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CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR........................10 LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.....14 PROGRAM FOLLOWING PAGE.......................32 COVER PHOTO: Francisco Estevez by Allen Birnbach COLORADO BALLET PUBLICATION 2019/2020 Rachel Perez • Colorado Ballet Editor
6 Colorado Ballet
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FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR It is my pleasure to welcome you to Colorado Ballet’s 59th annual production of The Nutcracker! Whether this is your first time seeing The Nutcracker, or you’ve joined us for many seasons, I am sure this performance will add joy to your holiday season as you experience the magic that our dancers bring to the stage. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved music, this performance of The Nutcracker will whisk you away to distant lands filled with whimsical battles, hypnotizing snow and stunning dances. As I continue my 14th season as Colorado Ballet’s artistic director, I want to thank everyone who supports the ballet by purchasing tickets, making donations and attending our events—you make these performances possible! Colorado Ballet continues to receive rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, and we look forward to giving you another season of outstanding performances. I am excited to announce that next season, for our 60th anniversary season, we will present brand new sets and costumes for our production of The Nutcracker. Please visit our website at coloradoballet.org/gofundthemagic to learn more about how you can be involved and help us achieve this exciting new endeavor. Back by popular demand, in February we invite you to join us as we present Peter Pan. Don’t miss this high-flying adventure to Neverland where Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael experience pirates, Lost Boys, Captain Hook, an infamous crocodile and a little bit of pixie dust as this brilliant story unfolds. With choreography by Michael Pink and music by Philip Feeney, this ballet will delight audiences of all ages. Our Tour de Force program in March will open with Feast of the Gods by choreographer Edwaard Liang, who won the Prince Prize for Choreography and was nominated for the Golden Mask Award in Russia for Best Production. The program will include a world premiere by Julia Adam choreographed on our dancers, and close with Celts, a bold and thrilling work set to a traditional Irish score by choreographer Lila York. To close the 2019/2020 season in April, we will presents monumental favorites in Ballet MasterWorks. This season’s program will feature the ever popular Petite Mort by choreographer Jiří Kylián, In The Upper Room by Twyla Tharp and Theme and Variations by George Balanchine, which is set to the final movement of Tchaikovsky’s Orchestral Suite No. 3. The repertoire on this program profoundly impacted the art form and remains at the core of the 20th century ballet repertoire. Thank you for attending The Nutcracker and for supporting Colorado Ballet. We look forward to seeing you at the ballet again in the future to experience more inspiring ballet performances throughout the remainder of our 59th season. Enjoy today’s performance, and I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season!
Gil Boggs Artistic Director
10 Colorado Ballet
Seatings Every Saturday | 2:00pm to 2:30pm ADULTS :: $24.95 | CHILDREN :: $14.95 CELEBRATION TEA :: $27.95 (WITH A GLASS OF SPARKLING WINE) BRIDAL SHOWERS :: BABY SHOWERS :: BIRTHDAY PARTIES FEATURING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
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FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Welcome to Colorado Ballet’s 59th production of The Nutcracker! This magical production continues to be a tradition for many and lights up the holiday season in Denver. Thank you to Occidental, The Nutcracker’s Presenting Sponsor, for their generous support! As Board Co-Chairs, we are excited to announce that we will be retiring our current Nutcracker sets and costumes following this season. The company is already busy building new ones with the same Victorian theme, and our beloved choreography will continue to delight our audiences. The magic that you know and love will be refreshed for next year’s 60th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker! Colorado Ballet continues to thrive! We are proud to say that last year was the company’s fifth-consecutive best year on record. Again, this year, our artistic leadership is bringing you another season of stunning classical ballet and inspiring contemporary works, with five major productions at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. In addition to presenting outstanding performances, Colorado Ballet also educates the next generation of dancers at the Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy. Many of our Academy students have the opportunity to perform on stage with the professional company each year. Colorado Ballet further instills the love of dance through its Education and Community Engagement Programs. These programs, which impact more than 25,000 contacts each year in more than 200 schools and organizations, provide opportunities for in-need students, teachers, families and individuals with disabilities to take classes and attend performances. We hope you enjoy today’s performance and will play a role in keeping the magic alive by supporting Colorado Ballet’s $2.5 million campaign to replace our Nutcracker sets and costumes. All gifts, no matter the size, will make a difference and are tax-deductible. Please contact our Advancement Team or visit our website at coloradoballet.org/gofundthemagic to find out more. Thank you for your continued commitment and support of Colorado Ballet! Sincerely, Duke Hartman and Colleen Curran Board Co-Chairs
COLORADO BALLET BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE BOARD Board Co-Chairs Colleen Curran Duke Hartman
Board Governance Co-Chairs Michael E. Korenblat, Esp. Adrienne L. Toon, Esq.
Secretary JoAnne Zboyan
Long-Range Planning Chair Elizabeth Katkin
Treasurer and Finance Co-Chair William J. Tryon Finance Co-Chair Brent L. Backes
Marketing and Public Relations Chair Susan Bailey
Advancement Chair Merry Logan
Education & Community Engagement Co-Chairs Joanne Posner-Mayer JoAnne Zboyan
Academy Co-Chairs Raydean Acevedo Holly Baroway
Colorado Ballet Auxiliary President Alyson Graves Campaign Chair Denise Sanderson
14 Colorado Ballet
Trustees Michelle Moorman Applegate Jean Armstrong Steven Blazek Christina Crow Kaye Ferry Ann Frick Anne M. Hillary Curt Hockemeier Gail K. Kassan Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz Richard Kylberg Greg Laugero Jane Netzorg Cleo Rauchway Douglas Richards Cheri Rubin Dick Saunders Suzan Schlatter Brad Sonnenberg Nancy Stevens Bernee Strom Susan Struna
Ex-Officio Mark Heiser Lifetime Trustees Raydean Acevedo Duke Hartman Dick Saunders Emeritus Board Lisa Levin Appel Liz and Bill Armstrong Anna Bates Christin Crampton Day Sandy Elliott Henny Lasley David Ramsay Jim Ruh Lisa Snider Harry Sterling
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KEEP THE MAGIC ALIVE! After 15 years of making our stage sparkle, Colorado Ballet’s Nutcracker sets and costumes are being retired. Help bring new sets and costumes to the stage in 2020. Play a role today! COLORADOBALLET.ORG/GOFUNDTHEMAGIC
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Founders Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker Artistic Director Gil Boggs Ballet Mistresses Sandra Brown, Lorita Travaglia, Maria Mosina Music Director and Principal Conductor Adam Flatt Associate Conductor Catherine Sailer THE COMPANY Principals Dana Benton, Francisco Estevez, Chandra Kuykendall, Yosvani Ramos, Asuka Sasaki Soloists Morgan Buchanan, Tracy Jones, Christophor Moulton, Nicolas Pelletier, Kevin GaĂŤl Thomas Demi-Soloists Sean Omandam, Emily Speed, Melissa Zoebisch Corps de Ballet Joshua Allenback, Arianna Ciccarelli, Mackenzie Dessens, Regan Kucera, Bryce Lee, Francesca Martoccio, Leah McFadden, Fernanda Oliveira, Tyler Rhoads, Jeremy Studinski, Sarah Tryon, Benjamin Winegar, Simon Zinabu-Costello Apprentices Liam Hogan, Tate Lee, Ariel McCarty, Alexander Roy, Alexandra Wilson Studio Company Catherine Aoki, Isabelle Browne, Renee Castonguay, Robbie Downey, Jacqueline Gionet, Alexandra Gilliom, Sheridan Guerin, Kyra Hughes, Tyler Humphrey, Madeleine Kuebler, Ever Larson, Hannah Lesold, Gabriele Lukasik, Catherine McGregor, Alejandro Perez, Gabriela Rodriguez, Benjamin Rose, Jacob Ray, Rosemary Shahani, McKenzie Thomas, Shelby Vennekotter Colorado Ballet | 1075 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 | 303-837-8888 | COLORADOBALLET.ORG Out of courtesy to the dancers, the taking of photographs of any nature is strictly prohibited during performances. Please silence all cellular telephones, pagers and audible devices. Colorado Ballet productions are made possible in part by funding from the citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. The Dancers of Colorado Ballet are represented by The American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO; the union that represents Artists in the fields of opera, ballet, modern dance and choral presentations.
Occidental Presents
THE NUTCRACKER November 30 – December 29, 2019
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Based on Choreography by Martin Fredmann Additional Choreography by Sandra Brown Staged by Sandra Brown, Lorita Travaglia and Maria Mosina Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Based on the Story by E.T.A. Hoffman Scenery and Costumes by Jose Varona Additional Costumes by Colorado Ballet Wardrobe Department Lighting Design by Todd Elmer Associate Lighting Designer Patrick “Red” Howard Synopsis The curtain rises to reveal Herr Drosselmeyer in his workshop preparing for the party at the home of Dr. and Frau Stahlbaum. It’s their annual Christmas Eve Party. The magical and eccentric Herr Drosselmeyer has planned a special surprise for his beloved godchild, Clara Stahlbaum. He presents her with a wonderfully mysterious wooden Nutcracker. Clara is immediately taken with the gift. Clara’s brother Fritz is jealous and steals the Nutcracker from Clara. In the chaos of his teasing, Fritz accidentally breaks the Nutcracker. Herr Drosselmeyer comes to the rescue and assures Clara that all will be well. The party ends and Clara, just before the stroke of midnight, returns to the darkened living room to check on her Nutcracker. She is frightened by large mice, but suddenly, Herr Drosselmeyer appears and the mice flee. Much to Clara’s amazement, Herr Drosselmeyer commands the Christmas tree to grow to such an enormous size that it pushes away the entire room. Next, he changes her little wooden toy into a life-size Nutcracker. The Nutcracker introduces himself and his soldiers to Clara. The mice suddenly reappear, and a vicious battle ensues. The soldiers seem to be winning, but the great Mouse King appears and the tide turns. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King fight, and just as the Mouse King is about to overpower the Nutcracker, Clara distracts him, giving the Nutcracker the chance to overcome the Mouse King. To Clara’s delight and surprise, the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome young prince, who takes her off on an enchanted journey. He takes her to the Land of the Snow, and then to the beautiful Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where Clara is entertained by dances from many lands. Clara and the Prince dance together surrounded by radiant flowers. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier then dance for Clara and the Prince. The Prince carries a sleeping Clara back to her home, where she awakens uncertain if her magical journey was a dream or reality.
Gil Boggs, Artistic Director
ARTISTIC STAFF
Gil Boggs began his dance career with the Atlanta Ballet. He joined American Ballet Theatre in New York in 1982 and was promoted to soloist dancer in 1984 and principal dancer in 1991. Boggs was a member of the company for 17 years. Boggs also performed with the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, Baryshnikov and Company, Nureyev and Friends, and made several guest appearances around the world. During his career with ABT, he was recognized as both an accomplished virtuoso and one of the company’s most popular performers. Boggs has
2 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet
worked with numerous noted choreographers, including Agnes de Mille, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Paul Taylor, Mark Morris, Jerome Robbins and Merce Cunningham and has an extensive performance repertoire of both classical and contemporary works. Boggs accepted the position of Artistic Director with Colorado Ballet in the Spring of 2006. In Boggs’ tenure with Colorado Ballet he has restaged full-length productions of Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Don Quixote and Coppelia along with adding new full-length productions of Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, Le Corsaire, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan. Boggs has also presented 15 world premieres and 12 Colorado Ballet premieres by such renowned choreographers as Twyla Tharp, Lar Lubovitch, Antony Tudor, Val Caniparoli, Dwight Rhoden and Lynne Taylor-Corbett.
ARTISTIC STAFF Sandra Brown, Ballet Mistress
Lorita Travaglia, Ballet Mistress
Sandra Brown joined the corps de ballet of American Ballet Theatre in 1987 under the directorship of Mikhail Baryshnikov and was promoted to soloist in 1992 where she remained until 2003. During that time, she danced not only numerous classical full length principal roles, but gained recognition for her leading contemporary roles as well. Most notably, she created and danced the world premiere role of Desdemona in Lar Lubovitch’s full-length Othello in 1997 and appears in ABT’s film productions of Romeo and Juliet, Le Corsaire, and the documentary Ballet. In 2000, Brown was featured in the movie Center Stage and appears in the film The Company. Brown also holds the honor of appearing on Broadway as the original Louise Bigelow in the Tony Award-winning 1994 revival of Carousel, directed by Nicholas Hytner and choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan at the Lincoln Center Theater. In 2003, Brown left ABT to pursue work as a freelance artist with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Stiefel and Stars, Vladimir Malakhov, Peter Boal and Company, Chamber Dance Project, Dancers Patrelle, Ballet Hawaii and Madison Ballet. During this time, she also was asked to perform as a guest artist at the Vail International Festival, became certified to teach Pilates, taught for the ABT Summer Intensive, and choreographed the ballet Synchronicity. In 2006, she joined her husband, Gil Boggs, to work with Colorado Ballet. Since then, she has assisted staging the full-length productions of Giselle, Don Quixote, and Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Brown has also assisted with choreographing and staging of The Nutcracker, Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake. In addition, she assisted staging Lar Lubovitch’s Smile With my Heart, Dwight Rhoden’s Ave Maria, Twyla Tharp’s In The Upper Room, Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, and Edwaard Liang’s Feast of the Gods. Brown restaged her ballet, Synchronicity, for Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company. In 2007, she was asked to stage Smile with my Heart for the Joffrey Ballet. In 2013, she staged Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s Great Galloping Gottschalk at the University of South Carolina and in 2014 at NBA of Japan. In 1989 and 1990, she was chosen by Mikhail Baryshnikov to choreograph for the American Ballet Theatre Choreographic Workshop. During her tenure, she has choreographed for the Bal de Ballet, an event hosted by the Denver Ballet Guild. Her creations are From Within, Crimson Surges, Unforgettable, Grand Pas Fantastique, Heart Strings, One by One, Set Fire to the Rain, The Secret Garden, Young and Beautiful, The Charleston, Scheherazade, and Pirates of the Caribbean. In 2014, she gained critical acclaim for the ballet The Last Beat, which she created on the dancers of Colorado Ballet to the music of DeVotchKa.
Lorita Travaglia is originally from New Zealand. She received her ballet training at the National School of Ballet and later the Royal Ballet School in London. Lorita made her debut as a professional dancer with the Berlin Ballet. After six years with the Company, she moved to the United States where she worked with Princeton Ballet, Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and International Ballet Rotaru, dancing solo and principal roles in a wide range of repertoire. Her favorite roles include Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Swanhilda in Coppelia, Cinderella, Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Paquita. In 1992, Lorita returned to New Zealand, but continued to perform as a guest artist with companies in the United States as well as Company Z, a contemporary dance company in New Zealand. Lorita began teaching in 1988 while still performing and studied the Vaganova methodology. She was the principal teacher for a professional training program in Auckland, New Zealand and later, as artistic director of Canyon Concert Ballet in Fort Collins, Colorado, she set up a similar aspirant program. In 1999, Lorita joined Colorado Ballet as director of the Apprentice Program and company repetiteur, and has been ballet mistress since 2006. Her choreography includes Equanimity, Aspects, Pictures at an Exhibition, Piazzolla and, most recently, The Angel of Buenos Aires for Colorado Ballet and a full-length The Nutcracker for Canyon Concert Ballet. Lorita graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2000 and has a private practice in Denver. She is an avid tango dancer and is the Creative Director of Parasol Arts.
Generously supported by Pam and Duke Hartman
Generously supported by Raydean Acevedo Maria Mosina, Ballet Mistress
Maria Mosina was born in Moscow and graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia. Upon graduation, Maria joined the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich Company and immediately was chosen for principal roles. She toured the world appearing on all major European, American, African and Asian stages. In 1995, Maria was invited by Colorado Ballet to join as a leading principal dancer. She performed all major parts in classical productions and also had the chance to show her talent in neoclassical, modern and contemporary choreographed master pieces. Maria was a featured dancer on the cover of Dance Magazine and has been featured in other magazine articles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in methodology and pedagogy from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography. She is also an active ballet instructor throughout the United States. She participated as a master teacher and judge for the Youth American Grand Prix. Maria performed leading roles in all major productions as a member of the Company, as well as a guest artist with many other festivals, galas and companies. After 21 seasons as a principal dancer with Colorado Ballet, she retired at the end of the 2016/2017 season. She has now joined the artistic staff of the company.
Generously supported by Paul Goodspeed and Mary Poole
Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 3
ARTISTIC STAFF Adam Flatt, Music Director & Principal Conductor As Music Director of Colorado Ballet Adam Flatt has conducted hundreds of performances in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and led the Colorado Ballet Orchestra to an acclaimed period of excellence. Well known to Colorado audiences, Adam previously served for many years as Associate Conductor of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra. In addition to his work here at Colorado Ballet, Adam is Music Director of the Newport Symphony Orchestra on the Oregon coast and the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. As a guest conductor he has led performances with orchestras, opera and ballet companies all over the United States. Mr. Flatt has his bachelor’s degree in music with honors from the University of California at Berkeley, and his master’s degree in conducting from the Indiana University School of Music. Mr. Flatt and his family make their home in Denver. www.adamflatt.com
Generously supported by Sandy Elliott Catherine Sailer, Associate Conductor
Catherine Sailer, Director of Choral Studies at the University of Denver, conducts the Lamont Chorale, the Lamont Women’s Chorus and The Evans Choir. Conducting credits include the Shanghai International Choral League and Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Northeastern Pennsylvania Symphony, National Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra, Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra, National Opera of China, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Central City Opera, Dale Warland Singers, Kansas City Chorale, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Madrigal Vocale, Aspen Music Festival, Bravo! Vail Valley Festival, Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and Oregon Bach Festival.
She regularly conducts festival performances at Carnegie Hall, and other festivals in Rome, Vienna and Shanghai, and is an active guest conductor and clinician. Sailer was the winner of Chorus America’s Robert Shaw Conducting Fellowship and won First Place in the American Prize for Choral Performance.
Heather Prokhnitski, Academy Director for The Nutcracker Heather Prokhnitski is from Norfolk, Virginia and received her early dance training from the Old Dominion University Ballet School. She was a full-scholarship student at the Kirov Academy in Washington D.C., and studied for a year at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. For three summers, she was invited by the North Carolina School of the Arts to study in Budapest, Hungary at the Hungarian State Ballet School. Heather danced with Colorado Ballet for 11 seasons and as a Soloist danced many leading roles. Some of her favorite roles include the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker, the Lilac fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, the Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Pas de Quatre, the Dryad Queen in Don Quixote and Lucy in Dracula. Heather was also a featured dancer in Taisiya Korobeynikova’s Elysium, Jessica Lang’s From Foreign Lands and People, Darrell Moultrie’s Vital Sensations and many other works by contemporary choreographers. Mrs. Prokhnitski began teaching at the Colorado Ballet Academy in 2008. She is now in her eleventh season serving as Academy Nutcracker Director for Colorado Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, selecting, rehearsing and staging all students that perform in the production. Mrs. Prokhnitski also served as Academy Rehearsal Director for ALICE (in wonderland) in the 2015-2016 season. In addition to creating the Colorado Ballet Academy’s Intermediate Ballet Intensive, Mrs. Prokhnitski has taught several summers in the Summer Intensive for Ballet Virginia International as well as been a guest teacher for the Youth America Grand Prix workshops in Denver.
DANCERS PRINCIPALS Dana Benton Dana Benton was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where she began her training with Lou and Pauline Zamprogna at The Dance Centre. At the age of nine, she was accepted to the National Ballet School in Toronto where she trained for eight years. She went on exchange to Hamburg Ballet School in Hamburg, Germany. Dana graduated from the National Ballet School with Honors in Academics and received the Peter Dwyer Award for Excellence in Dance. Upon graduating in 2000, Dana received a contract with the Alberta Ballet Company in Canada. She spent one year with the company as an Apprentice. In 2001, she joined Colorado Ballet as a Corps
4 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet
de Ballet member. In 2007, she was promoted to Soloist and in 2014, was promoted to Principal. With Colorado Ballet, Dana has worked with many well-known choreographers and repetiteurs including Val Caniparoli, Bronwen Curry, Matthew Dibble, Karina Elver, Judith Fugate, John Gardner, Thierry Michel, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Jessica Lang, Edwaard Liang, Donald Mahler, Amanda McKerrow, Luiz Ortiz, Janie Parker, Michael Pink, Viki Psihoyos, Brian Reeder, Domy ReiterSoffer, Dwight Rhoden, Roman Rykine, Amy Seiwert, James Sofranko, Ben Stevenson, Paul Sutherland, Lynn TaylorCorbett, Doug Varone, Dominic Walsh, Shelly Washington, Septime Webre, Christopher Wheeldon, Lila York and Stefan Zeromski. Since joining Colorado Ballet, she has performed many soloist and principal roles. Her notable roles include The Sylph in La Sylphide, Alice in ALICE (in Wonderland), Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Swanilda in Coppélia, 4th pas de deux in Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Waltz Girl in Balanchine’s Serenade, Cow Girl in Rodeo, Ave Maria Pas de Deux, Sugar Plum and Clara in The Nutcracker, Gulnara in Le Corsaire, Tinker Bell in Peter Pan, Pink and Aqua in Bruch
DANCERS Violin Concerto No. 1, Red Girl in Celts, Lucy in Dracula, Princess Florine and Diamond Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Odette/Odile and Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Peasant Pas in Giselle, Flower Girl and Cupid in Don Quixote, Hermia and Peaseblossom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Flames of Paris Pas de Deux, Bomb Squad in In The Upper Room, Lead Souvenir Lady in the Great Galloping Gottschalk, Amy Seiwert’s Duet It’s Not a Cry, The Muse in Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb), The Younger Sister in Antony Tudor’s Pillar of Fire, The Angel in Lorita Travaglia’s The Angel of Buenos Aires, The Blue Couple in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling and the featured role in Amy Seiwert’s Traveling Alone. In 2015, Pointe Magazine named Dana as one of the top 12 “Standout Performances” of the year for her performance of Traveling Alone with Amy Seiwert’s Imagery.
Generously supported by Jane and Skip Netzorg Francisco Estevez
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Francisco moved to the USA in 1995. He began his ballet training in Louisville, Kentucky and at the age of 16 moved to finish his training at the School of American Ballet in New York where he also had the opportunity to perform featured roles alongside the New York City Ballet. Upon graduating in 2008, Francisco joined Boston Ballet where he danced for two years before joining the Barcelona Ballet under the direction of Angel Corella in 2010. As a member of this company, he performed various soloist and principal roles and took part in the “Feria del Libro” in Guadalajara, Mexico, the Spoleto Festival in both Italy and Charleston, North Carolina and the Peralada festival, Catalonia. In 2011, Francisco won First Place at the Premio Internacional de Danza Roseta Mauri. His notable roles to date include Balanchine’s Tarantella and the 1st and 2nd themes from The Four Temperaments, Jorma Elo’s Carmen Illusions, Principal in Jerome Robbin’s 2 & 3 Part Inventions and the 1st and 3rd Sailor in Robbins’ Fancy Free, Peter Martin’s Les Gentil Hommes, Christopher Wheeldon’s For Four, DGV, Polyphonia and VIII, Pink, Red and Aqua Couples in Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, Stanton Welch’s Clear, Franz in Coppelia, Benno and Neopolitan in Swan Lake, the Peasant pas de deux from Giselle, the pas de six from Napoli, the Nutcracker Prince and Sugarplum Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Jester in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Lysander in Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Renfield and Harker in Michael Pink’s Dracula, James in La Sylphide, White Rabbit, Dodo Bird and Joker in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Amy Seiwert’s It’s Not a Cry Pas de Deux, Prince Christian in Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s The Little Mermaid, Waltz Boy in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Tybalt and Mercutio in Derek Deane’s Romeo and Juliet and the blue couple in Twyla Tharp’s A Brief Fling, Prince Desiree and Blue Bird in The Sleeping Beauty and Tin Man in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz among others. Francisco joined Colorado Ballet during the 2012-2013 season, was promoted to Soloist in 2015 and then to Principal in 2019.
Generously supported by Janis Brewster
Chandra Kuykendall Chandra Kuykendall is from Parker, Colorado and trained at the Academy of Colorado Ballet from 1988 until graduating in 1997. In 1996, she won the Denver Ballet Guild Competition and received the prestigious Florence Rustin Award. She also attended summer programs at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Vail under full scholarship, Kirov Academy of Ballet, San Francisco Ballet Academy and School of American Ballet. After graduating from the Academy in 1997, Chandra joined Colorado Ballet. She spent the 1998-1999 season with Leipzig Ballet in Leipzig, Germany under the direction of the brilliant choreographer Uwe Scholz. She returned to Colorado Ballet in the fall of 1999. With Colorado Ballet, Chandra has danced numerous principal roles including Princess Aurora and Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Giselle and Myrta in Giselle, Medora in Le Corsaire, Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in The Nutcracker, Cinderella in Cinderella, Dryad Queen in Don Quixote, Lucy in Dracula, Titania and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Firebird in Firebird, the principal role in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, the Crossover Girl in Twyla Tharp’s In The Upper Room, the Mother in Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, 3rd Duet in Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, the Brown Girl in Celts, the Kick Girl in George Balanchine’s Rubies, principal role in Theme and Variations, 2nd Violin in Concerto Barocco, Waltz Girl in Serenade, and Gerald Arpino’s well-known pas de deux from Light Rain. Her favorite of these roles was the tragic Odette/ Odile in Swan Lake. She has also been featured in Antony Tudor’s Leaves Are Fading, Stanton Welch’s Of Blessed Memory, Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, Septime Webre’s Where the Wild Things Are, Edwaard Liang’s Feast of the Gods, Jodie Gates’ Embellish, Emery LeCrone’s Archetypes, Val Caniparoli’s In Pieces, Jessica Lang’s From Foreign Lands and People and De Profundis, Mathew Neenan’s The Faraway, Amy Seiwert’s Traveling Alone and Things Left Unsaid, Carmina Burana, Great Galloping Gottschalk, Yes, Virginia, Another Piano Ballet and Martin Fredmann’s A Little Love as well as his Dreamspace shown on PBS. The August 2013 issue of 5280 Magazine featured Chandra in an article highlighting seven of Colorado’s athletes. This is Chandra’s 22nd season with Colorado Ballet, and she will be retiring at the conclusion of the season.
Generously supported by Joanne Posner Mayer Yosvani Ramos
Yosvani Ramos was born in Camagüey, Cuba and trained there at the National Ballet School. In 1997 he went on to dance with Jeune Ballet de France and Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris in 1999 after winning the Gold Medal at the Paris International Ballet Competition. He has also won the silver medal at the international ballet competitions in Varna in Bulgaria, Jackson Mississippi in the USA and Nagoya in Japan. He joined English National Ballet as a Soloist in 1999 and was promoted to Senior Soloist in 2000, then Principal Dancer in 2003 after his performance as Franz in Coppélia. Yosvani danced with ENB until 2008 when he joined The
Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 5
DANCERS Australian Ballet as a Principal Artist, where he remained until April 2013. He has danced the lead roles in all the major classical ballets including Giselle, Swan Lake, Coppélia, Romeo & Juliet, Don Quixote, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, The Merry Widow, Manon, La Silphíde, The Snow Queen and Peter Pan as well as the lead in Les Sylphídes, Etudes, Mazurka in Suite en Blanc, principal man in Balanchine’s Stars & Stripes, Square Dance, Who Cares?, Ballet Imperial, Serenade as Dark Angel man and ballets by Alexei Ratmanski, Stanton Welch, Nacho Duato, Kenneth MacMillan, Mark Morris and many others. Recently, he has danced as Blue Couple in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling, Guard with Green Whiskers, Professor Marvel and the Wizard in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz and Estuans Interius in Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana. He has also guested all around the world. In September 2013, Yosvani danced at the XVIII International Ballet Festival in Miami, then spent several months guesting with companies in Europe and the USA. He joined the Cincinnati Ballet as Principal dancer in July 2014. Yosvani joined Colorado Ballet at the beginning of the 2015-2016 season as Principal dancer. Since joining Colorado Ballet Yosvani has danced the roles of James in La Sylphíde, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Cavalier in The Nutcracker, the Dodo Bird, the Joker, the Mad Hatter and Lewis Carroll in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Prince Siegfried and Benno in Swan Lake, Jonathan Harker in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Romeo in Derek Deane’s Romeo & Juliet and principal Blue Couple in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling.
Generously supported by Katherine and Michael Whitcomb Asuka Sasaki
Asuka Sasaki was born in Nagano, Japan. She trained at the Emiko Kojima Ballet School, Yo Ballet Academy in Japan and Beijing Dance Academy in China. After Beijing Dance Academy she joined Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet as an Aspirant. She started dancing with Colorado Ballet in 2005 as a member of the Corps de Ballet, was promoted to Soloist in 2010 and then to Principal in 2017. She has performed Aurora and Blue Bird in The Sleeping Beauty, Dorothy in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz, George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Theme and Variations soloist, Serenade Russian girl, Clara, Sugar Plum and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana, Lynn Taylor-Corbett’s The Little Mermaid, Juliet in Derek Deane’s Romeo and Juliet, Mina in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Blue Principal in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling and In the Upper Room, Hagar in Antony Tudor’s Pillar of Fire, Mercedes and Flower Girl in Don Quixote, Gulnara in Le Corsaire, Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Myrta and Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle, Autumn Fairy and Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Red and Pink Couple in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Alice in Wonderland’s Eaglet. With Colorado Ballet, she has worked with accomplished choreographers such as Val Caniparoli, Derek Deane, Septime Webre, Eldar Aliev, Michael Pink, Ben Stevenson, Lynn Taylor-Corbett, Martin Fredmann, Lila York, Jessica Lang, Dwight Rhoden, Edwaard Liang and Amy Seiwert.
Generously supported by Debby Herz 6 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet
SOLOISTS Morgan Buchanan Morgan Buchanan is from Houston, Texas. She trained at the Ballet Center of Houston under the direction of Victoria Vittum and Gilbert Rome. Morgan also trained at Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy for two years under Sally Rojas and Sabrina Lenzi, where she earned the highest final evaluation variation score in her class. Before joining the Colorado Ballet Studio Company in 2009, she attended summer programs with American Ballet Theatre, Orlando Ballet and Houston Ballet. She joined the Company in 2011 and was promoted to Soloist in 2016. Her notable roles with Colorado Ballet include Wendy in Michael Pink’s Peter Pan, Vitality Fairy and Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Moyna in Giselle, Autumn Fairy and Fairy Godmother in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Sugar Plum Fairy and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, First Passerby in Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, Effie in La Sylphide, Red in Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, The Princess in Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird, the fifth pas de deux in Jiří Kylian’s Petite Mort, Pas de Trois and Big Swans in Swan Lake, Lucy in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Waltz Girl in George Balanchine’s Serenade, the Wicked Witch in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz, and Hagar in Antony Tudor’s Pillar of Fire.
Generously supported by Lynnette Morrison Tracy Jones-Estevez
Born in Cork, Ireland, Tracy started dancing at the age of five with Ballet Theatre Ireland. At 11, she went on to train at The Royal Ballet School in London. During her graduate year, she performed with the Royal Ballet Company in many of their productions and joined them on their 2007 International tour to Mexico and the USA. Upon graduating, Tracy joined the English National Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member where she performed throughout the UK and toured to Beijing, China. Tracy was a founding member of the Barcelona Ballet under the direction of Angel Corella from 2008 to 2012, where she toured worldwide, performing various soloist and principal roles. In 2013, Tracy joined Colorado Ballet and in June of that year, Pointe Magazine named her as one of 10 “Stars in the Corps.” In 2016, she choreographed “Circadian” for Colorado Ballet’s Attitude on Santa Fe. She was promoted to Soloist in 2017. Tracy’s notable roles with Colorado Ballet include the Principal couple in Sandra Brown’s The Last Beat, Hermia in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco and Theme and Variations, Pas de Deux girl in Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, Effie in La Sylphide, Caterpillar in Septime Webre’s Alice (in wonderland), Muse in Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb), Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain Pas de Deux, Pas de Trois and Big Swans in Swan Lake, The Angel in Lorita Travaglia’s Angel of Buenos Aires, The Sea Witch in Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s The Little Mermaid, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Trio in Amy Seiwert’s Traveling Alone, Glinda in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz and Dark Angel in George
DANCERS Balanchine’s Serenade which she recently performed at the Vail Dance Festival, 2019. Tracy is very grateful to be in her 8th season with the Colorado Ballet.
Generously supported in loving memory of Jim Brewster Christophor Moulton
Christophor Moulton was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado and began his training with Rozanne David at the Dance Center of Colorado Springs and continued his training in Colorado with German Zemuel. He graduated from the Harid Conservatory in Florida, where he trained under Svetlana Osiyeva, Olivier Pardina and Victoria Schnider. During his years at Harid, Christophor performed numerous roles including Siegfried in Swan Lake and the lead in Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante. He also studied for a year at the Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis School under Franco Devita. Christophor joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2009, was promoted to the Company in 2010 and then to Soloist in 2017. During his time at Colorado Ballet, he has worked with esteemed choreographers, Val Caniparoli, Amy Seiwert, Edwaard Liang, Ben Stevenson, Stephen Mills, Septime Webre and Michael Pink. He has performed the roles of Lovers in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Step Sister in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Dracula and Arthur in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Hilarion in Giselle, Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Red in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, the Prince in Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird, Waltz Man and Dark Angel Man in Balanchine’s Serenade, Lion in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz, Friend in Antony Tudor’s Pillar of Fire, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort and Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana.
Generously supported by Peggy Goldman Nicolas Pelletier
Nicolas Pelletier was born in Quebec City, Canada. He moved to California when he was eight, where he attended the San Francisco Ballet School for 10 years. During his time at the school, he performed in ballets including John Neumeier’s Yondering and Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes. He completed his training with Canada’s National Ballet School in 2010 and joined Alberta Ballet in 2011. During his six years with the Company, he had the opportunity to dance many principal roles including Dracula in Ben Stevenson’s Dracula and Romeo in Jean Grand-Maître’s Romeo and Juliet. Nicolas also had the pleasure of working closely with Jean Grand-Maître in the creation of many new works throughout his time at Alberta Ballet, including pas de deux and solos. Other notable ballets in his repertoire include Divertimento No. 15, Four Temperaments, Swan Lake, Giselle, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Madame Butterfly, Othello and The Nutcracker. This is his third season with Colorado Ballet.
Generously supported by Carla Dore
Kevin Gaël Thomas Kevin Gaël Thomas is from Cannes, France and studied at Rosella Hightower’s International Ballet Center and at Canada’s National Ballet School, where he received a full scholarship and graduated in 2006 with honors. Kevin also graduated with honors from the Music Conservatory in France for piano. He danced for a year with Houston Ballet II, joined Colorado Ballet in 2007 and was promoted to Soloist in 2016. Since joining the Company, he has performed many soloist and leading roles including Blue Bird and Jewels in The Sleeping Beauty, the Whip Boy in Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, Jester in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Peter in Michael Pink’s Peter Pan, Puck in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the title role in Michael Smuin’s Peter and the Wolf, the first sailor in Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, the Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker, Gurn in La Sylphide, Benno in Swan Lake, Kaschei in Firebird, Pink in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, 1st Pas de Deux in Jiří Kylian’s Petite Mort, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Red Couple in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling and Lion in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz. Kevin was chosen to represent France at the New York International Ballet Competition in 2009 and at the USA Jackson International Ballet Competition in 2010.
Generously supported by Elizabeth Katkin-Waryn and Richard Waryn
DEMI-SOLOISTS Sean Omandam Sean Omandam is from Fresno, California, where he began his training with Shirley Winters. He later went on to train on full-scholarship at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, under the instruction of Victoria Schneider, Olivier Pardina and Svetlana Osiyeva. Upon his graduation in 2004, he joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company and was promoted to the Company in 2005. With Colorado Ballet, Sean has performed a variety of soloist and principal roles including Puck in Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, White Rabbit in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Peter in Michael Smuin’s Peter and the Wolf, Champion Roper in Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo, Jester in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Whip Boy in Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, Max in Septime Webre’s Where the Wild Things Are, John Darling in Michael Pink’s Peter Pan, Green Man in Lila York’s Celts and Russian in Martin Fredmann’s The Nutcracker. His repertory also includes featured roles in works by Lar Lubovitch, Val Caniparoli, Amy Seiwert, Edwaard Liang, Matthew Neenan, Jodie Gates, Dwight Rhoden, Darrell Grand Moultire and Jessica Lang, among others. In 2007, he was a competitor and gala performer at the New York International Ballet Competition. In the summer of 2013, he was featured as a contestant on the premiere season of the South Korean television show, Dancing 9. Pointe Magazine featured Sean in their 2014 October/November “Dancer Spotlight.”
Generously supported by Cheri and Alan Rubin
Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 7
DANCERS Emily Speed
CORPS DE BALLET
Emily Speed grew up in Argyle, TX and graduated from Marina Almayeva School of Ballet. She has qualified and competed in Varna International Ballet Competition, Jackson IBC and YAGP Finals, as well as being a World Ballet Competition Finalist and winning First Place in the YAGP regionals. During her career, Ms. Speed has danced in companies across the country including Alabama Ballet, Boulder Ballet and Ballet Tucson, performing soloist and principle roles. Since joining Colorado Ballet in 2014, Emily has danced numerous featured roles in several productions and performed in the Vail Dance Festival in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Some of her most notable performances with Colorado Ballet include Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco and Russian Girl in Serenade, Princess Florine and Vitality Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Cygnets and Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Pink Couple in Mark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Red Couple in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling, Little Sister in Tudor’s Pillar of Fire, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Scherzo in Wheeldon’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Flames of Paris Pas De Deux, Clara and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Michael Pink’s Dracula, Derek Deane’s Romeo and Juliet, Septime Webre’s Alice (in wonderland) and The Wizard of Oz and Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana.
Joshua Allenback
Generously supported by Heather and Conor McCallin Melissa Zoebisch
Melissa grew up in Mexico and studied at the Chamber Ballet of Jalisco. She received a scholarship to attend for a year at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Madame Sizova’s class, and returned to Mexico to graduate. Throughout her school years, she participated in many workshops around the world including: Cuba, Canada, Austria, Spain and the United States. In 2005, Melissa joined the National Dance Company, where she performed soloist roles in her first year in ballet like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. In 2010, she was a finalist at the Korea International Ballet Competition and received a Special Award. Before joining Colorado Ballet in 2014, she had been freelancing with her husband around the country. At Colorado Ballet she has been featured in roles like Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, to name a few. Her other repertoire includes principal roles in Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Paquita, Don Quixote, original contemporary choreographies and many others.
Generously supported by Christy Honnen
8 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet
Josh Allenback, a native of Colorado, has been dancing since he was four years old. He has studied on scholarship with American Ballet Theatre, The Rock School and Joffrey Ballet. He was a member of Houston Ballet II as well as Ballet San Antonio. Josh has performed many principal roles including Firebird’s Katchi, Giselle’s Prince Albrecht, Cavalier and Snow King in The Nutcracker and Prince Florimund in The Sleeping Beauty. He joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2013 and was promoted to the Company in 2014. With Colorado Ballet, he has performed in Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird and more.
Generously supported by Rita and Brad Sonnenberg Arianna Ciccarelli
Arianna Ciccarelli is from Bristol, CT. She began dancing ballet at age 12 and studied in the pre-professional resident program at The Nutmeg Conservatory for The Arts, studying under Eleanor D’Antuano, Sharon Dante, Kirk Peterson and Victoria Mazzerelli. She also spent her summers training at The School of American Ballet, English National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Washington Ballet. Arianna was a member of the Colorado Ballet Studio Company in the 2013-2014 season. Before joining Colorado Ballet in 2016, she spent two years with Ballet Arizona dancing works by George Balanchine and Ib Andersen. Since joining the Company, she has performed Little Russians in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Twyla Tharp’s A Brief Fling, the Generosity Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid in Lynne Taylor Corbett’s The Little Mermaid, Cygnets in Swan Lake, Clara, Crystals, Spanish, Doll and Marzipan in The Nutcracker, in Antony Tudor’s Pillar of Fire and in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1. She has also choreographed two ballets for Company dancers to perform in Colorado Ballet’s Attitude on Santa Fe performances.
Generously supported by Ann and Ford Frick Simon Costello
Simon Zinabu Costello was born in a small town in Ethiopia called, Mudula. Growing up, it seemed the only way Simon and his friends knew how to celebrate anything was through dancing. Of course, these celebratory dances were not ballet, but from an early age, this instilled the joy of dance in him. He left Ethiopia and in 2008 and was adopted by an American family in South Bend, Indiana. A few years later, Simon joined a local school, Southold Dance Theater, and trained there for eight years. In 2015/2016 he traveled to Dresden, Germany to dance with Palucca HochSchule Fur Tanz. After a year in
DANCERS Germany, Simon left to join the Colorado Ballet Academy in 2016. He was promoted to the Studio Company in 2017, Apprentice in the Company in 2018 and the Corps de Ballet in 2019. Simon has performed in Romeo and Juliet, Dracula and Firebird.
Generously supported by Sandi Mays Mackenzie Dessens
Mackenzie Dessens is from New Orleans, Louisiana where she began her training at Giacobbe Academy of Dance and privately with Kimberly Beck. She attended summer programs in New York with the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Mackenzie continued her training at Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy and upon completion, joined Cincinnati Ballet’s second company. With Cincinnati Ballet, Dessens’ repertoire included Peter Pan, 7th Symphony, The Nutcracker, Alice (in wonderland), Symphony in C and the world premiere of King Arthur’s Camelot, in which she performed as the Lady of the Lake. She joined Colorado Ballet in 2015. Since joining Colorado Ballet, her notable repertoire has grown to include Clara in The Nutcracker, the Pas de Trois from Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb), Little Russians in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort and Cygnets and Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Red Couple in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling, Canary Fairy and Princess Florine in The Sleeping Beauty, as well as Chramer in Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana. Dessens is also recognized as a principle guest artist with Jefferson Ballet Theatre. JBT is associated with the Jefferson Performing Arts Society in New Orleans, LA which holds the reputation of being “Louisiana’s Cultural Leader.”
Generously supported by Frank Wiederman Regan Kucera
Regan Kucera grew up in Cary, North Carolina and started dancing at the age of four. She studied at International Ballet Academy in Cary. She attended summer programs at American Ballet Theatre, Orlando Ballet with full scholarship and Saratoga Springs. She has participated in competitions including Youth American Grand Prix and World Ballet Competition. In 2013, she joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company and was promoted to the Company in 2016. Her favorite roles with Colorado Ballet have been Cygnets in Swan Lake and Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort.
Generously supported by Patty Lorie
Bryce Lee Bryce Lee was born in Missouri and began his professional training at age 12 at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy in Laguna Hills, California. In the summer of 2011, he attended the School of American Ballet and was asked to stay for the Winter Term program from 2011-2012. He has attended several summer courses on full scholarship including SAB, Miami City Ballet and Colorado Ballet. Bryce has received several awards in classical and contemporary forms of dance as well as 1st place, semi-finalist at YAGP Europe and two-time YAGP Finalist Qualifier. He has also guested for numerous ballet schools across the US, including performances in Vancouver. Bryce had the pleasure to perform principal roles in Paul Mejia’s Seasons and Donizetti Variations. He joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2013 and was promoted to the Company in 2015. Since then, he has performed numerous professional works including Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Michael Pink’s Dracula, Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Chinese and Russian in The Nutcracker, Tweedle Dee in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Swan Lake, Clark Tippet’s Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, The Little Mermaid, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort and Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird.
Generously supported by The Patrick Keleher Family Francesca Martoccio
Originally from Miami, Florida, Francesca Martoccio received her early ballet training at Thomas Armour Youth Ballet and at the New World School of the Arts. In May 2016, Francesca graduated from SUNY Purchase where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a Ballet Concentration. She performed several roles with Purchase Dance Company including the lead in Balanchine’s Valse Fantaisie and “Sanguinic” in Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments. In the fall of 2014, Francesca was chosen by the faculty to study abroad in Hong Kong, China at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). In the summer of 2016, she had the pleasure of working with John Gardner and Amanda McKerrow on a duet from Antony Tudor’s The Leaves are Fading. After graduating, Francesca joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2016, was promoted to Apprentice in the Company in 2017 and then to the Corps de Ballet in 2019.
Generously supported by Adrienne Toon
Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 9
DANCERS Leah McFadden Leah Rose McFadden grew up in a small town called Dowagiac, Michigan. At age 11, she began her ballet training with Southold Dance Theatre, a pre-professional school in South Bend, IN. During Leah’s six years at Southold, under the direction of Erica Fischbach, she participated in YAGP and received a number of awards. Leah also attended summer intensives at Gelsey Kirkland Academy, Grand Rapids Ballet, Miami City Ballet and Colorado Ballet. In 2015, she joined Miami City Ballet’s Pre-Professional program year-round. During her time there, Leah also performed with Miami City Ballet’s company as Chinese in Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, as well as touring with the company to New York and Chicago, performing in Balanchine’s Bourrée Fantasque. Leah joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2016, was promoted to Apprentice in the Company in 2018 and then to the Corps de Ballet in 2019.
Generously supported by Douglas Richards Fernanda Oliveira
Fernanda Oliveira is in her fifth season with Colorado Ballet. Fernanda trained at the Escola Estadual de Danca Maria Olenewa in her hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and at The Washington School of Ballet in Washington, DC. Upon graduating, she joined The Washington Ballet Studio Company under Septime Webre, where she had the honor to perform many classics and contemporary masterpieces at the Kennedy Center. Since joining Colorado Ballet, she has performed in works by Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Twyla Tharp and Val Caniparoli, among others. Fernanda has also presented her own choreography with the Colorado Ballet, the ballets Saudade (2017) and All Strings Attached (2018), for Colorado Ballet’s Attitude on Santa Fe program. After performing the lead in Septime Webre’s Sympathique, she received honorable mention in the DC Metro Theater Arts’ review as, “a commanding presence… she is in control, is perfectly poised, and…lets the entire audience know she was born to perform.”
Generously supported by David Bayendor Tyler Rhoads
Tyler Rhoads is from Midland, Texas, where he began his training with Susan Clark at Midland Festival Ballet. He later went on to train on full-scholarship at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, under the instruction of Victoria Schneider, Olivier Pardina and Svetlana Osiyeva. After graduating in 2011, he attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he studied under acclaimed staff Violette Verdy and Michael Vernon. He had the opportunity to perform a variety of works including George Balanchine’s The Four
10 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet
Temperaments, August Bournonville’s Napoli and Twyla Tharp’s Sweet Fields. Upon his graduation from college, Tyler joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company and was promoted to the Company in 2016.
Generously supported by Naji Ghorayeb Jeremy Studinski
Jeremy Studinski was born in Colorado and began his ballet training at the age of nine at the Colorado Conservatory of Dance in Broomfield. He then went on to join Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2012 for one season where he danced Corps de Ballet roles in Sleeping Beauty, Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project, Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) and Balanchine’s Theme and Variations. He then went on to join Orlando Ballet II in 2013 and was promoted to the main company in 2015, performing notable roles such as Gaston in Arcadian Broad’s Beauty and the Beast, Franz in Coppelia, and Peter in Peter and the Wolf. He rejoined Colorado Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member in 2017 and has enjoyed dancing as Quincey in Dracula, the Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker and Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet.
Generously supported by Barbara Clark Sara Thomas
Sara Thomas is originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She began her ballet training at the age of 12 with Metropolitan Ballet Academy under the direction of Lisa Collins Vidnovic, Natalya Zeiger and Denise D’Angelo. While in school, she was selected by Roy Kaiser to perform in Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker as Spanish. She also competed in YAGP and went to Regional Dance America where she won several full scholarships to summer programs. Sara spent summers training with BalletX, Washington Ballet and Atlanta Ballet. She joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2012. Sara then danced with Nashville Ballet under the direction of Paul Vasterling for a few seasons where she performed in several ballets, including Balanchine’s Serenade and Fairies in Peter Pan. In 2015, she returned to Colorado Ballet and joined the Studio Company where she had the opportunity to perform some of her favorite ballets with the Company including Swan Corps in Swan Lake, Balanchine’s Serenade and Princesses in Possokhov’s Firebird. Sara joined the main Company as an Apprentice in 2017 and was promoted to the Corps de Ballet in 2019.
Generously supported by Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane
DANCERS Sarah Tryon Sarah Tryon was born in Hanmer, Ontario, Canada and at the age of 12 was accepted to train at Canada’s National Ballet School. During her six years with NBS, Sarah was selected to partake in exchange programs with various international schools including Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle, École Supérieur De Danse Rosella Hightower in Cannes France and Tanz Akademie Zurich in Switzerland. After graduating in 2010, she moved to New York City to train with world-renowned coach Edward Ellison. In 2013, Sarah joined the Sarasota Ballet as a corps de ballet member. During her two seasons with the Sarasota Ballet, Sarah performed many works by major choreographers including George Balanchine, Agnes DeMille, Will Tuckett, Rudolph Nureyev, Christopher Bruce, Mikhail Fokine, Paul Taylor, Sir Antony Tudor and Sir Frederick Ashton. Highlights of Sarah’s time with the Sarasota Ballet include performing in Balanchine’s Who Cares?, Serenade, Four Temperaments and Rubies; Ashton’s Façade, La Fille Mal Gardée, Sinfonietta, Les Patineurs and Montones I; Christopher Bruces’ Sergeant Early’s Dream; Will Tuckett’s Lux Aterna; Agnes De Milles’ Rodeo; Antony Tudor’s Gala Performance; Mikhail Fokine’s Petrushka; Paul Taylor’s Company B; and Nureyev’s Raymonda. Since joining Colorado Ballet in 2015, Sarah has performed at the Vail International Dance Festival in Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco (2015) and Serenade (2017, 2019). Sarah has danced many notable roles soloist and principal roles including: Effy in Bournonville’s La Sylphide; Clara in The Nutcracker; Twin, Four Little Flamingos and Card in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland); Curly Cue and Popcorn Girl in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz; first duet in Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang (for Webb); Dark Angel in Balanchine’s Serenade; second pas de deux in Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort; Little Princesses in Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird; Aqua in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1; Innocence in Sir Anthony Tudor’s Pillar of Fire; Red in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling; second pas in Val Caniparoli’s In Pieces; Princess Florina, Silver, Cat, and Fairy of Serenity in The Sleeping Beauty; Amy Seiwert’s Traveling Alone; Garett Ammon’s Creatures of Prometheus, In Trutina and Dulciciemme in Fernand Nault’s Carmina Burana; Mina in Michael Pink’s Dracula; and Juliet in Derek Deane’s Romeo and Juliet.
Generously supported by Janet and John MacFarlane Benjamin Winegar
Ben Winegar is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He began his training at the School of the Grand Rapids Ballet at the age of 11, where he was trained by Attila Mosolygo, Gaiane Akopian and Akop Akopian. During his training, he had the opportunity to perform in several ballets with the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. In 2010, Ben spent a year training at the School of American Ballet. Upon graduating, he danced one season with the Los Angeles Ballet under the direction of Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary. Since joining Colorado Ballet’s Company in 2012, he has danced in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, ALICE (in wonderland),
La Sylphide, Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Michael Pink’s Dracula, among others.
Generously supported by Donna and Ted Connolly
APPRENTICES Liam Hogan Liam Hogan grew up in Houston, Texas where he began his ballet training at the Houston Ballet Academy under the guidance of Claudio Muñoz and Andrew Murphy. Liam completed his training at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida under the guidance of Meelis Pakri and Svetlana Osiyeva. Following graduation with accolades in modern dance, Liam spent a year with the Washington Ballet Studio Company under the direction of Julie Kent. While dancing with the Washington Ballet, Liam was coached by Victor Barbee and Julie Kent. He also had the opportunity to work closely with choreographer Marco Pelle who set the Pas de Duex Libera! on him performing in multiple venues, including the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and the Italian Embassy in Washington DC. Liam was also honored to have Marcelo Gomez choreograph on him for the world premiere of his ballet Outset. Notable works include “Molly Pas de Deux” in John Neumeier’s Yondering, Libera! by Marco Pelle, Outset by Marcelo Gomes and Minor Threat by Mark Godden. Liam joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2018 and was promoted to Apprentice in the Company in 2019.
Generously supported by Cari and Mark Spiecker Tate Lee
Tate Lee was born in Illinois and raised in Mission Viejo, California. He trained primarily with Dmitri Kulev and Jennifer Langenstein Kulev at the Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy in Laguna Hills, California. He has received scholarships and attended numerous summer programs including American Ballet Theater, Boston Ballet School and School of American Ballet where he received the Jerome Robbins’ Award of Merit. Tate was recognized as a prize winner for classical dance by the prestigious Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards and in 2016, he was selected to travel to Lausanne, Switzerland for the Prix de Lausanne. Tate began his career with Colorado Ballet during the 2017-2018 season as a member of the Studio Company. He was promoted in the spring of 2018 to Apprentice for the 2018-2019 season. This is his second season as an Apprentice.
Generously supported by Pam and Mike Copp
Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 11
DANCERS Ariel McCarty Originally from Allen, TX, Ariel McCarty began dancing/ballet at the age of three. At the age of nine, she began training in Dallas at Texas Ballet Theatre under the direction of Jan Miller and Lyndette Galen. Ariel relocated to Denver to begin training with Colorado Ballet Academy’s Pre-Professional program under Valerie Madonia and Erica Fischbach. While in the Academy, she had the opportunity to perform in numerous pieces and excerpts including Swanilda in the Academy’s full production of Coppelia. As a part of her training, Ariel attended many summer intensives including TBTS, ABT, Boston Ballet, Ballet West, Colorado Ballet, School of OBT and DanceTheatre of Harlem, where her well-rounded training continued. In 2017, she was promoted to Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company. Ariel was promoted to the Company in 2018. This is her second season as an Apprentice.
Generously supported by Yvette and Chris Frampton and Family Alexander Roy
Alexander Roy is from Chicago, Illinois and received his training from the Chicago High School for the Arts. As a student he performed lead roles in ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and Paquita. In 2016 Alexander joined The Joffrey Academy of Dance as a Trainee on a full scholarship. While at Joffrey he performed soloist and ensemble roles in Swan Lake, Symphonic Variations
and Napoli. In 2018 Alexander joined Atlanta Ballet as a Second Company member under the leadership of Gennadi Nedvigin and Sharon Story. During his time at Atlanta Ballet he performed Corps De Ballet roles alongside the main company in La Slyphide and Yuri Possokhov’s world premiere of The Nutcracker. Alexander is a two time Youth America Grand Prix finalist and has choreographed two of his own ballets. Alexander joined Colorado Ballet as an Apprentice in 2019.
Generously supported by Michael Bena Alexandra Wilson
Alexandra Wilson was born and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She began training with the Colorado Ballet Academy at age 9, spending her summers training on scholarships across the nation. Alexandra competed in Youth America Grand Prix and was awarded First Place Classical in Denver leading her to the New York Finals. At age 16, Alexandra accepted an invitation to train full-time on scholarship with the Kirov Academy of Ballet. During her final semester with the Kirov Academy, Alexandra was selected by the artistic director of the Universal Ballet Company to travel to South Korea and perform in their full-length production of Swan Lake. Upon graduation, Alexandra returned to South Korea, joining the Corps de Ballet of the Universal Ballet for their 2016/2017 season. After returning to the states, she joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company and was promoted to Apprentice in the Company in 2019.
Generously supported by Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger
GUEST ARTISTS Gregory K. Gonzales, Guest Artist Gregory Gonzales graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Sports Fitness/ Kinesiology and Dance. He was a dance scholarship recipient and Best Dancer Award winner while there. His teachers include: Larry Boyette, Dr. Sandra Minton, Karen GenoffCampbell, James Clouser, Milenko Banovic and Jeanette Triomphe to name a few. Gregory has danced with several companies over the years, both ballet and modern. These include: The Dance Connection, David Taylor Dance Theater, Nevada Dance Theater, Ballet Arizona, Wylliams-Henry Dance Theater, Opera Colorado, Ballet Pacifica, Kim Robards Dance, Les Ballet Grandiva, Zikr Dance Ensemble, Ballet Ariel and Colorado Ballet. He spent the bulk of his career at Colorado Ballet where he was promoted to Principal Dancer in 1997. Gregory has had the opportunity to work with many leading choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon, Stanton Welch, Milton Myers, Doug Varone and Toro Shimuzake, and to dance in ballets ranging from classical and romantic periods to Balanchine, Graham and contemporary works. Gregory also choreographs and was a Choreographer in Residence
12 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet
for the Colorado Ballet from 2003-2004. He created and/ or collaborated on ballets such as Carmina Burana, Peter Pan, Broken Web, Incantation and Last Breath. He has choreographed for the University of Northern Colorado, The Dawson-Wallace Dance Project, Ballet Ariel, The Denver Independent Choreographer’s Dance Project, Denver School of the Arts, Presenting Denver Dance Festival and Engage Movement Arts, among others. Gregory was adjudicated and is a member of the Society of American Fight Directors and is recommended in rapier and dagger. He founded On Edge Productions with three other colleagues and created shows, both comedy and drama that featured stage combat. Gregory currently dances with Colorado Ballet as a resident guest artist and with Ballet Ariel. He teaches dance, acting for dancers and floor barre. He also teaches anatomy using the Anatomy In Clay® System to dancers and for Anatomy In Clay® Centers. He plays guitar and bandoneon for the Natural Tango Tipica Orquesta and studies Argentine Tango and has created and directed work for Tango Colorado and Parasol Arts. Gregory is a 2019 Dance Legend honoree awarded by the Dance Archive at Denver University and is appreciative of the recognition.
Generously supported by Susan and Larry Hamil
STUDIO COMPANY
Front Row: Gabriele Lukasik, Catherine Aoki, McKenzie Thomas, Renee Castonguay, Gabriela Rodriguez, Sheridan Guerin Middle Row: Alejandro Perez, Madeleine Kuebler, Kyra Hughes, Jacqueline Gionet, Catherine McGregor, Robbie Downey, Benjamin Rose Back Row: Tyler Humphrey, Alexandra Gilliom, Rosemary Shahani, Isabelle Browne, Hannah Lesold, Ever Larson, Shelby Vennekotter, Jacob Ray
Generously supported by David Andrews
ORCHESTRA Adam Flatt, Music Director & Principal Conductor | Catherine Sailer, Associate Conductor First Violin Chris Jusell* Takanori Sugishita* Lian Emmerling Gyongyver Petheo Christine Menter Adrienne Short Second Violin Margaret Soper Gutierrez* Phyllis Carlson Anne Paulu Susie Peek Natalie Hill Viola Michael Brook, Principal Stephanie Mientka Lora Stevens *Co-Concertmaster
Cello Jeff Watson, Principal Charles Lee Trevor Minton Bass David Crowe, Principal Brett Armstrong Flute Paul Nagem, Principal Elizabeth Sadilek Piccolo Elizabeth Sadilek Oboe Kathryn Dupuy, Principal Miriam Kapner English Horn Miriam Kapner
Clarinet April Johannesen, Principal Michelle Orman
Trumpet John King, Principal Derek McDonald
Bass Clarinet Michelle Orman
Trombone William Stanley, Principal Rob Olds
Bassoon Brian Jack, Principal Kaori Uno-Jack
Bass Trombone Jim Gray
Harp Pamela Eldridge, Principal
Tuba Jim Andrus, Principal
Celeste Catherine Sailer, Principal
Timpani Mark Foster, Principal
Horn Matthew Scheffelman, Principal Stuart Mock Lauren Varley Steve Simpson
Percussion Peter Cooper, Principal Scott Higgins
Colorado Ballet Orchestra members are represented by the Denver Musicians Association, Local 20-623 of the American Federation of Musicians.
Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 13
SUPPORTERS As of October 31, 2019 (Includes 14 months of giving) LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $100,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies AMM Charitable Fund Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Occidental Petroleum Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Individual Donors Raydean Acevedo Sandy Elliott Pam and Duke Hartman Sally Murray OVATION CIRCLE $50,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Colorado Ballet Auxiliary The Shubert Foundation, Inc. FOUNDERS CIRCLE $20,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies The Anschutz Foundation Arrow Electronics Avenir Foundation Denver Ballet Guild The Denver Foundation Genesee Mountain Foundation Independence Capital Holdings MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation MidFirst Bank Nichols Charitable Foundation PNC Wealth Management Individual Donors Lisa Levin Appel Jean and Hugh Armstrong Liz and Bill Armstrong Ann and Ford Frick Brent Backes and Melanie Kopperud Janis Brewster Lynnette Morrison Jane and Gordon Netzorg Douglas Richards Susan and Stephen Struna DIRECTOR CIRCLE $10,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Accenture, LLP Anna and John J. Sie Foundation Armstrong Foundation Colorado Creative Industries Community First Foundation CSU Global DCP Midstream John G. Duncan Charitable Trust The Kenneth King Foundation Margulf Foundation Mark and Bernee Strom Foundation Merle Chambers Fund
Ralph and Florence Burgess Charitable Trust Rea Charitable Trust Swalm Family Foundation Virginia W. Hill Foundation Individual Donors David L. Andrews Michelle Moorman-Applegate and Robert Applegate Holly Baroway and Erik Cederlund Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Paul E. Goodspeed and Mary Poole Sami Hartman Ms. Christine L. Honnen Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger Merry and Steven D. Logan Joanne Posner Mayer Sandi Mays Rachel and Yuval Moskovich The Ponzio Family Cheri and Alan Rubin Rita and Brad Sonnenberg Nancy and Thomas Stevens Debbi and Bill Tryon Katherine and Michael Whitcomb CHOREOGRAPHER CIRCLE $5,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund Cigna DCP Midstream Matching Gifts Program Denver Children’s Affairs The Glyphis Family Charitable Fund Hackstock Family Foundation IMAGINE 2020 Fund, Denver Arts & Venues LDK Logistics, Inc PNC Foundation Read Foundation Roubaix Capital Saunders Construction, Inc. The Sherwin-Williams Company Twelve Twenty- One Fund/ Peggy Goldman Individual Donors James and Marisa Aoki Ellen Balaguer and Mark Chase David Bayendor Michael Bena Heidi Marie Burose Troy and Lauren Butler Christina Crow William and Karen Curtis Jo Marie and George Dancik Kaye Ferry Chris and Alyson Graves Nick and Anne Hackstock Jim Harvey Debby Herz
14 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet
Lyman Ho and Joan Cravens Curt and Nancy Hockemeier Mary Anna and Sonny Hutchison Diana and Michael Kinsey Melissa Koren Don and Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz Dana Krauser Gina and Jim Lorenzen Jonathan and Cleo Rauchway Dr. Barbara Reed Denise and James Sanderson Gloria Sankel David Scanavino and Ms. Ivelisse Torres Suzan and Gary Schlatter Adrienne Toon Julie C. Van Camp Elizabeth Katkin-Waryn and Richard Waryn Frank Wiederman BALLET MISTRESS CIRCLE $2,500+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Bank of the West Burn Bright Fund Davis, Graham & Stubbs Denver Post Community Foundation Holland & Hart Hunt Companies KUH Lincoln LLC Mile High United Way Muon New Health Services Polsinelli Reilly Pozner LLP Richards Carrington, LLC The Schramm Foundation Seven Two Partners Stifel-Baroway Financial Group Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell Individual Donors Anonymous Austin Akers Mark Bailey Jeffrey and Tammi Belden Gil Boggs and Sandra Brown Barbara Clark Donna and Ted Connolly Mike and Pam Copp Larry Corff Cortney and Steve Crouch The Estate of Doryann Duncan Maureen Tarrant Andi and John Freyer Jr. Zach and Katie Frisch Naji Ghorayeb Daniela Golden Susan Hamil David and Mary Mead Hammond Helen and Matthew Hayes Jan and Gordon Holfelder Doug and Connie Imhoff Howard Janzen Richard Koseff
Patty Lorie Sam and Luleta Maslak Heather and Conor McCallin Frank and Janet Nessinger Bill Plummer Mark and Martha Reese Kris and Haven Smith Lisa and Bill Snider Dr. Carol A. Stamm Kari and Daryl Stewart John Uppendahl and Travis Railey Britt and Jason Urband PRINCIPAL CIRCLE $1,000+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Andrews Photography April Fund Brandon J. Scott Photography The Caulkins Family Foundation City and County of Denver Arts & Venues ConocoPhillips Corrigan and Rice Fund Fuller Family Fund GCUC GRs Foundation Humphreys Foundation Kozlowski Family Fund McLaughlin Law Group Microsoft Giving Campaign Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc Wittow Foundation Inc Carla Dore/ Workplace Resource YPO Colorado Chapter Individual Donors Anonymous Christina and Anthony Albanese Mary Amend Cindy and Scott Baroway Mr. and Mrs. Brian Becker Sharon and Steven Birnbaum Mr. and Mrs. Louis Bissette Ken and Keri Blair Jan and John Blumer Luke and Nancy Boland Paul and Lacey Books Elizabeth Bradley Nancy Brandwein Mr. David Bratten and Ms. Kimberly Bruetsch Joseph J. Bronesky and Jacquelin A. Medina Benjamin and Kathy Brown Richard King Brown Stephen and Kristin Brownson Ghislaine G. Torres Bruner and Marc Edward Bruner Suzanne and James Buchanan John and Jenna Burstein Bruce and Kathy Butterfield John and Marty Chamberlin Scott and Alyssa Clarke Dr. and Mrs. Alan Como Wesley and Tammy Cooper
SUPPORTERS Mr. and Mrs. Peter Byers Corrigan Mr. Michael Cox and Mrs. Judy Jensen Mark and Lisa Cramer Carolyn E. Daniels Joseph M. Demmler Cara and Scott Dessens Joy Dinsdale Wendy and Marcus Divita Erin and Matthew Dollarhide Lynn Bolinske Dolven Sean and Monica Doyle The Duke Family Patricia and Christopher Elliott Mr. James Englert and Ms. Ericka Englert Charles and Cantey Ergen Cindy and Steve Farber Mr. Joe Lynott and Ms. Stacey Farnum Ian and Deanna Farrell Mr. and Mrs. Adam Farver Andrew and Christine Fedorowicz Dr. Norman Friedman and Ms. Stephanie Feuer Yvette and Chris Frampton Michelle Marsh Garcia Melissa and Mark Garland Pam and Barry Gatz Marla and Richard Gentry Richard and Julia Parrino George Mr. and Mrs. Mark Giordano Rebecca Givens Ryan Godsil and Michelle Kent Cristy Godwin and Robert Walker Dr. Frederick and Carol Grover Sally Haas Mr. Colin Haggerty and Mrs. Melanie Haggerty Dr. Megan Harbaugh and Mr. Jerad Harbaugh Blake and Kristin Harris Jeff and Kathleen Hartmann Dr. Wendell and Mrs. Charlotte Hatfield Noel and Terry Hefty Allison Herman Meralee and Michael Hoffelt Joy and James Hoffman Michael Hommel Dr. Christopher Lace and Dr. Norah Janosy Michael Cox and Mrs. Judy Jensen James and Shannon Johnson Molly and John Jourde Sangwook and Amber Ju The Patrick Keleher Family Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kennedy Kurt Klebe and Brooke Cheley-Klebe Kozlowski Family Fund Greg Laugero Phil Livingston Mr. Long and Ms. Acton John and Janet MacFarlane Elspeth MacHattie Joe Maslowski and Lona Christiansen
Heather and Conor McCallin Cong Lu and Laura McCormick Janalee and Morris McDonald Dr. James and Ms. Pat McElhinney Richard and Leah McGahee Ryan and Emily McGee Michael and Nancy McKeever Margaret R. Jurado and V.W. McKnab Carol McMurry and Patrick Spieles Josh and Ali Metzl Mr. Craig Mielke and Dr. Angie Mielke Mr. Greg Miller and Mrs. Jennifer Havercroft- Miller Dee and Gene Milstein Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Mugge Marc and Regina Musyl Drs. Harold and Sarah Nelson Mark and Keira Norman Bill and Debra Pain Eric Liu and Eunice Park Susan and Dan Paulien Sue Pawlik Bonnie Perkins Jake and Trisha Perlman Cason and Rachel Pierce Daniel and Pamela Piro J. Adair and Kellie Prall Stefania Pruscino Dr. Akiva Rabinowitz Dave and Carole Ramsay Charlotte Revol and Heimata Rutgers Gregory and Rowena Reyes Amy and Peter Corrigan Ann Corrigan and Kent Rice Brandon and Debora Ridenour Jeff and Emily Rissmiller Dennis Rodgers and Robert Gomez Carol Rollin Donna Rooney Daniel and Kelly Rosenberg Barbara and James Ruh Daryl A. Russell Kathryn and Tim Ryan Ron and Julie Sachs Atousa and Ava Safavi Becky and Brian Schaub Michael and Connie Schingle Ruth Schoening Robert Schueller Anjali and Tim Schulte Brian and Kim Schwartz Adam Sexton and Silvia Comuzzi-Sexton Eileen Sharkey and James Darling Megan Shoflick Steve and Myra Skinner Ben and April Slater Frank Slejko Geoff and Lauren Smart Craig and Amy Smith Nina Casanova and Matthew Stenmark Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Stettner Gary and Sophie Steuer Bill and Mary Stow Angela Strange
Sean and Melanie Tafaro Janet and James Tobin Steve and Wendy Topalian Jeff and Tiffany Tuell Arthur and George Ann Victor Carl Vogel Daniel and Marie Welch Mr. and Mrs. William White Dustin Wilkison and Japera Walker Wilkison Mr. and Mrs. Graham B. Williams Marilyn Wilmerding Tricia and Patrick Youssi Paul and Anne Zeckser Dr. and Mrs. Rick Zimmerman SOLOIST CIRCLE $500+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies CoBANK Developmental Pathways Frederick Fish Foundation Gilman Family Foundation Individual Donors Anonymous Renate and Horst Bergmann Blake Brown and Diego Chimendes Kiel Butterfield and Jason Malin Christin Crampton Day Mary and Carlos De la Rosa Margaret Dzwilewski Grant Fritz Amanda and Steve Gash Phil and Andrea Gordon Peter Griffiths Antoinette Macaluso and Donald Hagengruber Montine Hansl Janet Hehn Douglas and Dianne Herzberg Orville and Debra Hinerman Brent Holliday Jeffrey and Sandi Johnson Derek and Kathy Konopka Dave and Lori Kraatz Juergen and Dominique Kuebler Gary Landis Sandra Levine Michael and Kimberly Manning Kris and Jay McMullan Larry and Ruth Nisbet Heather Olsen James and Allison Parilla Cathy Richards Michael and Laura Richards Karen Ritz Richard Sanders, M.D. Cari and Mark Spiecker Ann Stailey Susan Stiff John and Julie Strain Christa Van Ermen Klasina Vanderwerf Eric Weisenstein Lois K Williams Joyce and James Wilson Adam Woloshuk Linda and Jimmy Yip
Dr. Raymond and Mrs. Bernice Yost ARTIST CIRCLE $250+ Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies Children’s Museum of Denver Colorado Combined Campaign Halvorson-Freese 21st Century Fund Heidi and Randy Keogh Fund Individual Donors Anonymous Dr. Frank and Mrs. Celia Anderson Justin Bank Andrea Beesley Kisha Blanton Justin Bliffen Kent and Frances Boggs Karen Bossaller Elise Bowne Michael Breed and Cheryl Ristig Karen Bruggenthies Liz Buckley Ian and Lindsay Campbell Carol and Alan Caniglia The Castonguay Family Elizabeth Coolman James and Karen Crossman Kaitlin Davis Christie and Joe Del Ciotto Gabriel Dibildox Adam Diskin Christian and Shannon Dudnick Julia Eisenberg Nancy Eubanks Joan and John Feek Jason and Rachel Finehout Stephanie and John Flanigan Adam and Jennifer Flatt Erin Gallegos Fran and Craig Gander Eric Goltz Hugh Grant Eileen and Dennis Griffin Roger and Anna Haak Carol Hague Marcia Hannum Amanda Heersink Linda and Steve Heiss Nancy Hemming Corey and Allison Hicks Sarah Hogan Andrew Hornbrook Amanda Horvath Susan Hymers Tracy Jones and Francisco Estevez Margaret Torrans Kaluk Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kem MD Chris Klein Dana Kopper Joshua Koubek Adrienne Kovac John Kure and Cheryl Solich Meg Lafave Joseph Lionelle Brandon Lloyd Erin Madar Michael Mallett
Colorado Ballet • The Nutcracker 15
SUPPORTERS Margaretha Maloney and Robert Palaich MaryKate and Timothy McCutcheon Kevin McLane and Michael Ragsdale Pam Metzger William Meyerchak Dr. Jeffrey and Mrs. Peggy Morse Dr. Gregory Wilson Myers and Mr. Jeff Kenney Ron and Judie Neel Kirstin Neff Michael Newman Judi and Robert Newman Frank O’Cana Matt Owens Julie and Tyson Plowshay Diana Poole Cyndy and Don Redifer Sarah Rickenbacker Alex and Amy Ritchie Arianna Roberts Kathleen Roberts Lawrence Robins Thomas and Mary Rogers Paula and David Roney Tony Ryerson and Madeline Ford Andrea and Timothy Sayles Gwendolyn and Richard Scalpello Sarah Sicotte John Sisson Christina Smith Cheryl Solich and John Kure Al and Karen Spies Stephanie Stetson Elena and Steven Stophel Lisa Strachan Arthur and Stephanie Strasburger Lori Szymanski Erin and Edmund Tatar Paul Tourangeau Aubrey Tramontina Gail VanderVoort Steve Van Hooser Joan and Edward Wallace Kim and Max Watchel Tiffany Walker Claudia Ward John Wilson Kristina Yamada Betty Yamashita Linda and Eugene Young Kathy and Jon Zeschin Colorado Ballet Endowment at the Rose Community Foundation AMM Charitable Fund Holly Baroway and Erik Cederlund Barbara Clark Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Ann and Ford Frick Pam and Duke Hartman The Hearst Foundation Elizabeth Katkin Waryn and Richard Waryn
Joanne Posner Meyer Rose Community Foundation Suzan and Gary Schlatter Lisa and Bill Snider Rita and Brad Sonnenberg Nancy and Thomas Stevens Artistic Director’s Fund Founded by Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Bonfils-Stanton Foundation William and Karen Curtis Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Sandy Elliott Mary Anna and Sonny Hutchison The Freidann and Lillian Legacy Society Barbara Clark Susan T. Hodge Joanne Posner-Mayer Cheri and Alan Rubin Bill and Lisa Snider Susan Stiff Susan and Stephen Struna GIFTS IN HONOR OF Raydean Acevedo and Walt Jenkins Jo Marie and George Dancik Molly Epstein Gloria Sankel Adam Flatt Eileen Griffin Donald K Herman MD Allison Herman Joanne Posner Mayer Anna & John Sie Foundation Heather Prokhnitski Rowena Reyes Lorita Travaglia Lisa and Bill Snider GIFTS IN MEMORY OF Ivan Burleigh Karen Ritz Meg Fonda Mrs. Barb Fonda John Patrick Kelley, Jr and Marjorie Dinsmore Russell Kelley Larry Corff Nancy Otto Jo Marie and George Dancik GIFTS IN KIND $5,000+ Liz and Bill Armstrong The Artisan Shop Antoine Attier and Khalil Nasser Bliss Caterers Boland Lord Design
16 The Nutcracker • Colorado Ballet
Cableland Colorado Athletic Club Colorado Ballet Auxiliary Designs by Sundown High Noon Entertainment Imhoff Fine Residential Painting John Atencio Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House Le Meridien Hotels/White Lodging Group Rachel and Yuval Moskovich Northern Trust Bank Shapiro Chiropractic The Sherwin-Williams Company Susan and Stephen Struna The Westin Denver Downtown $2,500+ Bouquets Bubbles Liquor World Chiara and Brent Kline Luxe Interiors+Design Scream Agency Tremont Ventures, LLC $1,000+ The Broadmoor The Brown Palace Central City Opera Closet Factory Colorado Style Home Furnishings Denver Center for the Performing Arts Galleria of Stone KeyBank Michael Korenblat and Natalia Ballinger Specialty Appliance Waterworks $500+ Aztec Rugs Denver Arts & Venues | City and County of Denver Haven and Kris Smith Jessica Rose Couture Moros Fabricator Urban Lights CUMULATIVE LIFETIME GIVING $1,000,000+ Raydean Acevedo The Armstrong Foundation Liz and Bill Armstrong Colorado Ballet Auxiliary Boettcher Foundation Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Pam and Duke Hartman Anne and Jim Hillary Scientific and Cultural Facilities District $500,000+ The Anschutz Foundation Sandy Elliott Debbie LaPenna Denver Ballet Guild The Gates Family Foundation
Joanne Posner Mayer Jeanne and Dick Saunders The Shubert Foundation, Inc $250,000+ Lisa Levin Appel Avenir Foundation Janis and Jim Brewster Merle Chambers Fund Ellen Balaguer and Mark Chase Holly Baroway and Erik Cederlund Merle Chambers and Hugh Grant The Denver Foundation KeyBank OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Nancy and Thomas Stevens $100,000+ Accenture, LLP Anadarko Petroleum Anna & John J. Sie Foundation Jean and Hugh Armstrong Brent and Melanie Kopperud Backes Colorado Creative Industries Colleen Curran and Stephen Boane Denver Newspaper Agency Gay and Lesbian Fund HealthONE The Hearst Foundation, Inc. High Noon Entertainment The Joseph & Loretta Law Foundation Don and Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz The LARRK Foundation Merry and Steven D. Logan Sally Murray National Endowment for the Arts Jane and Gordon Netzorg Occidental Petroleum Pb & K Family Foundation Ralph and Florence Burgess Charitable Trust David and Carole Ramsay Kathryn and Tim Ryan Dr. Barbara R. Reed Natalie Rekstad-Lynn and Scott Lynn Christine Rodgers and Ron Masamori Cheri and Alan Rubin Denise and James Sanderson Saunders Construction, Inc. Dr. David J. Scanavino and Ms. Ivelisse Torres Suzan and Gary Schlatter Lisa and Bill Snider Rita and Brad Sonnenberg Susan and Steve Struna Debbi and Bill Tryon Virginia W. Hill Foundation Wells Fargo Bank Wells Fargo Foundation Xcel Energy Foundation
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1 L A K E AV E N U E , C O L O R A D O S P R I N G S , C O 8 0 9 0 6
CONGRATULATIONS
OLIVIA POSTHUMUS & SHELBY MARTINEZ! Be Beautiful Be Yourself dance students selected to perform in the official Colorado Ballet 2019 production of The Nutcracker
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation provides life-changing health and wellness programs for children and adults with Down syndrome. Learn more at www.globaldownsyndrome.org/programs
2019 SUGARPLUMS
Charlie Marie Albanese Anthony & Christina Albanese
Stella Faith Blair Ken & Keri Blair
Julia Elizabeth Books Paul & Lacey Books
Quinn Marie Clarke Scott & Alyssa Clarke
Audrey Caroline Connor Nick & Kallyn Connor
Zella Lexington Freyer John & Andi Freyer
Maya Lynn Harris Blake & Kristin Harris
Holly Christine Hartmann Jeffrey & Kathleen Hartmann
Emerson Grace Johnson James & Shannon Johnson
Samantha Cheley Klebe Kurt Klebe & Brooke Cheley-Klebe
Lior SolĂs Korenblat Michael Korenblat & Natalia Ballinger
Grace Lucille Kozlowski Dan & Sarah Kozlowski Colorado Ballet 35
2019 SUGARPLUMS
Cary McCormick Lu Cong Lu & Laura McCormick
Lillian Helen McGahee Richard & Leah McGahee
Eleanor Glarum Perlman Jake & Trisha Perlman
Whitney Jane Schaub Brian & Becky Schaub
Adelaide Avery Stenmark Matthew Stenmark & Nina Casanova
Charlotte Wylie White Brian & Marcy White
Nadia Michelle Wilkison Dustin Wilkison & Japera Walker Wilkison
Lillian Hannah Zeckser Paul & Anne Zeckser
36 Colorado Ballet
2019 SUGARPLUM ALUMNI
BACK ROW
(left to right) Sidney Marie Bratten, Lexington Joelle Tuell, Sarah Paige Skinner, Lila Rose Kozlowski, Alexa Estelle Youssi, Addison Grace Bissette, Julia Janosy Lace, Elizabeth Lovejoy Williams
MIDDLE ROW
(left to right) Giselle Gabrielle Bruner, Josephina Noelle Norman, Caroline Elizabeth Park Liu, Charlotte Evans Freyer, Caroline Anne Brownson, Shelby Blair Rissmiller, Norah Lillianne Mugge, Waverly Elizabeth McGee
FRONT ROW
(left to right) Quinn Adele Smith, Tatum Magnolia Burstein, Vaughn Josephine Miller, Caroline Olivia Lauchli, Phebe Kathryn McKeever, Caroline Harper Corrigan, Madison Wesley Schwartz, EsmĂŠ Madeline Steuer
Colorado Ballet 37
Next Christmas, give your little Sugarplum a gift to remember... SUGARPLUM CLASS OF 2020 NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS | CELEBRATING 29 YEARS
Girls currently in first grade may apply for the Sugarplum Program in December 2019 and January 2020. Request an application at COLORADOBALLETAUX.ORG
Principal Dancer Chandra Kuykendall
EXPLORE A NEW WORLD
clyffordstillmuseum.org
Photo by Trevr Merchant
Always free for kids 17 & under
’TWAS THE BRASS
BEFORE CHRISTMAS NEWMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
DECEMBER 21 2:00PM & 7:30PM DECEMBER 22 2:00PM
“…AND ALL THROUGH THE HALL, THE BRASS WAS STIRRING WITH FRIENDS AND ALL!” Cozy up with Denver Brass, Steven Taylor & Aubrey Jacobs for an evening of inspiring seasonal favorites, warmth and good cheer.
303-832-HORN(4676)
DENVERBRASS.ORG
303-871-7720
NEWMANTIX.COM/DENVERBRASS Colorado Ballet 39
Dancer: Kevin GaĂŤl Thomas
 Â? Â? Â? Â? Â? Â? Â? Â
Located on the University of Denver campus, Ricks Center is dedicated to gifted learners from Preschool through 8th grade. â—† F lexible, differentiated curriculum designed around the whole child â—† A ctive, engaged, hands on learning â—† D esignated time to pursue questions and interests â—† L ow student to teacher ratio â—† T eachers who know, understand and care deeply about gifted education and each individual student
Learning begins at the edge‌ Email ricksctr@du.edu or Call 303.871.3715 to learn more! Colorado Ballet 41
THE RAYDEAN ACEVEDO COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY PRESENTS
COPPÉLIA ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE • MAY 23, 2020 Performed by Colorado Ballet Academy Levels 1 - Pre-Professional Division COLORADOBALLET.ORG/ACADEMY/PERFORMANCES
Photo by Francisco Estevez Photography
Colorado Ballet 43
BOYS & YOUNG MEN’S TRAINING Students learn ballet fundamentals and advance to virtuosic technique in a supportive environment that captures the energetic nature of young men with a focus on athleticism, grace, coordination and stamina. #BOYSDANCETOO More information at: COLORADOBALLET.ORG/MENSTRAINING
Photo by Francisco Estevez Photography
ADULT OPEN PROGRAM The Open Program serves a diverse community of teens and adults offering classes in beginning through advanced Ballet Technique, Ballet Variations and Jazz. The use of classical music, focused exercise and the precision required in ballet transcends a typical workout and transports students to the true physical art of dance. A flexible drop-in schedule meets the needs of both the working professional and busy student.
REGISTER TODAY AT COLORADOBALLET.ORG/OPEN
44 Colorado Ballet
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303.428.9529 sales@pub-house.com ColoradoArtsPubs.com Colorado Ballet 45
MORE than a
BILINGUAL EDUCATION
Join us for a tour this fall to see our bilingual, bi-cultural community in action!
WWW.ISDENVER.ORG/ COBALLET
A vibrant Pre-K – 8th grade international community—in Denver.
Come in for a free trial class and make that dream come true.
Just off Highway 36 in Broomfield 3001 Industrial Lane, #12 | Broomfield, CO 80020 | 303.466.5685 | ccdance.org 46 Colorado Ballet
Photo by Misha Photography
Do you have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head?
Every Day Counts Whole person care for people living with illness so they can focus on what’s most important: friends, family and the gifts of life. Call today. We serve all areas of Denver, wherever people call home.
720-482-1988 agape-healthcare.com Colorado Ballet 47
SUMMER INTENSIVE 2020 DIRECTED BY AMANDA MCKERROW AND JOHN GARDNER
JUNE 22-JULY 25 Ages 11 – 20 By audition Only (On pointe) Two, three and five week sessions Eligible Summer Intensive students are assessed for Colorado Ballet Studio Company and Pre-Professional Division. Audition details and more information online
COLORADOBALLET.ORG/SUMMER Photo by Francisco Estevez Photography
THE RAYDEAN ACEVEDO
COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY SHAPING THE ARTISTS OF TOMORROW
Photo by Francisco Estévez
48 Colorado Ballet
COLORADOBALLET.ORG/ACADEMY
P A V L O V A P R O J E C T. C O M
ANNA DAIRY ARTS CENTER D E C 6 2019 - J A N 1 2 2020 OPENS FRIDAY DEC 6 | 5-8pm
educating
MINDS
enriching
HEARTS
expanding
A U N I Q U E E X H I B I T T H E E X P L O R I N G A N D O F L I F E A R T A N N A P A V L O V A
HORIZONS
Preschool (Age 3) through 8th Grade • Innovative Academics Arts, Athletics, Technology, Languages • Sports and Extracurricular Activities Extended Day Care • Daily Hot Lunch Program • Need-Based Tuition Assistance Available Outdoor Education Camp in the Denver Foothills
2701 S. York Street Denver, CO 80210 (303) 756-9481 www.st-annes.org Colorado Ballet 49
EVERY. BODY. DANCE. Colorado Ballet’s Education & Community Engagement Department provides high quality educational opportunities for toddlers through older adults in the Colorado community.
BY THE NUMBERS
COLORADOBALLET.ORG/EDUCATION Follow us at facebook.com/ColoradoBalletEducation
SAVE 25% ON ALL PERFORMANCES WITH GROUPS OF 10+ COLORADOBALLET.ORG/GROUPS
For more information contact our Group Sales Manager molly.epstein@coloradoballet.org • 303-619-6196
Melissa Zoebisch and Nicolas Pelletier by Allen Birnbach
50 Colorado Ballet
Reinvent Your Home For The Holidays
Amsterdam Chocolate Gifting
Symphonie van fijne smaken
Since 1913
OldTown Lafayette & FlatIron Crossiong Mall
StamChocolate.com
www.
Showroom Open To The Public
Mon - Fri 8:30a - 5p 5400 Spine Rd, Suite A Boulder, CO 80301 Colorado Ballet 51
Drums of the World DEC 1 SUN 2:30
HalfNotes
Love Actually in Concert DEC 6 FRI 7:30
Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas Tour DEC 8 SUN 3:30
A Colorado Christmas
HalfNotes
DEC 13-15 FRI 7:30 ■ SAT 2:30 & 6:00 ■ SUN 1:00
All Beethoven – 250th Birthday Celebration DEC 16 MON 7:30
Handel’s Messiah — Awakening DEC 20-21 FRI-SAT 7:30
Holiday Brass
HalfNotes Please join us for familyfriendly activities 1 hour before the concert.
DEC 22 SUN 1:00
A Night in Vienna DEC 31 TUE 6:30 presenting sponsor
52 Colorado Ballet
also supported by
These performances include FULL SCREENING OF THE FEATURE FILM!
COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG
“Vegas meets family entertainment meets musical theater” — Boston Globe
NOV. 22, 2019-JAN. 4, 2020 Cirque Dreams Holidaze debuts its newest live holiday spectacular in the bubly™ theater at Gaylord Rockies Resort. This 75-minute celebration comes to life on stage showcasing the world’s best acts, dazzling costumes, astonishing aerialists, singers and dancers. Don’t miss your chance to see this Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure for the whole family!
TICKETS AND PACKAGES ON SALE NOW
GaylordRockiesChristmas.com or call (720) 452-6900 Imagined by Broadway director and renowned Cirque Dreams founder, Neil Goldberg.
theater
© 2019 BUBLY and the Bubly Designs are trademarks.
L I K E
N O
P L A C E
E L S E
Enjoy 3 Days Free Club Access and a Complimentary Training Session when you visit. Call 303.861.5646 or visit ColoradoAthleticClubs.com
BOULDER
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*Restrictions and terms may apply. Must be local resident, age 18 and over with a valid photo ID. First-time guests only. Cannot be combined with another offer. Offer expires January 20, 2020. ©2020 Wellbridge.
THE FREIDANN & LILLIAN LEGACY SOCIETY The Chiropractor for COLORADO BALLET
If dance has made a lasting impression on your life, consider making a legacy gift to the art form that has so moved you.
If we can help them, imagine what we can do for you. massage + orthotics also available
303.504.4800 www.shapirochiro.com SE Denver location: 2121 S. Oneida St. Suite 420 Denver, CO 80224
54 Colorado Ballet
Highlands location: The Freyja Project 3456 Tejon Street Denver, CO 80211
COLORADOBALLET.ORG/PLANNEDGIVING Photo by Francisco Estevez Photography
DANCE EDUCATION MASTER OF ARTS ONLINE + SUMMER WORKSHOPS EXTENDED.UNCO.EDU/DanceEd
Celebrating the Denver Puppet DENVER Theater’s 25th year! PUPPET *3
0
NE T
6W3 3 15 R* TE EA
DENVER PUPPET THEATER
PuppetTeater.com nver .De ww
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Inspiring growth and confidence in the studio and on the stage Rosee Photography
Year-round shows: Thurs & Fri – 10am, Sat – 1pm
Open 1/2 hour before and after each 50 minute performance for hands on puppet play.
Admission $8.00/person.
Appropriate for those 3/4 and older who can sit quietly in their seats for the performance. DenverPuppetTheater.com • 303.458.6446
parkhilldanceacademy.com info@parkhilldance.com Ballet | Modern | Jazz Colorado Ballet 55
ESTES PARK CENTER & SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH
MEMORIES ARE GIFTS THAT LAST FOREVER Cabins, lodges, family-friendly activities, wildlife and miles of colorful trails for any size family and all budgets.
EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE AND TOGETHERNESS
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES
YMCARockies.org SnowMountainRanch.org 888-613-9622
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
newman center presents 2019–2020 events on sale now dance / jazz / nat geo / more
M Allan Frank Family Box Office 2344 East Iliff Avenue, Denver 303-871-7720 / newmancenter.du.edu
Colorado Ballet 57
Encore! Encore! You’ve rocked life: family, friends, career, the whole schmear. So why stop with retirement? Discover luxurious resort-style living in a welcoming community with folks just like you—engaged, energetic and ready to rock the next act.
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Colorful Colorado Living
With more than 60 years of combined experience, Denver Facial Surgeons is committed to providing you with the highest level of personalized care available. Our board certified surgeons focus on cosmetic surgery of the face and neck region. We specialize in Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures, and Wrinkle / Dermal Fillers. Timothy F. Pingree, MD
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CALL 303-607-6010 TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
A Place with Space to Thrive MOVE! Dance Space & Arts Center
Movement Experiences: Tap Dance Modern, Ballet and Jazz Dance Improvisation & Authentic Movement Choreography Creative Movement NIA Dance Fitness Yoga Pilates Space Rental: Massage Art & Music Performance Celebrations of Life Rehearsals Meetings
Celebrate! Explore! Dance! MOVE! This is a drop in studio! Youth, Young Adults, Adults, Active and Senior Adults
movedancespace.com | 303-238-0848 1980 Youngfield St., Lakewood, CO 80215 Colorado Ballet 59
STAFF DIRECTORY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Gil Boggs
Grants Manager Tricia Schmuki
Group Sales Manager Molly Epstein
MANAGING DIRECTOR
ARTISTIC
Patron Services Representatives Melissa Longiaru Ally Beacom
Mark Chase
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Adam Sexton
Ballet Mistress Sandra Brown Ballet Mistress Lorita Travaglia Ballet Mistress Maria Mosina
ACADEMY Academy Director Erica Fischbach
Music Director & Principal Conductor Adam Flatt
Academy Principal Domenico Luciano
Associate Conductor Catherine Sailer
Academy Business Manager Elisabeth Link Academy Administrator Megan Lay Lower Division Coordinator Kathi Crum Academy Wardrobe Manager Jennifer Aiken Visit coloradoballet.org to see all teaching staff
ADMINISTRATIVE Accounting Manager Janina Blue Accounting Associate Stephanie Kautz Boutique Manager Edie Bell
Production Manager Hally Albers
Company Pianist Natalia Arefieva
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Company Manager Natalie Kelce
Education Department Manager Emily Aalbers Education Programs Manager Cassie Wilson Education Accessibility Coordinator Bridget Heddens Visit coloradoballet.org to see all teaching staff
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS
ADVANCEMENT Associate Director of Advancement Denae Duesler
Marketing & Graphic Design Associate Nick Simpson
Senior Philanthropy Officer Allie Coppeak
Marketing & Public Relations Associate Karly Makovy
Advancement Officer Susan Stiff
Photographer & Videographer Taylor Keating
Advancement & Database Associate Lauren Cregan
Technical Director & Production Manager Emeritus Peter Nielson
Production Stage Manager/Facilities Manager Vitali Prokhnitski
Marketing & Public Relations Manager Rachel Perez
Advancement AssociateEvents and Individual Giving Maggie Klein
PRODUCTION
PATRON SERVICES AND DATABASE Director of Patron Services and DBA Taylor Clark
Administrative Assistant to the Artistic Director Kristina Sablatura Wardrobe & Shoe Manager & Costume Designer Shirin Lankarani Wardrobe Assistant Monica Rose Courtlyn McCain Wig Mistress Megan O’Connor Wardrobe Dressers Jessie Sotwick Joe Tompkins Rebecca Travers Crystal Suppes Wardrobe Volunteers Rosemary Ellis Akiko Haniu Sarah Hunsinger Nola ng Technical Director Randy Mitchell Master Carpenter Emeritus David Jackson
Assistant Carpenter/ Head Flyman Travis Schadle Lighting Director Patrick “Red” Howard Master Electrician Susan Osborne Property Master Toni Steelmon Drivers/Production Assistants Robert J Harris David MacEachen Company Physical Therapist Mieke Braun Scripps MPT, DPT Assistant Physical Therapist Sarah Graham, MSPT Acupuncturist Lorita Travaglia, L.Ac, Dipl. CHM Chiropractor Dr. David S. Shapiro Pilates & Fitness Instructor Lisa Wolf Massage Therapist Stephen Jacoby, LMT Company Orthopedist Joshua Metzl, MD Company Photographers Allen Birnbach Mike Watson Company Videographer David Andrews Orchestra Personnel Manager Steve Simpson Orchestra Librarian Chris Jusell
Property Master Emeritus David Jaramillo Master Carpenter Michael Duran
FOLLOW COLORADO BALLET ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/colorado.ballet
@coloradoballet
@colorado.ballet
3800 S. PiERcE STREET, DEnvER, cO 80235 | (303) 914-2513 | www.cOlORADOAcADEmy.ORG
Colorado Academy Colorado Academy
3800 S. PiERcE STREET, DEnvER, cO 80235 | (303) 914-2513 | www.cOlORADOAcADEmy.ORG
Think, Create, Innovate! Think, Create, Innovate!
For more than 100 years , thethan promise of Colorado Academy has been the pursuitAcademy of For more 100 years, the promise of Colorado has been the pursuit of
academic excellence. We understand the need to provide each new generation with the most excellence. understand the need to provide each new generation with the most relevant education.academic We set high standards forWe every child, and the community brings energy relevant education. set high standards for every child, and the community brings energy and commitment to help each student findWe success through—
and commitment to help each student find success through—
• Innovative curricula that inspire critical thinking and creativity • Talented teachers• Innovative who instill motivation andthat self-discipline curricula inspire critical thinking and creativity • Character education based onteachers the practice of courage and kindness and self-discipline • Talented who instill motivation • Athletics & Arts that promote teamwork and initiative • Character education based on the practice of courage and kindness • Experiential & outdoor trips that develop leadership and resilience Athletics • Friendships that •last a lifetime& Arts that promote teamwork and initiative
• Experiential & outdoor trips that develop leadership anda variety resilience We are seeking highly qualified students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 from of backgrounds. Please visit www.coloradoacademy.org • Friendships that last a lifetime to learn more about CA and to register for our admission Parent Preview on october 28 and 29.
We are seeking highly qualified students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 from a variety
Admissions: (303) 914-2513 of backgrounds. Please visit www.coloradoacademy.org to learn more about CA and to register Grades: PreforK our – 12 admission Parent Preview on october 28 and 29. Enrollment: 960 Admissions: (303) 914-2513 Student/Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Grades: Pre K – 12 Tuition: $18,390-$24,540
Enrollment: Student/Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Tuition: $18,390-$24,540
Financial Aid budget of $2.9960 million 10 Denver metro area bus routes
Financial Aid budget of $2.9 million 10 Denver metro area bus routes
Grades: Pre K – 12 Enrollment: 990 Student/Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Financial Aid budget: $3.7 million Bus Routes: 10 CA seeks curious, creative, kind, adventurous students from a variety of backgrounds who embrace challenge and community engagement. Visit www.coloradoacademy.org to learn more. • Innovative curricula that inspire critical thinking and creativity • Talented teachers who instill motivation and self-discipline • Character education based on the practice of courage and kindness • Athletics & Arts that promote teamwork and initiative • Experiential & outdoor trips that develop leadership and resilience
The dream starts here... Offering classes in Ballet Pre-Ballet ages 3-6 Dance with Me (18 months & up with caregiver) Boyz Dance Tap Jazz Modern Pilates Adult Classes
• Friendships that last a lifetime
3800 S. PIERCE STREET, DENVER , CO 80235
(303) 914-2513
Littleton Ballet Academy www.littletonballetacademy.org Colorado Ballet 61
Photo by Brandon Marshall, Courtesy of Colorado Symphony Association.
The Power of
Music
88.1 FM | cpr.org
Creating Pathways to Purpose and Community Aordable Housing
Independent Employment
Support adults with disabilities on Colorado Gives Day Schedule your gift today at
bitly.com/GiveRamble
Shop our clothing boutique this holiday season 62 Colorado Ballet
Providing an exceptional dance experience for children with Down syndrome
Donate to Global’s Health & Wellness Programs GlobalDownSyndrome.org