Aftershock Program March 2015

March 26-28, 2015

KORESH DANCE COMPANY presents A WORLD PREMIERE

PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY at the

welcome!

Dear Friends, It’s with warm sentiments that I welcome you to our 24th spring home season. This year is particularly special to us, as it reflects on the growth of the Koresh organization. Now settled into our permanent home at 2002 Rittenhouse Square, I’m excited by the strength of our programming and how it continues to serve the needs of the Philadelphia community.

I have enjoyed watching Philadelphia become one of strongest arts advocacy cities in America. When Roni founded Koresh in 1991, we were one of the only Philadelphia dance companies that attended national and international conferences. Everywhere we traveled others were surprised to learn that we were from Philadelphia because they were not aware of the thriving arts scene we had in this city. Today, it is often said to us how inspirational Philadelphia has become due to the amazing support it provides its artists. That sentiment, in large part, is due to you, our friends. Without you, this progress would not be possible. You are vital to the continued advancement of the arts in our city— and for that we are truly thankful.

As we approach our 25th anniversary season, we’re learning more about those who support us, and how we can continue to use our creative gifts to make our community a thriving cultural center. Whether we are presenting innovative dance performances on Philadelphia stages, teaching your children how to plie and tendu, or sending artists into Philadelphia public schools to share their skills, we want to know how Koresh is impacting you and the community in which you live.

To help us better understand the needs of our community, I encourage you not only to fill out the brief survey form found in this program, but also to connect with a Koresh staff member after the performance.

You are a part of something special. Thank you for your on-going support.

Sincerely,

Alon Koresh

“the most exciting dance experience in Philadelphia” 11

Dear Friends, I am very pleased to welcome you to our Spring Home Season and to the world premiere of my newest work, Aftershock. In 1995, only a few years after founding my company, I created a work called Culture Shock in reaction to my first decade as a young dancer and choreographer in the United States. Now, twenty years later, I look back on the lasting effects of that first shock: I explore how my roots have adapted to the foundational cracks caused by my arrival and survival in a new place.

In this piece, you’ll see the measured drills of my time in the Israeli army. You’ll see the frantic but lonely pace of walking New York City’s busy streets as a young newcomer.

As a work that explores change over time, Aftershock is also about relationships and the shifts in our ties to one another—the deviation of bonds towards new people and places, the tests of loyalty, the demand for change, and the playful attraction of novelty.

Aftershock reflects on my emigration from Israel to the United States in the 1980s, but beyond that, it has been an opportunity to reflect on the development of my artistic identity.

Israel is a huge part of my life. It’s what defines me as a person—the culture, the tension, the love of life, the passion, the heat, the music and food, the complexity of racial and cultural integration. But my work is Middle Eastern culture coupled with American experience.

Culture shock shakes your core. Then you live, you create, shaken up.

I’m very proud of the work the company has done in creating Aftershock with me. These dancers know each other so well; they move seamlessly together. Their powerful athleticism and beautiful lines enable me to create movement illustrating the dangers and difficulties of building artistic integrity in a new place—the reverberation of hostile receptions, the challenge of gaining acceptance, and the risk of losing oneself to the expectations of a new environment.

Since Koresh Dance Company’s Fall Home Season in November, we have performed and taught outreach workshops and master classes in Vermont, Florida, New York, Maryland, Arkansas, and North Carolina, as far away as Belarus, and as nearby as Philadelphia’s own Barnes Foundation. Before we continue our touring season, I am so pleased to present Aftershock’s first performance here in my home city of Philadelphia. I hope you will enjoy tonight’s performance.

With warmth and peace,

Roni Koresh

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July 22-26, 2015

koreshdance.org 3

—Philadelphia Weekly

PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY at the

480 S. Broad Street (Broad & Lombard)

KORESH DANCE COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARTISTIC STAFF

K Steve Lazin President David Cooper Vice President Toni Alperin Goldberg Leslie Baker Boris Niza Davidson Bill Duncan Alon Koresh Ronen Koresh

DANCERS

Melissa Rector Shannon Bramham Fang-Ju Chou Gant Joseph Cotler Jessica Daley Micah Geyer Krista Montrone Kevan Sullivan Robert Tyler Asya Zlatina

Ronen Koresh, Artistic Director and Founder Melissa Rector, Assistant Artistic Director

COLLABORATING ARTISTS Peter Jakubowski, Lighting Designer Alyssandra Docherty, Assistant Lghting Designer Sandy Mitchel, Videographer Frank Bicking, Company Photographer

MANAGEMENT Alon Koresh, Executive Director Nir Koresh, School Director Dara Schmoyer, Company Manager Rachael Glashan, Director of Development Kate Aid, Director of Marketing and Communications Teresa VanDenend Sorge, Outreach Director Haley Bradstreet, Programing Manager Natalia Velarde, School Coordinator Sarah Braviak, Development Intern

2002 Rittenhouse Square • Philadelphia, PA • 215-751-0959 • info@koreshdance.org

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ronen koresh ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

Ronen (Roni) Koresh was born and raised in Israel. He received early dance training from his mother, a folk dancer in the Yemenite tradition, and from teachers Alida Gera, Micha Deri, Nira Paz and Moshe Romano. Koresh joined Martha Graham’s Batsheva 2 Dance Company before enlisting for 3 years in the Israeli army. In 1983, he moved to New York to study with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He began performing with Shimon Braun’s Waves Jazz Dance Company in Philadelphia, and in 1991, founded Koresh Dance Company in Philadelphia, followed by the Koresh School of Dance in 1993.

Koresh has established a repertoire of over 60 works and develops 2 to 3 new works each year.

These have included commissions for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Giordano Dance Chicago, GroundWorks Dance Theatre, Las Vegas Contemporary, Odyssey Dance Theatre, Spectrum Dance Theater, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, and Dance Celebration. Koresh has been on the faculty at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts since 1986, teaches master classes across the country, and participates in festivals including Jacob’s Pillow and the Northwest National Dance Project.

Recipient of a Philadelphia dance community Rocky Award from FringeArts and Dance/ USA Philadelphia, Koresh is an avid collaborator and supporter of emerging artists. His interdisciplinary works have been supported by multi-year fellowships and grants from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Jerome Robbins Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. In 2014, Koresh set new and repertory works on the dancers of MADCO (commissioned for St. Louis’ New Dance Horizons series), Point Park University, Jacksonville University, and East Carolina University, as well as mentoring students at performing arts high schools across the country.

Recipient of Rocky Award from FringeArts and Dance/ USA Philadelphia

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koresh dance company school & outreach ABOUT KORESH DANCE COMPANY Koresh Dance Company was founded in Philadelphia in 1991, and is widely recognized for its superb technique and emotionally-compelling appeal. It presents bi-annual home seasons as the resident dance company of the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, and has toured in over 38 states and 7 countries. The Company’s interdisciplinary foundation promotes high-speed attack and gestural diversity drawn from Graham technique, Luigi jazz, classical ballet, hip hop and Israeli folk dance. Guest choreographers including Donald Byrd (Spectrum Dance Theater), Ohad Naharin (Batsheva Dance Company), Robert Battle (Battleworks/Alvin Ailey), Itzik Galili (Galili Dance) and Paul Selwyn Norton have produced works for the company. The company currently consists of dancers Shannon Bramham, Fang-Ju Chou Gant, Joseph Cotler, Jessica Daley, Micah Geyer, Krista Montrone, Kevan Sullivan, Robert Tyler, Asya Zlatina, and Melissa Rector, who also serves as the Company’s Assistant Artistic Director. The company is supported in part by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Dance/USA Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the William Penn Foundation, Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.

ABOUT THE KORESH SCHOOL OF DANCE, OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Koresh School of Dance, established in 1993, welcomes over 20,000 students every year to classes at all levels and for all ages. In 2013, Koresh Dance Company reaffirmed its commitment to Philadelphia by purchasing a property in the heart of Center City. There, the school extends dance education and performance resources to its community by presenting emerging artists in bi-monthly Koresh Artist Showcases and providing professional training and performance opportunities to the exceptional dancers of the Koresh Youth Ensemble. In 2013, Koresh launched the now annual Come Together Festival, which in its first year presented 27 companies in 11 performances over 9 days. Koresh Dance Company is committed to community-building and outreach. While on tour, the company provides post-performance discussions, residencies, open rehearsals, lecture demonstrations, master classes and video discussions to its audiences. At home, Koresh Kids Dance brings arts education to economically disadvantaged elementary-school students by partnering with Philadelphia public schools to provide free weekly dance classes, promoting children’s creativity as a conduit for non-violence and life goals.

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Philadelphia’s most expressive company

KORE FUND STRENGTHEN OUR KORE

#strongkore Performance, education and community outreach are the core of the Koresh mission.

In the past your contributions have helped “Philadelphia’s most expressive company” [Philadelphia Inquirer], bring world class dance performances to our city and those across the nation.

This year your gift of $25, *$75, $250 or $1,000 will directly impact these programs. *Benefits start at this level.

You’re a part of something special. Consider making a gift to Koresh Dance today!

Visit www.koreshdance.org to make an online contribution, or connect with a staff member at the info table after the performance for more information. We appreciate your commitment to our organization.

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KORE FUND GIVING LEVELS koresh dance company CIRCLE OF FRIENDS $75-999 Associate $75+ • $5 off one Home Season Ticket at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre • One $20 ticket for a friend to each Home Season at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre • Listing in our program book Sponsor 250+ (Includes all preceding) • KDC swag-bag , which includes a t-shirt, iPhone case and magnet Sustainer $500+ (Includes all preceding) • Invitation to attend an open company rehearsal at our 2002 Rittenhouse studio KORESH DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($1,000+) Patron’s Circle $1,000+ (Includes all preceding) • Name listed to the KDC website • VIP invitations to KDC special events including our Spring Silent Auction and Gala Dancer’s Circle $2,500+ (Includes all preceding) • VIP backstage tour during a KDC home season performance at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre Choreographer’s Circle $5,000+ (Includes all preceding) • Invitation to a private discussion focused on new work with Artistic Director, Roni Koresh • Two complimentary tickets to our Come Together Festival Associate Artistic Director’s Circle $7,500+ (Includes all preceding) • Opportunity to present flowers onstage during a KDC home season performance (upon request) along with a backstage tour at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre Artistic Director’s Circle $10,000+ (Includes all preceding) • Dinner with Artistic Director, Roni Koresh (upon request and availability) • We welcome conversation about gifts of cash or appreciate securities. These special gifts can be made through a pledge, which can be payable over an extended period of time.

Koresh Dance Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible. Please call us to set up an appointment (215) 751-0959, or send a meeting request by email to rachael@koreshdance.org.

donate now!

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contributing partners Koresh Dance Company greatly appreciates the support it receives from foundations and government agencies. We would like to extend a special thank you to THE WILLIAM PENN FOUNDATION, for awarding Koresh a 3-year $656,000 grant. The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that foster rich cultural expression, strengthen children’s futures, and deepen connections to nature and community. In partnership with others, the Foundation works to advance a vital, just, and caring community. Learn more about the William Penn Foundation online at www.williampennfoundation.org.

Koresh Dance Company is a proud member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance www.philaculture.org

Thank you to the following for supporting Koresh Dance Company this year: The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation The Dexter F and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation The H. Chase and Ana Maria Lenfest Foundation Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Philadelphia Cultural Fund PNC Arts Alive Initiative Samuel S. Fels Fund Suzanne F. Roberts Cultural Development Fund Tamaqua Foundation-Charles X Block William Penn Foundation

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THANK YOU

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contributing partners The following individuals have provided support towards the Koresh Kore Fund. We are deeply grateful for the generosity provided by all of our special friends.

The listed individuals reflect donations made between July 31, 2014 and February 18, 2015, in support of our 2014-15 season. If you have made a donation between these dates and your name is not listed, please contact us!

Koresh Director’s Circle $7,500+ David Cooper $5,000+ Al and Leslie Baker-Boris Toni Alperin Goldberg $2,500+ Bill and Diana Duncan Sandi Foxx-Jones Catherine Recker and Matthew Papajon $1,000+ Carrie Dlugacz Neal Krouse Mary Ellen Martin Natalie Rounick Lisa Washington Circle of Friends $500+ Jennifer Rice and Michael Forman Marguerite Harris Ken Greenberg $250+ Liz and Bob Alperin-Solms Rita Axelrod Timothy Carey Ken Greenberg Roderick MacNeil Sharon Place Marian Robinson James and Pamela Romesser Dr. Najeed Saleh Carol Saline Alex Sevryukov

Barbara and Ed Silver

Benjamin Zuckerman

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$75+ Christina and Deborah Ager-Waxman David M. Albert Mary Jo Ashenfelter Susan Braun Margery Chachkin Nona and Darrell Cira Barbara Del Nero Eddie Dondero Svetlana Drazdovskaya Ryan Green Stephen Haspel Patricia House Lois Katzen Deborah Lawrence Ralph Mann Ezra Wolfe and Terrilyn McCormick Jessica Morton Brandi and Vuthy Ou Sanford Pfeffer Fania and Louis Samuels Dara and Eric Schmoyer Marsha Seidman Rosa Silverman Jillian Simmons Donald Slater Ralph and Heather Tallman Deena Tobias Shirley Trauger James Tunnicliffe Cheryl Carson and Nofre Vaquer Truyols Marvin and Leila Verman Mark and Kathleen Whelan

contributing partners 2002 Rittenhouse Square became the first permanent home of Koresh Dance Company in 2014, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of our supporters.

If you see an omission, please accept our apologies and contact us regarding this error.

PRODUCERS Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation Brook J. Lenfest Foundation The Rubin Family Foundation on behalf of Meegan Lenet Spector Rubin Choreographers Hallee N. and David J. Adelman Toni Goldberg Alperin Arader Tree Service Leslie Baker Boris David Cooper Niza L. Davidson Bill and Diana Duncan Steve Lazin The H. Chase and Ana Maria Lenfest Foundation Suzanne F. Roberts Cultural Fund Specter Foundation Tamaqua Foundation Ellen S. Varenhorst PRINCIPALS Abstract Company/Sandi Foxx-Jones David Alperin Linda Bodzy Chantal Jauvin and Bill Thomas Reuben Katz Neal W. Krouse George W. Moore Elizabeth Megen Ray Catherine M. Recker and Matthew Pappajohn Natalie Rounick Lisa Washington Claire Welty THE CORPS Valerie Armendariz Mark Azzaro Lisa and Frank Bicking Stapha Bloom Gianna Bonsera Haley Bradstreet Shannon Bramham Jennifer Brie Jule Brown Jack R. Butler Deborah Cahill Timothy P. Carey

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Julie and Bud George Carlson Cheryl Carson Joanna S. Chan Sarah Choi Alisa Cotter Berger Jess Daley Rafe Damico Barbara DelNero Claudette Delaurentis Christine Deluise Beth DeVitoLuton Tom DiFeo James B. Dilsheimer Shannon Mulcahy DiNota Brendon Shane Dodd Allison Dotts Sviatlana Takagi-Drazdouskaya Christine Engelhardt Eric and Madeline Farber Leslie A. Ferrelli Sally Forester Jeffrey Gerdes Global Pay Ken Greenberg Sondra Greenberg Olivia Guerrasio Merideth Hayden Matt Harrington Joseph Baker Sheehan Judith, Anthony and Bruno Sachs Beth Iguchi Joanne Jacobs Jill Jones Helene Kahn Abby King Erin Knight Alon Koresh Roni Koresh Margaret Ann Kurtz Beth Laird Laura Lane Amanda Lenox Lerner Joseph Leska Catherine and Rosalie Lijinsky Diego Luzuriaga

contributing partners April Magen Jacqueline M. Mahon Christine Mantey Ellen Mary Marlin Gail Massey Michelle Mattus Terrilyn McCormick Christine Miller Mark Mills James Monroe Rebecca Montrone Krista Montrone Debbie Murphy Perel Muterda Sondra Myers Brandi Nicole Sara Norm Emily O’Rourke Nina Pagliero Sonia James Pennington Jane G. Pepper Dianne Perkins Kathleen Pilla Nancy M. Pitcherella Sharon Place Melissa Rector Francesca Rivetti James A. Romesser

Leslie Rose Michael Rosen Dara Schmoyer Alex Sevryukov Joan Shepp Benjamin and Jane Siegel Dr. Philip and Mrs. Anne Silkoff Peter Siskind Donald Slater Rachel T. Smith Tamiko Smith Renee Sobel Robert and Elizabeth Alperin Solms Gabe Solms Square Inc. A. Dameron Stoddard L. and B. Strieb Carmen Sturm Frances Sullivan TAHYA Robert Tyler Martin Tuzman Stephen Varenhorst Briana M. West Nicholas Williams Rachel Zimmerman Benjamin Zuckerman Josie’s Sophisticated Seconds ANGELS

We also want to acknowledge and thank Avram and Rita Woidislawski and Charles X. Block.

Their investment, confidence and support were invaluable to the creation of a home for Koresh Dance Company.

A WORLD PREMIERE

tonight’s program Thursday, March 26 at 7:30pm | Friday, March 27 at 8:00pm

FORWARD KORESH YOUTH ENSEMBLE

Melissa Rector, Artistic Director Choreography: Melissa Rector Costume Design: Melissa Rector Music: Les Tambours du Bronx, Fabrizio Paterlini, René Aubry Dancers: Kate Axness, Annie Block, Donnay Burden, Indigo Moon Carroll, Sydney Donovan, Naya Grier, Kiara Prescott, Alexandra Price, Madison Schultheis, Sarah Shaulis

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AFTERSHOCK Choreography: Ronen Koresh Lighting Design: Peter Jakubowski Costumes: Ronen Koresh Dancers: Melissa Rector, Shannon Bramham, Fang-Ju Chou Gant, Joe Cotler, Jessica Daley, Micah Geyer, Krista Montrone, Kevan Sullivan, Robert Tyler, Asya Zlatina

THEN CHANGE

Full company Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with poetry by Karl Mullen

ALL IS NEW

Full company Music: James Blackshaw

GIVE IT ALL UP

Full company with duet by Shannon Bramham and Micah Geyer Music: Taksim Trio, spoken word by Shane Dodd

GARE DES ÉTREINTES

Full company Music: Henry Torgue & Serge Houppin

NEW GLITCH

Jessica Daley, Asya Zlatina, Fang-Ju Chou Gant, Kevan Sullivan, Robert Tyler Music: Gregory James Smith

LIFE

Melissa Rector, Krista Montrone, Shannon Bramham, Joseph Cotler, Micah Geyer Music: Gregory James Smith

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Asya Zlatina, Kevan Sullivan, Fang-Ju Chou Gant Music: Goldmund

HOPE AVENUE

Joseph Cotler and Krista Montrone Music: Goldmund

CHAMELEON

Jessica Daley and Robert Tyler Music: Henry Torgue & Serge Houppin

ALIVE

Melissa Rector and Micah Geyer Music: Armand Amar, Sandrine Piau & Antonio Vivaldi

WHO WE REALLY ARE Asya Zlatina Music: Goldmund

WHIPLASH

Full company Music: Gregory James Smith

AFTERSHOCK

Shannon Bramham and Melissa Rector Music: Henry Torgue & Serge Houppin with poetry by Karl Mullen

KORESH KOUTURE A HIGH FASHION PERFORMANCE, SILENT AUCTION + GALA

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tonight’s program Saturday, March 28 at 6:00pm

6pm Cocktail Hour + Silent Auction with wine tastings provided by Moore Brothers Wine Company 7:15pm Aftershock

by Koresh Dance Company Reception following performance + displays by Philly’s hottest fashion designers, Terese Brown, Jovan O’Connor, Victoria Wright, Amy Devan and Bela Shehu

9:30pm Auction winners announced

A HIGH FASHION PERFORMANCE, SILENT AUCTION + GALA 20

koresh kouture

Fashion Designers BELA SHEHU, Fashion Designer Modeled by Shannon Bramham Albanian-born Bela Shehu, the creative force behind NINObrand counts on her powerful intuition and natural eye for forecasting trends when crafting her collection. Prior to NINObrand, Bela shaped up the very successful bespoke men’s line Commonwealth Proper, as well as designing and developing for a few other amazing labels such as Bergdorf Goodman, Lithe Wear and League Collegiate Outfitters. Shehu’s passion for clothing and accessories has caught the eye of Lucky magazine, Glamour, Harpers Bazaar, and our own Philadelphia magazine.

VICTORIA WRIGHT, Fasion Designer Modeled by Asya Zlatina + Krista Montrone Whimsical, feminine, sophisticated, modern… Victoria Wright is a Philadelphia based fashion brand committed to providing charming designs catered to the individuality of each woman’s style. With a love of world travel, embellishment, couture, and vintage, inspiration is found everywhere from art museums to city streets across the globe.

With the amalgamation of diverse textures, modern florals, whimsical silhouettes, and vintage references, Victoria Wright offers a singular point of view.

TERESE BROWN, Fashion Designer Modeled by Jessica Daley Jamaican-born, Bronx-bred Terese Sydonna Brown is a 2014 alum of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s, holds a dual degree in Economics & Business and Studio Art from Lafayette College, and a Fashion Design degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.).

After obtaining a strong business foundation at Lehman Brothers and Goldman, Sachs & Co., Brown pursued her fashion career for NYC Knitwear, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, and Lord and Taylor to name a few. Terese launched ‘Terese Sydonna’ in 2011, and uses art, music, technology, and world travel experiences along with comic books as inspiration for her designs.

JOVAN O’CONNOR, Fashion Designer Modeled by Fang-Ju Chou Gant Jovan O’Connor is a Philadelphia native whose namesake line offers luxurious pieces designed to make a statement. Jovan attended Philadelphia University where she received a B.S. in Fashion Design. A gown designed for Patti LaBelle launched her career and since then, she has designed for Fox29’s Jenn Frederick, reigning Miss Philadelphia Diamond Edmonds, and Natalie DiDonato of Vh1’s hit show Mob Wives.

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AMY DEVAN, Fashion Designer Modeled by Melissa Rector After completing her MBA in 2006, Amy Devan worked in marketing and business development before deciding to follow her childhood dream of design. Overwhelmed by this passion, she traveled to India to study the craftsmanship of her roots. Upon returning, more inspired than ever before, she moved to New York City to attend Parsons The New School for Design. From that point, NavedaTM was born: free-spirited yet focused, feminine, and ultra-chic. Her exoticmeets-luxury brand uses glamorous embellishments, rich textures, beadwork, and woven metals to create a sense of escape and to make an effortless yet luxe statement.

Host Committee Elissa Bloom Diana Duncan Chantal Jauvin + Bill Thomas Neal Krouse and Liz Knudsen George Moore Sharon Pinkenson Suzanne and Ralph Roberts Meegan Lenet Specter Rubin Carol Saline + Paul Rathblott Joan Shepp Joe Weiss

A HIGH FASHION PERFORMANCE, SILENT AUCTION + GALA

A special thank you to Armour Boutique for styling Joe Cotler and Micah Geyer. Visit their shop in Queen Village or online at armourphiladelphia.com

Koresh Kouture Sponsors We’d like to recognize the following for sponsoring the first Koresh Kouture.

With support like this, we hope to make this an annual event!

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the company MELISSA RECTOR, Assistant Artistic Director and Dancer Originally from West Virginia, Melissa started dancing at a young age with Monica Folio. She graduated from The University of the Arts in 1993. Melissa has been dancing with Koresh Dance Company since its inception in 1991 and is the company’s Assistant Artistic Director. She is also an instructor at the Koresh School of Dance. In 2008, Melissa helped to establish the Koresh Youth Ensemble and serves as their artistic director, setting both original choreography and company repertory on them.

SHANNON BRAMHAM , Dancer Originally from Virginia, Shannon graduated with her BFA in Dance Performance from East Carolina University. She has had the chance to set work on South Dayton Dance Theater, Wright State University, and We Are Artists. Her work has also been showcased at ACDFA and RDA. Shannon currently teaches adults at the Koresh School of Dance. She joined Koresh Dance Company in 2008.

FANG-JU CHOU GANT , Dancer Fang-Ju, born and raised in Taiwan, came to the United States to further her study of dance. She earned an Associate Degree of Dance in Australia from Queensland University of Technology, Academy of the Arts/Dance, and received her BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts. FangJu is trained in a wide range of dance styles and stagecraft. In addition to performing, she has taught ballet for many years throughout the Philadelphia area. Fang-Ju has been dancing with Koresh since 1998.

JOSEPH COTLER , Dancer Joe Cotler grew up in Batavia, NY and trained at his mother, Robin Cotler’s dance studio, Images in Dance. He graduated from The University of the Arts in May 2009. While at school, he had the opportunity to work with numerous choreographers including Scott Jovovich, Ronen Koresh and Paul SelwynNorton. He currently teaches and choreographs for numerous studios in the area. He joined Koresh as an apprentice in 2009 and has been a company dancer since 2010.

JESSICA DALEY , Dancer Hailing from Philadelphia, Jessica has been performing since she was a young child. She began her training at Philadelphia’s Jason Douglas Dance Academy and continued her studies at The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Ailey School. She attended The University of the Arts where she earned her BFA in Modern Dance in 2004. Her performance experience encompasses a wide variety of styles including the 76ers Dance Team, West Side Story and Eleone Dance Theater. Jessica has been dancing with Koresh since 2004.

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the company MICAH GEYER , Dancer Raised in North Carolina, Micah started dancing at a young age with Nina’s School of Dance in Durham. He later joined the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble under the direction of Gene Medler. During his career, he had the privilege to perform at the Kennedy Center and the Joyce Theater for Tap City, as well as tour throughout Europe and South America. He received his BFA in Dance Performance and Psychology from East Carolina University and joined Koresh Dance Company in 2007.

KRISTA MONTRONE , Dancer Krista began her training at the age of three in Hudson, NH at Melissa Hoffman Dance Center. After moving to Connecticut in 2000, she continued her training at D’valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre. In 2006 Krista moved to NYC where she was involved in many projects including the opening of Revolution at Joyce Theatre and various industrial projects ranging from Aflac to Juicy Couture. She currently teaches and sets choreography for multiple schools in Philadelphia. Krista joined Koresh Dance Company in 2011.

KEVAN SULLIVAN , Dancer Kevan grew up in Milford, CT and started his dance training at the age of two.

He studied at the Lee Lund Studio of Dance while also traveling to NYC. In 2009, Kevan received the Director’s Talent Scholarship rewarding him with a full tuition scholarship to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Kevan was also selected to be a student at the School of Jacobs Pillow Contemporary Traditions Program in the summer of 2010. Kevan has danced for Alchemy Dance Company as well as Tommie Waheed Evan’s “Waheed Works”. Kevan joined Koresh Dance Company in 2013.

ROBERT TYLER , Dancer Robert grew up in Batavia, NY and began dancing at the age of 10. He studied under the instruction of Robin Cotler at her studio, Images in Dance. In 2008 he began studying at the University of the Arts and graduated in May 2012 with a BFA in Dance Performance majoring in ballet. In the summer of 2010 and 2011, he worked with Robin Cotler’s dance company, Images Evolution, and performed at the International Dance Festival in Poland. Robert joined Koresh Dance Company in 2012.

ASYA ZLATINA , Dancer Asya was born in Moscow, Russia and immigrated to the US in 1992. She trained in the DC/Baltimore area and graduated in May 2008 from Goucher College with a BA in Psychology and Dance. Asya has performed at the Kennedy Center (ClancyWorks Dance Company) and the DiCapo in NYC (Nilas Martins Dance Company). In 2013 she graduated from Drexel University with an MS in Arts Administration. Asya joined Koresh Dance Company in 2008.

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koresh youth ensemble members Kate Axness Annie Block Donnay Burden Indigo Moon Carroll Sydney Donovan Naya Grier Kiara Prescott Alexandra Price Madison Schultheis Sarah Shaulis

The Koresh Youth Ensemble was formed in the fall of 2008 to give gifted, young dancers more intensive dance training and greater performance opportunities. Students who demonstrate both the talent and desire to become professionals are selected to join the group under the direction of Melissa Rector.

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collaborating artists PETER JAKUBOWSKI, Lighting Designer Peter Jakubowski is an Associate Professor / Production Design Specialist in the Department of Dance at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He holds a BA in Theater from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MFA in design from Temple University with a concentration in design for dance. He is both a union lighting and scenic designer IATSE USA 829. His work has been awarded the ARTIE award for best lighting design and he has been nominated five times for the F. Otto Haas award. He was also recognized by both the Philadelphia City Paper and the Philadelphia Inquirer for excellence in design. His designs have been seen in over 40 states as well as abroad. Some companies Mr. Jakubowski has designed for include North Shore Music Theatre (MA), The Prince Music Theater (PA), The Walnut Street Theatre (PA), The Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center (NJ), Maine State Music Theatre (ME), Dance Theatre of Harlem, Jeanne Ruddy Dance, and The Snowy Range Dance Festival. He has work in the repertoire of Peter Pucci Plus Dancers, Alban Elved Dance Company, and Colorado Ballet, to name a few. He is currently resident designer for Nevada Ballet and Ballet Fleming and is pleased to again be resident designer for Koresh Dance Company.

ALYSSANDRA DOCHERTY, Assistant Lighting Designer Alyssandra is a Philadelphia based freelance lighting designer hailing from Vernon, NJ. She graduated with honors from DeSales University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. When not touring with Koresh Dance Company, she is the Lighting Supervisor at Philadelphia Theatre Company. Her time at PTC has afforded her the opportunity to work with designers such as Howell Binkley, Jason Lyons, and Ken Billington during their time in Philadelphia. Her designs have been seen at BalletFleming’s “Day and Night” and “Phantom,” Simpatico Theatre Company’s “A Bright New Boise,” Mazeppa Productions’ “Avenue Q” and “Spring Awakening,” and Yancy Girls Productions’ “Hoodoo Love,” among others. Though she only recently began touring with Koresh this past September, Aly is looking forward to collaborating more on their upcoming works.

KARL MULLEN, Composer Born in Dublin, Ireland, Karl is an artist, composer, and singer/songwriter who lives and works in Philadelphia. His non-traditional approach to painting utilizes walnut oil, raw powder pigment and a wax medium that coalesce into luminous images. Mullen paintings reside in many private collections and in the permanent holdings of Robert Morris College, the Polk Museum, and the Hurn Museum. Karl also creates unique music by painting with sound, avidly documenting city and street sounds and transforming them into soundtracks for theater and contemporary dance companies, including both Koresh Dance Company and Spectrum Dance Theater, in Seattle.

GREGORY JAMES SMITH, Composer Greg studied music theory and composition at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where he also discovered a passion for music production. A self-taught studio audio engineer, he ventured into the recording business after college. Working as a studio owner and engineer, he encountered many artists and musical genres, which greatly influenced his own creative style. Greg enjoys collaborating with other artists, including Roni Koresh and composer-guitarist Damon Umholtz.

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collaborating artists SANDY MITCHEL , Videographer

Videographer Sandy Mitchel, of Mt. Carmel Films, has filmed many Philadelphiabased dance companies including Pasion y Arte, the Nora Gibson Performance Project and Sambrooka, as well as individual artists. However, her first love remains Koresh, with which she has been associated since 2000, and for which she has filmed countless performances, workshops and rehearsals. Sandy began dancing as a child and pursued a career as a ballerina in New York. One way or another, she expects she will always be involved with the cutting-edge, innovative choreography for which Koresh has become famous.

FRANK BICKING , Company Photographer

Frank Bicking started photography as a hobby in 2011. As his passion for photography grew so has his knowledge about the different art forms that can be expressed in photography. Frank started photographing dance when he was inspired to get better photos of his daughter dancing. Later he turned that passion towards photographing professional dance. Frank’s dance photography has been published in Dance Magazine, on Dance Spirit photo of the day, local Philadelphia publications and many local dance companies have used his photos for their own publications.

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get involved!

There are many ways to become involved with Koresh Dance Company!

Volunteering Volunteers are a crucial part of the success of our company. Whether it be helping us make an event extra special, or assisting our administrative team, our volunteers are our strongest support system.

For more information about volunteering contact Haley at haley@koreshdance.org or call 215.751.0959 Placed Advertisements By advertising in our programs, you reach diverse audiences and show your support for the arts in Philadelphia. Koresh performances reach over 4,000 audience members every year: dance enthusiasts from the city, the Main Line, New Jersey, and beyond who love art, culture, restaurants, and Center City shopping.

Corporate Sponsorship Koresh’s corporate sponsorship program provides a unique opportunity for businesses to receive exclusive benefits to Koresh Dance throughout the year including; networking opportunities, tickets for employees and company marketing on the Koresh media outlets, all while showing support for the arts in Philadelphia. The success of our programming is based on mutually beneficial relationships with these businesses.

Interested in having your business become a corporate sponsor of Koresh Dance? Visit www.koreshdance.org, or contact Rachael at rachael@koreshdance.org.

thank you!

The Koresh Dance Company wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the following people for their continuous support: David Alperin Chuck Block The Bicking Family Cheryl Carson Bill and Diana Duncan Rick Dunlap Thomas Gant Sr. Thomas Gant Jr. John Gross Philip Horn Chantal Jauvin and Bill Thomas Sandi Foxx-Jones Yaron Karasenti Rodney Landis

Brook Lenfest Chase Lenfest MidAtlantic Arts Foundation Sandy Mitchel Jason Nusbaum Oscar Padilla Philadelphia Theatre Company Ed Rosenthal The Romesser Family Meegan Lenet Spector Rubin William Vessal Lois Welk Avram and Rita Woidislawski

A special Thank You to all of our wonderful volunteers for their time, commitment and dedication to Koresh Dance Company.

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Program Design: Caren Goldstein, Concept Factory.

All Photos by Bicking Photography 34