RISE Show Program - April 2026

RISE SHOWCASE April 12, 2026

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

THANK YOU TO OUR

SPRING 2026 WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS

BALLET Jackie Nash Gill Andrea Faria Kim Marsh Mares Sanchez Gonzalo Espinoza Dion Leonhard DiDonna

DANCE ELECTIVES Anneke Belman Charlotte Corporon Alexis Yard Elaine Hoxie Tare Jean Vallee Mares Sanchez

RISE TEACHING ARTISTS Andrea Faria Anneke Belman Brittany Lebida Dion DiDonna Gina Hatch Robert Kelley Shawn Lowe

A LETTER FORM THE

HEAD OF COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT Welcome to the 2026 RISE Spring Showcase Relevé Inspiring Student Excellence (RISE) elevates students’ experiences within the world of professional dance. Through partnerships with Central Florida middle and high schools featuring Performing Arts and Magnet Dance programs, RISE creates meaningful opportunities for aspiring dancers to grow, train, and prepare for arts-related careers.

Tonight’s talented young performers have dedicated countless hours of hard work and passion to reach this moment.

Over the course of the semester, students completed 30 hours of intensive training led by industry professionals, focusing on technique, choreography, and professional readiness. They also had the opportunity to observe Orlando Ballet’s professional company in rehearsal at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre (HOBC).

We are thrilled to once again welcome members of the Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble, who will be performing live this evening. The single and double reed, jazz, and salsa ensembles accompany our dancers in one of our favorite collaborations with one of Central Florida’s premier youth arts organizations.

Special thanks to Orlando Ballet faculty and guest instructors Tara Jeane Vallee, Alexis Yard, and Charlotte Corporon, who led some of this afternoon’s workshops and inspired our students through their artistry and mentorship.

SHANE BLAND

Head of Community Enrichment

ORLANDO BALLET

RISE SHOWCASE

DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL THIS IS IT CHOREOGRAPHY Gina Hatch MUSIC This Is It - Michael Jackson SYNOPSIS This high-octane jazz production features three dynamic groups, each bringing their own burst of energy and style. With thrilling partnering, powerful lifts, and electrifying choreography, the dancers deliver a bold and unforgettable performance.

DANCERS Level 2 Cameran Bailey • Kimani Cooper • Makayla Frazier Valentina Grijalva Cruz • Nyah Hall • Nova Kondo Arianna Lesperance • Azariah Lewis-McLennan Makhari Lozielle • Mariah Mcfarlande • Khloe Randolph Karla Romero • Dayana Velazquez Guifarro Level 3 Piper Allen • Claire Atwell • Selene Bogart Emma Brady Fitzpatrick • Deriah Bridges Mikinzie Brown • Faith Gant • Lara Goncalves NaKai Jessup • Chloe Leon • Nehemyah Morgan Madison Yu Level 4 Noor El-helw • Yelani Hill • Morgan Marotta Fabi Ocque • Andre Roche • Sana Williams

2025/2026 SEASON

RISE SHOWCASE

WINDY RIDGE K-8 SLEEPLESS BEAUTIES CHOREOGRAPHY Anneke Belman MUSIC Sleeping Beauty Waltz - Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky & Chris Pettitt Performed by the Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble’s Flute Choir SYNOPSIS The making of a fairy godmother is no easy task!

In this piece you will see that even the fairies can have a bad, silly, or sleepy day. Using music from the original Sleeping Beauty Ballet, come with us on a new exploration of an old theme, and don’t be afraid to laugh along the way!

DANCERS Malu Almeida Pernambuco De Aquino Avery J. Anderson • Kaelynn E. Curtis Elsa Faleato Vallecillo • Victoria Feitoza Farah Rodrigues Karissa Lamela Silva • Joy Lawrence • Sophia Manso Danyelle Matteson • Julieta Mercado-Huiza Naisha Musani • Manuella Ramos Pachiega Leticia Rengifo Sojo • Samantha Romero Ulloa

ORLANDO BALLET

RISE SHOWCASE

LEGACY MIDDLE SCHOOL THE WAKE UP CALL CHOREOGRAPHY Brittany Lebida MUSIC Baby Elephant Walk - Henry Mancini Performed by the Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble’s Double Reed Choir SYNOPSIS A group of dancers, still half-asleep, find themselves unexpectedly on stage, stumbling through a whimsical and humorous performance.

DANCERS Aimee Adams • Ja’Zaryi Benton • Saniyah Bryan Alyssa Carmenatty • Aneesa Djuraeva • Alicia Johnson Sofia Kintsurashvili • Lucy Miller • Gabriela Negron Ashley Plummer • Kabella Ratunil • Reagan Ray Daila Rodriguez • Norbelys Salazar Shaneliz Segarra Mora • Kelsey Smith • Hannah Tran Han Vuong

2025/2026 SEASON

RISE SHOWCASE

LOCKHART MIDDLE SCHOOL* *6:00 P.M. ONLY

INVITATION CHOREOGRAPHY Shawn Lowe MUSIC Invitation - Bronislau Kaper Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster / arr. Erik Morales Performed by the Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble’s Jazz 2 Ensemble SYNOPSIS This dance explores a transient energy brought to a physical manifestation. Using the lounge sounds to influence the push and pull of the dancers in and out of the space.

DANCERS A’Mara Amann • Aubree Atkins • Farrah Bernard Gisele Campbell • Stephanie Constant Genesis Gonzales • Maria Gonzles-Rios Genesis Harrison • Trinity Johnson • Taysia Lee Jessie Listano • Kristy Richard • Tariah Sims Dionne Thomas

ORLANDO BALLET

RISE SHOWCASE

INTERMISSION

2025/2026 SEASON

RISE SHOWCASE

DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL CARNAVAL CHOREOGRAPHY Gina Hatch MUSIC Carnaval - Celia Cruz Performed by the Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble’s Salsa Band SYNOPSIS Welcome to a vibrant carnaval party, where the dancers bring the festivities to life with bold partnering and thrilling lifts. The dynamic choreography radiates excitement and joy, as the performers create an electrifying atmosphere of celebration and fun!

DANCERS Claire Atwell • Noor El-helw • Faith Gant Lara Goncalves • Yelani Hill • NaKai Jessup Makhari Lozeille • Morgan Marotta • Nehemyah Morgan Fabiana Ocque • Andre Roche • Sana Williams

ORLANDO BALLET

RISE SHOWCASE

CELEBRATION HIGH SCHOOL MI ALEGRIA CHOREOGRAPHY Robert Kelley MUSIC La Fiesta de Pilito - El Gran Combo Performed by the Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble’s Salsa Band SYNOPSIS This piece is a collaboration between the students and choreographer that showcases the conversations were had on topics ranging from “What does moving through Joy mean to you?”, “Can community impact your daily life?”, “Do you get enough sleep?”, and “How does Remembrance feel?”

DANCERS Pietra Abumussi • Krystiana Allen-Hart • Lays Lima Bellinassi Veronica Buitrago • Eduarda Cardoso • Macaya Cobb Laila Denton • Beatriz Ferreira • Alexandra Gachette Giovanna Goncalves Struziatto • Maria Guerra Ashley Hernandez • Nena Hitt • Layla Leonardo • Emma Morales Destiny Noble • Elizabeth Pemberton • Valeria Nunez Rodriguez Gabriella Rhodes • Valentina Rodriguez Rengel • Daanya Samad Lusiana Sanchez Ruiz • Lindsay Sosa Diaz Sharon Tami Aparicio • Elizabeth Torres Kiara Valderrama Aliaga • Brianna Valero

2025/2026 SEASON

RISE SHOWCASE

MILLENNIUM MIDDLE SCHOOL RAN KAN KAN CHOREOGRAPHY Dion DiDonna MUSIC La Fiesta de Pilito - El Gran Combo Performed by the Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble’s Salsa Band SYNOPSIS We often dance the same steps. To the same tune. Together.

But, even though we’re together in the same dance, we still each have our own, unique flavor.

DANCERS Kemy Badette • Gianna Brantley • Yorleni Bravo Perez Autumn Burroughs • Amanda Fuentes Martinez • Borbala Furcsa Nila Green • Wren Iaconis • Jahael Jones • Londyn Lawrence Taylor Lovett • Ja Mya McGill • Fabiola Nazario • Olivia Ordonez Alyssa Rodriguez • Melody Rodriguez • Mya Samuels Aubree Schweickert • A’Nijah Toure • Adelina Vasquez Ramos Jennalyn Vazquez • Jermaine Washington

ORLANDO BALLET

RISE SHOWCASE

WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL LIBERTANGO CHOREOGRAPHY Andrea Faria MUSIC Libertango - Astor Piazzolla Performed by the Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble’s Single Reed Choir SYNOPSIS This ballet is inspired by the evocative tango music of Astor Piazzolla, where classical technique meets the raw passion and sensuality of Argentine rhythm. Fluid lines intertwine with sharp, syncopated movements, capturing the tension, intimacy, and dramatic intensity that define Piazzolla’s sound. The choreography breathes with longing and fire, blending elegance and edge in a powerful, contemporary homage to tango.

DANCERS Mary-Catherine Baughman • Grace Campbell Maria Cavalcanti De Melo Borba • Victoria Claudio • Tylee Cook Addison Fulford • Mariana Gerhardt • Taylor Guasto Elianna Kim • Sophia Lima • Ana Luzia Loiola • Laken Loya Charnelle Ombao • Rachel Peters • Ana Pinto Frota Caitlyn Popick • Ana Portillo Rojas • Flavia Rodriguez Torrealba Valentina Secheto Facci • Lily Vest

2025/2026 SEASON

THANK YOU

ORLANDO BALLET

28

2025/2026 SEASON

ORLANDO BALLET

BOARD OF DIRECTOR S OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jonathan Ledden Private Investor

VICE PRESIDENT Jayne Willi s DNP, RN

EX-OFFICIO John A. “Skip” Kirst Jr. Collado Real Estate

Diane Kuhl

Development Consultant

UCF College of Nursing

Keith Lashley

TREASURER Jean Grono-Nowry

Krista Ledden

HKS Architects

Massey Services, Inc.

Community Volunteer

SECRETARY Angie Jernigan

Jennifer Lowndes

Orlando Health — Jewett Orthopedic Institute

DIRECTORS

Holland & Knight

Erich S. Maschhoff

Independent Corporate Director

Jaleh Benner

The Scout Guide Orlando

Sandor Bondorowsky

Total Media Productions, Inc.

Meredith Cook

Scientia Global Consulting

M.C. Cravatta

Foley & Lardner, LLP

Jennifer Curry Siemens Energy

Colte Debbouza-Suggs Époque, Inc.

Ekta Desai

Schenkel Shultz Architecture

Keri Holliday

PNC Private Bank

Eric Horner

Eric Horner Interiors

Andrew Howell

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Kelley Irby

Orlando Magic

ORLANDO BALLET

Artistic Director

Bradley Renner

Executive Director

Rebekah Essick

Co-Chair Orlando Ballet Ambassadors

Kara Howell

Co-Chair Orlando Ballet Ambassadors

Lizette Valarino

Chair, Amigos del Orlando Ballet

Truist

London Ott

City of Orlando

Margaret Shan Atkins

Jorden Morris

Geanne Share

Community Volunteer

Richard J. Skaggs USF Credit Union

Yadhira Sollberger

Community Volunteer

Robert Suchor Truist

Lisa Westlake

Independent Corporate Director

David Withee J.P. Morgan

FOUNDERS Barbara Riggins Kip Watson Patti Watson Walsh

DIRECTORS EMERITUS John A. “Skip” Kirst Jr. Krista Ledden

ORLANDO BALLET

STAFF ARTISTIC

Jorden Morris..........................................................................................................................................................Artistic Director Lisa Thorn Morris...............................................................................................................................Associate Artistic Director Heath Gill............................................................................................................................................................ Rehearsal Director Darren Bartolo....................................................................................................................................................... Company Pianist Amado Bobadilla.................................................................................................................................................. Company Pianist Angelyn Chen....................................................................................................................................................... Company Pianist

ADMINISTRATIVE

Bradley Renner................................................................................................................................................... Executive Director Katherine Fabian............................................................................................................................................... Managing Director Carlos Vicente...............................................................................................Interim Director, Marketing & Communications Laurel Hayward...........................................................................................................................Director of Institutional Giving Kim Sydebrant.................................................................................................................................................................... Controller Alyssa David........................................................................................................................................................Director of Events Melinda Rutland............................................................................................................................................... Major Gifts Officer Helen Preston......................................................................................................................................... Individual Giving Officer Noelle Park...........................................................................................................................................Individual Giving Manager Anna Tanzilla ......................................................................................................................................................... Grants Manager Richard Elo...........................................................................................................................................................Facilities Manager Patrick Ingram.......................................................................................................................Manager, Group Sales & Ticketing Maureen Walsh..........................................................................................................Manager, Marketing & Communications Mal Clark............................................................................................................................................................... Graphic Designer Jamie Gillies............................................................................................................................................................. Retail Specialist Noelle Malfa................................................................................................................................................Marketing Coordinator Juliet Marcus................................................................................. Coordinator, Ticketing Concierge & Consumer Insights Jackie Nash Gill................................................................................................................Executive Assistant & Board Liaison Bekki Tyler.....................................................................................................................................................Accounting Specialist Francis Mihm......................................................................................................................................... Philanthropy Coordinator

PRODUCTION

John Beaulieu..............................................................................................................................................Director of Production Cecilia de Erausquin........................................................................................................................ Production Stage Manager Alex German................................................................................................ Company Manager & Assistant Stage Manager Eddy Frank Fernandez....................................................................................................................................... Costume Director Norelis Dean..................................................................................................................................................Wardrobe Supervisor Gina Makarova.............................................................................. OBS & Community Enrichment Wardrobe Coordinator Ani Boer.......................................................................................................................................................................Shoe Manager

EDUCATION

Chris Alloways-Ramsey..............................................................................................................................Director of Education Jenny Logus............................................................................................................................... School Administrative Manager Victoria Sarau.............................................................................................................. Sr. Manager of Educational Operations Shane Bland.............................................................................................................................. Head of Community Enrichment Amyia Burrell..............................................................................................................................Head of Young Dancer Program Gonzalo Espinoza.......................Assistant to the School Director, School Choreographer, & Principal OBII Teacher Natasha Glos...............................................................Principal Teacher, Repetiteur for the Academy, & Principal Coach Kim Marsh............................................................................................ Head of Preparatory Training Center & Certification Sofia Tsutsakova-Abenanty.........................................Principal Teacher, Company Liaison for OBS, & Methodologist Chandler Blum................................................................................................................. Community Enrichment Coordinator Aless Ramnarine-Kendrick.................................................................................................... Fitness Thru Dance Coordinator Kayla Reyburn..............................................................................................School Admin & Summer Intensive Coordinator Melissa Miller.................................................................................................................................................Front Desk Assistant Susan Swain...................................................................................................................................................Front Desk Assistant

FACULTY MEMBERS

Allison Baber • Ani Boer • Lisa Buono • Andrea De Faria • Dion Leonhard DiDonna • Jenny Dzuranin Heather Fryxell • Bonnie Gombos • Gina Hatch • Monica Heinz • Elaine “Lanie” Hoxie • Patrick Ingram • Zoe Khoury Krista Ledden • Annie Lewis • Shawn Lowe • Mila Makaroff • Brittany Marcell Monachino • Susan Olson Elizabeth Shook-King • Jessica Springer • Heidi Towle • Stephanie Towle • Mariana Tzanova • Giovanni Villalobos Randee Workowski

COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT TEACHING ARTISTS

Anneke Belman • Anna Diaz • Andrea Faria • Abigail Krefta • Abigail Markel • Amelia Anderson Bonnie Gombos • Brittany Lebida • Brittany Monachino • Christy Kowal • Chloe Lawrence • Cyndi Litz Dion Leonhard DiDonna • Elizabeth Shook • Gina Hatch • Heather Fryxell • Jasmine Burelsmith • Jessica Springer Julia Vinez • Mares Sanchez • Madeline White • Nicole Moran • Patricia Marijanich • Robert Kelley • Shawn Lowe Sydnie Zvolenski • Valerie Poku

2025/2026 SEASON

ISRAEL ZAVALETA ESCOBEDO PHOTOGRAPHY

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For scheduling & registration information visit ORLANDOBALLET.ORG

ISRAEL ZAVALETA ESCOBEDO PHOTOGRAPHY

YOUR HOME FOR MOVING, GROOVING, & IMPROVING. Taught by professional dance faculty, our diverse offerings are designed to meet you where you are.

Whether you’re just beginning, continuing your dance

FITNESS THRU DANCE ORL ANDO BALLET SCHOOL

training, or maintaining your practice, you’ll find a supportive environment to grow and improve.

For scheduling & registration information visit ORLANDOBALLET.ORG

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER • STEINMETZ HALL

Step into a world of glittering parties and dark deception. With live music from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, dazzling costumes, and cinematic staging, The Great Gatsby explodes to life in a glittering, emotional story of glamour and heartbreak. See the drama BUY TICKETS

unfold and get tickets at orlandoballet.org

SPONSORED BY

ISRAEL ZAVALETA ESCOBEDO PHOTOGRAPHY • HITOMI NAKAMUR A • JAYSAN STINNET T

APRIL 30 – M AY 3

HARRIETT LAKE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS “The Angel of the Ballet"