DAWN
A Note from Our Directors
Dear HBC Patrons,
We are so thrilled that you are joining us for Dawn, our 2024 fall performance. “Dawn” is defined as “the beginning of a phenomenon or period of time, especially one considered favorable.” With exciting new works, reimagined classical repertoire, state of the art costumes, and new professional opportunities for our dancers, Dawn symbolizes the growth and rebirth of Harvard Ballet. Through tenacity, hard work, and optimism, ballet dancers are pillars of growth and success. Dawn encapsulates these qualities and places them onstage. This show will connect audiences and dancers alike and stand as a true testament to ballet’s ability to heal, unite, inspire, and radiate light.
We would like to extend our gratitude towards a few parties, this show would not be complete without them. Thank you to our support staff at the Harvard Dance Center, our HBC Board, our Dawn Tech Team, the staff at the ART, and our generous donors who have allowed us the opportunity to perform Balanchine repertoire in its entirety.
As we continue to expand our company and find success, we are exceedingly grateful to have the opportunity to connect with you, the audience, in the theater once more. We hope that you enjoy the show, and thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.
Payton Thompson and Sedina Ackuayi 2024 Harvard
Harvard Ballet Company Board
Co-Directors.............................Payton Thompson & Sedina Ackuayi
Co-Producers.................................Selorna Ackuayi & Sarah Moreno
Treasurer............................................................................Cole Yellin
Publicity Co-Chairs.......................Sophia Barakett & Emma Nagler
Rehearsal Director.......................................................Carter Hayes
Secretary......................................................................Sophie O’Melia
Fundraiser..........................................................................Ava Winer
Historian........................................................................Scout Stevens
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair............SoEun (Sonya) Park
Costumer......................................................................Melinda Wang
Social Chair...............................................................Olivia Callandar
Off Campus Liaisons................Nikoletta Kennedy & Peyton Darby
Tech Team
Stage Manager.............................................................Lillian Rousey
Assistant Stage Manager.......................................Claire O'Sullivan
Sound Designer/Operator....................................Norene Williams
Assistant Sound Operator.......................................Neeraja Kumar
Lighting Designer..........................................................Gabe Seplow
Lighting Programmer/Operator.............Onovughakpor Otitigbe
Assistant Lighting Programmer/Operator...............Anwen Cao
Assistant Lighting Programmer/Operator..................Jason Lin
Assistant Lighting Programmer/Operator.....Anneliese Mattox
Assistant Sound/Lighting Operator................................Karis Ka
Variations de Joie
Choreography by Charles McDaniel
Music: Violin Concerto in A Major, Op. 5 No. 2: I. Allegro moderato, composed by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, performed by Rachel Barton Pine and the Encore Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of Daniel Hege
Dancers: Sedina Ackuayi, Selorna Ackuayi, Sophia Barakett, Lili Biglari, Carter Hayes, Nikoletta Kennedy, Jackie Lane, Thom McNeilly, Sophie Naud, Scout Stevens, Clara Thiele, Payton Thompson
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”Psalm 30:5
Variations De Joie showcases the joy of dance. Set to the joyous music of Afro-French composer, Joseph Bologne, this work is a celebration of the beauty of classical music and movement.
—PAUSE—
Poised
Choreography by Talia DeLeo
Music: “If You Only Would” by Anna Landström
Dancers: Sedina Ackuayi, Erin Aslami, Elisabeth Bullock, Talia DeLeo, Caterina Terrizzi, Laura Vejar
“Poised” expresses the strength that lies within women ’ s poise and the frustration of the hardships of girlhood and womanhood. Historically, our poise has been manipulated against us as an expectation, misconstrued for a purpose of appeasing others within a patriarchal system. But being poised is not something women do to please others, and it never has been, rather it is a quality we naturally carry for ourselves. Having poise is having confidence, being secure in who you are, and finding internal strength in your grace. This piece portrays poise as an internal trait expressed uniquely by every woman and gives hope to a new dawn where young girls and women can simply exist as they are, for there is power in our poise.
A Delicate Response
Choreography by Julia Solecki
Music:Waltz of Cecilia by Teesa
Pianist: Chloe Clarke Smith
Dancers: Ariana Barillas, Lili Biglari, Thom McNeilly, Sophie Naud, Emily Regan, Payton Thompson, Melinda Wang
Dedicated to a dear friend of Julia’s and the composer of the music, Teesa. May you never stop creating with the gifts you were given.
This piece is inspired by how beautifully classic yet modern Teesa’s composition “Waltz of Cecelia” is. Just as the music it is set to, this ballet yearns to be gentle yet dynamic as the dancers float across the stage in rippling effects.
Her Dusk
Choreography by Carter Hayes
Music:Architect of the Mind by Kerry Muzzey
Dancers: Selorna Ackuayi, Sophia Barakett, Olivia Callander, Peyton
Darby, Sarah Moreno, Emma Nagler, Scout Stevens, Josephine Willman, Cole Yellin
Humans are social beings, and we love to be around each other. However, sometimes in groups, there can be turmoil. This piece investigates group dynamics and how it can lead to disaster. See if you can spot when it all goes wrong!
Vehemence
Choreography by Sedona Perin & Anna Governale
Music: Seasons and Constellation by Adrián Berenguer
Dancers: Katherine Byunn-Rieder, Kathryn Chen, Bettina Cuddy, Anna Governale, Vanessa Guan, Isabela Haskell, Sedona Perin, Emily Regan, Sami Shorr, Julia Solecki
An exploration of fierce energy & passion, Vehemence dives into the intensity of unity in chaos. This piece captures the strength of individuals coming together, with their powerful drive becoming an unstoppable force against the dissonance surrounding them.
Celestial Pulse
Choreography by Sadie Strong
Music: “NR-G7” by Rick Rubin
Dancers: Peyton Darby, Melissa Harvey, Josephine Meriot, Anastasia Poliakova, Julia Solecki, Salema Trabelsi, Cole Yellin, Melinda Wang
Inspired by a sci-fi environment, this piece encapsulates the fast and radiant aspects of contemporary ballet. Rick Rubin’s “NR-G7” is an adaptation from the Star Wars soundtrack, but the song itself sounds very electronic and futuristic. Tuning in to those elements, this piece has an awakening vibe, similar to that of “Dawn” and new beginning.
Sunrise
Choreography by Thom McNeilly
Music: I like the Sunrise - from "Liberian Suite" Duke Ellington
Dancers: Erin Aslami, Elizabeth Chadbourne , Katie Granner, Nikoletta Kennedy, Payton Thompson
Playing on the theme of “Dawn,” Duke Ellington’s work emphasizes the power of storytelling through dance. While the piece doesn't directly have a plot, the movement builds and has moments of calm. Things change, but sometimes life has moments of circles. This piece shows that, and it all illustrates new dawns! "In my end is my beginning" T.S. elliot
Excerpts from La Bayadere - The Kingdom of the Shades
Choreography by Marius Petipa
Staged by Peyton Darby
Music: La Bayadère: No. 29 (Adante)” - English Chamber Orchestra & Richard Bonynge
Composor: Ludwig Minkus-John Lanchbery
Dancers: Lili Biglari, Elisabeth Bullock, Peyton Darby, Isabela Haskell, Melissa Harvey, Jackie Lane, Josephine Meriot, Emma Nagler, Emma Odom, Anastasia Poliakova, Sadie Strong, Caterina Terrizzi, Jena Thorne, Laura Vejar, Josephine Willman, Cole Yellin
In the "Kingdom of the Shades" scene from the famous classical ballet, La Bayadère, Solor, distraught over the death of his love, Nikiya, dreams of reuniting with her in another realm. In this dream, sixteen Shades appear and descend in a hypnotic line, creating a mesmerizing scene on stage. This adagio is one of the most iconic moments in classical ballet.
A Red Dawn
Choreography by Maya Shiloni
Music: FMO III (Turbulence) by Davidson Jaconello
Dancers: Sophie O’Melia and Sarah Moreno
“A Red Dawn” tells the story of coming together, even in the darkest of times. As the dancers run for their lives, they find support in one another, showing their humanity even in a heartbreaking moment. In instant camaraderie, they find hope.
Variation from Manon
Adapted from Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon (Royal Ballet version)
Music: L’histoire de Manon Act II by Leighton Lucas (from Jules Massenet), Performed by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Dancers: Katy Nairn
Manon is the haunting story of a young woman doomed by passionate and intrepid love. During her Act II variation, she arrives at an opulent ball and captures the attention of all in attendance. In this moment, she experiences unadulterated confidence, yet this same self-assured power becomes her ultimate demise.
Friends You Haven’t Met Yet
Choreography by Nikoletta Kennedy
Music: At Last by Etta James, Quarto de Hotel by Hareton Salvanini, Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
Dancers: Katie Granner, Sarah Moreno, Sophie Naud, Sedona Perin, Anastasia Poliakova, Sadie Strong, Salema Trabelsi
“Friends You Haven’t Met" is a celebration of friendship as a source of hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings. Just as each dawn brings new light and possibility, this piece portrays the beauty of connection and shared stories waiting to unfold. "Friends You Haven’t Met" reminds us that friendship carries us forward, inviting new journeys and the chance for change with each new day. As Terry Pratchett said, "There's always a story. It's all stories, really. The sun coming up every day is a story. Everything's got a story in it. Change the story, change the world."
—PAUSE—
Arch Ephemera
Choreography by Sedina Ackuayi
Music: Planetarium by Justin Hurwitz
Dancers: Olivia Callander, Bettina Cuddy, Emma Odom, Katherine Byunn-Rieder, Emily Regan, Laura Vejar, Ava Winer
In the night sky, stars twinkle and wink. As human observers, we can’t help but wonder whether they know something. Society trusts that these stars are omniscient, and children wish upon them, hoping that their magic can extend down to Earth. Arch Ephemera is the manifestation of the childlike magic of stars. This piece is inspired by a chapter from P/L. Travers’s Mary Poppins, in which one of the Pleiades (the Seven Sisters) comes down to Earth to ask Mary Poppins and the Banks children to help her collect gifts for her star sisters. She’s playful, she’s enigmatic, she’s there, and then she’s not. Most of all, she bestows a sense of wonder upon the world. Dancers solely hold the knowledge of the world they create – they know, but the audience is left wondering. They’re coy, coquette, they’re ebullient, and most importantly, they’re arch.
Excerpt From Stars and Stripes
1st Campaign from George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes
Choreography by George Balanchine
©The George Balanchine Trust
The performance of Stars and Stripes, a Balanchine® Ballet, is presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and has been produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique® Service standards established and provided by the Trust.
Staged by: Deborah Wingert
Music: "Corcoran Cadets" by John Philip Sousa
Soloist: Payton Thompson/Sophie O’Melia
Corps de Ballet: Elizabeth Chadbourne, Nikoletta Kennedy, Sophie Naud, Emma Odom, Sophie O’Melia/Payton Thompson, Anastasia
Poliakova, Maria Steis/Melinda Wang, Scout Stevens, Sadie Strong, Caterina Terrizzi, Clara Thiele, Josephine Willman
The Russian choreographer George Balanchine immigrated to the United States in 1933 and quickly became known as the founder of American ballet. He choreographed Stars and Stripes (1958) to the music of Sousa, mainly because he “liked the music.” As a patriotic new American working amid the Cold War, Balanchine intended for the ballet to represent American values of determination, ingenuity, and energy. It offers a heightened celebration of liveliness and camaraderie, promoting empowerment and tenacious community.
Costumes Courtesy of BALLET WEST
Adam Sklute, Artistic Director
Costume Design by Karinska
Meet the Choreographers!
Anna Governale
Anna Governale is a sophomore at Babson College receiving her Bachelors of Science in business administration. She began dancing at the age of two in NYC and continued her training at Nunnbetter Dance Theatre in Bergen County, NJ. Throughout high school she had the opportunity to perform lead roles in productions of The Nutcracker, Raymonda, Swan Lake, and The Four Seasons. She has also studied with the Boston Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet at their summer intensives. Anna joined Harvard Ballet Company as a freshman and is thrilled to be choreographing for the first time this semester with her longtime ballet buddy and bestfriend Sedona Perin!
Carter is a senior at Harvard studying Mathematics. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Carter began dancing at age 10, starting with musical theater, but quickly transitioning to ballet and contemporary. Through his training with Rachael Poirier, he had the opportunity to work with and learn from incredible choreographers like Matt Cady, Kirsten Wicklund, Sabrina Phillip, and Sarah Dolan. He has also had numerous opportunities to assist choreographers, learning more about the choreographic process. Carter is super excited to be choreographing with HBC again this semester!
Carter Hayes
Christopher McDaniel
Christopher Charles McDaniel hails from East Harlem, NYC, where he began his ballet training at the Dance Theatre of Harlem School and subsequently studied dance at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, Boston Ballet, and Ballet Academy East. Mr. McDaniel was a company member of the Los Angeles Ballet, Ballet San Antonio, and Dance Theater of Harlem. He taught ballet throughout his performing career and most recently was named a permanent faculty member at the School of American Ballet in 2023.
Christopher
Julia is a third year at Northeastern University studying Architecture. Julia began her training with the School of American Ballet where she got several opportunities to perform with the New York City Ballet. Throughout high school, she continued her training at Manhattan Youth Ballet and Beacon Dance Company where she began to branch out to other styles of dance. She partook in several summer intensives including the Bolshoi Ballet, NYSSA and Boston Ballet (that is summer she fell in love with Boston)! She has choreographed a piece in the Fall 2023 show and is thrilled to have the opportunity to choreograph again in this show!
Julia Solecki
Maya Shiloni
Maya is a Junior at Harvard College, concentrating in Government and Economics. She is Originally from Kiryat Ono, Israel, where she trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and acrobatics. She is a three-time gold and threetime silver medalist in the Dance World Cup and has won seven national championships. Maya has been teaching dance for the last 10 years and has choreographed dozens of dances for her students.
Nikoletta Kennedy
Nikoletta is a fourth-year premedicine student at Northeastern University and has been with Harvard Ballet Company since her freshman fall semester. She began her choreographic journey as a resident student choreographer while in the pre-professional division at Manhattan Youth Ballet, creating two ballets, and has continued doing works for HBC since her sophomore year. This is Nikoletta's fourth ballet for the company and she has been an active performing dancer as well as, an off-campus liaison on board during her time with HBC.
Peyton Darby
Sadie is a sophomore at Boston University studying in the six year physical therapy program. She grew up in New Jersey and has trained in ballet and other genres since she 3 years old. Sadie loves dancing, the outdoors, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog! This is Sadie’s second year with Harvard Ballet and her first time choreographing!
Peyton Darby is a junior at Northeastern University studying Business Administration concentrating in Finance. Peyton trained at the Lynch School of Ballet where she had the opportunity to perform leading roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, and Cupid in Don Quixote. Peyton spent her summers training at intensive programs with companies such as ABT and the Orlando Ballet. She also was hired by Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre as a guest artist in 2022. Peyton has been a part of HBC for over two years and currently is one of the Co-Off Campus Liaisons on HBC’s Board.
Sadie Strong
Sedina Ackuayi
Sedina is a senior at Harvard, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. She’s been a member of HBC since her freshman year and began her choreographic journey assistant choreographing for the HRDC’s October 2023 Mainstage production. She choreographed for HBC for the first time alongside her co-director Payton Thompson last spring, creating a piece for the company ’ s spring production Serendipity and for the Arts First Festival in collaboration with the Harvard Ballet Orchestra. Throughout her time with HBC, Sedina has been an active performing dancer, DEI Chair, and is currently co-director on board.
Sedona Perin is a junior at Boston University pursuing a dual degree in political science and media science. Sedona grew up in Bergen County, NJ where she trained at Nunnbetter Dance Theatre. AT NDT, Sedona performed leading roles in productions of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Four Seasons, and La Bayadère. In Boston, Sedona has also danced in Tony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker and Boston University’s Dance Theatre Group performances. Sedona has been in Harvard Ballet Company since her freshman year and is very excited to be choreographing for the first time with Anna this semester!
Sedona Perin
Talia DeLeo
Talia is a senior at Harvard College concentrating in Psychology. She danced as a trainee with Ballet Co.Laboratory from the company ’ s inception in 2018, performing alongside the professional company in productions such as Gentle Human, The Little Prince, Carmen, and Peter Davidson’s An American in Paris, and choreographed her own pieces for the students of Ballet Co.Laboratory. Talia has been a member of HBC since her freshman year and this is her fifth ballet that she has created for the ballet company. Talia is honored to have worked with the beautiful dancers of HBC this semester!
Thom is a junior at Emerson College. Thom’s dance background training started at his Mom’s dance school in the Hudson Valley area of N.Y. He continued ballet and dance studies throughout high school with training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Boston Ballet Trainee program and Miami City Ballet School. Thom had the opportunity to attend summer programs at Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the School of American Ballet. He danced for a year in the second company at Cincinnati Ballet Company. He’s excited to have the chance to choreograph a work for Harvard Ballet this semester!
Thom McNeilly
Thank you to all of our generous donors who made it possible for us to perform historical Balanchine repertoire this year. We are forever grateful for your support in this endeavor.
PRIMA BALLERINA - BENEFACTORS OF $1000+
Gregory and Allison O’Melia, K.T. Vaughan
PRINCIPAL - BENEFACTORS OF $500 - $999
Darci Chowen, Elizabeth Knighton
SOLOIST - BENEFACTORS OF $250 - $499
Barbara Kennedy, Stephanie Lyons, Emma Odom, Maria Odom, Jennifer Strong, Elaine Thompson, Jeff and Kristy Thompson, Joseph Willman
SECOND SOLOIST - BENEFACTORS OF $100-$249
Anna Antongiorgi, Kimberly Birds, Corrie Bresko, Sherry Buller, Phoebe Cushman, Beatriz Efron, Loren Fenton, Walter and Stacy Freed, Brenda James, Antonieta Urrutia
CORPS DE BALLET - BENEFACTORS OF $50-$99
Julianne Allen, Stacy Anderson, Kelly Chadbourne, Kerry Farber, Kristi Hadland, Jennifer Kammerzell, William Potts, Debra Raniero, Liz Walker
APPRENTICE - BENEFACTORS OF $0-$49
Annabel Baxter, Camille Deschandol, Talia Feinsod, Kaia Glickman, Lia Glotfelty, Camryn Jones, Nicholas Maloney, Justine Shapiro-Kline
If you would like to support our company through a donation, please fill out a donation slip in the lobby before or after the show or during intermission. We will then send you instructions on how to make your donation tax deductible. Thank you for you support.
A Special Thanks To:
Technical Advisor....................................................Jeremie Lozier
HRDC Liason........................................................PK Byunn-Rieder
Costume Designer........................................................Bettie Closs
Photography.............................Crystal Manyloun and Addison Liu
Videographer.............................................................Riley Jackson
This performance by Harvard Ballet Company was supported in part by the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club, Harvard Office for the Arts, and the Harvard Undergraduate Council; we are grateful for their support.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to the HBC Graduate Board, patrons, alumni, HBC Company members, family, and friends whose continued support helps make our art possible. Thank you for your continued faith in us and in the ability of art to inspire us and bring us together.
