Park in 2022. Ilana has directed, choreographed, edited, and performed in six short dance films, which have screened and won awards at international film festivals across the United States and internationally.

MORE ROOM TO PLAY KAPLAN NEW WORKS

CHOREOGRAPHY Houston Thomas MUSIC Unrasiert, Im Rauch, Bohren & Der Club Of Gore* Yield - A COLORS SHOW, cktrl QuietMusic, Nico Muhly COSTUME DESIGN Noelle Wedig-Johnston

* Written by C.Clöser/M.Gass performed by Bohren & der Club of Gore taken from the album Piano Nights released by PIAS Recordings courtesy of Ipecac Recordings

WORLD PREMIERE: IN THE SMOKE CREATIVE TEAM

HOUSTON THOMAS CHOREOGRAPHER

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Houston Thomas started his dance training with the Joffrey Ballet’s Outreach Program under the direction of Pierre Lockett. He later attended the Joffrey Ballet’s Academy of Dance after its opening in 2008 while also studying at the Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) under the direction of Lisa Johnson-Willingham. After participating in the School of American Ballet’s Summer Program in 2011, Houston was invited to study year-round at the school in NYC. After completing his training at SAB in 2013, Houston joined the Dresden Semperoper Ballett and has since risen to his current ranking of second-soloist. In his nine years with the Company, Houston has performed featured roles in works by William Forsythe, Sir Kenneth Macmillan, George Balanchine, Sir Frederik Ashton, Ohad Naharin, Hofesh Schecter, Alexander

Ekman, Alexei Ratmansky, David Dawson, and others. In 2018, the Dance Europe’s Critic Choice Award nominated Houston for “Best Male Performance” for his performance in Justin Peck’s Heatscape . In 2018, Houston created his first work, Moonlit Variants, for the Semperoper Ballett’s Young Choreographers evening. In his first work for the New York Choreographic Institute, Houston worked completely over Zoom, resulting in the film An Afternoon of Angelic Voices. After participating in his first session for the NYCI, Houston was invited to participate in the 2021 Fall Session, creating his second work, The Return Studies. Houston has since then created works for the Hamptons Dance Project, Marcelo Gomes, and Kanako Fujimoto. In the summer of 2022, Houston premiered Follow the White Rabbit as part of the Young Emergent Choreographers Contest in Biarritz, France, winning a commission to create a new work for the Opera de Bordeaux.

QUEM VIVER, VERÁ (HE WHO LIVES SHALL SEE)

CHOREOGRAPHY Jennifer Archibald

MUSIC Algir-Tognatale, Wardruna

The Host of Seraphim, Dead Can Dance

Soon Will Wake Up, Roger Goula Sarda STAGER Cervilio Amador

COSTUME DESIGN Jennifer Archibald

ORIGINAL LIGHTING DESIGN Kyle Lemoi

CREATIVE TEAM

JENNIFER ARCHIBALD CHOREOGRAPHER AND COSTUME DESIGNER

Jennifer Archibald is the founder and Artistic Director of the Arch Dance Company and Program Director of ArchCore40 Dance Intensives. In 2017 she was appointed as the first female Resident Choreographer in Cincinnati Ballet’s 40-year history. Archibald has choreographed for Atlanta Ballet, Ailey II, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Kansas City Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Ballet West, Sacramento Ballet, Nashville Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet, Richmond Ballet, BalletX, Ballet Austin, Grand Rapids Ballet and worked commercially for Tommy Hilfiger, NIKE, and MAC Cosmetics, as well as chart-listed artists. Archibald was the acting Movement Director for Michael Kahn’s The Oresteia at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. As a director she premiered WeAIghT, a film featuring current Ailey Company member James Gilmer that was selected for Best Choreography and Best Male Lead for Mountain View Film Festival. WeAIghT was an official selection for Lincoln Center’s 50th annual Dance on Camera Festival. Archibald’s works have been performed at venues including New York’s City Center, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Aaron Davis Hall, Jacob’s Pillow Inside|Out Stage, and Central Park’s Summerstage

Mainstage. She was awarded a Choreographic Fellowship for Ailey’s New Directions Choreography Lab under the direction of Robert Battle, and is a Joffrey Ballet Choreographic Winnings recipient. Archibald choreographed Seven, a biographical work about Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, which was commissioned by St. Louis based MADCO Dance Company. She was the 2018–19 recipient of the CUNY Dance Initiative Residency. Archibald is currently in her eighth year as an Acting Lecturer at the Yale School of Drama and was appointed as Guest Faculty Lecturer to develop the Hip Hop dance curriculum at Columbia/Barnard College. Archibald was the guest ballet Choreographer for Jacob’s Pillow Ballet Summer Program in 2022 and will be the guest Contemporary Choreographer in 2023. She is also a guest artist at several universities including YALE Summer Directing Program, Fordham/Ailey, Stanford University, Purchase College, Princeton, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of South Florida, Goucher College, Columbia College Chicago, Miami New World School of the Arts, South Carolina’s Governor’s School of the Arts, Ailey Fordham, Boston Conservatory, and Point Park. The Kennedy Centre has announced that Archibald will be the choreographer for the Pathways to Performance–Exercises in Reframing the Narrative in summer 2024.

MORE ROOM TO PLAY KAPLAN NEW WORKS

MORE ROOM TO PLAY

CHOREOGRAPHY David Morse MUSIC Fearful Symmetries, John Adams* COSTUME DESIGN Noelle Wedig-Johnston

*Performed with permission of Boosey and Hawkes Music Publishers Limited

CREATIVE TEAM

DAVID MORSE CHOREOGRAPHER

David Morse is a teacher, choreographer, and musician. Prior to joining the Otto M. Budig Academy faculty, he danced for six seasons as a soloist with Cincinnati Ballet. After training under Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Darleen Callaghan, Mark Diamond, Patricia McBride, and Kathryn Moriarty, he danced eight seasons with Charlotte Ballet. In his time there he danced numerous featured roles in the works of George Balanchine, Jiří Kylián, Dwight Rhoden, and Twyla Tharp as well as much of the classical repertory. His choreography has been performed throughout the United States by professional companies, universities, and pre-professional schools, and has been recognized by various awards and accolades. Morse has twice participated in sessions at the New York Choreographic Institute where he created new works on dancers of New York City Ballet and School of American Ballet. Morse has also created new works at Ballet Academy East and Pointe Park University. In his time at Cincinnati Ballet, Morse created several new works on the company. Most recently

he was honored to create Our Story in partnership with the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center. This one act ballet was a commemorative tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.

Since its inception in 2018, Morse has served as Director of Cincinnati Ballet’s Collegiate Intensive, a partnership between Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy and the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Morse was honored to be nominated for the Rolex Mentor Protégé Arts Initiative’s 2014–2015 cycle. Additionally, he has been nominated for the Princess Grace Choreography Fellowship.

Also an accomplished pianist, Morse has served as a ballet class accompanist for Cincinnati Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, The Chautauqua Institution, and Regional Dance America. He has also played as a guest accompanist for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Ballet Academy East, University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, and New York City Ballet. During the COVID-19 pandemic Morse served as the founding principal accompanist at the online ballet class platform @ worldwideballetclass.

CINCINNATI BALLET LEADERSHIP

CERVILIO MIGUEL AMADOR INTERIM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Cincinnati Ballet Board of Trustees appointed Cervilio Miguel Amador Interim Artistic Director in September 2023.

A skilled artist, entrepreneur, and change agent for the world of dance, Amador received his education and training from the Vocational Ballet School in Camagüey, Cuba, and the National Ballet School of Cuba. He danced with the National Ballet of Cuba as a Corps de Ballet dancer and then as a Corifeo (demi-soloist) before joining Cincinnati Ballet in 2004 as a Soloist. In 2006, Amador was promoted to Principal Dancer, becoming one of the youngest Principals in the history of the Company. He remained a Principal for 15 years and performed in a number of world premieres by renowned choreographers Victoria Morgan, Adam Hougland, Travis Wall, Val Caniparoli, Jessica Lane, Luca Vegetti, and many more. Amador also represented Cincinnati Ballet dancers as a union delegate for more than 10 years. After retiring as a Principal Dancer in the

SCOTT ALTMAN PRESIDENT AND CEO

Scott Altman joined Cincinnati Ballet as President & CEO in August 2016. Under his visionary leadership, Cincinnati Ballet has reached many noteworthy milestones, more than tripling asset growth to over $75 million, implementation of its first $11 million operating budget, a dynamic new logo and brand identity, record-breaking ticket sales, the launch of a new Family Series, as well as expanded Academy and community programs. To accommodate this incredible growth, Cincinnati Ballet launched a $31 million capital campaign to construct a new, larger, state-of-the-art ballet center. With the successful completion of the campaign, the 62,000-square-foot Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance had its grand opening in September 2021. During his tenure, Altman has been honored four consecutive years by Cincinnati Magazine in its Cincinnati 300 , a compilation of the city’s top 300 executives, and currently serves as Executive Managers Council Chair for DanceUSA, Trustee on the Board of Ohio Citizens for the Arts, and member of the Dean’s Advisory

2019–2020 season, he transitioned to Rehearsal Director for Cincinnati Ballet and participated in the Cincinnati Ballet Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Task Force leading sustainable change for dancers now and future artists.

Amador is very proud to be a part of the vibrant Cincinnati arts community. Over the years, he has collaborated with Cincinnati Opera, performed in the wildly popular Lumenocity events, and since 2018, also served as the Artistic Director/Co-Founder of Moving Arts. Amador was also honored to participate in a Emmy award-winning PBS documentary that chronicled his story of defecting from Cuba to pursue his love of dance.

During his professional career, he has also performed as a guest artist in productions and galas all over the world as well as teaching for numerous schools. He has staged pieces for Victoria Morgan and Jennifer Archibald and judged several international ballet competitions such as Universal Ballet Competition (UBC), Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), and Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition (VKIBC).

Council for Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Altman has been a featured guest speaker for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Americans for the Arts, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Altman brings with him nearly three decades of experience in nonprofit administration and performing arts. Prior to his roles in administration, Altman enjoyed a 20year career as a professional opera singer and performed 40 opera roles internationally. He has held leadership positions as General Director at both Arizona Opera and Opera New Jersey, and just prior to coming to Cincinnati Ballet he was Executive Director of Ballet West. During his tenure, Ballet West experienced phenomenal expansion, including growth in ticket sales, a vastly expanded touring schedule, robust growth in donor development, and the construction of a new building. He is an alumnus of the Manhattan School of Music as well as State University College at Purchase and taught for three years at Princeton University. Altman earned a certificate from Stanford University’s Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders, was a Utah Business 2016 CEO of the Year Honoree and is a three-time recipient of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Citation of Excellence Award.

CINCINNATI BALLET LEADERSHIP

DALE SHIELDS REHEARSAL DIRECTOR

Dale Shields trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Butler University before joining Indianapolis Ballet Theatre, where she rose to principal dancer under Artistic Director George Verdak. Shields performed principal roles in productions including Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coppelia, Night Shadow, The Moor’s Pavane, and many original works. She served as Principal Bal-

let Mistress for Ballet Internationale, assisting with the original choreography of full-length ballets by Artistic Director Eldar Aliev and worked alongside Irina Kolpakova in staging many well-known classics. Accepting Artistic Director John McFall’s invitation to join Atlanta Ballet as Ballet Mistress gave her the opportunity to assist in mounting numerous full-length productions. She assisted on works by inspiring national and international choreographers including Alexander Ekman, Helen Pickett, Twyla Tharp, Liam Scarlett, David Bentley, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Amy Seiwert, among others. She is now in her third season with Cincinnati Ballet.

YOSHIHISA ARAI REHEARSAL DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF SECOND COMPANY

Yoshihisa Arai began his ballet training at the International Ballet Academy in Japan before he was accepted to The Royal Ballet School in London in 2005. After graduating with honors and receiving the Achievement Award in 2008, Arai joined Northern Ballet in Leeds, UK, under the direction of David Nixon CBE and Ballet Mistress Yoko Ichino. He began his professional career performing in many original ballets by David Nixon around the UK and in opera houses in Far East Asia. In 2011, Arai joined Tulsa Ballet where he performed works by William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Douglas Lee, and Edwaard Liang. The following year Arai joined The Joffrey Ballet Chicago under the leadership of Ash-

ley Wheater MBE. As a choreographer, Arai created several successful new works for The Joffrey Ballet such as Boléro, Élégie, and Afternoon Watch, which premiered at The Lyric Opera House and Auditorium Theater in Chicago. He has also choreographed a new Appalachian Spring for The Joffrey Ballet Studio Company in collaboration with the Illinois Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. In 2023 Arai choreographed and directed his first mini chamber opera Cåraboo: A Chamber Opera, composed by James M. Stephenson and librettist Matt Boresi and performed by International Chamber Artists. After a triumphant career as a professional ballet dancer and choreographer, Arai joins the leadership team as a Rehearsal Director of Cincinnati Ballet and Director of Second Company – CB2.

VICTORIA MORGAN WOMEN’S CHOREOGRAPHER AND ARTIST FUND

Thank you to everyone who donated to this fund established in honor of former Artistic Director Victoria Morgan’s career achievements as a champion of women choreographers and artists. This fund enables Cincinnati Ballet to annually draw financial support for a featured female choreographer or artist.

2023-2024 HONOREE Tiler Peck

World Premiere, BALDERRAMA MORE ROOM TO PLAY, Kaplan New Works

September 15-24, 2023.

Presented by

KAPLAN FOUNDATION

VICTORIA MORGAN WOMEN’S CHOREOGRAPHER AND ARTIST FUND DONORS

Trish and Rick Bryan

Paula I. Comisar

Sarah Corathers and James Anthony

Tanya Cornejo and Aaron Kellenberger

Judy and Chris Dalambakis

Jennifer and M. Vito Damiano

Richard and Lisa Damico

Connie and Buzz Dow

Dianne Dunkelman and Peter Schwartz

Ashley and Barbara Ford

Sue and Lynne Friedlander

Melinda Gardner

Lynn and Brian Good

Linda and Gary Greenberg

Lauren Hannan Shafer

Patti and Fred Heldman

Anne Ilyinsky

Randy and Jan Johnson

The Kaplan Foundation

Mark and Marcy Kanter

Michael and Renee Kreeger

Peter and John La oon

Lynn and Daniel Langmeyer

Robert and Lynn Macrae

Paul and Marilyn Porcino

Elyse Morgan Roth

Cheryl Spencer

Susan and Russ Shelton

Elizabeth A. Snyder

Jen and John Stein

Timothy Smith and Valerie Newell

John and Susan Tew

Katrina Trimble

Margaret and Michael Valentine

Barbara M. Weyand

George and Kathy Wilkinson

Ronna & Dr. James B. Willis

Joseph Zeis, Jr.

ARTISTIC LISTING

THE COMPANY

PRINCIPALS

Melissa Gelfin De-Poli Sirui Liu Rafael Quenedit

FIRST SOLOISTS

Chandler Proctor Minori Sakita Maizyalet Velázquez

SOLOISTS

Maine Chernjavsky Katherine Ochoa Marcus Romeo Joshua Stayton

CORPS DE BALLET

Nikita Boris

Taylor Carrasco

Sasha Chernjavsky

Luca De-Poli

Thomas Dilley

Samantha Griffin

Christina Laforgia

Morse

Jhaelin McQuay

Tatiana Melendez

Michael Mengden

Amanda de Jesus

Pérez Duarte

NEW DANCERS

Llonnis del Toro Cintra Julia Gundzik

APPRENTICES

Simone Muhammad Scott Reed

SECOND COMPANY: CB2

Caroline Perry

Simon Plant

Bella Ureta

Lenai Wilkerson

Annie Fitzpatrick

Giovanny Garibay

Kannen Glanz

Amber Harper

James Jobson-Larkin

Eileen Kim

Ramsay Miller

Nicholas Motley

Gavin Nicholson

Salomé Tregre

The Artists of Cincinnati Ballet are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.

THE COMPANY

MELISSA GELFIN DE-POLI (SHE/HER) PRINCIPAL DANCER | PHILADELPHIA, PA | JOINED CINCINNATI BALLET IN 2014

Melissa Gelfin De-Poli began her ballet training with Lisa Collins Vidnovic at Metropolitan Ballet Academy and continued with Barbara Sandonato and Andrea Long-Naidu at Barbara Sandonato School of Ballet. She joined the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre in 2009, under the direction of Franco De Vita and Raymond Lukens, and was awarded a National Training Scholarship with ABT.

Prior to dancing with Cincinnati Ballet, Gelfin De-Poli danced for Orlando Ballet II and Orlando Ballet Company from 2011 to 2014 and was a finalist in the 2014 Jackson International Ballet Competition. Gelfin De-Poli joined Cincinnati Ballet as a New Dancer for the 2014–2015 Season and was promoted to Corps De Ballet in February of 2015. She was promoted to Senior Soloist in 2017 and Principal Dancer in 2018. As a dancer with Cincinnati Ballet, Gelfin De-Poli’s repertoire includes classical and contemporary works by Septime Webre, Yuri Possikov, Victoria Morgan, Val Caniparoli, Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, Nicolo Fonte, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Adam Hougland, and Ma Cong. She has danced Principal roles in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in Wonderland) and The Wizard of Oz, Victoria Morgan’s The Nutcracker, King Arthur’s Camelot and Romeo and Juliet, Kirk Peterson’s Coppélia and Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s Rubies and Serenade, Devon Carney’s The Sleeping Beauty and originated roles in Penny Saunders Nannerl, Myles Thatcher’s Anamoly, Andrea Schermoly’s Swivet and several works by Jennifer Archibald. Gelfin De-Poli most recently debuted her world premiere Clockwise in Cincinnati Ballet’s 2019 The Kaplan New Works Series and choreographed and performed a solo work in the inaugural 2018 Female Choreographic Initiative Festival hosted by Houston Ballet. During the summer months, Gelfin De-Poli performs and tours with Moving Arts Company.

SIRUI LIU (SHE/HER)

PRINCIPAL DANCER | SHANGHAI, CHINA | JOINED

CINCINNATI BALLET IN 2011

Born in Shanghai, China, Sirui Liu started her dance training with the Shanghai Dance School in the year 2000. After seven years of training, she continued her studies at the Shanghai Dance College of Shanghai Theater Academy for four years. In 2011 Liu started her professional career in the United States with the Cincinnati Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member. She was promoted to Principal in 2017. In 2009 Liu won the gold medal in the senior division at the Ninth Taolibei National Dance Competition in China. She also won the gold medal in the senior division at the Beijing International Ballet Competition in China in 2010. Sirui was included in Dance Magazine’s Top 25 Dancers to Watch in 2017. In 2011 Liu was invited to dance in the Hong Kong Ballet’s production of Swan Lake. In 2016, she got invited to dance in the Gala “Night of Ballet” in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Liu was a Guest Principal with the Los Angeles Ballet’s production of_Bloom in 2022. She has danced several Pas de Deux including Black Swan, Don Quixote, Esmeralda, Diana and Acteon, Le Corsaire, Paquita, and Coppelia. Liu has performed principal roles such as Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in Nutcracker, Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, Waltz girl in Balanchine’s Serenade, Tall girl in Balanchine’s Rubies, Cinderella in Cinderella, The Chosen One in Rite of Spring, Pas couple in Minus 16, among other ballets. Liu has also worked with internationally acclaimed choreographers such as Annabelle Lope Ochoa, Helen Pickett, Val Caniparoli, Yuri Possokhov, Kirk Peterson, Nicolo Fonte, Garrett Smith, Justin Peck, Alejandro Cerrudo, Septime Webre, Trey Mcintyre, Ohad Naharin, Jennifer Archibald, Edwaard Liang, Ma Cong, Travis Wall, etc. Liu is the cofounder of Active Royale.

THE COMPANY

RAFAEL QUENEDIT (HE/HIM) PRINCIPAL DANCER | HAVANA, CUBA | JOINED CINCINNATI BALLET IN 2021

Quenedit comes to Cincinnati from the National Ballet of Cuba, where he quickly ascended to the role of principal dancer. He began his training in 2006 in Cuba at Escuela Elemental de Ballet Alejo Carpentier where he trained for five years. He then spent eight years training with the National Ballet School of Cuba. He graduated in 2014 and joined the National Ballet of Cuba as a corps de ballet dancer. Quenedit was quickly cast in soloist and principal roles, before being named principal dancer at the prestigious, international company. He has also worked with internationally-renowned choreographers including Alicia Alonso, Alexei Ratmansky, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Giuliano Peparini, Alberto Mendez, among others. Sharing his art with dance lovers around the world has been one of his passions. He has performed lead roles in the United States, Italy, Spain, France, Canada, Mexico, and several others. Competitions awards include the bronze medal at the International Ballet competition junior division in Havana, Cuba; gold medal at the International Ballet competition junior division in Cape Town, South Africa; gold medal at the XX International Ballet competition in Havana, Cuba. He was also awarded best Artistic Performance, senior division, and was a winner at Amici Word Dance competition in Italy. Principal roles with the National Ballet of Cuba: Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle, La Fille Mal Gardée,; The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Carmen, La Bayadere, Cinderella, and Theme & Variations

CHANDLER PROCTOR (HE/HIM)

FIRST SOLOIST

Chandler Proctor was born in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, where he studied dance until he joined Houston Ballet II in 2013. In 2015 he was

offered a company position with Tulsa Ballet and was promoted to Soloist in 2019. While in Tulsa he performed in works by renowned choreographers Jiří Kylián, Nacho Duato, Derek Deane, Wayne McGregor, Ma Cong, and Edwaard Liang. This is Proctor’s second season with Cincinnati Ballet.

MINORI SAKITA (SHE/HER)

FIRST SOLOIST

Born in Washington, D.C., Minori began her training at the Maryland Youth Ballet and continued at the Houston Ballet Academy. In 2014, she joined Tulsa Ballet and was promoted to demi-soloist in 2018. She joined Cincinnati Ballet as soloist in 2019 and was promoted to First Soloist the following year. Sakita has performed principal roles

in Victoria Morgan’s The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and King Arthur’s Camelot, John Cranko’s Onegin, Andre Prokovsky’s The Three Musketeers, Derek Dean’s Strictly Gershwin, Balanchine’s Serenade and Who Cares?, and Septime Weber’s The Wizard of Oz. Sakita has also performed in Classical and Contemporary works by Alexander Ekman, David Dawson, Christopher Bruce, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Ma Cong, Jorma Elo, Yuri Possokhov, Jirí Kylián, and Dwight Rhoden.

MAIZYALET VELÁZQUEZ (SHE/HER) FIRST SOLOIST

A native of Puerto Rico, Maizyalet Velázquez began her training at Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, training in both the conservatory and company. She graduated from the Virginia School of the Arts in 2007, where she studied under David Keener and the late Petrus Bosman. Velázquez joined Cin-

MAINE CHERNJAVSKY SOLOIST

Maine Chernjavsky was born in Hokkaido, Japan, and raised in California. She began her professional training at The Marat Daukayev School of Ballet and further studied at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Graduate Program. Maine joined Tulsa Ballet as an Apprentice in 2014 where she was promoted to the rank of Soloist in 2019. She completed nine seasons with the company under the direction of Marcello Angelini. Her repertoire in Tulsa Ballet includes featured roles such as Marie in The Nutcracker choreographed by Ma Cong and Val Caniparoli, Amore in Anna Marie Holmes’s Don Quixote, Peasant Pas in Angelini’s Giselle, Micaela

cinnati Ballet upon graduation and was promoted to Soloist in 2012. She enjoys working with Cincinnati Ballet because it offers the opportunity to perform both classical and contemporary repertoire. She has performed the leading role in Val Caniparoli’s _Lady of the Camellias as Marguerite, as well as the title role in Amedeo Amodio’s Carmen. Velázquez was promoted to First Soloist for Cincinnati Ballet’s 2017–2018 Season.

in Kenneth Tindall’s Carmen, George Balanchine’s Who Cares? and Serenade, Derek Deane’s _Strictly Gershwin, David Dawson’s AMillionKissestoMy Skin, Wayne McGregor’s Infra, Val Caniparoli’s Prawn-watching, and leading roles in Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, Itzik Galili’s O Balcão de Amor, Nacho Duato’s Rassemblement, and Kurt Jooss’s The Green Table. Maine has been in new creations choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Andy Blankenbuehler, Helen Pickett, Craig Davidson, Jennifer Archibald, and Ma Cong among others. Dance Magazine featured her as one of their “25 to Watch” in 2018. Maine has also performed as a guest artist with Barak Ballet and Moving Arts. This will be her first season with Cincinnati Ballet.

KATHERINE OCHOA (SHE/HER) SOLOIST

Katherine Ochoa began training in 2009 at the National School of Ballet in Cuba where she learned a vast repertoire of variations and won both gold and silver medals in the Havana International Ballet competition. She later joined the Cuban National Ballet and in 2019 had the opportunity to

participate in the semifinals of YAGP in Chicago and won the Grand Prix Award. She moved on to participate in the semifinals of YAGP in New York where she placed in the top 12. As a member of the Corps de Ballet in Cuba she performed in _Giselle, _Swan Lake, _Cinderella, _DonQuixote, and _Umbral and she was quickly promoted to First Soloist. This is Ochoa’s second season with Cincinnati Ballet. She was promoted to Soloist in 2023.

MARCUS ROMEO (HE/HIM) SOLOIST

Marcus Romeo began training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary. He completed his last three years of pre-professional training at The School of American Ballet, where he was awarded the Columbus Citizen Foundation Scholarship, the Linda and Arthur Collins Scholarship, and the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation Scholarship. Following his graduation,

Romeo joined Boston Ballet II under Mikko Nissinen and was promoted to the corps de ballet in 2014. During his time with Boston Ballet, Romeo appeared in works such as George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations, Kammermusik No. 2, Theme and Variations, Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Diamonds, and Episodes, Jerome Robbins’s The Concert, John Neumeier’s ThirdSymphonyofGustavMahler, Ivan Liska’s Le Corsaire, and William Forsythe’s Artifact 2017 Romeo joined Cincinnati Ballet in 2017 and was promoted to Soloist.

JOSHUA STAYTON (HE/HIM) SOLOIST

A Cincinnati native, Joshua Stayton began his training at the School for Creative and Performing Arts before joining the Orlando Ballet School (Peter Stark) and Houston Ballet II (Claudio Muñoz). Prior to joining Cincinnati Ballet, Stayton was a Demi-Soloist at Sarasota Ballet and a soloist at Tulsa Ballet. His repertoire includes leading roles in The Green Table (Joos), Onegin (Cranko), Strictly Gershwin (Deane), A Million Kisses to My Skin

(Dawson), Concerto (MacMillian), Mirror Walkers (Sir Wright), Cinderella (Morgan), AgeofInnocence (Liang), Bolero (Fonte), Midsummer (Wheeldon), One/end/One (Elo), SleepingBeauty (Angelini), Romeo & Juliet (Liang), Extremely Close (Cerrudo), among many more. Stayton has performed internationally in Hungary, Italy, Finland, Spain, and Switzerland. As a choreographer, he has had world premieres for Ballet 22, Tulsa Ballet’s second company, DeLa Dance Company, Azara Ballet, and SCPA’s Dance Ensemble. Beyond his love for the stage, Joshua enjoys teaching the future generation of dance.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL NEVILLE FEATURING JHAELIN MCQUAY AND LENAI WILKERSON

NIKITA BORIS (SHE/HER)

CORPS DE BALLET

Nikita Boris began her ballet training at the Irine Fokine School of Ballet. She continued her studies at the Valentina Kozlova Dance Conservatory of New York. In 2016, Boris was invited to the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. She performed in the winner’s gala of the Vaganova Prix at the Mariinsky Theatre. Boris traveled internationally for competitions and was awarded several medals, as well as the Grand Prix at Concorso di Danza Internazionale “Citta di Spoleto” Italy, and at VKIBC in St. Petersburg, Russia. Nikita has danced as a guest artist with Tanzolymp in Berlin,

the Ballet Beyond Borders Gala in Los Angeles, and the International Baltic Ballet Festival in Riga. Nikita joined Boston Ballet II in 2018, where she performed works by choreographers including George Balanchine, Sir Frederick Ashton, Mikko Nissinen, Bruce Wood, and Samuel Kirkjian. She performed with New York Dance Project in the revival of Alberto Alonso’s Carmen Suite, and in works by Gerald Arpino. Boris joined Cincinnati Ballet as an Apprentice in 2020. Since joining, Nikita has danced soloist roles in Paquita, a variation from Raymonda, Winter Fairy in Victoria Morgan’s Cinderella, and works by Amy Seiwert, Anabelle Lopez Ochoa, Ohad Naharin, and Twyla Tharp.

TAYLOR CARRASCO (HE/HIM)

CORPS DE BALLET

“When I was 3, my sister was 6 and in ballet like every other little girl. My parents would bring me to her classes and I would try to dance with them from the hallway. They assumed I’d like it, enrolled me in class and I never stopped,” says Taylor Carrasco. Carrasco trained at the School of American Ballet and New Mexico Ballet Company and has attended summer intensives with Boston Ballet, Pa-

SASHA CHERNJAVSKY

CORPS DE BALLET

Born in Rochester, New York, Chernjavsky started his dance training at the Draper Center for Dance Education. In 2015, he attended the Houston Ballet Academy and joined Houston Ballet II the following year. While with HBII, he performed in several notable works such as George Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante, and John Neumeier’s Yondering as the Jeanie Boy. In 2017, Chernjavsky danced with Kansas City Ballet and the next year joined Tulsa

cific Northwest Ballet, and Ballet Chicago. He joined Cincinnati Ballet Second Company – CB2 in the 2014–2015 season and was promoted to apprentice for the 2015–2016 Season. Carrasco was promoted to Corps de Ballet for the 2017–2018 Season. He has had three of his ballets performed by the main company of Cincinnati Ballet, two of them created for the The Kaplan New Works Series in 2018 and 2019. Carrasco’s favorite dancing memories are tied to dancing with his sister. He says that “sharing the stage with family is the best experience.”

Ballet as a member of the Corps de Ballet. In 2022 he was promoted to Demi-Soloist. During his time with Tulsa Ballet, Chernjavsky performed featured roles in Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Vendetta and Limoncello, Itzik Galili’s O Balcão de Amor, Katarzyna Kozielska’s Ode, Craig Davidson’s All Things Considered, and Andrew McNicol’s Celestial Bodies. He has also performed in works by Ma Cong, Jennifer Archibald, Val Caniparoli, Nicolo Fonte, Edwaard Liang, Kurt Jooss, Andy Blankenbuehler, and Stanton Welch, among others.

THE COMPANY

LUCA DE-POLI (HE/HIM) CORPS DE BALLET

Luca De-Poli, a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, began his training when he was 14 years old at Ballet Florida’s school under the direction of Marie Hale and at A.W Dreyfoos School of the Arts under the direction of Jan Goetz. He attended the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and graduated in May 2015 when he

joined Cincinnati Ballet Second Company – CB2. In 2016 he was promoted into the company and has danced in a world premiere by Ma Cong, Minus 16 by Ohad Naharin, debuted the role of Zeus in the North American premier of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s _Eros Redux, the title role in Nicolo Fonte’s world premiere of Carmina Burana, Justin Peck’s Murder Ballads, Jiri Kylian’s Sechs Tänze, and works by Victoria Morgan, Devon Carney, Adam Hougland, Kate Weare, and Septime Webre.

THOMAS DILLEY (HE/HIM) CORPS DE BALLET

Thomas Dilley began his full-time training at the age of 12 at Premiere Studios in Sydney, Australia. He was a top five Junior Men’s Finalist at Youth America Grand Prix and was a prize winner at the Prix de Lausanne, during which he received admission to Summer Intensives and short-term scholarships with Academie Princess Grace, English National Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, The Royal Ballet School, and The Australian Ballet School. Dilley accepted a position with Queensland Ballet’s second company at 16 where he performed numerous

company works including Strictly Gershwin, Flames of Paris (Philippe), Scotch on the Rocks, and Muscle Memory. In 2017, Thomas joined the Atlanta Ballet 2 where he performed works such as Beauty and the Beast and Eclipse. Dilley was a company member with Complexions Contemporary Ballet from 2018 to 2023 where he performed multiple works by Dwight Rhoden and Jae Man Joo. Dilley has also done multiple gala performances such as Titas Gala Dallas; Plié for the Arts in Jamaica; World Ballet Competition; and Universal Ballet Competition in Mexico, Atlanta, and Orlando. This is Dilley’s first season with Cincinnati Ballet.

SAMANTHA GRIFFIN (SHE/HER)

CORPS DE BALLET

Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Samantha received her preliminary training at University of North Carolina School of the Arts. After graduating from UNCSA, Griffin went on to dance with Charlotte Ballet before joining Cincinnati Ballet in 2015. She was promoted to Corps de Ballet for the 2017–2018 Season. In 2018 Samantha was recognized in Pointe Magazine’s “Stars of The Corps.” Since being with Cincinnati Ballet she has performed roles in a variety of classical and contemporary works by Septime Webre, Val Caniparoli,

George Balanchine, Nicolo Fonte, Ma Cong, Stephanie Martinez, Ohad Naharin, Jiří Kylián, Twyla Tharp, Helen Pickett, Cathy Marston, Travis Wall, Jennifer Archibald, and others. Some of these principal and soloist roles include Tall Girl in Balanchine’s Rubies, Dark Angel in Balanchine’s Serenade, Princess Tsarevna in Adam Hougland’s Firebird, Fairy Godmother in Victoria Morgan’s Cinderella, Tiger lily in Septime Webre’s Peter Pan, Carabossein Devon Carney’s Sleeping Beauty, and Garrett Smith’s Facades. When Samantha is not dancing she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kitties, eating good food, having good drinks, traveling and exploring new places.

CHRISTINA LAFORGIA MORSE (SHE/HER) CORPS DE BALLET

Christina LaForgia Morse began dancing at 11 years old in Summerville, South Carolina. She spent her high school years at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under the direction of Ethan Steifel. While studying at UNCSA, Morse was awarded the Dean’s Merit Scholarship.

In 2011 Morse was offered a second company position with the Charlotte Ballet and was quickly promoted to join the main company the subsequent season. Following her time in Charlotte, Morse joined the Cincinnati Ballet as a corps de ballet member in 2014. Morse’s most cherished memories on stage include performing David Morse’s _As I Stare at Dust (2019) and Our Story (2022).

JHAELIN MCQUAY (HE/HIM)

CORPS DE BALLET

Jhaelin McQuay began dancing at the age of 11 at the Marina Del Rey Magnet School for the Performing Arts. He soon expanded his dance training at the Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy where he found a love and appreciation for numerous styles, including hip hop, modern, tap, flamenco, contemporary, ballroom, and African. In his teens, McQuay spent his summers on scholarship at The Rock School, Bolshoi Ballet, Ballet West, and San Francisco Ballet. He performed with Ballet West’s

TATIANA MELENDEZ

CORPS DE BALLET

Tatiana Melendez trained at All American Dance Factory & Classical Ballet School in Tampa, Florida. At 15, she was invited to join Houston Ballet Academy’s Professional Division on scholarship. Upon her graduation in 2017, Tatiana joined Texas Ballet Theater where she performed multiple roles including Clara in Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker, a Swan in Ben Stevenson’s Swan Lake, and was cast as a female lead in the premiere of Stevenson’s Matinü Pieces. In 2018 she signed a contract to join Complexions Contemporary Ballet where she danced for five seasons, touring nationally and internationally. As a company member

Academy for three years before joining Cincinnati Ballet Second Company – CB2 in the 2019–2020 season. McQuay has danced for the Oscars and has appeared on stage with Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Raven Symone, and Debbie Allen. He has also performed works choreographed by George Balanchine, Fredrick Aston, Bruce Marks, Jennifer Archibald, Martha Graham, Lester Horton, Dwight Roden, Desmond Richardson, and William Christiansen. In early 2021 McQuay’s choreography placed top five in the YAGP finals. McQuay is celebrating his second season in the company at Cincinnati Ballet.

with Complexions, she was part of multiple world premieres by Dwight Rhoden and the premier of Francesca Harper’s pas de deux, “System.” Tatiana graced the cover of Pointe Magazine’s 2020 fall edition as well as being featured in Dance Teacher Magazine and Dance Spirit Magazine. Melendez has done guest performances around the world including performing the Snow and Sugar Plum pas de deux in Roma City Ballet company’s The Nutcracker and guest performing in the World Ballet Competition and Universal Ballet Competition Galas. In 2021, Melendez danced on national TV on CBS for the Kennedy Center Honors. Melendez is thrilled to begin her first season with Cincinnati Ballet.

THE COMPANY

MICHAEL MENGDEN (HE/HIM)

CORPS DE BALLET

Michael Mengden began his training at the age of 10 at Allegro West Academy of Dance with Catriona Steel. In 2012 Mengden trained in Moscow at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy under Ilya Kuznestov. Prior to his training overseas he furthered his training in the pre-professional program at the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School in Florida and had the unique opportunity to train and travel with Dr. Ramona de Saa, Director of the Cuban National Ballet School in Havana. He was invited to dance in Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company – CB2 program in the fall of 2016. Since joining the company in 2017, Meng-

den has performed in various productions such as Victoria Morgan’s King Arthur’s Camelot and Cinderella, Ohad Naharin’s Minus 16, Nicolo Fonte’s Carmina Burana, Septime Weber’s Wizard of Oz, Val Caniparoli’s Isben’s House, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Limoncello, Jerome Robins’s Fancy Free, Justin Peck’s Murder Ballads, Adam Hougland’s Rite of Spring, Devon Carney’s Sleeping Beauty, Garret Smith’s Facades, Kirk Peterson’s Coppelia and Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s Rubies, and Jiří Kylián’s Sechs Tänze. Mengden has also been a part of world premiere works from choreographers such Jennifer Archibald, Myles Thatcher, Penny Saunders, Andi Schermoly, David Morse, Travis Wall, Taylor Carrasco, and Melissa Gelfin De-Poli.

AMANDA DE JESUS PÉREZ DUARTE (SHE/HER)

CORPS DE BALLET

Amanda Pérez took her first steps in the world of ballet at an art academy in the city of Ciego de Avila, Cuba. She continued her training as a dancer by completing elementary and higher studies at the National Ballet School of Cuba, fulfilling her dream of mastering this art. During this stage, Pérez achieved silver and bronze medals in International Ballet Competitions held in Havana. In 2017, she graduated as a Dancer and became part of the National Ballet of Cuba, where she had the opportunity to dance in various repertoires, including Swan Lake, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Giselle, Coppelia, as well as pieces by renowned choreographers like Alexei Ratmansky, Ben Stevenson, Alberto Méndez, Cathy Marston, Ricardo Amarante, and Gemma

Bond, among others. Throughout her journey, Pérez excelled in leading roles such as Swanilda, The Blue Bird Princess, Three Preludes, Love Fear Loss, and Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker, which led to her promotion as a Soloist of the company. She continued dancing with the National Ballet of Cuba until 2022. Subsequently, Pérez auditioned for the prestigious Finnish National Ballet Company and performed in several works during the 2022–2023 season. Her talent also earned her invitations to dance in various artistic galas, where she showcased her skills in pieces like the PDD of Don Quixote in Evli, Finland, as well as the PDD Romeo and Juliet and Diana and Acteon at the Carlo Gesualdo Danza 2023 International Prize in Italy. Currently, Pérez is thrilled to be part of the Cincinnati Ballet company and looking forward to embracing new experiences and challenges in her dance journey.

CAROLINE PERRY (SHE/HER) CORPS DE BALLET

Caroline Perry grew up in Tustin, California, and began her professional training in 2015 at the Houston Ballet Academy where she worked and performed alongside the company and second company until 2016 when she officially joined Houston Ballet II. In 2017, she represented the Houston Ballet Academy at the Prix de Lausanne competition where she received an offer to join the corps

de ballet. Perry continued dancing in Houston from 2017 until 2022 performing various works including George Balanchine’s Jewels, Little Swans, and Siegfried’s Sisters in Stanton Welch’s Swan Lake, and new works created by company members Connor Walsh and Melody Mennite. Before joining Cincinnati Ballet for the 2022–2023 Season, she expanded her contemporary repertoire performing with Ishida Dance Company in creations by Bret Ishida and Doma choreographed by Jeremy Galdeano and Vera Kvarčáková.

SIMON PLANT (HE/HIM) CORPS DE BALLET

Simon Plant was born in Sydney, Australia, and started dancing at the age of 7. After graduating from The Australian Ballet School in 2013, he joined the Australian Ballet where he performed works by choreographers Wayne McGregor, Graeme Murphy, Kenneth MacMillian, Simon Dow, Peter Wright, Stanton Welch, Jiří Kylián’s, Tim Harbour, and others. After moving to New York City with his husband in 2017, Plant became a company dancer with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. He

danced five seasons with CCB, premiering multiple world premieres under co-artistic director and choreographer, Dwight Rhoden and co-artistic director/cofounder Desmond Richardson. Simon came on as Faculty for the 2022 Complexions Academy Summer Intensives, teaching company repertoire and NIQUE, Rhoden and Richardson’s proprietary contemporary ballet technique, to students around the country. Plant is also a published author; when he’s not dancing he’s writing or spending quality time with his husband. He is thrilled to be joining Cincinnati Ballet for the 2022–2023 season.

BELLA URETA (SHE/HER)

CORPS DE BALLET

Bella Ureta, a native of Seattle, began her training at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School in 2004 and has attended the elite summer programs at the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada until 2016 when she joined Boston Ballet II. She has performed in repertoire by world renowned choreographers including Jean Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, Crystal Pite’s Emergence, William Forsythe’s Artifact 2017, Jiří Kylián’s Sechs Tänze, “Duet Mabul” in Ohad Naharin’s Minus 16, “Snow Queen” in Vic-

toria Morgan’s The Nutcracker, “Charm Fairy” in Devon Carney’s The Sleeping Beauty, “Pas de Trois” in Kirk Peterson’s Swan Lake, and originated a leading role in Emmy Award winner Travis Wall’s Then…Now. Ureta has performed in ballets choreographed by George Balanchine, Kent Stowell, Victoria Morgan, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Twyla Tharp, Christopher Wheeldon, Mikko Nissinen, Jill Johnson, Marius Petipa, Devon Carney, Septime Webre, Garret Smith, Jennifer Archibald, and Nicolo Fonte. Ureta has enjoyed dancing with the Cincinnati Opera in its productions of La Traviata and Aida. She joined Cincinnati Ballet’s Corps de Ballet in 2017 and in 2020 was named one of Pointe Magazine’s “Star of the Corps.”

LENAI WILKERSON (SHE/HER)

CORPS DE BALLET

Lenai Alexis Wilkerson hails from Washington, D.C., where she attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, under the direction of Norma Pera. She graduated from the inaugural class at the University of Southern California as a Glorya Kaufman scholar with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Political Science. Upon graduation, Wilkerson became a company artist with Ballet Hispánico, where she toured internationally for three seasons. With the company, she delved deeper into community engagement opportunities and has taught youth at institutions around the world. Additionally, she

has assisted Patrick Corbin in setting a Paul Taylor work for Miami City Ballet. Wilkerson has performed works by choreographers including George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Martha Graham, Barak Marshall, Azure Barton, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, d.Sabela Grimes, and Dwight Rhoden. Additionally, she has trained seasonally with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Bolshoi Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Jacob’s Pillow and with legendary ballerina Suzanne Farrell. She is a YAGP Top 12 finalist and was one of the seven 2016–2017 dance scholars to be awarded a scholarship from Nigel Lythgoe’s Dizzy Feet Foundation.

THE COMPANY

LLONNIS DEL TORO CINTRA (HE/HIM)

NEW DANCER

Llonnis del Toro Cintra was born in 1999 in Havana, Cuba, and began his ballet career at the Fernando Alonso National Ballet School under the direction of Ramona De SaaBello. He has participated in several national and international ballet competitions, winning two silver medals and a special mention. He was part of the National Ballet

of Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso. Del Toro’s repertoire includes La Bayadere, Flames of Paris, Carnival of Venice, Giselle, Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, Napoli, The Talisman, Coppelia, La Fille mal Gardée, Theme and Variations, Carmen, In the Shadows of a Waltz, Cinderella, The Magic Flute, Earth and Moon, and Sleeping Beauty, among others. He has participated in festivals in Peru, Mexico, and China and is very excited to join the company of Cincinnati Ballet.

JULIA GUNDZIK (SHE/HER)

NEW DANCER

Born in Oxford, Ohio, Julia Gundzik began her dance training at Ballet Tech of Ohio and Ballet Center of Houston. She attended the Nutmeg Conservatory to begin her full-time dance training before joining the Washington Ballet’s Professional Training Program, where she performed Corps de

Ballet roles in many company productions. Gundzik joined Cincinnati Ballet as a member of the Professional Training Division in 2019 and began teaching classes in the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy in 2020. She was offered a contract with Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company – CB2 for the 2022–2023 Season and was recently promoted to New Dancer for the 2023–2024 Season.

SIMONE MUHAMMAD (SHE/HER) APPRENTICE

Simone Muhammad, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, is a graduate of the Nutmeg Conservatory. She continued her training at Charlotte Ballet and Nashville Ballet where she performed contemporary and classical works by Jean Pierre-Bonnefoux, Peter Chu, Dwight Rhoden, and

Paul Vasterling. She has also performed supporting and ensemble roles in Swan Lake, Val Caniparoli’s Nutcracker, George Balanchine’s Emeralds, and Jerome Robbins’ In G major. In 2021 she received a Bronze Medal for her performance of The Dying Swan coached by Charla Genn. She was offered a contract with Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company – CB2 for the 2022–2023 Season and was recently promoted to Apprentice for the 2023–2024 Season.

SCOTT REED (HE/HIM) APPRENTICE

Scott was born in Marietta, Georgia, and began his ballet training at the age of 12 at the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre. There, he danced numerous roles including Solor from La Bayadere, Arabian in The Nutcracker, and many other works choreographed by Tom Pazik. In 2019,

Reed was invited to join Cincinnati Ballet’s Professional Training Division. During his training, he performed in Victoria Morgan’s The Nutcracker and King Arthur’s Camelot, Snow White choreographed by Pamela Robinson, and George Balanchine’s Valse Fantaisie. He was offered a contract with Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company – CB2 for the 2022–2023 Season and was recently promoted to Apprentice for the 2023–2024 Season.

JAMES JOBSON-LARKIN (HE/HIM) NEW YORK, NEW YORK

ANNIE FITZPATRICK (SHE/HER) STERLING, MASSACHUSETTS

AMBER HARPER (SHE/HER) CINCINNATI, OHIO

EILEEN KIM (SHE/HER) NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS

RAMSAY MILLER (SHE/HER) CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

GAVIN NICHOLSON (HE/HIM) MIAMI, FLORIDA

GIOVANNY GARIBAY (HE/HIM) CENTRALIA, WASHINGTON

KANNEN GLANZ (HE/HIM) CASPER WYOMING

NICHOLAS MOTLEY (HE/HIM) CHESTERTOWN, MARYLAND

SALOMÉ TREGRE (SHE/HER) CINCINNATI, OHIO

PTDS

Frances Bennett, Gianna Brace, Sanaa Brown, Claire Daley, Carmen Doll, Madeline Flythe, Olivia Frisch, Katie Stuckenschneider, Julianna Varner, and Catherine Voorhees.

TRAINEES

Fiona Allen, Ciarán Barlow, Anna Doggett, Brianne Falanga, Andrew Fung, Noah Gnes, Engler Gonzalez, Charlotte Gularson, Elizabeth Jacobson, Helen Jardon, Dietrich Klawonn, Caroline Love, Fiona Murphy, Taylor Petrowski, Jenna Renfield, Sierra Severt, Elizabeth Swisher, Madison Taylor, and Anneliese Welsh.

2023–2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2023–2024 GOVERNING BOARD

Joel Stone CHAIR

Sergio Arreola

Fran Carlisle

Smokey Clay

David Cook

Andrea Costa

Judy Dalambakis

Zahki Davis

Michael Bailes

Bernie Calonge

Sheila Cohen

Connie Dow

Sandra Eisele

Jerry Ewers

Kathryn Harsh

Edmond Hooker

Beth Levy

Debbie Brant

Kelly Brown

Laura Brunner

Trish Bryan

Otto Budig

Nancy Clagett

William Cordes

Debbie Brant CHAIR

Scott Altman

Jennifer Damiano

Joe Dehner

Emerson Moser VICE CHAIR

Sarah Frank-Fogarty

Jodi Geiser

Rico Grant

Linda Greenberg

Kateri Moll Haskett

Patti Heldman

Lydia Jacobs-Horton

Kristin Fishbaugh TREASURER

Marcie Kinney

Peter Laffoon

Megan McCarthy-Wolf

Jack Miner

Shekhar Mitra

Katy Moeggenberg

2023–2024 SUSTAINERS

Leon Loewenstein

Madelynn Matlock

Larry McGruder

Skip Merten

Alex Munoz

Cathy Nwankwo

Jim Papakirk

Joselyn Pfeil

Julie Richardson

Kitty Rosenthal

Morleen Rouse

Diane Rumpke

Keke Sansalone

Tom Schiff

Beth Snyder

Chris Sprecher

Brett Stover

Mary Talbott

2023–2024 EMERITUS

Lynn Good

Lorrence Kellar

Charles MacDonnell

Richardson McKinney

Tom Neyer

Carol Duane Olson

Paul Ose

Melody Sawyer Richardson

Michael Rozow

James Sammarco

Kathleen Selker

Rhonda Sheakley

2023–2024 FOUNDATION BOARD

Jen Stein VICE CHAIR

Kristin Fishbaugh

Emerson Moser

Madelynn Matlock TREASURER

Alex Munoz

Rhonda Sheakley

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Craig F. Maier

Rhoda Mayerson+

Faith Whittaker SECRETARY

Alexandra Ollinger

Alandes Powell

T. Quinn

Lisa Riccardi

Toilynn O’Neal Turner

Brenden Zenni

Heather Theders

Pamela Thompson

Serena Tsuang

Kelly Vanasse

Catherine Vernon

Gary West

Barbara Weyand

George Wilkinson

Russell Shelton

Shelly Sherman

Julie Shifman

Linda Smith

Ronna Willis

Kelly Brown SECRETARY

Joel Stone

Joe Carolin*

CINCINNATI BALLET STAFF

Scott Altman PRESIDENT AND CEO

ADMINISTRATION

AND FINANCE

Joe Carolin VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND CFO

Melissa Santomo CONTROLLER

Tiffany Whitcomb VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Tyler Parker SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND BOARD LIAISON

Laura Linneman EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Mary French ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DATA SERVICES

Stacey Rich, CPA STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Thomas E. Johnston, CCI, CHI™ INTERPRETER

ARTISTIC

Dale Shields REHEARSAL DIRECTOR

Yoshihisa Arai DIRECTOR OF SECOND COMPANY AND REHEARSAL DIRECTOR

Dena D’Andrea COMPANY MANAGER

Angelika Bonyhati-Kovacs

Brian Cashwell

Janet Langhorst

Ted Seaman BALLET ACCOMPANISTS

Gina Cerimele-Mechley INTIMACY COORDINATOR

PHILANTHROPY

Katharine Nemeth MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

Payton Field DONOR RELATIONS MANAGER

Ilona Piaskowy INDIVIDUAL GIVING MANAGER

Alexandria Wright INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MANAGER

MARKETING AND BRAND STRATEGY

Nicole Doll VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND BRAND STRATEGY

Louanna Wyatt ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PATRON EXPERIENCE

Nicholas Peltz SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND CONTENT MANAGER

Katie Daly GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dan Wood VIDEOGRAPHER

Eli Frances SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Eline Bauwens

Pam Taylor PATRON EXPERIENCE SUPERVISORS

Ja’Nay Brown

Adeline Carter Butch Hamm

Lisa Malsom

Brian Miller Neehar Phadke PATRON EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATES

OTTO M. BUDIG ACADEMY AND EDUCATION

Ginger Johnson VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMY AND EDUCATION

Carolyn Guido Clifford DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Mike Krauss DIRECTOR OF ACADEMY OPERATIONS

Maura Korn STUDENT SERVICES MANAGER

Elizabeth Metz REGISTRATION SERVICES MANAGER

David Morse PRINCIPAL, PROFESSIONAL TRAINING DIVISION

Jennifer Rutherford RESIDENT FACULTY

Cervilio Miguel Amador INTERIM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Kara Louis YOUTH PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Kate Stark CB MOVES COORDINATOR

Wynn White LEAD YOUNG PERFORMERS COORDINATOR

Kelly Daley YOUNG PERFORMERS COORDINATOR

Donna Anderle

Oliver Arana

Ja’Nay Brown

Rosa Compostella

Jackie Damico Amador

Kiersten Edwards

Emily Egner

Isabele Elefson

Kerry Enders

Nancy Fountain

Jeri Gatch

Donna Grisez

Julia Gundzik

Sasha Hart

Nicole Hershey

Andrew Hubbard

Helen Jardon

Julius Jenkins

Mary Kamp

Eileen Kim

Tina LaForgia Morse

Sirui Liu

Daimy McInroe

Mae Miller

Victoria Morgan

Shane Ohmer

Patty Pille

Carlos Quenedit

Rowan Salem

Maggie Silverstein

Joshua Stayton

Cassidy Steele

Shauna Steele

Kimberley Stewart

Rose Sunila

Brittany Taylor

Rebecca Walther

Michelle Ziegler

Missy Lay Zimmer ACADEMY AND EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS

Frances Bennett

Iliana Rich

Sierra Severt STUDENT EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVES

PRODUCTION

Brian R. Sherman VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION

Carissa Gandenberger PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

Brooke Arthur COSTUME SHOP MANAGER

Laura Hofmann WARDROBE SUPERVISOR

Cherl Beyersdoerfer FIRST WARDROBE ASSISTANT

Jackie Andrews SECOND WARDROBE ASSISTANT

Scott Berkley MASTER CARPENTER

Kevin Barth PROPERTY MASTER

Emily Hetzer MASTER ELECTRICIAN

Derek Lee ASSISTANT ELECTRICIAN

James Geier

WIG AND MAKE-UP CONSULTANT

Quinn Nicole Morgan

Morgan Piper

Shelby Scaffifi

Marcia Fortner ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS

Ashton Karp

CCM LIGHTING INTERN

ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Carolyn Crampton

Kelly Jo Rodrigo

COURTESY OF MERCY HEALTH ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE

ARTISTIC EMERITI

Victoria Morgan ARTISTIC DIRECTOR EMERITA

Carmon DeLeone MUSIC DIRECTOR EMERITUS

DONOR HONOR ROLL

FOUNDER

David W. Cook and Loretta Motz Cook

Dianne Dunkelman and Peter Schwartz

Lawrence E. Eynon MD and Donald Beck

Susan S. Friedlander+

Karen F. Maier and Delane Starliper

Debby and Jim Mason

Jack and Marilyn Osborn+

Halle and T. Quinn

Dianne and J. David Rosenberg*

Kitty and Richard Rosenthal

Thomas Schiff

DIRECTOR

Rhonda and Larry Sheakley

Jennifer and John Stein

Margaret and Michael Valentine

Anonymous in Honor of Victoria Morgan

Fran and Dan Bailey

Susan Brenner and Steven A. Mombach

Anonymous

Amy and Michael Bailes

Eileen and John Barrett

Sue and Ben Blaney

Debbie and Jody Brant

Fran and Wayne Carlisle

Jennifer and Vito Damiano

Susan Domonkos

Connie and Leslie Dow

Helen Dupree

Jennifer Conklin in memory of Bob Conklin

Arna and Bobby Fisher

Linda and Gary Greenberg

Suzanne and J. Frank Hall

Lauren Hannan Shafer

PRINCIPAL

Elizabeth and John LaMacchia

Barbara K. Myers

Martha and Nick Ragland

Juliana and William Tobler

Kristin and Chris Fishbaugh

Sarah Frank Fogarty and Timothy Fogarty

Kateri Moll Haskett

Cynthia E. Henderson

Sally D. Hernandez

John and Peter Laffoon

Jeffrey and Jody Lazarow and Janie and Peter Schwartz Family Fund*

Anne and Craig Maier

Madelynn and Raymond Matlock

Stacey and Mark Miller

Mitzie and Emerson Moser

Marianne and Randall Olson*

Kristen and Scott Oyler

Jack Rouse

Morleen Rouse

Keke and Tony Sansalone

Lisa and Joel Stone

SOLOIST

Kelly and Guy Vanasse

Diane and Gary West

Faith C. Whittaker, Partner with Dinsmore & Shohl

Christine and John Willig

Bonnie and Charles Bensonhaver

Elaine and David Billmire

Jane and Robert Bohinski

Daniel Cifuentes

Paula and William Cordes

Andrea Costa

Bobbi and Aaron Crary

Kelly M. Dehan and Rick Staudigel

Andrea GeorgopoulosStraus

Arielle Goldberg

Kim Good

Patti and Fred Heldman*

Margaret and Edmund Hess

Theresa and Edmond

Hooker

Esther and Steven Johnson

Noël Julnes-Dehner and Joseph Dehner

Daphne and Jason Jurgensen

Barbara and Lorrence Kellar

Lane and Skip Merten

Jack Miner and Brian Dozer

Hanna Minor

Mary Lou Motl

Susan Murray

Valerie L. Newell and Timothy Smith

CORPS

Susan and Joseph Pichler*

Kathryn J. Pratt

Amy and Bradley Resch

Alice Schneider

Gayle and William Sherman

Nydia C. Tranter

Jo Ann Wieghaus

Karen Zaugg Ph.D.

Anonymous

Janet Baker

Ruth E. Bley

Jacklyn and Gary Bryson

Louise and Lanthan Camblin

Renee Combs

R. Cutler Quinllin, III and Lindsey R. Gutierrez

Lisa and Richard Damico

Maureen and John Doellman

Peggy Dossman

Greta Elenbaas

Jennifer and Ron Erdmann

Michele and Garth Finch

Valerie Folger

Kristine and David Freitas

Jodi M. Geiser and James Miller III

Ralph Ginocchio

Allison and Justin Greiwe

William Griesser

Jessica Hall

Jennifer Heis

Jane Hopson

Katherine O. Jarnigo

Sally Kelsall

The Kereiakes Family

Jean Knuth

Christine and Rick Lefever

Drs. Lizbie and Lynn Lin

David Martin

Alexa and Jack Oliver

Carol and Robert Olson

Lois and Steve Oyler

John Pape

Andrea Pomeranz

Sara and Sid Pomeroy

Marilyn and Paul Porcino

Jennifer and Jake Ragland

Lori Rappold

Amanda and Craig Rassi

The Relthford Family

Rosemary and Mark Schlachter

Linda Siekmann

Amy Thomas

Justin Vandemark

Nancy and Christopher Virgulak

Robyn and David Wenzke

Tiffany and John Whitcomb

Angela White and Amahle White-Dragon

Blythe and Tyler Winslow

Anonymous (4)

Lois and Ken Allen

Lisa and Scott Altman

Jane S. Anderson

Christina Back

Carolyn Barham

Alison Belew

Marianna B. Bettman

Sandra and Robert Blanchard

Neil Bortz

Otto M. Budig Jr.

Debbie Campbell

Diane C. Carney

Tracy Cheever

Paula I. Comisar

Kathleen A. Compton and Raymond C. McNeil

Kristin and David Coppage

Dr. Sarah Corathers and James Anthony

Robert Corgan

Tanya Cornejo and Aaron Kellenberger

Natalia Cristo

Judy and Christopher

Dalambakis

Eric Dauer

THIRD POSITION

Cynthia and Stephen DeHoff

Stacey Devlin and Chris Bergman

Brian A. Doyle

Joyce Elkus

Merry Ewing

Risa and Stephen Feagins

Barbara and Ashley Ford

Courtney Fox

Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hahn

Eloise and Howard Hamilton

Amy Hanley

Sue and Scott Harrington

Genita and Rob Heidenreich

Mary and Howard Helms

Linda Holthaus

Terry and Tom Honebrink

Valerie Jacobs

Heidi B. Jark and Steven T. Kenat

Brenda Jones

Carole and Bradley Kindem*

Cheri King

Mary Ann and Jeff Knoop

Renee and Michael Kreeger

Susan and Andrew Krott

Carol L. Kruse

Kristin and Tom Lamarre

Joanie and Louis Lauch

Susan Lauf

Geoffrey Leder

Becky and Thomas Long

Sean Luther

Emily Mathews

Kim and Barbara McCracken

Jill and Larry McGruder

Cassie and Lachlan McLean

Emily and Steven Morgan

Leslie and Larry Newman

Katherine and Benjamin Ohlander

Alexandra and S. Cole Ollinger

Dr. Nan L. Oscherwitz

Tim O’Toole

Maria and James Papakirk

The Patel-Curran Family

Julia and Daniel Poston

Alandes Powell

Beth Plummer

Ellen Rieveschl

Rachel and Luke Robinson

Priya and Dave Rolfes*

Elyse M. Roth

Judith Roth

Janet and William Sarran

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Schlagheck

Janet Schultz and Russell Lascelles

Marianne Schwab and George Stricker

Barbara Seiver

Elizabeth Shaughnessy and James Stapleton

Susan and David Smith

Gale D. Snoddy and Alan L. Margulies

Debbie and Michael Snyder

Paul Spitz

Diane M. Spitznagel

Dee and Thomas Stegman

Mary M. Stein

John U. Tan

Amy and William Thaman

Heather and Jonathan Theders

Amanda & Judy, 80” x 50”, oil on linen canvas

ACADEMY AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy serves the greater Cincinnati area through world-class dance education programs and unparalleled performance opportunities. Whether students aspire to dance as a profession or pursue it as a personal passion, we believe dance training allows them to unleash potential that proves impactful in all aspects of their lives. Led by nationally recognized faculty, our guiding principles are to teach, challenge, and inspire the whole student to achieve their

CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH DANCE PROGRAMS

Enrollment based on age with beginning and progressing levels Designed to inspire a lifelong love of dance, the Academy’s Children’s and Community Divisions o er entry-level and advancing classes in creative dance, ballet, and a wide array of

Ages 8 – 18

Enrollment based on experience with an accelerating curriculum Our highly regarded ballet training, coupled with well-rounded

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING DIVISION

Ages 16 and Up Enrollment by invitation

For students on the cusp of careers in dance, the Professional Training Division provides dancers with a full-day immersive training program and opportunities to perform alongside Cincinnati Ballet’s professional Company.

ADAPTIVE DANCE PROGRAMS

Ages 4 – Young Adult

Placement determined by student support resources

Cincinnati Ballet’s CB Moves program, developed in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Department of Physical Therapy, fosters a love of dance and creative expression for students with specific needs.

For more information or to register connect with us at: Email: cbacademy@cballet.org | Phone: 513.562.1111 | Website: cballet.org/academy

Address: 1801 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio

Photography: Hiromi Platt

Photography: Angie Lipscomb

Photography: Angie Lipscomb

Photography: Aaron M. Conway

Pamela F. Thompson

Rob Thornton

Katrina Trimble

Susie Tweddell

DONOR HONOR ROLL

Heather and Andrew Vecellio

Barbara Wagner and William Partin

Anne Warrington Wilson

Tamara Weik

Michael G. Williams

Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis

Andrea Wilson and Clifford Goosmann

John Yacher

SECOND POSITION

Jody Yetzer and Alexander Kayne

Jaclyn and Brenden Zenni

Michelle and Nick Ziegler

Anonymous

Janice M. Amatulli

Pamela Ashmore

William Banks

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Barron

Helene and John Bentley

Pamela and Robert Bosley

Dr. Onassis A. Caneris

Phil and Katharine Clayton

Kate Costlow and John D’Amore

Madison and Yvonne Cuffy

Regina and Dan Daily

Thomas M. Deutsch

M. Patricia and T. Patrick Donnelly

Barbara Doviak

Nancy Finke

Heather A. Fischer

Kenneth Frey

Mary Ann Gardner

Judith and Samuel Gilardi

William Gracie

Bridget and Brian Hoffman

Becky Hogya

Francy Hughes

Laura Hurley

Kara and Guido Jackson

Jan and Randy Johnson

Isabel Jones

Patricia Joseph

James Kaya

Misty Keeton

Crystal L. Kendrick

Katherine E. Keough-Jurs

Katherine and Thomas Kinsworthy

Kathryn E. Kipp

Linda Kollar

Heather and H. Lee Krombholz

Stephen Lord

Caroline A. Love

Tanzy Love and Zach Dietz

Laura and Phil Lucas

Anne Maddox and John Berninger

James Mahon

Bruce McIntosh

Lori and Jeff Miller

Leah and Joe Miramonti

Roberta and Neal Montour

Amy D. Moon

Joselyn Pfeil

RUGiving2?*

Gabriella Scacchetti

Julie and Charles Scheper

Martha and Lee Schimberg

Shelly Sherman

Joanne and John Smale

Philip Smith

Linda and Nicholas Spadaccini

*Funds held at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation + In memoriam

Roxann Tillinghast and Roberto Molina

Marcia and Robert Togneri

Torey and Tom Torre

Bridgette Tucker

Jennifer Tullo

Susan B. Warren

Elizabeth and Chad Warwick

Sandra Wittman-Shell and Keven Shell

Gregory and Deborah Wright

Tonya and Jeff Yetter

Lisa Zaring

Marcia and Robert Ziek

Robert and Lindsay Zierolf

Tamela and Tim

Zimmerman

Betsey Zinn

Thank you to the donors whose gifts we received by June 3, 2023. The above donor pages represent the information available at the time of print. If you find that you are listed incorrectly or we did not recognize you appropriately, we apologize and want to include you. Please contact our Donor Relations Manager, Payton Field, at pfield@cballet.org or 513.562.1136.

BUSINESS CIRCLE

ABOUT FACE SURGICAL ARTS - KHURRAM A. KHAN

OMNIA 360 FACILITY SOLUTIONS

Thank you to the donors whose gifts we received by June 3, 2023. The above donor pages represent the information available at the time of print. If you find that you are listed incorrectly or we did not recognize you appropriately, we apologize and want to include you. Please contact our Donor Relations Manager, Payton Field, at pfield@cballet.org or 513.562.1136.

THE TODD GROUP @ STIFEL

FOUNDATION, GOVERNMENT, AND INSTITUTIONAL DONORS

$100,000 +

$50,000–$99,999

JOSEPHINE SCHELL RUSSELL CHARITABLE TRUST

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT

THE KAPLAN FOUNDATION

$15,000–$49,999

$5,000–$14,999

$1,000–$4,999

Nabama

Parkinson

Oliver Family Foundation The Thomas J. Emery Memorial Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

Chemed Foundation Crosset Family Foundation

Joni Herschede Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Fdtn Morgan Judd Memorial Fund

Mueller Family Foundation Peter T. Joseph Foundation

Andrew Howe Scholarship Foundation

Charles Scott Riley III Foundation

Ez & Lynn Housh Family Foundation Innovative Worthy Projects Foundation

Lewis & Marjorie Daniel Foundation

Foundation

Support and Wellness

ARTSWAVE PARTNERS

Cincinnati Ballet acknowledges the following partner companies, foundations, and their employees who generously participate in the annual ArtsWave Campaign at the $100,000+ level. Thank you!

$2 MILLION + P&G

$1 MILLION–$1,999,999

Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Foundation

$500,000–$999,999

altafiber GE Aerospace

$250,000–$499,999

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation

Cincinnati Business Courier

Cincinnati Reds

Duke Energy

The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Howard Foundation

The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

$100,000—$249,999

The Enquirer|Cincinnati.com

Great American Insurance Group

Greater Cincinnati Foundation

The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee

IN-SCHOOL RESIDENCIES

Cincinnati Ballet is delighted to provide elementary schools in the greater Cincinnati area with FREE residency experiences sure to inspire your students to move and to develop an appreciation for the art of dance.

Focus: Second Grade

Available: September - December

The CincyDance! program starts in the classroom using a physical education curriculum and dance training to activate a student’s desire to express themselves through movement. Following the residency, students are invited to audition for scholarships to continue their training at Cincinnati Ballet.

Focus: Pre-K

Available: January - April

The CincyDance! Pre-K program activates a student’s imagination introducing them to the joy of creative movement and ballet. Students will explore locomotor movement, balance and other key coordination skills with highly skilled Cincinnati Ballet teaching artists.

Western & Southern Financial Group

The Kroger Co. Messer Construction Co.

PNC

U.S. Bank

Photography: Hiromi Platt

EXPLORE CINCINNATI BALLET

MEET THE ARTIST

Cincinnati Ballet is pleased to offer Meet the Artist, a pre-performance discussion series connecting audiences to select dancers, choreographers, and members of the creative team who bring our performances to life. Admission to Meet the Artist is included in your ticket to the current production.

ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Throughout the year Cincinnati Ballet offers dynamic and interactive experiences to deepen your love of the art form. This season, we are pleased to present family-friendly activities at the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, including Trick or Treat at The Ballet and Nutcracker Sampler. Please check cballet.org for details.

BALLET & BEER

Ballet & Beer is an event series providing an insider’s view into Cincinnati Ballet while enjoying drinks, light bites, and socializing. This season we will host these happy hour–style events at the new Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance in Walnut Hills. These events are free to attend, but due to space limitations for the rehearsals, advanced reservations are encouraged. Events include a cash bar.

COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE SERIES

Cincinnati Ballet is excited to open the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance to the community for an inviting introduction to ballet and dance performance. These performances are designed to welcome new audiences to dance through accessible storytelling, relatable themes, fun choreography, and community partnerships. Join us at the new Center for Dance on select Sunday afternoons with your family and friends for these hour-long performances.

VOLUNTEER

Cincinnati Ballet offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Get involved and support Cincinnati Ballet while meeting new people and learning more about ballet. Volunteering for Cincinnati Ballet is fun, educational, and a great way to support the arts. Volunteers are vital in supporting the mission of Cincinnati Ballet.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

AT THE ARONOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS

FOOD AND BEVERAGES are available at various lobby locations throughout the Aronoff Center. For many performances, a selection of the concessions we sell, including most drinks, may be taken into the theater. Our concessions staff and ushers can indicate whether or not you may take your snacks and beverages into the theater.

ALL RESTROOMS in the Aronoff Center are accessible to people with disabilities. Restrooms in the Procter & Gamble Hall are located in the side corridors on both sides of the lobbies (except Balcony—restrooms located on the north side of the lobby only).

COAT CHECK can be found on the street level of the Aronoff Center.

IF YOU LOSE AN ITEM while attending an event at the Aronoff Center, check with one of our ushers before leaving the building. If they are unable to locate the item, call the Security Desk at (513) 9774128 during regular business hours, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IN OUR RECYCLING effort is appreciated! Blue or silver recycling containers are located near every concession stand. If you don’t want to keep your program, you may recycle it in the program bins in the lobby at the Aronoff Center.

PLEASE NOTE

THE LOBBY at the Aronoff Center opens one hour prior to curtain and you may enter the theater 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

LATE SEATING is at the discretion of the Front of House Manager. For many events, there may be a seating hold for latecomers. These holds vary in length depending on the show. Should you need to leave the auditorium during the performance, readmittance and seating will also be at the discretion of the house manager.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO of Cincinnati

Ballet performances is strictly forbidden.

SMOKING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED at the Aronoff Center.

FREE TOURS OF THE ARONOFF CENTER are available for groups up to 50 people and are typically offered Monday – Friday between the hours of 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, pending theater availability. Weekend or early evening tours also may be possible and can be discussed with a representative. The Aronoff Center tour lasts approximately one hour. To schedule a tour, call (513) 977-4117, ext. 3 and leave a message with the date(s) and time(s) you are interested in attending. An Aronoff Center representative will respond within 2 business days.

ACCESSIBILITY

All theaters and meeting spaces within the Aronoff Center are accessible to patrons with physical disabilities. Once inside the building, all levels are accessible by elevator. The Jarson-Kaplan Theater is equipped with one elevator for patron use. Automatic accessible doors are located on the south end of the building near Sixth and Walnut Streets.

A COURTESY WHEELCHAIR IS AVAILABLE

upon request on a first-come, first-served basis for patrons needing assistance from the lobby to their seats. Patrons can ask any staff member or volunteer usher for assistance.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES for the hearing impaired are available at the coat room in the lobby of the Jarson-Kaplan Theater. These assistive listening devices operate on an infra-red system and are not compatible with other frequency-based units.

ACCESSIBLE SEATING is available in all theaters for patrons not able to transfer out of their wheelchairs or with other seating needs. Please contact the Ticket Office at (513) 621-2787 in advance to discuss your needs.

SERVICE ANIMALS are always welcome at the Aronoff Center in order to accommodate patrons with disabilities.

For more information about Cincinnati Ballet please visit our website www.cballet.org, call (513) 621-5282, or visit us at 1801 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

The Kaplan Foundation proudly supports Cincinnati Ballet.