Grand Rapids Ballet Fall 2016 Newsletter by Grand Rapids Ballet

Patricia Barker, Artistic Director

FALL

NEWSLETTER

MOVEMEDIA

MADE IN AMERICA THREE ICONIC BALLETS IN ONE UNFORGETTABLE EVENING

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

GRAND RAPIDS, MI PERMIT No. 748

A Milestone in the History of Dance:

BALANCHINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SERENADE Meet

STEVEN HOUSER Fall Newsletter: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

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CONTENTS 4

MESSAGE FROM PATRICIA BARKER

STEVEN HOUSER

MEET THE DANCERS

BALLET SCHOOL

NEW FACES

ANNUAL FUND

On the cover: Company B from Movemedia: Made in America. Featuring music from the Andrews Sisters

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL SEASON SPONSORS PORTER FOUNDATION DAVID AND ROSEMARY GOOD FAMILY FOUNDATION THE DANIEL & PAMELA DEVOS FOUNDATION

THE DOUG & MARIA DEVOS FOUNDATION BALDWIN FOUNDATION ELIZABETH TINNEY DONLEY

THE DICK & BETSY DEVOS FOUNDATION

MEIJER-ROYCE CENTER FOR DANCE 341 ELL SWORTH SW, GR AND R APIDS, MI 49503 (616) 454 - 4771

grballet.com

info@grballet.com

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MESSAGE FROM PATRICIA After nearly four months off, the dancers are back in the studios and working on a season filled with exciting favorites. We start with “MOVEMEDIA: Made in America”—a mixed bill of three of the most wonderfully mesmerizing works by three of the most famous and acclaimed choreographers. George Balanchine’s Serenade is the first work he created in America. It’s iconic blue tutus and spiritual ending is a rite of passage for any company. Balanchine is one of the 20th century’s most prominent choreographers. Fashioned as the father of American ballet, Balanchine is known for his musicality and neoclassical style, and the founding Artistic Director of New York City Ballet. Paul Taylor’s Company B, with music by The Andrew Sisters, is a true tribute to the boys and girls who fought bravely in World War II. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s dance critic, Nancy Goldner, writes, “Company B is a radically revisionist work. Choreographically, the movement is abstract, absorbing rather than imitating references to Lindy hops and other swing dances. Mr. Taylor uses this same idiom for the subtext that colors his view of the innocence, romance, and patriotism in the music. Taylor, one of the seminal artists of the 20th and 21st Centuries, he continues to shape the homegrown American art of modern dance that he himself helped define as a professional dancer and pioneering choreographer. Paul Taylor originally performed in the companies of Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, and George Balanchine and founded his own, Paul Taylor Dance Company in 1954. Dancers and choreographers who have emerged from his company include Twyla Tharp and David Parsons. Rounding out this amazing mixed bill is Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain. Here, Arpino captures the moment of an era exploding with free thinking men and women where anything is possible. Arpino is a founder of the Joffrey Ballet and he is a distinctly American choreographer whose works popularized dance with their trendy finger on the nation’s pulse. His seemingly unstoppable creativity gave birth to a multitude of new ballets that encompassed counterculture, which attracted new audiences by capitalizing on youth and energy. “For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo,” said Shakespeare. As further proof Grand Rapids Ballet is one of the top ballet companies in the U.S., we’ve been asked to bring our talents to St. Louis, Missouri to perform three breathtaking performances of Mario Radacovsky’s innovative interpretation of Romeo and Juliet for Dance St. Louis. The show takes place at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center November 4-5 and we’d love to have you join us! For tickets, visit dancestlouis.org today.

PATRICIA BARKER Artistic Director

Patricia Barker, former principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, is considered one of the world’s most gifted ballerinas. She stages works for the Balanchine Trust and was an artistic advisor for the Slovak National Ballet. Patricia also teaches and judges at international ballet competitions, serves on the board of several arts organizations, and has received numerous arts awards and civic recognitions.

GLENN DEL VECCHIO Executive Director

Executive Director Glenn Del Vecchio, enters his sixth season with the Grand Rapids Ballet. Prior to his appointment, Glenn spent 20 years working with large for-profit companies. A resultsoriented executive, Glenn approaches the leadership of a non-profit arts organization by managing the intersections of artistic quality and best business practices, bringing his expertise in strategic planning, business development, large-scale event and concert management, and marketing together to create a consensus-oriented management approach. Glenn was raised in Philadelphia and attended Millersville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He resides in East Grand Rapids with his wife Kirsten and two sons.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Stephen Wert – President Anda Vizulis – Vice President Diane Mills – Secretary Michael P. Kling – Treasurer Patricia Pence Waring – Development Chair

BOARD Christine Albertini Luis Avila Dana Baldwin Theresa DeVries Jeff Gurney Todd Hoppe Ian M. Hunter John Nienhuis Amy Norkus Giselle Saulnier Sholler Leah Voigt Donna Waltz-Jaskolski

HONORARY BOARD Edith I. Blodgett† Jeff & Margaret Beusse Mrs. Betty Ford† Charles & Stella Royce Ellen Satterlee Suzanne Geha Marilyn Titche Peter M. Wege† †deceased

NEW BOARD MEMBERS Grand Rapids Ballet Board of Directors is an eclectic group of successful individuals from various business sectors. While they may work in different fields, they all share a love for the arts. IAN HUNTER, Dickenson Wright Ian Hunter is a member of the Dickinson Wright Real Estate Department. Ian’s practice covers a broad range of real estate and corporate transactions. Having practiced for nearly eight years in California prior to returning home to Michigan and lateralling to Dickinson Wright PLLC, he has extensive experience representing regional, national, and international clients. His real estate practice includes representing commercial and residential developers from financing and acquisition through entitlement, development, and construction, to ultimate leasing or disposition. He also represents both landlords and tenants in connection with the leasing of retail, office, medical, industrial, and mixeduse properties throughout the United States. His corporate practice includes representing corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies in connection with formation, management, and reorganization as well as in asset and equity purchase and sale transactions.

LEAH VOIGHT, Spectrum Health System Leah A. Voigt is Chief Privacy & Research Integrity Officer for Spectrum Health System. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring that Spectrum Health and Priority Health protect and promote patient and member privacy rights and engage in the responsible conduct of clinical research. Together with her teams, Leah plans and implements system-wide privacy and research integrity programs designed to achieve the highest levels of legal and regulatory compliance. In today’s increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment, Leah and her teams are key resources in helping Spectrum Health and Priority Health achieve their mission and strategic goals.

JEFF GURNEY, Wolverine Worldwide Jeff enjoys giving back to the community and volunteering. In addition to being a part of the Grand Rapids Ballet family, he also serves on the West Michigan United Way Campaign Cabinet, he’s a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Michigan Alumni Club of Grand Rapids, and he coaches for Area 11 Special Olympics. He has a daughter who is the apple of his eye, and it is her drive and dedication to the art of dance that has given him a deeper appreciation for such a beautiful and expressive art form. He loves photography, renaissance paintings and antiques, and could spend hours in an art gallery or at an antique show marveling at exhibits. He is originally from Grattan Township and now resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he is the Senior Director of Information Technology & Security at Wolverine Worldwide. Fall Newsletter: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

STEVEN HOUSER

DA N C E R FEATURE Written by: Connie Flachs

Brightly colored tights caught my eye. They belonged to a dancer bounding through the studio, infusing the combination with a completely original musicality. The steps blurred before my eyes as I followed the arc of his arm and the circle of his head. I hadn’t realized so much emphasis could be placed on an assemble, but this dancer elevated the humble small jump to the focal point of the petite allegro combination. I prepared to go with the next group, newly inspired, but the dancer caught my arm.

Photo by Connie Flachs

“Hi, we haven’t met yet!” he asserted joyfully, the brightness of his smile matching his creatively patterned tights. “You’re new too right? I’m Steven Houser.” Steven joined Grand Rapids Ballet with hefty levels of experience already in his back pocket. He left his hometown of Portland, Oregon along with his sevenyear career at Oregon Ballet Theater to dance with GRB. The creativity and ballon he displayed on day one have become his artistic trademarks. He has wowed West Michigan audiences with unbridled energy in Company B’s Bugle Boy solo, teased out delicate musicality from George Balanchine’s Rubies, and applied his own interpretations to typically blasé prince characters like Sleeping Beauty’s Prince Désiré or the Nutcracker’s Cavalier. Apart from his standout principal and soloist roles, Steven imbues every corps part he performs with a personality and intention that captivates the viewer. Watching a stage full of dancers, you often find yourself drawn to energy that 6

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

emanates from Steven’s stage presence. As I friend and colleague I have long admired the way Steven dances, learning from his musicality and physicality as much now as I did the first time I watched him take class. Yet, I’ve learned just as much from his mental approach and perspective. “You didn’t cast yourself in this role,” he said to me after one particularly rough rehearsal that had brought me to my breaking point. “You have to do your best with what is in front of you.” He encouraged me to take the opportunity and whatever technique, facility, and artistry I had at my disposal to tackle the role without worrying about others’ (or, even worse, my own) expectations for what the role was meant to be.

These words have helped me through many instances of self-doubt or intense frustration. I relished the chance to sit down with Steven and tease out more words of wisdom...along with a few dining recommendations.

experiences as well. My past experience has built the layers of my cake, so to speak. The new experiences are icing on the cake.

What was a mental challenge you faced in your career and worked to overcome?

Steven: I’m kind of lazy by nature [accompanied with a laugh]. I don’t spend much time looking for extracurricular activities so I don’t get that burnt out. However, I’ve always found it challenging to be more than my career. I really like ballet. I will find myself relaxing at home, watching TV and suddenly contemplating the nature of a tendu. It’s hard to turn it off.

Steven: My biggest challenge was trying to balance other people’s expectations with my own personal aesthetic desires. When I first started dancing my goal was just to not get fired. I never felt destined to be a dancer. I attributed a lot of my early success to being lucky: In the right place at the right time and being a hard worker. I still do, but I now take that momentum and build on it. I accept the good fortune but don’t discount my own role in making my career happen. Directors want you to grow in a certain way…I’ve learned I’m not going to be right for every part and take the opportunity to cultivate what I want to emphasize in my dancing. If you give somebody power to make you feel good about yourself, then you also give them the power to make you feel bad about yourself. I’m working to discover how I can find agency in developing my artistry rather than working to please other people. What is it like to be a “mature dancer” but still be so young and in the early stages of what the greater world considers “career”? Steven: There is a dissonance between being aged and experienced at work and still so young in the “real world”. I remember that in all facets it is circumstantial. It’s bizarre to be the second oldest male dancer in Grand Rapids Ballet, but I’m not that old within the greater dance world. Growing up at Oregon Ballet Theater I would always look up to the men dancing in their late 30s or 40s. It can be difficult to not be around many people who are older or more experienced than myself; I do struggle with a bit of a void in that respect. But I also enjoy the responsibility, or my perception of the responsibility, of being more mature… I have a grounded quality after twelve years of experience. I can work from that and hopefully have new

How have you come to balance work and relaxation?

However, I also remember that there’s this cultural desire to label people who are passionate about their work or hobby in a derogatory manner, such as “nerd” or, in ballet’s case “bunheads”. I don’t have to conform to this; I can be - obsessive is too strong a word but deeply invested in my profession without feeling bad about it.

Swan Lake is a product of its time, but that doesn’t negate its beauty. However, I also want to see boundaries being pushed with the new works that ballet companies produce. This is where my opinionated nature comes out. I want to see new ideas, pairings, partnerships, and costumes. Art is a living thing and needs to continue to grow. What is one thing you would like the average person to know about ballet? Steven: I would want them to know that my greatest desire, as a dancer, is to give an audience something they can connect to. My performance should present something they can fall into, get lost in, and find some kind of truth in. At the end of the day, I want them to be there for a while and experience something, whether it’s escape, catharsis, or enlightenment. Art, at its best, desires to connect.

Anyone that knows you knows that you are both a passionately opinionated and very progressive person. How do you reconcile these personality traits with working in ballet - an art form that’s often accused of being “conformist” or old-fashioned?

“I think of ballet companies as having a dual nature: They are both art museums and art galleries.” Steven: I think of ballet companies as having a dual nature: They are both art museums and art galleries. Companies do have the responsibility to present masterpieces that may have been progressive in their time but now might be labeled archaic or politically incorrect. However, you’re not going to go back and paint over Renaissance art because you don’t like the gender roles presented in the paintings. That art is important because it led to other movements which inspired other painters which led us to where we are now. If the work is important enough within the canon of classical ballet or the world of dance at large and is presented alongside audience education and an understanding of its problematic nature, it should continue to be presented in its original form.

STEVEN’S FAVORITES GR COFFEE SHOP: That Early Bird “The food is great, they serve Rowster coffee, they have unique stuff…” GR RESTAURANT: Terra GR “So consistently delicious.” BEER CITY BREWERY: Brewery Vivant ARTS ORGANIZATION: The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) PLACE TO RELAX: Saugatuck “Get coffee at Uncommon Coffee Roasters, chill on the beach, and stop at Wally’s for a fried perch sandwich.” INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/schouser/

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DANCERS

Laura McQueen-Schultz

Nicholas Schultz

Dawnell Dryja

Connie Flachs

Steven Houser

Yuka Oba

Cassidy Isaacson

Isaac Aoki

Demi Trezona

Caroline Wiley

Ednis Comez

Christian Griggs-Drane

Micaelina Ritschl

Grace Haskins

Branden Reiners

Nigel Tau

Julia Turner

Matthew Wenckowski

Megan Amanda Ehrlich

Jack Lennon

Hannah Potter

Adriana Wagenveld

Dillion Perry

Levi Teachout

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

Mari Beer

Ashley Conroy

Patrick Lennon

Rylie McHale

Natasha Nunamaker

Lydia Slack

Clare Schellenberg

Fionia Staczek

COMPANY MEMBERS Laura McQueen-Schultz Nick Schultz Dawnell Dryja Connie Flachs Steven Houser Yuka Oba Cassidy Isaacson Isaac Aoki Demi Trezaona Caroline Wiley Ednis Gomez Christian Griggs-Drane Micaelina Ritschl Grace Haskins Branden Reiners Nigel Tau Julia Turner Matthew Wenckowski Megan Amanda Ehrlich APPRENTICES Jack Lennon Hannah Potter Adriana Wagenveld Dillion Perry Levi Teachout TRAINEES Mari Beer Ashley Conroy Patrick Lennon Rylie McHale Natasha Nunamaker Clare Schellenberg Lydia Slack Fiona Staczek Ben Waldvogel

Benjamin Waldvogel

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DANCERS VISIT GRBALLET.COM

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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

The Nutcracker

Patricia Barker, Artistic Director

AT $ 2 0

Dec 9-11 & 16-18, 2016

DeVos Performance Hall Set & Production Design by Chris Van Allsburg & Eugene Lee Choreography by Val Caniparoli Live music by Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra

Presented by

UNWR AP THE MAGIC AT GRBALLET.COM13 Fall Newsletter: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

BACK TO SCHOOL AT GRBS

SCHOOL

Students at Grand Rapids Ballet School (GRBS) receive the highest quality dance instruction in a nurturing and encouraging environment while developing knowledge of technique, self-discipline, poise, grace, and a love of dance.

Ballet Program

Young Dancer Program

Boys Class

Grand Rapids Ballet School offers ballet classes in seven levels of instruction to boys & girls ages 8-19. Students receive the highest quality dance instruction in a nurturing and encouraging environment and develop a love of dance, knowledge of technique, self-discipline, poise and grace. Students enrolled in this program receive written evaluations twice a year and enjoy the opportunity to perform in multiple productions.

The Young Dancers Program includes Creative Dance (ages 3-4), Pre Ballet (ages 5-6) and Elementary Ballet (ages 6-7). Students in the Young Dancer Program learn musicality, coordination, classroom etiquette, and ballet vocabulary. Students enjoy performing in their own Petite Nutcracker in December and the Petite Finale in May, as well as educational visits to our costume shop and stage.

In addition to our Young Dancer and Ballet Programs, our Boys 1 & 2 classes provide an energetic, creative time while developing coordination, flexibility, strength, and endurance. These classes also build important social skills, selfesteem, confidence and teamwork. Boys 1 (ages 5-12) serves as a free introductory class. Boys 2 (ages 7-12) serves as a beginner ballet class for boys with at least two years of experience in ballet.

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

Explorer Dance A program introduced in the summer of 2010, Explorer Dance is a class designed for children ages 3 and older with Down syndrome. In this class students learn concepts of rhythm, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. This inclusive environment allows students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of ballet while discovering new possibilities. Explorer Dance offers a wonderful chance for students to learn and share in a creative environment. While the primary goal of this program is to promote the joy of dancing, the students also benefit from increased selfesteem, improved overall fitness, and improved classroom skills (listening to the instructor, focusing on tasks and following directions). All Explorer Dance students enjoy multiple performance opportunities each year.

Dancing with PD Dancing with PD classes allow people with Parkinson’s to experience the joys and benefits of dance while creatively addressing symptom-specific concerns related to motor skill, balance, and physical confidence. Each Parkinson’s disease dancer works at his/her own potential for that day and exercises will be modified to suit each individual’s level of comfort and ability.

Adult Ballet The Adult Ballet Classes focus on ballet technique while also building core strengthening and muscle conditioning. Studies have proven that a ballet dancer is just as strong as a football player. In ballet, all of the muscles are actively engaged in movement, providing with greater flexibility, and exercising the brain. Beyond that, you build selfconfidence, grow artistically, and relieve stress.

ADULT BALLET CLASS Schedule: Tuesdays at 6:30-7:45pm Intermediate Thursdays at 6:30-7:45pm Beginner Open to all ranges, abilities, and experience levels! Your first class is free! Sign up today!

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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

Giving you more ways to perform your best. Spectrum Health Medical Group is proud to be the preferred provider of sports medicine and athletic training services for the Grand Rapids Ballet. We know how important it is to overcome an injury. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reason our specialists have fellowship training from some of the most recognized sports medicine institutions in the country. To discover greater possibilities for expert care, from diagnosis to full recovery, visit shmgsportsmed.org.

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NEW TO THE GRB FAMILY Our GRB family keeps growing. Welcome Katie The Ballet welcomes Katherine Behrens as Costume Shop Manager. Originally from Oregon, she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costume Design and Construction at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. Following graduation from SOU, Katie earned her Master of Fine Arts in Costume Technology and Design from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She has worked in the costume shops of the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Santa Fe Opera, and the Glimmerglass Opera. She has been sewing for 16 years and in theatre for ten. She is excited to join GRB and is looking forward to many productions in the future. Welcome Michael We are pleased to announce the addition of Michael Erickson as Marketing Director. He is originally from Grand Ledge, Michigan and has been living in Atlanta, Georgia for the past 25 years after graduating from Central Michigan University. He is now back home and resides in downtown Grand Rapids. His diverse marketing background includes time at internationally known advertising agencies including Ogilvy & Mather and account management work for Atlanta Ballet.

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Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Martha Graham American Dancer

Thank you

to all the passionate individuals that make up the Grand Rapids Ballet.

Foster Swift provides comprehensive legal counsel to businesses, organizations, municipalities, families and individuals.

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ANNUAL FUND 2016 Grand Rapids Ballet would like to thank the many generous individuals, corporations. ROND DE JAMBE $10,000 +

Amway Beusse & Porter Family Foundation David Cutler The Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation The Douglas and Maria DeVos Foundation Edith Blodgett Legacy Fund of The Brookby Foundation Rosemary and David Good Family Foundation Clarence and Zita Harris Mrs. Zita Harris Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs James and Mary Nelson New York Choreographic Institute Norris Perné & French PNC Bank Tinney Automotive Wege Foundation

DÉGAGÉ $5,000 +

Baldwin Foundation Nicole Cristina Ciapponi Foster Swift Collins & Smith Keller Foundation Kendall College of Art & Design Ferris State University Patrick McConeghy Miller Johnson J. Lee and Susan B. Murphy Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan, Inc. Performance Systematix Inc. Plante Moran PLLC Marilyn Titche Varnum LLP Stephen and Jane Wert

TENDU $2,500 +

Michelle and Kevin Bassett Grand Valley State University Wes and Judy Harpold Herman Miller John Hunting Lion Rock Holdings LLC Michael and Melissa Lojek Mary Loupee John Nienhuis and Jerry Nardin Evan Reilly Giselle and Peter Sholler Spectrum Health Karlis and Anda Vizulis

PLIÉ $1,000 +

Tom and Melissa Aaberg Peter and Christine Albertini Don and Ellen Arlinsky Luis and Amanda Avila Patti and Karl Betz Jeff and Margaret Beusse Tom and Teri Boyce Donald and Erma Bruggink Mimi Cummings Andrea Jeane Darling Jeff and Theresa DeVries Elizabeth Tinney Donley Steffany Dunker and Jay Harsevoort Joan Dykstra Azlan Ezaddin 20

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David and Nancy Field John Frey Steve Frykholm Laurie Griffith Jeff Gurney Jack and Marcia Hall Todd and Robin Hoppe J.C. Huizenga Hylant Win and Kyle Irwin The Korff Foundation Tim and Juliet Kraal Kate and John McGarry The McLoughlin Family Foundation Al and Pam McQueen Meijer, Inc. Jon and Carol Muth Patricia Nevala Lynn and John O’Donnell Till and Bernice Peters John Petrovich and Lorraine Miles Porter Hills Foundation John Rudolf Family Foundation James H. Schindler Lee Strodtman Piroska Szabo and Gerd Pfeifer Karl & Joanna Van Harn Urs and Martha Waldvogel Pat and Bill Waring Warner Norcross & Judd LLP Lynn and Stuart White Meg and Greg Willit Melike Winkworth

JETÉ $500 +

Armbrecht and Wierenga Orthodontics, PLC Sally Kotani and David Armbrecht Shelly and Rob Batterbee Mark and Doreen Bolhuis The Brooks Family Buiten & Associates Centennial Securities Chemical Bank P. Sean and Laura Coombs Nicholle and Jeff Costello Linda and Jonathon Damon Kami Dempsey Jonathan Dunker Jo A. Dunker Glenn and Susan Dunn Darcy J. Dye Kost and Candy Elisevich Essence Restaurant Group John and Kristine Fox Fusion Business Services, LLC Shelly Garone Tom Genson Gerry Hotchkiss Hungerford Aldrin Nichols & Carter Bill and Judy Johnson Katerberg-VerHage Landscapes Kristi Kern Michael and Michele Kopinski Gregory Kusnick Shannon Lookabill Don and Nancy Lubbers Shawn and Kathryn McCabe McLean Family Foundation Diane Mills

Jim and Jessica Murray Patricia J. Muth Khan and Liza Nedd Kathleen and Ken Nelson Valerie B. Nelson Dr. Gilbert D.A. Padula Robert Oracz and Dave Schmidt Jim Shafer and Leah Voigt Trinitas Classical Association Darryl and Jane Varda John and Gwen Varineau Patricia Warner John H. Wert Susan Wold

Sauté $250 +

Peter and Christine Albertini Mary Appelt Nancy Bailey Dana and Mary Nell Baldwin Bob and Mary Barss Marcella Beck Blake and Taylor Beusse Frederick A. Bogaert Heather Bolhuis Braden and Shana Bolkema Glen and Betsy Borre Kristin Brookhouse Cynthia Conway Doug Coulter and Pamela Hoppe Richard and Nancy Court Dr. and Mrs. J. Stephen Ebrom Jean Enright Farmers Insurance Group Rev. Charles H. Fischer Michelle Frasier Alberta A. Garbaccio Karen Gebben Rod and Amy Hathaway George and Susan Heartwell Lauren Hinton Nicole Hoffman Stephen and Martha Holmgren Greg and Leah Hooks Paul Howland Tiffany Hutchins and Sarah Mayne Erin Itawi Mark and Lauren Iwaszko Julie Johnston Sean Kelly Peter Kjome Michael and Beth Kling Sally Kotani and David Armbrecht Stephanie Kresky-Jundt Ashley Kribs Leroy Krieger Jay and Jen Kroll Brian and Susan Lennon Norma Jean and James McCormick Twink Frey Heather Monroe Thomas Moore and Jan Winters Brian and Julie Morano Margaret Morrin Kathleen Muir Laidlaw Jerome and Karen Mulligan Kerrie Murphy Jeffrey and Courtney Muth The Leonard & Eileen Newman Fund of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Northern Trust Robyn O’Meara Corporate Portfolio Sarah Paulson Peter and Carroll Perez Henry Pestka Charitable Fund Douglas and Anne Poortenga Jason Riemersma Nicole Schanski Cheryl Scott Susan Sevensma David H. Smith Debra Smith Jack and Susan Smith Kimberly Smith Pat Smith Andrea Soltysiak Nancy Spanski and Chris Mark Mary B. Staten-McCormick Matthew and Kara Taylor Peter M. Turner Albert and Carole Valk Colleen and Doug Van Doren Julie Van Hoofe Erin Viveros Sarah and Kevin Weber Scott and Rebekah Wierenga Roberta Wilkes In Memory of Joseph Aaron Wojczynski

Relevé $100 +

Phillip Adler Jeff and Tammy Ammon Karla Anderson William Armitage Matthew and Maria Axtman Cynthia Banner Heather Barnett Michelle Barrows Eugene Bego Amy Bierling Nicole Bolde Jennifer Botbyl Frances J. Boyden Susan Brandon Roy Brown Amy Callahan Linda Campbell Thompson Greg Carnevale and Diane Mahon Jennie Carter Shon Clay Kathy Cleveland John and Penelope Collins Mary Cornish Elizabeth J. Crosby Melissa Dealvare Sue DeJonge Michael and Nancy Dodge Joan DuBois Katie Dykstra Eric Ebner John and Louise Edison Elisabeth T. Ely James and Gail Fahner Revs. Maurice and Sara Fetty Barbara O. Fisk Mary L. Forman Terence Frixen Samantha Gauthier Brendan Geary Clarice Geels Harvey and Phyllis Gendler Gaetan Gerville-Reache and Quan Mac Dan and Judi Giddings

Mary Gladish Harry and Lynn Gubbins Richard Hagan and Terry West Heather Hammerstrom Catherine B. Haney Meghan Hansen Anne and Matthew Haskins Kerry Hegele Marilyn E. Heiss Todd Helle and Diane McElfish Helle Nancy Helsel Todd Henke Gail and Alan Hering Mr. and Mrs. William Heritage Marcie Hillary Robert L. and Judith S. Hooker Foundation Erynn Huff Maureen Hulbert Laurie Iciek Thomas Mooney and Sandra Jensen Bari Johnson Mindy Johnson Curt and Constance Jones Amy Kettring Douglas and Patricia Klein Jennifer Klein Theresa Klein Jon and Beth Kurt Dr. Geoffrey Lam and Dr. Robyn Sackeyfio David and Amy Leonard Jessica Liggett Ray Loeschner John R. Martino Henry Matthews and Timothy Chester Angela May Patrick and Tamara Miller Kim S. Mitchell Rose Mary Moegling Stacy and Kristin Oldenberg Julie Otterbein Denise Overbeek Judith D. Palmer Christine Panter Diana Parsons Don and Mary Permoda Bryant and Kay Pierce Ms. Martha Porter Lauren Porterfield Meghan Power Autumn Quigg Susan Randazzo Kristi Reed Lori Reineke Sally Richmond Rex Roberts and Clare Hempel Stanley Samuel Maria Savage James and Bonnie Scarlett Robert Schwartz Showchex, Inc. Mary Lou Smith Deborah Snow Catherine Southwick Heather Sowinski Nancy Yagiela and Peter Spring Ginger Springer Jamie St. George Jim and Karen Stokes Artur and Sherisse Szymczak Cindy and James Todd John and Cheryl Tully Ghayas and Joy Uddin Rick and Mary VandenBerg Julia Vander Kolk

Jeffrey and Magdalena VanWingen John and Sherrill Verbrugge Tim and Claire Vogelzang Dr. and Mrs. James K. Watkins James and Mary Kay Wemple Mary White Ann Wildey Erica Wilkinson Karen Williams Joan Wilson Joseph and Karen Winegar Bob Wright Eileen M. Wurzer Thomas A. Wysocki Mike and Mary Yoak

Friends $50 +

Anthony Andrus Jeff and Anita Avery Jackie Behrendt Anne M. Benson Janelle Berger Troy Bernard Dennis Bierlein Sara and Scott Bouwkamp Alexis Boyden Carilon and Jim Carr Joshua and Linda Jo Carron Leigh Cascioli Nicole Colosky George and Vickie Cook Kay Courtney James DeLapa Tom and Lois Dykstra Sydney Edlund Latia Farnum Rosanne Fitzgerald Ann Foster Morgan Frasier Kristi Garner Dianne Garone Paula Gaylord Sue R. Gifford Rick and Barbara Gossett Holly and Steve Goulet Marisa Grossnickle Robert Heidenreich Dennis and Leslie Hess Nathan Hickman Aimee Jarchow Shellie Jeffries and Tony Kroes Suzanne K. Jones Tom and Margy Jones Dr. Jeanne Kapenga Judith Kemph Michael and Diane Kroll Mike and Gig Gamaggio with Cosmo and Gaia Nicholas Kuhl Frank Kwiatek and Karen Maczuga Laura Lambertson Melissa Lichtenwalter Marcy Lindhout Carol Lopekes Lynette R. Martin Peter and Lisa Neff Lauren Nesbitt-Sanford Katherine Marie Northrup Sheila O’Rourke Kimberly Overdevest Sean Patterson Kathy Pelleran Timothy and Pamela Pietryga Maggie and William Pitsch Fall Newsletter: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

ANNUAL FUND 2016 Michael and Katie Powers Rise L. Rasch Mary Ruzicka-Savage Jeffrey Schad and Marilyn Lankfer Thomas Schmelter and Emily Green Errol Shewman Mark Siegrist David Simmer Heather Spyke Heather Staeven Phil and Lynn Styburski Steve and Mary Sumners Jessica Swagman Kate Switalski Harmony Szymanski Lillian Tetzlaff Maureen Ellis Tyler Christine VanRaalte Kerrie Verlee Margaret Webb Mr. Rob Weiss Vicki Weller In Memory of Bob Wepman Kirk Wiley Kirk and Cindy Wright Ann J. Wuerthele Marvin Yamaguchi

A $75 gift buys a pair of pointe shoes for a company dancer.

A $125 gift pays for one musician in the pit orchestra for one performance of The Nutcracker.

A $300 gift brings weekly ballet classes to one classroom of children for one month.

A $500 gift

S E V O M T R A T A E R G rt the arts. o p p u s o h all w s Ballet and id p a R d n ra Bravo, G

provides a level one student with an 18-week scholarship to Grand Rapids Ballet School. To donate, visit grballet.com or contact Mark Warner at (616) 454-4771 ext. 11 or markw@grballet.com. 22

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

800.676.2787

kcad.edu

Movemedia II: Slight, costumes designed by KCAD Fashion Studies students. 15161 GR Ballet ad FINAL.indd 1

9/2/15 9:54 AM

that art can make us see the world differently. Inspiring. Thought Provoking. PNC is proud to sponsor the Grand Rapids Ballet, bringing arts and education together for young audiences and performers. Because we know that the arts inspire young minds.

To learn how we can help with your financial well-being, stop in any PNC Branch or visit us at pnc.com

SERENADE

Serenade Article

The curtain rises on seventeen dancers scattered on stage like trees in an orange grove at dawn, their arms lifted against the dim light, and the audience is bathed in the rich notes of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Serenade for Strings. We are transported to an otherworldly place in which simple classroom steps become magical. George Balanchineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Serenade is a masterpiece in its stunning simplicity interwoven with complex group work and precise musicality. As his first American ballet, it looks forward to his new beginning in the US, while at the same time reflecting on his past in Russia and Western Europe. Serenade premiered at an outdoor performance at the estate of Felix M. Warburg in White Plains, New York on June 9, 1934. Balanchine created this dance on students at the newly founded School of American Ballet to teach them the difference between classroom and stage work. The number of dancers varies in each section, seventeen, nine, six; whoever was present on that day was put in the dance. He drew on the accidental things that happened during rehearsal: once a dancer was late, one fell and still another had her hair fall out of its bun. These mundane events are masterfully incorporated into the dance. 24

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

Balanchine studied ballet at the Imperial Theatre School in St. Petersburg throughout the tumultuous years of the Russian Revolution. While still a member of the Mariinsky corps de ballet, he began experimenting choreographically in the artistic hothouse of the early Soviet Union. At the Ballets Russes, under Serge Diaghilev, he refined his work. By the time Lincoln Kirstein invited Balanchine to come to America in 1933, his choreography had matured, and most of the elements for which he became known were already present. Serenade marks his entrance on the scene in America, but it is as rich in his past as it is in his future. Some elements of the

ballet hearken back to his earlier works: the knotting and unknotting of arms as dancers create moving sculptures, and the building of multilevel formations reflect back to Funeral March (1923) and La Chatte (1927). A signature move, in which a man turns a woman in a promenade by supporting her knee, first appeared La Pastorale (1926). But unlike these earlier work, Serenade exemplifies Neoclassicism as Balanchine combined new ideas with the aesthetic of the French Romantic ballet blanc (white ballet) and the music of the most well known composer of the Russian Classical ballets. It looks forward to and is the first of many great American ballets, including The Four Temperaments (1946), Agon (1957) and Jewels (1967). Serenade has changed many times since the first production, but remains the same in its essence. The first performance contained only three movements, “Sonatina,” “Waltz,” and “Elegy.” Balanchine later choreographed “Russian Dance,” placing it between “Waltz” and “Elegy” so that the ballet would end on a somber note. The stunning final tableau shows a woman being carried off stage by three men, followed by the corps de ballet. As in the first scene, the dancers are shadowed, but now, rather than holding back the light, they move towards it. The curtain closes on a moment as ethereal and emotionally moving as when it opened. Sources: Balanchine’s Complete Stories of The Great Ballets by George Balanchine and Francis Mason. “Serenade: Evolutionary changes by Alastair Maccaulay. Forthcoming in Ballet Review Volume 44, Number 4

Theatre

2016-2017 SEASON

AT G R A N D VA L L E Y

Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival and Theatre at Grand Valley present

GVSU Opera Theatre presents

Written by William Shakespeare

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Dark comedy tackles twin evils of power and corruption with outrageous humor

A tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat. Winner of 8 Tony Awards.

September 30, October 1, 6*, and 7 at 7:30 p.m. October 2*, 8, and 9 at 2 p.m.

February 3, 4, 10, and 11 at 7:30 p.m. February 5 and 12 at 2 p.m.

MEASURE for MEASURE

SWEENEY Todd — THE

DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

*Sign language interpretation available

Theatre at Grand Valley presents Theatre at Grand Valley presents

Good KIDS Written by Naomi Iizuka

Incendiary, startlingly relevant, and inspired by current events

November 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. November 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.

HELEN

Translation by Diane Rayor

Surprises and delights with its intriguing take on an ancient tale

March 24, 25, 30, 31, and April 1 at 7:30 p.m. March 26 and April 2 at 2 p.m.

All performances are located in the Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus. For ticket information, visit gvsu.edu/theatre or call the box office at (616) 331-2300.

Elizabeth Kattner, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Oakland University. Her research on the early works of George Balanchine have been published in Ballet Review and the Journal of Dance Education.

Fall Newsletter: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

PT360 is the preferred provider of physical therapy for Grand Rapids Ballet

Dave Asselin, DPT Pictured: Dave working on GRB dancer Dawnell Dryja

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

330 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 pt360.net | (616) 456-0360

FOLLOW #GRBALLET ONLINE facebook.com/ grballet

@GRapidsBallet #GRBallet

youtube.com/ GRBalletvids

STAY CONNECTED! Sign up for e-news at

grballet.com

Fall Newsletter: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

GRB ON TOUR

MEET US IN ST. LOUIS! Auction Item: $100 value We’re taking the show Two Season Tickets to Grand Rapids Jewish The on the road to St. Louis, Missouri (just a 6-hour drive from Grand Rapids) with a commissioned work by Dance St. Louis of Mario Radacovsky’s innovative interpretation of this iconic Shakespeare tale, Romeo & Juliet.

2016-17 Season You don’t have to be Jewish to Love Jewish Theater All performances are at GRCC Spectrum Theater Thurs. & Sat. at 8 p.m. Sundays at 3 p.m.

ONE NIGHT WITH FANNY BRICE January 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 2015 Like us on Facebook

Tickets: 616-234-3946 or jtgr.org 28

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

The classic story focuses on the two lovers and their struggle with the social barrier that restricted and insulated them from DEATH OFand A how it wasTHE TRIANG childhood, SALESMAN FACTORY FIR broken for love.

PROJECT Directed by Jer Pinsky www.dancestlouis.org/romeo-juliet June 11, 13, 14 today. 21, 2015 by Arthur Miller April 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 2015 For tickets, visit

G R A N D VA L L E Y S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y P R E S E N T S T H E 1 4 t h A N N U A L

Fall Arts Celebration 2016 Enriching the Arts and Humanities in West Michigan Grand Valley’s Fall Arts Celebration features distinguished writers, poets, musicians, artists, and scholars of our time. Please join us this fall for inspiring entertainment that is the hallmark of our signature events.

MUSIC

“Emerging Romanticism: the Ying Quartet Performs the Early Viennese Chamber Music of Beethoven” MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 7:30 P.M. COOK-DEWITT CENTER ALLENDALE CAMPUS

ART

“GVSU and SeoulTech Art and Design Faculty Exhibition” EXHIBITION RECEPTION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 5–7 P.M. ART GALLERY, PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ALLENDALE CAMPUS EXHIBITION DATES: AUGUST 26–NOVEMBER 4

POETRY

“An Evening of Poetry and Conversation with Oliver de la Paz and Kay Ryan” THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 7 P.M. 2ND FLOOR, L.V. EBERHARD CENTER ROBERT C. PEW GRAND RAPIDS CAMPUS

DANCE

The Francesca Harper Project and GVSU Dance present “Beethoven’s The Creatures of Prometheus Ballet” MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 7:30 P.M. LOUIS ARMSTRONG THEATRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ALLENDALE CAMPUS

LECTURE

Rebecca Solnit “Seeing the Invisible: Journeys Through the Overlooked, Unheard, Outside, and Insurrectionary” MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 7 P.M. 2ND FLOOR, L.V. EBERHARD CENTER ROBERT C. PEW GRAND RAPIDS CAMPUS

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

“Musical Tradition and Timeless Memories: Handel’s Messiah” MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 7:30 P.M. FOUNTAIN STREET CHURCH 24 FOUNTAIN STREET NE GRAND RAPIDS, MI

All events are FREE and open to the public. Want to know more about upcoming Fall Arts Celebration events? Please visit gvsu.edu/fallarts and provide us with your email address or call (616) 331-2185.

Media Sponsor:

Fall Newsletter: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

St. Cecilia Music Center

the CHAMBER

MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER SERIES

Our NYC partnership continues under the leadership of artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han. Chamber music at its best! Destination Vienna November 10, 2016

French Virtuosity March 16, 2017 scmc-online.org 616.459.2224

www.palm-panek.com Toll Free: 800-762-0365

Smile with confidence! Dental Implants Wisdom Teeth Tooth Extractions Jaw Surgery

Two Convenient Locations Grand Rapids

4349 Sawkaw Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: 616-361-7327

Rockford

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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

{Encore!} The CPAs and consultants of Plante Moran are proud to support the Grand Rapids Ballet.

A higher return on experience.

plantemoran.com Fall Newsletter: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

THANK YOU

EN POINTE

En Pointe is the volunteer group for Grand Rapids Ballet and we couldn’t do what we do without them!

Ray King Jr. Yvonne Lamberson Brian & Susan Lennon Family Melissa Lojek Carla Ludwig Laura Martin Kris, Joni, Elizabeth, Emily, & Erin Mauren Kathryn & Shawn McCabe Sarah McCabe Robert Mieras Carole Mueller-Brumbaugh Cindy Napolitan Wayne & Brigitte Nelson Raeanne Niemer Suzanne & Tom Nowak Gary & Karen Paul Mary Quiroz Robert “RJ” Regan Kent & Lisa Rudlaff Family Maria Rydstedt Kim, Chris, Clare, Seth, & Paul Schellenberg Nancy Schenck David Schmidt & Robert Oracz Pamela & Paul Schweitzer Carol Sinke Paul, Amy, & Arianna Skentzos William C. Spagnuolo Mary Sumners Corsair Switzerlord Yuichi & Hiroko Takagi Elaine Teat Randy & Joanne Terrian Al & Carole Valk Leslie VanBecker & Ed Clifford Colleen Mahon, Douglas, & Aidan Van Doren Karen Verway Urs & Martha Waldvogel Joyce Walker DeAnna Westerbeek Merikay Wierenga Jim & Connie Winter-Troutwine

Errol Shewman, Guest Services Manager Mary Ackert Jeff, Dr. Anita, & Anneke Avery Betsy Bakeman Mary Nell Baldwin Phyllis Ball Richard & Kathy Benoit Cheryl Bentley Donna & Roger Betten Thomas & Barbara Brege Roy Brown Julie Bukrey Timothy Bunchman & Norma Maxvold Robyn Carlson Pam Clark P. Sean, Laura, & Erica Coombs Kay Courtney Bill & Heidi Dani Robert Diamond & Sheila Kinney Dr. Matthew M. & Mattie Douglas Joan Dykstra Rosalind Ebrom Patricia & Carl Falkenstern Greg, Shari, & Alli Farr Gig Kruit, Mike, Gaia, & Cosmo Gamaggio Roselda Gardner Robin & David Gast Karen Gilmore Stephanie Greenwood Barbara Groat David & Karen Hadsall Marcia & Jack Hall Kathleen Hansen Abby Harrison Lawrence B. & Rosie Haywood Carol & Greg Heath Robert, Kelly, & Hannah Jacobsma Susan Jennelle Denise Joseph Sally & Hope Jonker Sharon Karam Keranen-Lopez Family Judith Kiebler

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: Fall Newsletter

Patricia Barker, Artistic Director

BLACK & WHITE

SWAN LAKE FEB 10-12, 2017

Peter Martin Wege Theatre

“Grand Rapids Ballet’s

‘Black & White: Swan Lake’

is an artistic accomplishment of highest order.”— Mlive

To learn more about the benefits of En Pointe membership or to join, visit grballet.com or contact Errol Shewman at:

guestservices@grballet.com

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! CALL (616) 454-4771 OR VISIT GRBALLET.COM TODAY.

Patricia Barker, Artistic Director

CLAR A’S

NUTCR ACKER PARTY DEC 11, 2016

Amway Ambassador Ballroom

Your ticket to the party includes: brunch ballet class with Drosselmeier photos with Nutcracker characters crafts reading of The Nutcracker story ticket to the 2:00pm performance of The Nutcracker

ORGANIC ESPRESSO • COFFEE • TEA