Spooky Ballets 2023 Playbill

SpOO baeʦ 2023

COVER

The FargO Th t Oc ber 21, 2023 | 2pm & 7Pm Oc ber 22, 2023 | 2pm FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

Support from

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Notes from the Artistic Director Have you ever been lost in a Museum, a mall, or a park and realize that nobody is around, yet you feel eyes watching you? This season we bring back one of our first Spooky Ballets featured performances “v” (aka “Witches Windows”). This ballet was inspired by the film “The Devils Advocate” and the music of Pictures at an Exhibition. In the film, their is a piece of artwork that slowly moves and changes, then jumps out at you. In this ballet, the students are on a field trip to the museum on Halloween and they find themselves in a scary situation as one by one the paintings comes to life and traps them. Will they escape the Head Master who plans to make them part of the museum forever?

Back again this season, we have a new dance works by choreographer Colby Foss. His new works, “The Tale of a Tech Wiz” is accompanied with live original music by cellist and vocalist, Ian Cooke. This dynamic duo have put together a spooky robot ballet featuring the FMBallet company members.

Spooky Ballets emcee and choreographer, Patrick Kasper has choreographed an energetic piece that incorporates the styles of tap and jazz. Featuring the famous Fargo tap duo “Pateo” (Patrick Kasper and Mateo Leslie), you will be in for a treat as these tap dancing wizards cast magic spells on stage.

I’m so grateful to be able to collaborate and share the choreographic stage with these talented artists mentioned above, as well as our dancers. I welcome you to a fun spook filled performance of witches and wizards. Thank you to the FMBallet company dancers, area dancers performing in our production, the board of directors, volunteers, and you, the audience members. You all are part of making the magic come to life.

Matthew Gasper Artistic Director 2

SpOOky Ballets 2023

Matthew Gasper Artistic Director / Choreographer

Patrick Kasper

Colby Foss

Ian Cooke

Emcee / Guest Choreographer

Guest Choreographer

Guest Performer / Cellist

STAFF Suzanne Spiese

Adam Roder

Lacey Gasper

Jen Seviour

Costume Designer

Lights & Sound

Director of Marketing

Box Office

Carol Nelson

Koral Salisbury

Chris Olson

Fargo Theatre Staff

Costume Assistant

Costume Assistant

Prop / Set Designer

Fargo Theatre Backstage

MaryJo Nelson

Mateo Leslie

Business Manager

Guest Performer

FUNDING Funding for the FMBallet and our productions has been partially provided by The Arts Partnership and North Dakota Arts Council.

No photography or video recording is allowed during our production. All dance pieces and choreography are a form of creative expression that is protectable under federal copyright law. Usage of phones or devices are also a distraction to those around you. Sit back, relax and enjoy our live performance.

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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ACT 1 THRILLER Choreography by Matthew Gasper Kylie Adams, Marguax Butenhoff, Avery Fechtner, Markie Fechtner, Lauren Frye, Evelyn Gabel, Avva Hanson, Izzy Kalash, Lilly Mahlke, Clara Meline, Anja Nelson, Mary Beth Porter, Isabel Spicer, Shawn Viseth

TRICK OR TREATERS Choreography by Matthew Gasper Chelsea Coleman, Julia Day, Anna Dietz, Hayden Draeger, Gemma Hammer, Emma Hunt, Halen Keating, Gemma Jacobson, Elin Kelly, Reagan Veselka, Reese Veselka, Elise Vincent, Mia Vincent, Emery Wolf, Cassie Xu, Lydia Zuel

THE CAUTIONARY TALE OF A TECHNICAL WIZARD Choreography by Colby Foss Live accompaniment & original music by Ian Cooke Tech Wiz

Shawn Viseth

Robots

Kylie Adams, Margaux Butenhoff, Avery Fechtner, Markie Fechtner, Lauren Frye, Evelyn Gabel, Izzy Kalash, Clara Meline, Anja Nelson, Amelia Oster, Mary Beth Porter, Isabel Spicer

INTERMISSION (Approximately 20 Minutes) Costume Contest | Group 1: Ages 0 - 5 | Group 2: Ages 6 - 12

COSTUME CONTEST INFORMATION Everyone is welcome to enter the costume contest, no Entry Fee required. We will have a free will donation bin near the stage and in the lobby if you would like to donate.

To participate: 1. When it is time for your age group or group, head to the stage (entering the stairs to the LEFT of the stage) 2. Line Up across the stage (end to end).

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 exit Yearsthe | Spooky Ballets 2023you went up).

3. Once dismissed, opposite stairs

Don’t worry we will have people to direct you!

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ACT 2 MEET THE WIZARDS Choreography by Patrick Kasper Features

Patrick Kasper & Mateo Leslie

Wiz Kids

Kylie Adams, Margaux Butenhoff, Avery Fechtner, Izzy Kalash, Clara Meline, Anja Nelson, Mary Beth Porter, Isabel Spicer

WIZARD’S WORLD Choreography by Matthew Gasper Chelsea Coleman, Julia Day, Anna Dietz, Hayden Draeger, Gemma Hammer, Emma Hunt, Halen Keating, Gemma Jacobson, Elin Kelly, Lilly Mahlke, Reagan Veselka, Reese Veselka, Elise Vincent, Mia Vincent, Emery Wolf, Cassie Xu, Lydia Zuel

WITCHES TABLE Choreography by Matthew Gasper Kylie Adams, Margaux Butenhoff, Avery Fechtner, Mary Beth Porter, Isabel Spicer (Understudy: Anja Nelson)

INTERMISSION (Approximately 20 Minutes) Costume Contest | Group 1: Ages 13 - Adult | Group 2: Duo, Trios & Groups

ACT 3 EXHIBITION AT THE MUSEUM Choreography by Matthew Gasper Head Master

Shawn Viseth

Witches

Kylie Adams, Marguax Butenhoff, Anja Nelson (Understudy: Amelia Oster)

Students

Avery Fechtner, Markie Fechtner, Lauren Frye, Evelyn Gabel, Avva Hanson, Izzy Kalash, Clara Meline, Amelia Oster, Mary Beth Porter, Isabel Spicer

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THE COMPANY

MARY BETH PORTER

SHAWN VISETH

KYLIE ADAMS

AVERY FECTHNER

Principal

Principal

Soloist

Soloist

LAUREN FRYE

IZZY KALASH

CLARA MELINE

MARKIE FECTHNER

Apprentice

Apprentice

Apprentice

Trainee

* Sponsored Dancer (annonymous)

GUEST ARTISTS

IAN COOKE

COLBY FOSS

PATRICK KASPER

Cellist

Choreographer

Choreographer / Emcee / Performer

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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ISABEL SPICER

MARGAUX BUTENHOFF ANNA LAFOND

ANJA NELSON

Soloist

Corps de Ballet

Corps de Ballet

Corps de Ballet

SPONSOR A DANCER Sponsor a Dancer is a great opportunity for our patrons, supporters, and businesses. Step up today and sponsor one of our company dancers.

This will give you the opportunity to be affiliated with the heart of our company — our dancers!

You can sponsor as an individual, couple, family, or business. Visit: fmballet.org/sponsor-a-dancer * Dancer is sponsored by a donor.

EVELYN GABEL

AMELIA OSTER

Trainee

Trainee

GUEST ARTISTS We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary choreographers, artists, and performers who have brought their talent and dedication to our production of Spooky Ballets. We take pride in fostering a collaborative space where creativity and craftsmanship can flourish. Together, we celebrate the power of artistic collaboration and the MATEO LESLIE

magic that unfolds when passionate individuals come

Performer

together to create something truly special. Thank you.

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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PASSION IN MOTION

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNTIES

We want to take a moment to express our immense gratitude for your generous support and contributions to the FMBallet.

Your unwavering commitment to our company has enabled us to achieve incredible milestones, enriching the lives of dancers and the entire community.

Why your contributions matter?

1. Your donations play a pivotal role in making our vision of inclusivity a reality. Thanks to your support, our Fee-Free Program opens the door for aspiring dancers from all walks of life, regardless of their social status, to become a part of our productions. This inclusive approach is a testament to our belief that dance should be accessible to all.

2. Suzanne Spiese and her talented staff, our dedicated costume designers, bring our productions to life with their artistic creations.

Your contributions empower them to continue crafting stunning pieces of art, ensuring that our dancers grace the stage in style and elegance.

3. One of the hallmarks of our performances is the presence of a full professional orchestra during our holiday productions of The Classic Nutcracker. Your donations have made it possible for us to dance alongside these gifted musicians, elevating the experience for both our dancers and our audiences.

4. In our enchanting production of Peter Pan, the ability to “FLY” our dancers is a technical marvel that adds a magical dimension to the show. Your support has helped us incorporate such technical elements, creating a memorable and captivating experience for all.

5. Furthermore, your donations fulfill the dreams of young professional dancers who aspire to train and perform with a ballet company. Your contributions provide them with the opportunity to grow and flourish in their art, nurturing the next generation of dance talent.

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These are just a few examples of why your sponsorship is imporant to us. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to extend our sincerest gratitude. Your support has been the cornerstone of our success, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Thank you so much for believing in us and for being an essential part of the FMBallet family.

DONORS Adams, David & Kim

Burns, Pamela & Michael

Evensen, Matt

Hoglund, Stan

Adams, Catherine

Buss, Kara

Ewen, Chelsey

Houglum, Karin

Adams, Elwoodv

Butenhoff, Brady & Sonja

Fechtner, Amanda

Huebner, Tracey

Aikens, Christyal, Huntington,

Butenhoff, Margaux

Fischer, Michelle

Huffman, Jeremy

Capistran, Jane Linde

Ford Dunker, Noah

Ide, Kristin

Alm, Brad & Midge

Carney, Tara

Foss, Lana

Igo, Chad

Alm, Emily

Chapman, David & Julie

Friend, Helen

Igo, Gil & Rosi

Alverson, Camille

Christie, Catlyn

Froemke, Carmel

Isom, Carla

Ambers, Noelle & Curt

Christman, Jaci

Gaboury, Catherine

Iverson, Sara

Andersen, Isabella

Christman, Linda

Gadaire, Margaret

J Christopher Hieb, DDS, PC

Andersen Kirch, Liz

Cermak, AJ

Gaddie, Christopher

Jacobson Reisenauer, Amy

Belknap, Patricia

Collins, Travis

Gasper, Lacey

Johansen, Katie

Bahl, Lexi

Comeau, Paula

Gasper, Matthew

Johnson, Antoinette

Baumgardner, Cynthia*

Condell, Yvonne

Gibson, Eric

Johnson, AJ

Becker Garberg, Pari

Connor, Gloria

Gjovig, Kayla

Johnson, Jessie

Belknap, Patricia & Burton

Cooper, Joyela

Goebel, Rachel

Johnson, Timothy

Bennett, Tiffany

Cruff, Dawn

Granger, Katie

Johnson, Sigurd

Berland, Wendy

Cruff, Timothy & Carol

Gunderson, Dawn

Johnsrud, Erica

Berns, Shar

Cuypers, Travis

Gust, Michael & Jayne

Jonason, Maureen

Bettenhausen, Ruth C.

Dahl, Mariko

Haala, Cody

Jorgenson, Scarlett

Biller, Cheryl

Dahlberg, Carol Ann

Hall, Clifford & Charlene

Kalash, Lori

Binfet, Kelly

Dahmen, Sara & Matt

Hallaway

Kaufman, Paula

Bjerke, Greg & Nancy

Davis, Jenny

Hamilton, David

Keller, Anne

Blommel, Mae

Deal Dahle, Dawn

Hammer, Kimberly

Kelsh, Kathleen

Boe Enrud, Pebbles

Del Val, Dayna

Harrington Hill, Angela

Kelso, Jean

Bohnenblust, Elizabeth

DeLaPointe, Patrick

Hassel, Kaia

Kenfield, Mikal

Bovy, Diana

Diers, Teresa

Hastings, Kyla

Kennelly, Stephen

Bown, Diane

Dietz, Kara

Hastings, Mary

King, Sarah

Boyd, Linda

Dittemore, Megan

Heerman, Kari & Max

Kirch, Mike

Brakke Johnson, Kara

Dorsey, Stephen & Michelle

Heuring, Katie

Klabo, Terry

Brantner, Lanny

Eidem, Genevieve

Hill, Sheyene

Knutson, Lyndsey & Kyle

Breikjern, Eloise

Ekstrom, Mandie

Hjermstad, Tara

Knutson, Steve

Breslin, Janine

Ellingson, Craig

Hoesel, Penelope

Koenig, Lori

Browne-Ecker, Monika*

Enz, Jennifer

Hoge, Mikala

Koeppe, Erin

Alexander

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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DONORS CONTINUED Koesterman, Carolyn

McMullen-Wendt, Katy & James

Kooyer, Kurt & Maria

Poyner, Gwendoline

Veselka, Cody & Nicole

Rabideaux, April

Vinje, Robyn

Krauth, Samuel

McMullen, Marcia

Raleigh, Kern

Viseth, Jody

Kunkel, Melissa

Melroe, Doug

Rastedt, Paulette & William

Vogel, Miriam

Kyllo, Jodi

Meline, James & Heidi

Richardson, Beth

Wallace, Alison

LaHaise, Susan & Todd

Menne, Lisa

Richardson, Muriel & Joe

Walz, Adam

Laney’s Inc.

Mineer, Patrick

Rinehardt, Nathalie

Warne, Maylynn

Lamb, John

Mjelde, Robert

Roder, Adam

Weidner, Shelley

Lancaster, Kathy & Kelly

Morse, Tyler

Roy, Angie

Wells, Sarah

Langlois, Tricia

Mozley, Melissa

Rueb, Kim

Wesland, Christine

Larew, Don

Murch, Bethany

Salisbury, Keela

Weisbeck, Teah

Lausch, Cheryl & Michael

Myers, Megan

Salmon, Danielle

Wethern, Ariel

Leake, Kyle

Myhre, Sonja

Sarabakhsh, Sina

Wethern, John & Amelia

Lee, Brandy & Duginski, Joel

Myrold, Ryan

Schuster, Nick & Marci

Wilkey, Jill

Leeaphon, Dan & Laura

Neely, Benton

Shawn, Amelia

Williams, Fred

Leiphon Shirley

Nelson, Stephanie

Shawn, Jessica

Williams, Jr., Kenneth

Leonard, Michael

Nelson, Wayne D

Skaalrud, Hanna

Williams, Vida

Leslie, Norman & Josée

Network for Good

Skalsky, Carole

Wintersteen, Carolyn & David

Leslie, Mateo

Norgren-Spicer, Christine

Skrove, Mary

Wolf, Emily

Levihn, Kathryn

Norgren, Phyllis

Speidel, Naomi

Woodbury, Lauren

Lewis, Colleen

Norton, Alesha

Spicer, Sasha

Woodbury, Mo

Lewis, Judy

O’Day, Jessica & John

Spiering, Kerri

Woodruff, Dana

Lutgen, Catharine

Olimb, Carole

Stalheim, Edward

Yahnke, Mali

Lynch, Brian & Clare

Ollenburger, Allie

Story, Kenneth

Yahnke, Pat

Mace, Becky

Olson, Ardell & Audrey

Stystelien, Linda

Yanish, Kathleen

Magdalena, Rachel

Olson, Judith

Swanson, James

Yborra, Melissa

Magel, Rhonda

Olson, Michael

Swanson, Michelle

Young, Melissa

Magelky, Aliceyn

Painter, Dan & Judy

Theibert, Suzanne

Zinter, Doug

Mahoney, Timothy

Pankow, Adam

Thiel, Sandra

Zuel, Melissa

Mahowald, Shelly

Petersen, Kate

Tinguely, Stephen & Mae

Maliscke, Gabriel

Peterson, Julie

Tuttle, Mary

IN-KIND DONATIONS

Marburger, Mikael & Jonathan

Petry, Natasha

Tyre, Sarah

Fargo Mattress

Marcil, Bill & Cris

Plagemann, Robert

Ulrickson, Cheryl

Fechtner, Amanda

Martus, Samantha

Platt, Carrie Anne

Vandal, Greg

Gasper’s School of Dance

Masciarelli, Leslie

Plattner, Alycia

Varland, Rooth

McManus, Sara

Porter, Anna

Veil-Ehnert, Jillian

IN OUR AUDIENCE We are proud to partner with VET TIX again this season to offer tickets to our United States Veterans. Thank you for your service to our country. www.vettix.org FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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Home of the Fargo-Moorhead Ballet Embrace the art of dance at our studio!

From toddlers to adults, we welcome all skill levels. Experience elite training from a top notch staff in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, tap, musical theatre, hip hop and more. We also offer beginning teen and adult classes.

Start your journey today; it's never too late to dance!

TWO Great Fargo Locations!

Downtown Fargo 524 7th St N Fargo, ND 58102

South Fargo 4631 40th Ave S, Ste 120 Fargo, ND 58104

Congratulations

Gasper Instructors & Dancers on your Spooky performance

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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Northwestern Bank congratulates the cast of FMBallet’s Spooky Ballet on an outstanding production!

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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CAMPGASPER.COM We offer + Dance Camps + Kids Night Out + Day Camps (on those no school days) + Movie Nights

DANCE. PLAY. CREATE. LEARN.

LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

701-371-3737 StanHoglund@yahoo.com www.HoglundLandscapes.com

C elebration oncert SEASON KICK-OFF

C

OPERA & BROADWAY’S GREATEST HITS!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28th 7:30PM

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

www.fmopera.org13 (701) 239-4558

LEAP INTO THE THEATRE | OUR 20TH SEASON We are thrilled to leap into our 20th season, marking two decades of captivating dance performances, groundbreaking collaborations, and inspiring outreach initiatives. We invite you to join us all season long as we celebrate this remarkable milestone and continue our mission of sharing the joy of professional dance performances with the Fargo-MoorheadWest Fargo region.

SPOOKY BALLETS

The Classic Nutcracker

Alice in Wonderland

October 21 at 2pm & 7pm

December 15 & 16 at 7pm

April 20 at 2pm & 7pm

October 22 at 2pm

December 16 & 17 at 2pm

April 21 at 2pm

The Fargo Theatre

NDSU Festival Concert Hall

The Fargo Theatre

This weekend only!

Tickets on Sale: Oct 30, 2023

Tickets on Sale: Mar 18, 2024

WHERE CAN YOU SEE US? The following are performances, events, and appearances by our company.

Saturday, Oct 28 | 12:30pm

Red River Market (Performance)

Wednesday, Nov 8 | 6:30pm

Fargo Public Library (Downtown) Story Time

Wednesday, Nov 28 | 6:30pm

Fargo Public Library (Downtown) Story Time

Nov 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26

Folkway’s Christkindlemarket (Fargo Civic)

SPRING 2024 We have open auditions for ages 6 - adult. All levels welcome.

Sunday, Jan 14, 2024

Auditions Alice In Wonderland

Saturday, Feb 10, 2024

Auditions Summer Dance Intensive

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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THANK YOU Thank you to our volunteers and supporters, without you our productions cannot happen without your time and dedication. We apologize if your name was left off the list. We really do appreciate your time and dedication to our company. A big thank you from us to you.

If you want to get involved with the FMBallet, email us at info@fmballet.org.

Julia Beckermann

Hannah Gerke

North Dakota Arts Council

Tania Blanich

Kim & Matt Hammer

North Dakota Today

Sonja & Brady Butenhoff

Dustin & Andrea Hanson

Mary Beth Porter

Cris Calil

Lauren Heller

Sophia Richards

Stephanie & Katie Carlson

Giselle Ide

Koral Salisbury

Ian Cooke

Gil & Rosi Igo

Jen Seviour

Jennifer & Jake Day

Jenna Jackson

Shirts from Fargo

Kara & Sophia Dietz

Lori Kalash

Christine Spicer

Jillain Ehnert

Patrick Kasper

Suzanne Spiese

Fargo Mattress

Maggie Kelly

Denetre Stetz

Fargo Public Library

Melissa Kunkel

The Arts Partnership

Amanda & Derrek Fechtner

Mateo Leslie

The Fargo Theatre

Folkways

Brian Lynch

Valley News Live

Colby Foss

Heidi & James Meline

Cody & Nicole Veselka

Gasper’s School of Dance

Carol Nelson

Emily Wolf

Matt & Lacey Gasper

MaryJo Nelson

Melissa & Lydia Zuel

FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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FMBallet | Celebrating 20 Years | Spooky Ballets 2023

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