Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcrcaker

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Saturday, March 21, 2015 Sunday, March 22, 2015

• •

7pm 2pm

SwanLake Featuring San Francisco Ballet Principal Dancers:

Yuan Yuan Tan

Tiit Helimets

Tickets online 24/7:

thebarclay.org | festivalballet.org | 949.854.4646 2 | IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE

FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE Welcome to the 26th annual Nutcracker production! We are very honored that so many family and friends of Festival Ballet Theatre have made us a part of their annual holiday tradition. Thank you for joining us!

Our Nutcracker is a highlight of our season and involves more than 150 dancers who move with grace and precision in their portrayals of beloved characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome Cavalier, our heroine Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, battling toy soldiers and twirling sweets from many lands.

Dancing the lead roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are esteemed guest artists: Fabrice Calmels of Joffrey Ballet and Carla Kรถrbes of Pacific Northwest Ballet, Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky and Sascha Radetsky and Isabella Boylston of American Ballet Theatre. Each year FBT attracts amazing guest artists who join resident company members and local students to celebrate the holiday season. We are so grateful to be able to share their talents with you all.

Our 2014-2015 season opened with the presentation of Alice in Wonderland and Mixed Repertoire. Audiences gave the performance a standing ovation and rave reviews. In the spring, we will present Swan Lake, which will surely amaze our audiences. In August, we will conclude the season with our most-anticipated annual performance of Gala of the Stars. Both upcoming performances will feature stunning guest artists, ballet superstars, amazing costumes and incredible talent.

Through your continued support of ballet in Orange County, we look forward to bringing you the beautiful art of dance for years to come!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Salwa Rizkalla Artistic Director Festival Ballet Theatre Salwa Rizkalla, Artistic Director of Festival Ballet Theatre with American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, Irina Dvorovenko.

Board of Directors, Guild Chairs & Advisory Board Festival Ballet Theatre Board of Directors Salwa Rizkalla, President Lisa Yamashita, Vice President Doris Bailey, Member at Large Willa Bouwens-Killeen, Treasurer Cathleen Hunter, Secretary

Guild Chairs

Advisory Board

Coordinators

Christine De Nicola, Guild President Teri Schmidt, Grants Alisa Ziebarth, Volunteer Chair Kathryn Weber, Boutique Chair Sandy Mason, Hospitality Chair

Tom Lydon Katherine Ahn, DDS Curtis Holdsworth Mike Lemburg

Carol Chen Wendy Harrigan Carole Herzfeld Cathy Kurani Marrieta Merito Rosi Minns Jessica Neumann Kalee Rustvold Sydney Simpler Abril Turner Annie Werle IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 3

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12/12

Cheng Hall December 12 | 7pm December 13 | 2pm, 7pm December 14 | 1pm, 6pm

December 17 | 7pm December 18 | 7pm December 19 | 7pm

There will be a 20-minute intermission.

Choreography & Direction Salwa Rizkalla Music Peter I. Tchaikovsky

Scenery & Original Costume Design Simon Pastukh Galina Solovyeva

Lighting Design & Production Supervisor Brock Cilley Don Guy Artistic Assistant Elizabeth Farmen

Rehearsal Faculty Lana Brooks Elizabeth Farmen Marci Goedl Christine Nunez Askar Kettebekov Salwa Rizkalla Nazgul Shinn Stella Viorica

December 20 | 2pm, 7pm December 21 | 1pm, 6pm December 22 | 2pm

Additional Costume Design & Construction Donna Dickens Cyndee Ely Cliff Faulkner Kaye Michel Jack Sykes Barbara Vieuretta

December 23 | 2pm December 24 | 11am

Costume Coordinator Willa Bouwens-Killeen Graphic Designer Marianne Hales

Production Coordinator Mark Blake Chris Schmidt Company Photographer Dave Friedman Rob Gage Casting subject to change.

The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.

AUGUST 14, 2015

Revered Guest Artists — Breathtaking Performances

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ABOUT FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE Under the direction of Salwa Rizkalla, since its founding in 1988, Festival Ballet Theatre has become one of Southern California’s most vibrant and accomplished professional ballet companies. Celebrating 26 years of artistic service to Orange County, FBT is dedicated to presenting works that epitomize the artistry of professional-quality ballet, offering cultural awareness of dance through educational programs, and nurturing a creative environment for some of our county’s most talented dancers.

Boasting a roster of impressive, up-and-coming talent, the company’s productions feature internationally acclaimed guest artists from prestigious companies, such as American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Kirov Ballet, New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet.

Festival Ballet Theatre strives to enrich the experience of Orange County’s dance audience by highlighting the work of world-renowned guest and resident choreographers.

With reverence to masterpieces of the past and a clear focus on developing future tours de force, FBT presents a varied repertoire of full-length classical ballets, including The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, as well as contemporary works by some of the nation’s most sought-after choreographers.

Aspiring to the heights of artistic excellence, Festival Ballet Theatre simultaneously attracts the best in professional dance to its home base while sending its own dancers out as artistic ambassadors to the nation. Festival Ballet Theatre’s significant work has been recognized with a 2001 Arts Orange County Award for Outstanding Arts Organization of the Year.

For more information on FBT, visit www.festivalballet.org.

ABOUT SOUTHLAND BALLET ACADEMY Southland Ballet Academy was founded in 1983 by Salwa Rizkalla. Since opening its doors, the school has acquired a national and international reputation, and has played a prominent role in grooming world-class dancers, while nurturing the love of dance in its Orange County home.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND GUEST ARTISTS Salwa Rizkalla Artistic Director

Salwa Rizkalla’s artistic vision and community involvement led to the creation of Festival Ballet Theatre and its precursor, Southland Ballet Academy. Her credentials as a classical ballet dancer include an impressive list of leading roles in wellknown classical ballets, as well as appearances in original contemporary pieces. During her distinguished career as a professional dancer, Rizkalla had the privilege of working under the direction of world-renowned choreographers Leonid Lavrovsky and Serge Lifar. Trained in the Russian Vaganova method and having studied with ballet masters of the Bolshoi and the Kirov, Rizkalla holds a Bachelor of Arts

degree in Ballet Pedagogy. In addition to her responsibilities as the artistic director of Festival Ballet Theatre and her busy teaching schedule at the Southland Ballet Academy, Rizkalla was a faculty member of several area institutions, including Goldenwest College and the Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts. A fully credentialed California teacher, she has been a dedicated educator, a tireless promoter of the arts, and an active participant in the cultural life of her community for more than 25 years. Her contributions have been recognized by The Orange County Music and Arts Administrators and Orange County Performing Arts Center with an Orange County Arts Educator of the Year Award for Secondary Dance (2003). Youth America Grand Prix awarded Rizkalla Outstanding Teacher accolades in 2002, 2004 and 2005. In 2014, Rizkalla was awarded the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement by Arts Orange County.

Maxim Beloserkovsky Guest Artist Dec. 17 at 7pm, Dec. 18 at 7pm, Dec. 19 at 7pm, Dec. 20 at 2pm & 7pm

A principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Maxim Beloserkovsky received his dance training at the Kiev Ballet Institute. In 1990, he danced as a leading soloist with the National Opera of Bulgaria, where he remained for one year. From 1991 to 1994, he was a principal dancer with the National Opera Ballet of Ukraine. He performed most of the major roles in the classical repertory: the Prince and Bluebird in The Sleeping Beauty; Prince Siegfried and the pas de trois in Swan Lake; Albrecht in Giselle; Ferhad in Legend of Love; and the pas de deux from Le Corsaire, Don Quixote and La Sylphide. In 1993, Mr. Beloserkovsky was honored by the president of Ukraine for outstanding artistic achievement.

Joining ABT in 1994, Mr. Beloserkovsky was made a soloist in 1995 and was appointed principal dancer in 2000.

His repertoire with ABT includes leading roles in Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Raymonda, The Dream, the lead in Theme and Variations, Le Corsaire, among others. His athleticism and style have also earned him leading roles in important contemporary works: Twyla Tharp’s Push Comes to Shove, The Elements and The Brahams-Haydn Variations; Nacho Duato’s Without Words and Remanso; Natalie Weir’s Hereafter; Mark Morris’s Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes. He and Ms. Dvorovenko are the proud parents of daughter, Emma Galina.

Isabella Boylston Guest Artist Dec. 21 at 1pm & 6pm, Dec. 22 at 2pm, Dec. 23 at 2pm, Dec. 24 at 11am

Born in Sun Valley, Idaho, Isabella Boylston began dancing at the age of three. While training at the Academy of Colorado Ballet, she won the gold medal in 2001 at the Youth America Grand Prix finals in New York City. In 2002, she began training at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, on a full scholarship.

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There, she performed numerous leading roles, including Medora in Le Corsaire, Lise in La Fille mal gardée and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker.

Boylston joined the ABT Studio Company in 2005, the main company as an apprentice in 2006 and the corps de ballet in 2007. Her repertory with the Company includes Gamzatti in La Bayadère, the Ballerina in The Bright Stream, the Fairy Summer in Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella, Kitri and a flower girl in Don Quixote, the title role in Alexei Ratmansky’s Firebird, Giselle, the peasant pas de deux and Moyna in Giselle, Princess Florine and the Fairy of Fervor in The Sleeping Beauty, Odette/Odile, the pas de trois and the Polish Princess in Swan Lake, the lead in Theme and Variations and roles in Bach Partita, Ballo della Regina, Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes, Everything Doesn’t Happen at Once, In the Upper Room, From Here On Out, Gong, and Symphony in C, among others.

She created leading roles in Lauri Stallings’ Citizen, Alexei Ratmansky’s Chamber Symphony and Dumbarton, Demis Volpi’s Private Light and Christopher Wheeldon’s Thirteen Diversions.

Boylston won the 2009 Princess Grace Award and was nominated for the 2010 Prix Benois de la Danse. In 2011, she received the Clive Barnes Award. She was promoted to soloist in June 2011 and to principal dancer in August 2014.

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Fabrice Calmels Guest Artist Dec. 12 at 7pm, Dec. 13 at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 14 at 1pm & 6pm Born and raised in France, Fabrice Calmels began ballet training at the age of three.

In 1991, he entered the Paris Opera School. He has worked with world-renowned dance masters such as Serge Golovine, Gilbert Mayer, Max Bozzoni, John Neumier, Jirí Kylián, among others. He has performed at the beautiful Palais Garnier opera theatre.

In 1998, he moved to the United States and furthered his training by joining The Rock School in Pennsylvania and danced with the Pennsylvania Ballet. At Boston Ballet, he learned the Russian technique with ballet masters Tatiana Terekhova and Sergei Berezhnoi; he studied the Balanchine style at The School of American Ballet.

Mr. Calmels joined the Joffrey Ballet in 2002 and has danced in the Age of Innocence, Apollo, Carousel a Dance, The Clowns, I/DNA, In the Middle…Somewhat Elevated, The Nutcracker and Suite Saint Saëns, N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz!, Le Sacre du Printemps, “…smile with my heart,” Valentine, Apollo, Othello and After the Rain.

Fabrice has appeared several times on television and was featured on Chicago’s WGN TV. He dances with ABT Principal, Veronica Part in guest performances. He has also expanded into acting, performing the role of Nijinsky in MISIA by writer

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Barry Singer, performed at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival. In 2008, Mr. Calmels collaborated with world-famous musician Jean-Felix Lalanne and choreographed Autour de la Guitare in Paris.

Mr. Calmels enjoys choreographing, modeling and working on “ILYS,” his new business.

Irina Dvorovenko Guest Artist Dec. 17 at 7pm, Dec. 18 at 7pm, Dec. 19 at 7pm, Dec. 20 at 2pm & 7pm

A principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Irina Dvorovenko was born in Kiev, Ukraine and began her ballet training at the Kiev Ballet School at the age of 10. She joined the National Opera Ballet of Kiev in 1990 as a soloist, rising to the rank of principal dancer in 1992. A dancer of infinite range, her repertoire with the National Opera Ballet included leading roles in many of the great classics: La Bayadère, Don Quixote, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Paquita.

Ms. Dvorovenko’s superlative style and technique have been recognized in numerous ballet competitions throughout the world. Her most notable awards include the 1994 Grand Prix at the International Ballet Competition Serge Lifar in Ukraine, the 1992 Gold Medal and “Anna Pavlova” Prize at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow, the 1991 Bronze Medal at the International Ballet Competition in Osaka, Japan, and the 1990 Silver Medal at the International Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.

Joining ABT in 1996, Ms. Dvorovenko was made a soloist in 1997 and was appointed principal dancer in 2000. Her diverse repertoire with ABT includes La Bayadère, Cinderella, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Raymonda, Coppélia, The Nutcracker, among others.

Dvorovenko also excels in contemporary choreography and has danced leading roles in Twyla Tharp’s Push Comes to Shove, The Brahams-Haydn Variations and In The Upper Room; Symphony in C; and Kylian’s Petit Mort. Ms. Dvorovenko was the face of Movado Watches for three years.

She is married to ABT principal dancer, Maxim Beloserkovsky; together, they are the proud parents of Emma Galine, born in March 2005.

Carla Körbes Guest Artist Dec. 12 at 7pm, Dec. 13 at 2pm & 7pm, Dec. 14 at 1pm & 6pm

Carla Körbes was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil and began her ballet training at age five with local teachers. At age 11, she began studying at Ballet Vera Bublitz with Giane Teixeira and Carlla Bublitz.

In 1996, she came to New York and was made an apprentice with New York City Ballet. She joined the company as a member of the corps de ballet in 2000 and was promoted to soloist in 2005. Later that year, she joined Pacific Northwest Ballet as a soloist and was promoted to principal dancer in 2006.

Ms. Körbes has danced leading roles in George Balanchine’s Agon, Concerto Barocco, Diamonds, Emeralds, Val Caniparoli’s The Bridge; Merce Cunningham’s Inlets 2; Nacho Duato’s Jardí Tancat; William Forsythe’s In the middle, somewhat elevated; Mark Morris’s Pacific; Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, West Side Story; Kent Stowell’s Carmina Burana, The Nutcracker (Clara, Flora, Peacock), and Swan Lake (Odette/Odile); Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs; Christopher Wheeldon’s Polyphonia, among others. She originated a leading role in Paul Gibson’s Sense of Doubt.

At New York City Ballet, Ms. Körbes danced leading and featured roles in Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15; Peter Martins’ The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake; and Robbins’ The Four Seasons and Interplay. She originated leading roles in Christopher Wheeldon’s An American in Paris and Shambards, among others.

In addition to her performances with New York City Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ms. Körbes has performed with Peter Boal and Company. In 2007, she performed in the worldwide company debut performance of Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company.

Sascha Radetsky Guest Artist Dec. 21 at 1pm & 6pm, Dec. 22 at 2pm, Dec. 23 at 2pm, Dec. 24 at 11am

Born in Santa Cruz, Ca., Radetsky began his ballet studies in the San Francisco Bay Area. At the age of 15, he was invited to study in Moscow at the Bolshoi Academy under world-renowned men’s teacher, Pytor Pestov. After a year in Russia, he studied on scholarship at the Kirov Academy in Washington, D. C. He studied on scholarship at the summer programs of the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre’s School of Classical Ballet with Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Radetsky joined ABT as an apprentice in 1995, became a member of the corps de ballet in 1996 and a soloist in 2003.

His repertoire includes La Bayadère, The Bright Stream, Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Cinderella, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Othello, Petrouchka and Raymonda, among others.

In 2000, Radetsky starred as Charlie in the movie Center Stage as well as in pop singer Mandy Moore’s music video “I Wanna Be With You” from the Center Stage soundtrack. He has appeared in numerous television and print commercials as well as starring roles in the PBS movie Home at Last and in the NBC television series Midnight Caller. He has written for Newsweek, Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit and World Arts Today.com. He is married to ABT Soloist, Stella Abrera.

In 2008, Radetsky joined Dutch National Ballet as a principal dancer; his repertoire includes Don Giovanni, Don Quixote, The Four Temperaments, Giselle and Prodigal Son.

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COMPANY DANCERS

AJ Abrams is a native of Long Beach, CA. At age 19, he began his professional career at Ballet Austin. His credits with Ballet Austin include original works by Stephen Mills such as Hamlet, a featured role in the ballets Touch and The Taming of the Shrew. He performed a solo role in Septime Webers’ Fluctuating Hemlines and principal roles as the Sugar Plum Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Albrecht in Giselle and the principal male in Balanchine’s Who Cares? He is currently a member of the Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles and Festival Ballet Theatre. Most recently, he performed in a music video for Florence and the Machine.

Mariana Carrillo was born in Eagle Pass, TX in 1995. She was raised in San Jose del Cabo, BCS and started her basic dance training at age four in Estudio del Angel. In 2006, she joined Danza Tellez. Ms. Carrillo has attended summer intensive programs at Pirouetteando, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Southland Ballet Academy.

In August 2012, she moved to Austin, TX to continue her training at Ballet Austin. Today, she continues her training at Southland Ballet Academy under the direction of Salwa Rizkalla and Christina Lyon.

Alexander Fost was born and raised in Los Angeles. He was awarded Mr. Dance USA in 2006 and Mr. Dance International in 2007 in Tokyo, Japan. After high school, he started training primarily in ballet and competed in the prestigious International Youth America Grand Prix, where he was one of top 10 finalists in 2008.

Aside from live theater and ballet, he has also appeared as an actor and dancer on multiple TV shows on Disney and ABC; he was a finalist on the eighth season of FOX’s hit dance show, So You Think You Can Dance.

William Geary was born in Chicago, IL and began studying classical ballet at the age of 16.

After one year of training, William competed at the YAGP competition in Chicago. He received 3rd place and was the highest scoring male in the Senior Division. He was also awarded 1st place for his pas de deux from La Fille Mal Gardee. He subsequently competed at the NYC finals and was awarded a handful of scholarships. In 2011, William came to Festival Ballet Theatre and performed leading roles in The Nutcracker under the direction of Salwa Rizkalla. In 2014, he joined the Joffrey Ballet Trainee Program on full scholarship.

Tara Gusman has achieved many honors, titles and awards throughout her 10 years of training: she was a finalist at Youth American Grand Prix nationals; Teen Miss Dance of America 2004; Dance Masters of America; and National Training Scholar for ABT. At age 16, Tara was offered a full scholarship to ABT and an apprenticeship with Washington Ballet. She has performed as a lead ballet dancer in the popular film, Step Up; and has danced in Le Corsaire with ABT and 8 | IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE

various other ballets. She has worked with Florence and the Machine and performed on the hit TV show, Dancing with the Stars, as part of an ensemble feature dance.

Alec Guthrie, a Palo Alto native, studied ballet with Ayako Takahashi at the Ayako School of Ballet. Alec continued his training at UCI and was awarded two separate dance scholarships.

He received a BFA in Dance (Performance Specialization) in June 2013. He subsequently appeared as guest artist and featured soloist for Neos Dance Theater. He has had the privilege of working extensively with Donald McKayle as a member of his Etude Ensemble and as a featured soloist in McKayle pieces. Other training includes: intensives with Hubbard Street Dance Company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Ballet Austin.

Charles Johnston (Character Dancer, Dr. Drosselmeyer). A native of California, Charles Johnston has called Festival Ballet Theatre his home since 1994. He has since danced all the lead character roles in the Company’s classical repertoire. Johnston continues to work as guest artist and has performed character roles with ABT, New York City Ballet and The Royal Ballet. A former teacher of dance and drama, he has studied with Frederic Franklin in New York; Michael Panaieff in Los Angeles; and Lila Zali, founder of the former Ballet Pacifica, in Orange County.

Renee Kester was born and raised in Seal Beach, CA. She began her classical training at the age of 14 at Southland Ballet Academy. She was a trainee with The Washington Ballet in 2013 and apprenticed with Houston Ballet in 2014. When Renee was 15, she performed with Quest Crew (the winners of season 3 of America’s Best Dance Crew), at Harvest Moon Festival. She has garnered 2nd place at YAGP, San Francisco and an Honorable Mention at the Music Center Spotlight Awards. Renee has appeared on an episode of Dancing with the Stars and on a Florence and the Machine music video.

Natalie Matsuura is a third year BFA candidate in Dance Performance and Choreography at UCI. She has trained with Southland Ballet Academy and Festival Ballet Theatre from the age of six and furthered her studies with summer programs at the Kirov Academy of Washington D.C., ABT Orange County, and the Rock School for Dance Education.

Her achievements include the William J. Gillespie Scholarship in Ballet Studies at UCI (Fall 2013), the YoungArts Merit Award (2011), LA Music Center Spotlight Awards (Semifinals 2010, 2011), and Top 12 in classical and contemporary regional categories of YAGP (2009-2011).

Katie Miltimore is currently a member of FBT. She was previously a trainee with the Ballet West Academy (on scholarship), and has trained with Salwa Rizkalla at Southland Ballet Academy for eight years. She has placed in the Top 12 in both contemporary and classical categories at YAGP (2009–2012), placed 3rd in both categories

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at the regional competition (2012), and participated as a finalist at YAGP in New York City from 2010 to 2012. She attended Houston Ballet’s summer intensive program in 2011 and Ballet West’s summer intensive in 2012 and 2013 on full scholarship. In 2013, she was invited to guest star as Lead Arabian in The Nutcracker for Ava Ballet Theater in Reno, NV.

Guzman Rosado attended the International School of Dance, Scaena, Spain and the School of American Ballet in New York. He won the International Competition of Dance in Coruna, Spain and in Torrelavega, Spain. He is a freelance dancer, appearing as a principal dancer with prestigious companies in the United States and Europe, including BodyTraffic in Los Angeles. He has appeared with Companhia Portuguesa de Bailado Contemporáneo (CPBC) in Portugal and The Miami City Ballet. He teaches classical and contemporary ballet at private studios and at Loyola Marymount University.

Hannah Schiller started her ballet training at the age of eight. Early on in her training, she received many awards at world class competitions including The Youth American Grand Prix Award in 2006 and 2009; and gold medals for pas de deux and solo work in Berlin, Germany. She also received the silver medal at the 2009 Moscow International Ballet Competition in Moscow, Russia. Hannah is pleased to be performing in Festival Ballet Theatre’s, The Nutcracker.

Skye Schmidt has trained at Southland Ballet Academy since the age of four and joined Festival Ballet Theatre in 2012. She has performed as a soloist and corps member in numerous Festival Ballet Theatre productions, including The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, among others. In 2011, she performed in the award-winning piece, Oops, in Youth America Grand Prix’s inaugural tour. Skye placed in the Top 12 in both classical and contemporary categories at Youth America Grand Prix regional 2012. Skye is currently attending UCI.

Yukihiro Tamura was born in Tochigi, Japan and trained at the Kurosawa Tomoko Ballet Studio.

He subsequently received a full scholarship to the Rock School for Dance Education. His many awards include: 1st place at the 2007 Junior Men’s division at the Youth Ballet Competition in Sendai, Japan; 1st place at the 2008 NBA Ballet st Competition; 1 place in contemporary dance at the Tanzolymp Berlin Competition; a finalist at the 2010 Jackson International Ballet Competition; Gold medal in the senior ballet division of the 2014 71st Tokyo Newspaper All Japan Dance Competition. He appeared as a guest artist at the 2011 International Ballet Festival of Miami.

Tiffany Yamasaki started her training at Southland Ballet Academy at the age of six.

She became a member of FBT II in 2007 and an FBT company member in 2010. Tiffany has participated in many competitions and has performed with Festival Ballet Theatre as a soloist and in corps roles in The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty and Coppelia. Tiffany currently attends CSU Long Beach, and is on her second year of working towards a dance major degree and a major in kinesiology.

Megan Yamashita attends Orange Coast College.

She has been at Southland Ballet Academy, under the direction of Salwa Rizkalla, since the age of three. Some of her accomplishments include garnering 2nd place in the Junior Division at the 2007 YAGP International Competition in Faenza, Italy; Semifinalist in classical as well as nonclassical dance at the 2008 Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards, with honorable mention in classical dance. Yamashita is also a grand prize winner of 2008 Orange County Performing Arts Center’s “Tomorrow’s Stars at the Center” in classical dance discipline.

2014-2015 FBT TRAINEES Festival Ballet Theatre is proud to present the members of FBT Trainees, a junior company of student dancers with outstanding potential. Through FBT Trainees, Festival Ballet Theatre secures a talented base of dancers, offers performance opportunities “at home” and nurtures the stars of the future to a professional career in dance.

Front line (left to right): Michelle Lemburg, Sydney Danci, Clara Mason, Andrea Guite Back line (left to right): Megan Ely, Kaeli Wilson; Not pictured: Olivia Harrigan, Makaela Wiederin

2014-2015 FBT JUNIOR STUDIO COMPANY Front line (left to right): Alice Danci, Renee Castonguay, Sarah Grant, Mia Philippon, Bianca Wajack Middle line (left to right): Bella Hoy, Lauren Bogel, Kathleen De Nicola, Pallas Ziebarth, Allison Langston

Back line (left to right): Sage Bolar, Dayna Wiederin, Nicole Weber, Anya Lydon, Alysa Reinhardt, Krystina Wilson, Rachel Deng; Not pictured: Elise Newen IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 9

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SPECIAL THANKS TO FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE DONORS Festival Ballet Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations for their contributions to our programs.

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $10,000+ Anonymous Salwa & Sabri Rizkalla

UNDERWRITER $5,000 – $9,999 Anonymous Lisa Ann & Tom Lydon CHOREOGRAPHER $2,500 – $4,999 Anonymous Nikki & Dennis Repp

PRINCIPAL $1,000 – $2,499 Anonymous Briggs Electric, Inc Shey & Dennis Castonguay

Bobbi Cox Michael & Maria Elena Guite Mark & Collette Ike Ike Properties, Inc. The Image Center Rosanna & Patrick Minns Marc & Senenne Philippon

SOLOIST $500 – $999 Anonymous AireRite Airconditioning & Refrigeration Monica Braakman Cathleen & Philip Hunter Mother’s Market & Kitchen Pulmonary Care & Sleep Associates Lydia Ringwald Teri & Chris Schmidt Tina & Alex Wilson

ARTIST $250 – $499 Anonymous Becky Lew Photography Vicky & Mark Blake Willa Bouwens-Killeen Mary Ellen Bowman Diana Casey Ann Drew Kelly Given Wendy & Daniel Harrigan Karen & Thomas Hersh David & Teri Neumann Pueblo Trading Company, Inc Stephanie & Pete Veravanich Joanna Weiss APPRENTICE $100 – $249 In Memory of Janann Strand

Festival Ballet Theatre is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Federal ID #33-0283147.

For more information about the company, please visit www.festivalballet.org or call 714.962.5440 SPECIAL THANKS TO FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE SPONSORS Festival Ballet Theatre appreciates the generous support of its corporate partners.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR NUTCRACKER VOLUNTEERS Festival Ballet Theatre thanks all of the parents and volunteers who are integral to the success of the presentation of The Nutcracker. We appreciate all the time and energy you have put into fundraising, costumes, donations, marketing and development. Your efforts are truly priceless in allowing Festival Ballet Theatre to provide this holiday tradition.

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Year-long classes offered for ages 3-adult.

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SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES. FOUnTAin VALLEy 714.962.5440 9527 Garfield ave., Fountain Valley, Ca 92708

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WELCOME Dear Patron:

Thank you for spending a part of your holiday season at Irvine Barclay Theatre. We are delighted you have come to see The Nutcracker.

Year after year, Festival Ballet Theatre and artistic director Salwa Rizkalla have done a remarkable job of combining professional and community resources to produce a beautiful dance experience at affordable ticket prices. We also like to think that the Barclay’s welcoming ambience adds something to the mix.

This is the Barclay’s 25th season and we’re very proud of and grateful for the annual support that we receive from the city, the university and from over 1,400 individuals, businesses and foundations.

This generous support helps us sustain our much-recognized international programming in music, theater, dance, circus and general entertainment. It also helps us provide access to this lovely facility at reasonable cost to Orange County cultural groups such as Festival Ballet Theatre. And, through our special programs and facilities, we enrich the studies of university students as well as children and students throughout the community.

We hope we can count on your support into the future. Together we can continue to create a stronger, more vibrant community; nurture tomorrow’s citizens with innovative arts education programs; and present powerful performances that move, touch and inspire audiences of every generation.

All of us at Irvine Barclay Theatre wish you and yours a happy holiday season and all the best in 2015.

Sincerely,

Douglas C. Rankin President Irvine Barclay Theatre

Board of Directors CHAIR Robert Farnsworth CEO Sonnet Technologies, Inc.

Stephen Barker Interim Dean, Claire Trevor School of the Arts University of California, Irvine

Ramona Agrela Associate Chancellor University of California, Irvine

Jennifer Cheng Community Leader

Francisco J. Ayala Professor and National Medal of Science Laureate University of California, Irvine

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Mary Ann Gaido Community Leader Michelle Grettenberg Assistant to the City Manager City of Irvine

Michael Kerr Community Leader

Mickie L. Shapiro Community Leader

Patricia Murphy Hirata Partner McGladrey LLP

Lynda Thomas Community Leader

William Parker Professor University of California, Irvine Leason Pomeroy LP3 Architecture

EX OFFICIO Steven S. Choi, Ph.D. Mayor, City of Irvine Howard Gillman, Ph.D. Chancellor, UCI

IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE

For Your Information Ticket Services Order online 24/7 at www.thebarclay.org or www.facebook.com/IrvineBarclay/events

Call the Box Office at (949) 854-4646 Monday through Friday from 10am until 6pm; Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4pm. On days of a performance, the Box Office remains open through intermission. MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover accepted.

Late Seating To prevent disruption of a performance in progress, patrons who have not entered the theatre when the performance begins may be asked to wait in the lobby until there is a suitable interval.

Ushers Ushers are located at each auditorium entrance and at designated stations in the lobby. Please consult an usher if you need assistance. If you are interested in joining the usher staff, please contact the Patron Services Manager at: (949) 854-4193; Main@thebarclay.org.

Public Parking Parking is provided for a fee in the structure located at the corner of West Peltason and Campus Drive.

Restrooms Restrooms are located on the main lobby level near the box office. Drinking fountains are located on either side of the main lobby staircase and on the second level.

Listening Devices Listening devices for amplifying stage sound are available at the concessions bar free of charge.

Cellular Phones, Beepers, Watch Alarms As a courtesy to all patrons, please turn these units to off or non-audible before the performance begins.

Staff Douglas C. Rankin, President Ginny W. Hayward, Assistant to the President

Christopher Burrill, General Manager Lori Grayson, Special Projects - Development Karen Drews Hanlon, Director of Communications Gary Payne, Director of Finance

Cameras and Recording Equipment The taking of photographs and use of any mechanical or digital recording devices are strictly prohibited.

Children Children are welcome. However, not all events are appropriate for small children. A paid ticket is required for everyone entering the theatre, including infants and children.

The box office can provide advice regarding an event’s suitability.

Theatre Tours Backstage tours of the Barclay are offered through the theatre’s ArtsReach program. For information, or to reserve tours for schools or community groups please call (949) 854-4193.

Irvine Barclay Theatre Online Get the latest information on what’s happening at Irvine Barclay Theatre by joining the Barclay’s E-list to receive email updates and special offers. Go to the Barclay’s website at www.thebarclay.org or email us at info@thebarclay.org.

Irvine Barclay Theatre: 25th Season

1990-2015 In 1974, Irvine voters approved the first of two bond issues to support the construction of a community performing arts facility. It was finally a partnership of the City of Irvine, the University of California, Irvine, and the volunteer leadership and professional staff of the nonprofit Irvine Barclay Theatre Operating Company that refined the vision and got the job done. The city led the construction; the university provided the land; the theatre’s operating company augmented public support with millions of dollars of private contributions including major gifts from the Barclay family, the Cheng family and The Irvine Company. Irvine Barclay Theatre opened to the public on September 30, 1990.

Follow us on social media

/IrvineBarclay Jeff Stamper, Production Manager Tim Owens, Assitant Production Manager Luanne Bauer, Box Office Manager Brianna Sparks, Assistant Box Office Manager Ryan Main, Patron Services Manager Nathan Dwyer, Bar Manager Helena Danovich, Marketing Assistant Michelle Maasz, Social Media Manager Ingrid Strayer, Finance Assistant

IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 13

Annual Fund for

EXCELLENCE

THANK

YOU

Irvine Barclay Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous contributions of our donors who help support the “big talent” in our “small hall.” Gifts to the Annual Fund for Excellence assist the Barclay in presenting an international roster of performers while keeping tickets reasonably priced. They also support our ArtsReach programs provided to the schools at little or no cost and “family-friendly” programming on stage. The Barclay’s mission also embraces making its beautiful facilities available to diverse community organizations, UCI, and other educational institutions.

Thank you to all of our generous donors listed here for their contributions during the previous 12 months! If you would like to join the ranks of those who make it all possible at the Barclay, you may make a donation online at www.thebarclay.org or call (949) 854-4607.

BRAVO BARCLAY PRESENTING SPONSOR $10,000 AND ABOVE

Anonymous Fund of Orange County Community Foundation Drs. Francisco and Hana Ayala* Cheng Family Foundation* Bobbi Cox* Haskell & White LLP James and Dolores Kase Kari and Michael Kerr* National Endowment for the Arts O’Melveny & Myers LLP Pacific Life Foundation Sonnet Technologies, Inc.* Elizabeth R. Steele Trisha Steele Lynda Thomas

BRAVO BARCLAY PARTNER $5,000 - $9,999

BRAVO BARCLAY BENEFACTOR $2,500 - $4,999

BRAVO BARCLAY PATRON $1,000 - $2,499

Allergan Foundation The HumanKind Philanthropic Fund William Gillespie Foundation

Anonymous Rick and Wendy Aversano Damien and Yvonne Jordan Toni and Terry McDonald* Salwa and Sabri Rizkalla Richard and Ann Sim Simon Foundation for Education and Housing Linda I. Smith Foundation Alan and Barbara Wiener*

Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. James Alexiou Robert and Delphi Ballinger The Beall Family Foundation Bravi9, Inc. British Council Fiorenza Comunian and Fernando De La Fuente Ginny Davies Helen and Fritz Lin Carl Neisser Peter and Alexandra Neptune Tom and Amber Orradre William and Janice Parker William and Barbara Roberts Deborah and Frank Rugani Pamela and Martin Sapetto Edward and Helen Shanbrom Family Fund Western States Arts Federation

PUBLIC PARTNERS

City of Irvine University of California, Irvine

*Denotes a member of Movementum, the Barclay’s dance support group

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IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE ENCORE CIRCLE ENTHUSIAST $250-$999 Anonymous Oscar R. Aguirre Wendy Arraki John W. Ballantyne Dr. Michael Bear Linda Berquist Bruce and Michelle Carter Dean and Kaly Corey Pamela Cotten John Coyne Kenneth J. Craig, Jr. Walter Dietiker Roger du Plessis* Joel and Melanie Durst Melissa and Michael Fox Mark Franzen Mary Ann Gaido Alison Goldenberg Sanjiv and Geeta Grover Chuck and Ginny Hayward Richard and Sara Hess David Hulse and Kerry Bartelt Fred and Elise Karam Noboru Kasai Judy Kaufman and George Farkas Dr. and Mrs. Solly Krom Robert E. Lee* Phuong and Joseph S. Lewis III Molly Lynch and Alan Andrews Janie Merkle Ramya Harishankar and Harish Murthy Donald and Ui Natenstedt Michael Noggle Lauren and Richard Packard John and Charlene Pasko Edward Pope and Antoinette Olivera Helga Pralle Britta and Tracy Pulliam Claudia Ried and Alan Kraemer Sandy Robertson Rohl LLC - Kenneth and Amber Rohl Nancy Lee Ruyter Alison and Richard Stein* Thomas and Marilyn Sutton Jennifer Szabo* Erica and Fred Taylor Thomas and Elizabeth Tierney Kira Torreblanca Marilyn and Angelo Vassos Vendini, Inc. Alfred Villasenor Charles and Marilyn Wright Sophie Yang

NATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHERS INITIATIVE

As a partner in the annual National Choreographers Initiative, Irvine Barclay Theatre is also pleased to acknowledge all those who support this important contribution to American dance.

Anonymous Betty B. Anderson Betsy Andrews and Alex Moad Mrs. Alan V. Andrews Ann Marie Deangelo Productions Ballet Barres West William H. Bardens Victoria Barrett Fran Bass and Mark Ishimaro, MD Dr. Michael Bear Honorable Marian Bergeson Paul Blank Theodore Bradshaw

ENCORE CIRCLE SUPPORTER $100 –$249 Larry and Phyllis Agran Richard Alexander Alice and Ara Apkarian Thomas and Linda Bacon Diane and Dennis Baker* Sarah and David Ball Joe Ball Lindy Balmer* Rivka Barasch Betty Barry George and Linda Bauer Craig Behrens Richard Belman Henry Bennett Scott Berry* Jeannie Berryman Susan and Steven Bierlich Richard H. Bigelow Eric S. Blum Suzanne Boras Dale Brandon Brien Amspoker and Ellen Breitman Rosanna Brichta Scott Brinkerhoff Diana Brookes Jon and Donna Brownell Susan Bryant Douglas T. Burch, Jr. Lisa Burnand Linda and Roland Bye Harold and Eleanor Carpenter Terry Causey Cyndie Chen Deanna Choi Roya Cole Anahid Crecelius Hilary Davis and Dr. Sandy Ratner Joan M. Donahue Sharon Dubruyne Col. and Mrs. Alan Dugard Rad and Toni Dwyer* Dr. and Mrs. Robert T. Eagan Rosalie and Jon Elder Janet and Howard Emery David Falconer Nancy Field Cathie Fields Roberta Fox Thelma Friedel Heather Fuller Conrad Giedt and Linda Clemens Marcella Gilmore and Edward Muehl S. Glass Family

Laurie and Bart Brown Gale Edelberg and Bob Butnik David and Beverly Carmichael Bobbi Cox Sophia and Larry Cripe Diane Diefenderfer and David Hanlon Roger du Plessis Gale Edelberg and Bob Butnik Henry and Janet Eggers David Emmes and Paula Tomei Robert Farnsworth Cliff Faulkner and Shigeru Yaji Gilian Finley and Robert Labaree Roberta Fox Mary and Andrew Franklin Sandra French Judith A. Gorski Dr. Burton L. Karson Joanne and Dennis Keith Kari and Michael Kerr Carolyn and Willaim Klein Don and Grace Laffoon Dr. Martin G. Langer

Valerie Glass Gilbert Gluck Ben and Sandie Goelman Mariko Gooden Janice and Raymond Grant Anita Gregory, M.D. Paul and Nancy Groner Matthew and Annemarie Hall Jim and Berri Harris Carole S. Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Hartman Paul and Nancy Hegness Colin Henderson June and Miles Herman Lance and Risa Hicks Emory Hillman* Robert and Virginia Hilton Bradley Hrbacek Dana Huff IBM Matching Grants Program Robert Ingold* Peg and Bob Jordan Joel and Jennifer Katz Dr. Mitchell Katz and Mrs. Linda Scott-Katz Michael Kaufman Raouf Kayaleh Gene Kent* Jay King Barbara Klein* Jeff C. Kough Jeannine Kouns Rosa Kwong Dr. and Mrs. John Lagourgue Dr. Martin G. Langer Edwina Lawrence Jeffrey Levy Alla Liberstein Anne Llewellyn* Junling Ma Christian and Sharon Maas William March Duane and Kathleen Mauzey David and Teryl McDermott Mary and Wm Scott McDonell Helen McMillan Tony and Barbara Mendoza Mark and Jan Merryfield Hiroko and Yoshiharu Moriwaki Janis Morris Mr. and Mrs. Mitsuhiko Nakano Julie Nakata Mr. and Mrs. Keith Nelson Teri Neumann Katherine Ahn Newen Ivy Ngo Albert and Tricia Nichols Fund Phuong and Joseph S. Lewis III Kathryn Lynch and Robert McDonnell Molly Lynch and Alan Andrews Jack Lyons Debra Maxwell Sharon McNalley Ed Moen and Janek Schergen John and Margi Murray Mr. and Mrs. Mitsuhiko Nakano Carl Neisser Tom and Marilyn Nielsen Northern Trust Bank of California Anne B. Nutt Mrs. J. Matthew Osborne Marshall Parker John and Charlene Pasko James Penrod Janice and Richard Plastino Dolly A. Platt, PhD Edward and Diana Putz Susan Reeder Louise Ringwalt Barbara Roberts

James Olney and Laura O’Connor Rand Parker Pam Paul Omar and Irene Perez Dolly A. Platt, PhD* Jill Prentice Edward and Betty Quilligan Elaine Ramsay Ramona Reveles Michael Recendez Stephanie Reich Dennis Repp Shari Rezai Laurie Riedinger Louise Ringwalt Dr. Stephen M. Rochford Mary Ann Schaepper Karl and Elizabeth Schiller Judith M. Schmidt Linda and Herbert Schwarz* Louise Schwennesen Frances Segal and Michael Friedson Trudy Vermeer Selleck Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith Dorothy J. Solinger Mary and David Solomon Paul Spas Beverly Spring Hugh Stevenson and Jan Burns* Beverly and Gary Stoney Michele Suire Alice Swan Celia and Julio Taleisnik Johanna Tilley Hugh and Patricia Todd Gary and Peranza Topjon Sylvia C. Turner Kathy Vickers and Jeremy Freimund James Violette* Michael Voronel Anne Walthall Kim Waterson Brian West Diane Wick Robert and Sara Winokur Jing Wu and Wing Wong Dr. and Mrs. Milford Wyman Kurt Youngs

Robinson Foundation Michelle Rohe Andrew Rose David and Cynthia Runstrom Bruce and Jan Scherer Jack and Katy Schellerman Sally Anne and Don Sheridan Nick and Donna Shubin Igal and Diane Silber Mrs. Ann Sim Jackie Smiley Elizabeth Stahr Elizabeth R. Steele Studio du Corps Pilates Center of Orange County Jennifer Szabo Chris Thayer Karen and Gary Thorne Barbara and Jack Tingley Mary Vensel White and T. Jason White William Gillespie Foundation

IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 15

Y R A U N A J 5

21-2

“Gloriously Goofy.

Casts the perfect spell over the audience!”

- The New York Times

w that o h s a s “ This i chmark n e b e sets th circus” n r e d for mino d g Standar - London

Even

from Montréal

Feb 27 - Mar 1

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l!” a c i g a “M e

- La Press

IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE | 16