2024 Pas de Vie Nutcracker

SOCIAL MARKETER Sreelakshmi V. Consultant

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Through the years, Pas de Vie has been dedicated to the art of dance through education and entertainment and we remain committed to the four pillars of our mission. »

Preserve the tradition of classical ballet.

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Build original choreography to awaken a range of emotions.

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Develop and entertain new audiences.

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Educate and inspire dancers of all ages and abilities.

We ask your support to help us continue to grow so we may create new works, reach new heights and enlighten new audiences to the extraordinary and beautiful world of dance. By supporting our efforts, you are helping to preserve the art of dance through the education and inspiration of today’s youth. In every culture, art provides the life-giving veins of expression and growth. Pas de Vie means “step of life” – with each one we take, let us dance to celebrate its beauty and wonder.

Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays from Charles Hagan and Natalia Botha and all of the Pas de Vie Family

Come grow your business with us!

1613 Capital Circle NE Tallahassee, FL 32308 www.harvest-press.com 850.681.2488

Artistic Director

Natalia Botha

Ballet Master

Charles Hagan

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Stage Manager

Scott Freese

Technical Director

Charles Hagan

Company Coordinator

Carrie Holden

Junior Company Coordinator

Bianca Simmonds-Calhoun

Wardrobe Mistress

Nikki Smith

Head Seamstresses

Jayne Gerard Kathy Neel

Wardrobe Assistants

Irina Grigoryan Elaine Hwang

Company Pianist

Sudarat Songsiridej

School Performances/Outreach

Crystie Voehl

Fundraising

Alison Denny

Promotions

Tanya Peres Lemons

Poster Photography

Dave Barfield, The Lonely Fox

Company Photographer

Melissa Donaldson

Program Design

Nikki Johnson

Videographer

Chris Flood

Master Electrician

Greg Hill

Event Manager

Shahid Tomblin

Stage Crew

FAMU staff

Sewing Assistants Leah Benoza, Claire Borschel, Paola Garces, Melody Neel, Jan Rosene, Fran Tejero, Vandana Tripathi For the safety of our dancers, out of courtesy to our audience and to protect the art of our choreographers, no photography or video is allowed. Please silence and darken all cell phones.

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The Company Advanced Company Liam Anderson Anastasia Atayants Hanna Benoza Victoria Bulecza Rick Clark Kate Denny Josef Drinkard Amalia Garces Kaitlyn Gerard

Charles Hagan Madeline Holden Isabel Lin Hailey Nolder Gabrielle Peammon Nicholas Peammon Nikki Smith Sylvie Williamson

Advanced Company Apprentices Maria Atayants Ava Grace Bilello Melissa Denny

Oliver Holden Eli Kern Iris Lee

Junior Company Lillie Adams Hannah Barfield Sarah James Barfield Hope Borschel Sergio Brindisi Corinne Bruno Ilsa Bruno Sierra Calhoun Reese Donaldson Lakshmi Eason Sally Kate Edenfield Rory Grassman Caroline Hooper Alisa Kuzub

Mihika Lagy Cora Lemons Lauren Neel Ava Paul Elijah Peammon Alice Pereda Rosie Belle Roberts Remi Robertson Emaline Smith Monroe Spencer Anjali Vennelaganti Chloe Voehl Mary Wilmot

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The Story of The Nutcracker Come with us back through time to a more romantic era – a time of elegance, candlelight and dreams…

The scene is the Silberhaus’ Christmas party. It will be a wonderful evening, especially for the children. Herr Drosselmeyer who is Clara and Fritz’s uncle, entertains with his special brand of magic. He creates illusions for the children and adults alike with dancing dolls and a playful bear.

Drosselmeyer gives Clara a very special present – an enchanted Nutcracker, which her brother Fritz breaks in a fit of jealousy. However, it is quickly repaired by Drosselmeyer.

The dance and party continue but soon the children are tired and the guests begin to leave. It has been an exciting evening and the Silberhauses go off to bed. Clara sneaks back down to retrieve her precious gift and as she falls asleep, cradling her beloved Nutcracker, the magic truly begins!

Drosselmeyer returns to cast a mysterious spell overall. Presently, Clara awakens to the scurrying of mice, and to her astonishment, she finds herself under the enormous Christmas tree – tormented by the Mouse King. The mice are then attacked by an army of toy soldiers led by the enchanted Nutcracker. During a battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the Nutcracker is nearly killed but Clara saves him by throwing her slipper at the Mouse King, allowing the Nutcracker to kill his opponent and emerge victorious. Upon discovering who the Mouse King really may be, Clara faints into her Nutcracker’s arms.

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Drosselmeyer then escorts Clara through the Land of Snow, where she is greeted by the Snow Queen and King along with a flurry of snowflakes.

Their travels continue to the Kingdom of Sweets. There Clara is warmly received by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier and lavishly entertained by dances from exotic lands.

All too soon it is time for Clara to return home. It was, after all, only a young girl’s dream. That is, unless you believe in the magic of Christmas.

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Ages 3 through Adult:

Ballet & Pointe Pas de Deux Modern Lyrical Tap Creative Movement Boys Ballet Adult Drop in Ballet

Pasdevieballet.com | (850) 765-1935 3494 Weems Road, Suite A, Tallahassee

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The Nutcracker Choreography Natalia Botha and Charles Hagan Music Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Costumes Pas de Vie Ballet Wardrobe Construction and Design Jayne Gerard–Columbine Kathy Neel–Angels Fran Tejero–Spanish

ACT I

The Christmas Party Clara Maria Atayants/Ava Grace Bilello *Reese Donaldson *Emaline Smith

Herr Drosselmeyer Charles Hagan Fritz Eli Kern Drosselmeyer’s Nephew Oliver Holden Frau Silberhaus Carla Hutchinson Herr Silberhaus Michael Webb Grandfather Terry Hague

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Girls Ava Grace Bilello/Maria Atayants – Reese Donaldson Emaline Smith – Sierra Calhoun – Mihika Lagy Boys Sergio Brindisi – Hope Borschel — Mary Wilmot Sally Kate Edenfield — Lauren Neel Leighton Calhoun (Thursday performance)

Guests Timothy Murphy — Patricia Perdum — Anna Hughes — Ismael Villegas Claudia Vaccaro — Tim Vaccaro — Holly Edenfield Dolls Harlequin Liam Anderson *Oliver Holden

Columbine Isabel Lin/Hailey Nolder Soldier Josef Drinkard *Oliver Holden

Little Girl Anastasia Atayants/Hanna Benoza Bear Nicholas Peammon

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Maid & Butler Nikki Smith — Rick Clark

The Battle Scene Nutcracker Prince Liam Anderson Mouse King Nicholas Peammon Rattappin’ Pack Melissa Denny — Iris Lee Mice Sally Kate Edenfield — Lauren Neel — Mary Wilmot — Hope Borschel Reese Donaldson — Sierra Calhoun — Emaline Smith — Mihika Lagy Soldiers Major Major Oliver Holden Major Minor Eli Kern General Disorder Sergio Brindisi Private Pellet Remi Robertson Corporelle Bagshot Chloe Voehl Sergeant Pepper Cora Lemons Corps de Battalion Lillie Adams — Hannah Barfield — Corinne Bruno Lakshmi Eason — Alisa Kuzub — Ava Paul Rosie Belle Roberts — Monroe Spencer — Anjali Vennelaganti 9

Cadets in Training Sara James Barfield — Ilsa Bruno — Rory Grassman Caroline Hooper — Elijah Peammon — Alice Pereda

Land of Snow Snow Queen Kaitlyn Gerard Snow King Josef Drinkard Snowflakes Anastasia Atayants — Hanna Benoza — Tori Bulecza Kate Denny — Amalia Garces — Madeline Holden — Isabel Lin Hailey Nolder — Gabrielle Peammon — Sylvie Williamson *Melissa Denny * Iris Lee

Intermission

The Dancer’s Shop

Anna Smith, owner 850-577-3002 danceweartallahassee@gmail.com DanceWearTallahassee.com 1000 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303 (Corner of Thomasville Rd. and 3rd Avenue in Midtown)

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and More!

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ACT II

Land of Sweets Sugar Plum Fairy Kaitlyn Gerard Cavalier Josef Drinkard Angels Ava Grace Bilello/Maria Atayants — Melissa Denny Sally Kate Edenfield — Iris Lee — Mary Wilmot Lillie Adams — Hannah Barfield — Hope Borschel — Sierra Calhoun Reese Donaldson — Lakshmi Eason — Alisa Kuzub — Mihika Lagy Cora Lemons — Lauren Neel — Ava Paul — Rosie Belle Roberts Remi Robertson — Emaline Smith — Monroe Spencer Anjali Vennelaganti — Chloe Voehl Tiny Angels and Guardian Angels Sara James Barfield — Corinne Bruno — Ilsa Bruno Caroline Hooper — Elijah Peammon — Alice Pereda Spanish — Chocolate Isabel Lin/Hanna Benoza — Liam Anderson *Oliver Holden

Hailey Nolder — Gabrielle Peammon Madeline Holden — Kate Denny/Amalia Garces Slavonic — Blini Hope Borschel — Sierra Calhoun — Reese Donaldson Sally Kate Edenfield — Mihika Lagy — Cora Lemons — Lauren Neel Emaline Smith — Chloe Voehl — Mary Wilmot

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Chinese — Tea Wong 1 Amalia Garces

*Melissa Denny *Iris Lee

Wong 2 Sylvie Williamson Wong 3 Kate Denny Wong Way Nicholas Peammon/Eli Kern Arabian — Coffee Anastasia Atayants — Rick Clark Russian — Candy Canes Liam Anderson Oliver Holden – Melissa Denny Eli Kern – Ava Grace Bilello/Maria Atayants Nicholas Peammon – Iris Lee Mirlitons — Marzipan Madeline Holden Hanna Benoza — Tori Bulecza — Hailey Nolder — Kate Denny *Amalia Garces *Sylvie Williamson

Clara & Her Little Lambs Maria Atayants/Ava Grace Bilello — Emaline Smith/Hope Borschel Reese Donaldson/Mihika Lagy

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Mother Ginger Charles Hagan Bon Bons Remi Robertson — Sergio Brindisi Lakshmi Eason — Hannah Barfield Alisa Kuzub — Rory Grassman Ava Paul — Rosie Belle Roberts Lillie Adams/Corinne Bruno — Anjali Vennelaganti/Monroe Spencer *Elijah Peammon

Waltz of the Flowers Rose Isabel Lin/Tori Bulecza * Hailey Nolder

Anastasia Atayants — Hailey Nolder Hanna Benoza — Tori Bulecza/Isabel Lin — Kate Denny Amalia Garces — Madeline Holden — Gabrielle Peammon *Sylvie Williamson *Melissa Denny *Iris Lee

Grand Pas de Deux Kaitlyn Gerard — Josef Drinkard Finale Ensemble * = Understudy Role

We wish to thank the Council on Culture and Arts (COCA), Visit Tallahassee, and the City of Tallahassee for their generous and ongoing support of Pas de Vie Ballet.

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Artistic Director – Natalia Botha Natalia Botha, born in Pretoria, South Africa, began her training in Canada as a chosen scholar at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. At age 11, she was awarded a full scholarship for the summer to attend the Joffrey Ballet School in New York. Also on scholarship and under the continued tutelage of her mother, Gwynne Ashton, the esteemed, worldrenowned teacher and coach, Ms. Botha studied at the National Academy of Arts in Champaign, Illinois, training both in the United States and abroad with many famous teachers and choreographers. She soon became a member of the National Ballet of Illinois. To further her career, Ms. Botha joined the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater in 1976 under the direction of Patrick Frantz and later Patricia Wilde. During her tenure, she danced many soloist and principal roles of varied repertoire from the great classics (Giselle, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker) to original contemporary works by Alvin Ailey, Agnes de Mille, Domi Reiter Soffer, Ohad Naharin, and George Balanchine. Natalia has performed locally as a guest artist with FSU Dance Repertory Theater and Evening of Dance. Currently, Ms. Botha teaches, directs, and choreographs locally for Pas de Vie Ballet, she and her husband Charles Hagan also staged an original work, Totemotion, for Chattanooga Ballet.

Ballet Master – Charles Hagan Charles Hagan began his early training with Sylvia Watters in his hometown of Evansville, Indiana.

At age 16, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend the National Academy of Arts under the direction of Michael Maule. After graduating from the Academy, Mr. Hagan joined the National Ballet of Illinois and in a short time became soloist. In 1978, he joined Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and in 1980 was named soloist. Because of this versatility in dance, mime, makeup, and dramatic ability, Mr. Hagan was promoted to principal character dancer in 1985 – a title created for him. During his tenure, he danced all the principal character roles along with many leading classical roles ranging from the “Blue Bird Pas de Deux” (Sleeping Beauty), “Pas de Trois” (Swan Lake), “Peasant Pas de Deux” (Giselle) and a variety of Balanchine repertoire. His many guest appearances include a 14

return invitation with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Prince Sigfried from Swan Lake with Southern Ballet Theatre (now Orlando Ballet) and numerous Nutcracker engagements. On the administrative side, Mr. Hagan served locally, statewide and nationally for the American Guild of Musical Artists and a company manager for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre on tour. Mr. Hagan has performed locally as a guest artist with FSU Evening of Dance and Tallahassee Ballet Company. In addition to his position as ballet master for Pas de Vie Ballet, he teaches locally, choreographs and serves as ballet master for Ballet Theatre South.

Principal Dancers Rick Clark began his love of movement and dance at the age of 10 as a clogger and martial artist. In college he took up interest in competing in country western dance and got noticed by the Director of Mobile Ballet.

He was offered a scholarship to dance with their company and performed with them for three years before moving to Tallahassee in 1998 where he joined Pas de Vie. Over the past 26 years he’s performed a variety of corps de ballet and principal roles with Pas de Vie. He also performed as a guest artist throughout the southeast with several other regional companies. His career highlights include lead roles in the Nutcracker, Spring Waters, Vessel, Hoedown, Last Call, Giggling Rapids, Danzon, Elemental Rhythm, Flight, Queen’s Game and many others.

Throughout that time he continued to compete on the United Country Western Dance Association circuit and won two world titles in the classic division and tied for the World Championship title in the Showcase Division with fellow dancer Seah Hagan. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, gardening and works as an Environmental Scientist for WaterIQ Technologies.

Joseph Drinkard began dancing at the age of 12 with HipHop, Tap, Jazz, Clogging and Gymnastics. Becoming fascinated with ballet, he began taking as many ballet classes as he could, and at age 15 was selected to be a member of Pas de Vie Ballet. He also attended Joffrey Ballet School’s summer session where he received a scholarship to join their intensive training program in New York city. Josef has enjoyed many notable roles in the Nutcracker such as Waltz of the Flowers, Snow King, Spanish & Russian, along with several original choreographic works, Vessel, Simian Line, Lalena & Danzon. When Josef is not dancing, you will find him working at the Courthouse in the Leon County Clerk’s Office or hanging out with his family and friends. Josef enjoys playing video games, Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the card game and Vanguard.

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Nikki Smith began her ballet training at age 4, at The Classical Ballet Center of Tampa, under the direction of Haydée Gutiérrez. When she was 12, she moved to Tallahassee and continued her training at the Southern Academy of Ballet Arts with Gywnne Ashton, Natalia Botha, and Charles Hagan. During this time, she also performed with Pas de Vie Ballet as an Advanced Company dancer, where several roles were choreographed on her. Upon high school graduation, Nikki attended the University of Florida, majoring in Health Studies, and danced regularly with the dance department and Floridance, UF’s student run company. While at UF, she was selected to perform with UF’s dance faculty on multiple occasions, and was also a guest artist with Santa Fe Community College, performing several original works choreographed by Alberto Alonso and Momentum Ballet. After completing PA school, Nikki returned to Pas de Vie, performing again as an Advanced Company dancer and now as an occasional guest performer, for both The Nutcracker and Spotlight on Dance. You can also find her backstage and in the studio trying her best to help with costumes and assisting with the Junior Company. Nikki is currently a Family Practice Physician Assistant with Tallahassee Medical Group. She is thrilled to have passed her love of ballet and Pas de Vie down to her daughter, who is currently a Junior Company dancer. She is grateful for her mom, who introduced the love of ballet to her, Natalia and Charles who have continued to nurture it, and the support of her husband who has put up with this hobby for so long. Pas de Vie is truly a second family to her.

Kaitlyn Gerard began her training under the expert tutelage of Natalia Botha and Charles Hagen. Over her past 13 years in the company, she has danced in the annual production of The Nutcracker, performing a variety of roles from Tiny Angel, to Snow Queen and Arabian. Since 2018, Kaitlyn has been a member of Spotlight on Dance, performing repertoire from classical ballets such as Giselle and Raymonda. Additionally, she has enjoyed performing many of Pas de Vie’s original works including, Sur la Plage, Vessel, Last Call, and The Critic. Currently, Kaitlyn is continuing her passion for movement as a sophomore at the FSU School of Dance. Here she was recently a part of Suzanne Farrell’s restaging of Divertimento No. 15 and Caleb Mitchell’s When We’re Older.

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Soloists Isabel Lin began dancing at age 3, where she learned to compete in numerous dance styles. At age 10, she began studying at Pas De Vie Ballet under the instruction of Charles Hagan and Natalia Botha. While dancing at Pas De Vie, Isabel has performed in their annual productions of The Nutcracker and Spotlight on Dance. She is grateful for the many opportunities provided to her. Isabel is beyond thankful for all the irreplaceable friendships that she has made and the knowledge she has gained through this company. Currently, Isabel is studying at the University of Central Florida, obtaining a degree in Criminal Justice. On the side, Isabel loves teaching the Creative Movement class at Pas De Vie and being a TA at a local studio.

Anastasia Atayants began dancing at the age of 6 and started her training at Pas De Vie Ballet at the age of 13.

Since joining the company, she has had the opportunity of dancing in various productions, her favorites including The Nutcracker, Raymonda, and origin works like Sur La Plage, and Saturday Night Hoe-Down. She has also had the privilege of attending The Russian Orlando Ballet summer intensive and Suzanne Farrell’s Summer Program at FSU. Currently a senior, Anastasia is in the dual enrollment program taking classes both at Chiles High School and FAMU. She’s also part of the externship program, where she externs at Hoy + Stark Architects, an architecture firm. She is passionate about dance and looks forward to continuing to grow and share her love for the art.

RENTALS

3360 CAPITAL CIR NE

REPAIRS

(850) 320-6463 www.playgroundmusiccenter.com

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SALES

M-F 10-7 SAT 9-6

Advanced Company

Liam Anderson

Anastasia Atayants

Hanna Benoza

Victoria Bulecza

Kate Denny

Amalia Garces

Madeline Holden

Isabel Lin

Hailey Nolder

Gabrielle Peammon

Nicholas Peammon

Sylvie Williamson

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Cora L. Lemons 2024

We are so proud and inspired by your determination, hard work, and love of dance!

Keep dancing! Merde!

Love - Dad, Mom, Graeme, Tessla & Osaka

Proud to Support

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Advanced Company Apprentices

Oliver Holden, Ava Grace Bilello, Iris Lee, Melissa Denny, Maria Atayants, Eli Kern

Junior Company

Front Row: Sierra Calhoun, Emaline Smith, Mihika Lagy, Reese Donaldson Second Row: Hope Borschel, Lauren Neel, Sergio Brindisi, Sally Kate Edenfield, Mary Wilmot

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Front Row: Alisa Kuzub, Alice Pereda, Sarah James Barfield Middle Row: Ava Paul, Remi Robertson, Lillie Adams, Lakshmi Eason Back: Monroe Spencer, Elijah Peammon, Rosie Belle Roberts, Anjali Vennelaganti, Chloe Voehl, Hannah Barfield, Rory Grassman, Cora Lemons Not pictured: Corinne Bruno, Ilsa Bruno, Caroline Hooper

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2024-2025 Season Sponsors Pas de Deux BowStern Marketing Communications Jayne and Greg Gerard Laura González Morris, Math Matters Capital City Endodontics Pas de Bourrée Jeff and Maria Anderson Chris and Crystie Voehl Jan Rosene Pas de Poisson A.T. Home Contractors The Bilello Family Del and Leah Benoza Thomas and Angel Eason Harry and Cathy Neel The Peammon Family The Vaccaro Family Timothy Murphy Gaylynn Resener Emaline, Allen, and Nikki Smith Chris and Kellie Kraft In Memory of Karl Zimmer

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Pas de Cheval The Brennan Family Jill Harper The Holden Family Rama Kastury and Sirish Kondabolu Karla and Lutz Kern The Lemons Family Daniel Mikell Nancy Olds Radcliffe Engineering, Ocala, FL Mrs. Delorise Rush & in Memory of Pastor F. R. Rush Glenn, Craig and Griffin Stanley Vandana Tripathi Mark Wheeler In Memory of Patricia Wurst Pas de Chat Paige Apgar Patricia Inmon Talaya Jessie Patrick Lui John Newton Yechiel Nagar LaShun Osborne John and Amy Toman Greta White Danny & Rebecca Wink Karisma Z. Classroom Sponsorship Thomas and Angel Eason

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SPOTLIGHT ON DANCE COMING MAY 2025

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Gabe Williams is a former professional dancer and current doctor of physical therapy providing advanced manual physical therapy to Tallahassee and the Big Bend region.

267 John Knox Rd Suite 204 Tallahassee, FL 32303 gabe@bigbendpt.com bigbendpt.com (850) 583-6886

Gabriel Williams PT, DPT, MFA

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marketing and communication, en pointe.

Branding Advertising Graphic Design Video Production Public Relations Social Media Website Solutions Toll Free 888.912.1110 www.BowStern.com