Raleigh Dance Theatre celebrates the 40th Anniversary of The Raleigh School of Ballet 20-21 Season

Raleigh Dance Theatre Thirty-sixth Season 2020-2021

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Raleigh School of Ballet 1981-2021 Mary LeGere, Artistic Director

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2020-2021 Season

Sunday, November 8, 2020 Girl Scout Event Dance Around the World Virtual event hosted from The Raleigh School of Ballet Studios

Sunday, March 21, 2021 Girl Scout Event Make Every Dance Step Count Virtual event hosted from The Raleigh School of Ballet Studios

Friday, January 8, 2021 Emerging Choreographers Showcase Virtual Premiere Virtual Performance filmed at The Raleigh School of Ballet Studios

April 23-25, 2021 Regional Dance America/Southeast Together We Dance Satellite Festival The Raleigh School of Ballet Studios Friday, June 4, 2021 Storybook Tales Virtual Premiere Virtual Performance filmed at The Raleigh School of Ballet Studios

January 29-31, 2021 February 5-7, 2021 UNCSA Virtual Festival of North Carolina Dance The Raleigh School of Ballet Studios

George W. Newton Elementary School Virtual Leaping Readers Assemblies Wednesday, April 21, 2021 East Garner Elementary School Penny Road Elementary School

Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Washington Elementary School Carpenter Elementary School

Thursday, April 29, 2021 Scotts Ridge Elementary School Walnut Creek Elementary School Brentwood Elementary School Bugg Magnet Elementary School

Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Wendell Creative Arts and Science Magnet Elementary School Buckhorn Creek Elementary

RDT dancers in Rainbow Fish, choreography by Jennifer Sommers, Fall 2019

All photos by Nigel Armes, Erin Dadey, Russ Howe, Hunter Morris, Robert Schantz, Steve Svalina, Lorraine Tipaldi, Ann Vorus

www.raleighdance.org Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @raleighdance

Raleigh Dance Theatre Dancers in Twittering Machine.

Choreography by Susan Galdy, Spring 2018. Photo by Hunter Morris.

Dear Friends of Raleigh Dance Theatre

What an incredible time we are living in! As we close our 36th season, we are proud to be able to continue the missions of Raleigh Dance Theatre – providing pre-professional training as well as outreach to the community in a creative but safe manner during this pandemic. When we realized that our plan for Storybook Tales to be performed onstage in front of a live audience would not be possible, we pivoted and began planning a virtual performance. Our production crew including Director of Photography, David Newton, and Lighting and Set Designer, Thomas Mauney worked with us to create a magical filmed experience for our audience members.

We did not let the pandemic stop us or define us. RDT’s training develops resilience in our dancers, and that resilience helped us to come together with our dancers, parents, and friends to continue to provide our dancers and the community a fully creative and valuable artistic experience. In the fall, we focused our attention on developing student choreography that our audiences shared through our Emerging Choreographers Virtual Showcase. We offered our dancers a “Beyond the Stage” virtual seminar series with topics ranging from Dancing in College and Dancing for the Long Term to Acting for Dancers and Taking Your Career Abroad. We were inspired by the RDT alumni that gave back to the current RDT dancers by leading many of these seminars.

None of this could have been accomplished without your help!

When you make a contribution to RDT, your support goes so much further...partnering you with an incredible group of people that are passionate about dance and the importance of training the whole person, not just the dancer, while making our community a better place to live, work, and create for generations to come. So, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you!

This season has been turbulent, but we will end in celebration of Mary LeGere’s three decade-long leadership of the company. During her tenure, she not only nurtured dancers, but also her co-workers, making them able to step into leadership upon her retirement. Her contributions will be sorely missed in the community, but we look forward to seeing the company thrive for many years to come.

If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe to our email newsletter. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, @raleighdance, where we are posting inside looks at the creative process all the time. We don’t want you to miss out!

Rob Shantz, RDT Board President

Megan Marvel, RDT Associate Director

Caitlin Fountain, Sarah Skergan, Eleanor Campbell in Jardin Animé, Fall 2019

McKay Lucas in Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, choreography by Jennifer Sommers, Fall 2018

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8404 Six Forks Road, Suite 201 Raleigh, NC (919) 848-0200 www.thecenternhs.com

Mary LeGere

As I reflect on the past 30 years, I think about showing up at the RSB studios in the summer of 1990, not sure what my next step would be. I had just moved to North Carolina after retiring from a very rewarding 12 year career with Pennsylvania Ballet. I was a dancer, and now, besides motherhood, I did not know what was in store for me. Over 30 years later, I am so grateful for what I discovered.

From my first step into The Raleigh School of Ballet studios I found the atmosphere to be professional, warm and welcoming. Very quickly, I could tell that I wanted to be part of this wonderful community of people and dancers that Ann Vorus, the director, had created. With her mentorship and support, and her confidence in my ability to impart my professional knowledge to a new generation of young dancers, I transitioned to directing Raleigh Dance Theatre and later, The Raleigh School of Ballet.

My experiences working with hundreds of students who went on to careers in dance or out into the world doing many other wonderful things have been so rewarding. At RDT/RSB, we train Mary LeGere teaching Macy more than the dancer. I know that the things they Murray, 2013 have learned – discipline, perseverance, commitment, and the ability to present themselves with grace and assurance – have served them well. I am so proud of the reputation our dancers have for being beautifully trained, conscientious workers in a classroom and rehearsal setting.

Community support has helped maintain RDT’s financial stability, due in part to the creation of four dedicated funds that support new costumes, new choreography, live music, and outreach. The George W. Newton School Performance Initiative has allowed us to provide free performances for elementary age students and to expand our Leaping Readers program into schools. RDT’s programming, which includes performances with the highest quality production values, professional guest artists, choreographers, and costumes, along with live music, has provided our dancers and audiences with great experiences.

Even in this year of Covid, our incredible support network has been there to create the costumes, scenery and lighting that create the magical, professional quality performances our dancers and community have enjoyed for many years.

I feel very fortunate to have had the support of a great group of community members, especially long-standing RDT Board President, Robert Schantz; accountant, Richard Proctor; graphic designer, David Glenn; photographer, Hunter Morris; lighting set/designer, Thomas Mauney; and costume coordinator, Jill Cody.

Board members past and present, parents, guild volunteers, and professionals within the community have provided countless hours of their time and talents, and an unfailing belief in RDT. As an organization that relies on volunteers, they have made it possible to do the incredible work of RDT. There is so much I will miss.

Starting the year with a new group of students and seeing how much they grow and learn between September and May; peeking into the younger classes to see their excitement and exuberance; planning productions; being in the studio; teaching a new group of dancers

how to stay in line in a classical ballet; choreographing new works on our beautifully trained dancers; working to perfect those ballets in rehearsals before going into the theatre.

The excitement and nervous energy that builds before finally moving into the theatre never wanes, for a young dancer or for a director with years of experience!

On performance day, after costumes, headpieces, hair, and makeup are checked, I say merde to the dancers. Then with confidence in their training, ability, and the work we have done, I walk into the theater, sit down, and enjoy the performance along with our audience.

Lastly, it is the working relationships that I have had over the years that I will miss the most. The RSB faculty is second to none. The success of RSB and RDT is based on the input and knowledge of many people working together with a collaborative energy towards a common goal of training well-rounded dancers in a caring and nurturing environment. I am truly grateful and could not imagine better people to have taken this journey with.

Susan Galdy, Rebecca van Dorsten, Jennifer Clagett Sommers, and for the past 15 years, Megan Marvel have been central to maintaining the professional and respectful working atmosphere that I discovered 30 years ago. Others, including long-time faculty member Nina Jonson, and newer members, Christine Grider, along with RSB/RDT alum Katherine Daniel, Jenny Palmer, and Layla El-Khoury have been instrumental in the school’s success.

I am thrilled that RSB and RDT will transition to the next generation of dancers. With Ms. Marvel as RDT Artistic Director and Hong Yang as RDT Artistic Advisor and Director of RSB, I know the organizations are in the best of hands, and that RDT will continue to uphold its standards of excellence into the future.

I look forward to seeing these great organizations continue to thrive and evolve.

Ava Munn in Rainbow Fish, choreography by Jennifer Sommers, Fall 2019

Raleigh Dance Theatre

Raleigh Dance Theatre (RDT), the affiliate performance company of The Raleigh School of Ballet (RSB), was founded in 1984 by Ann Vorus to provide performance training for qualified area dancers. The company matured under her direction to the acclaim of local dance critics. Milestones included the performance of Giselle with the North Carolina Symphony in its inaugural ballet series in 1991, and acceptance as a performing member company into the prestigious Regional Dance America/Southeast (RDA/SE) in 1993.

Mary LeGere became associate artistic director in 1992, and was named artistic director in 1994 when Ms. Vorus resigned to concentrate on directing RSB. During the 1994-1995 season, the company’s name was changed to Carolina Ballet, and the board of directors launched a campaign to develop a fully professional ballet company. The company continued to grow, and elevated the quality of non-professional ballet in the area to the very highest level, drawing critical acclaim and reaching new artistic heights with the performance of such works as George Balanchine’s Raymonda Variations. The close of the 1996-1997 season marked the final stage in achieving professional status with the hiring of Robert Weiss as artistic director.

In 1997, the artistic staff and dancers who were instrumental in Carolina Ballet’s success re-established Raleigh Dance Theatre to serve its original mission: to provide performance training for young ballet dancers while promoting and fostering dance awareness in the community. In 1999, RDT became an honor member company of RDA/SE. RDT is a versatile company with the ability to perform the classics as well as contemporary works. From 1990-2001, The Dancing Princess, created by Ann Vorus, was a holiday tradition. In 2002, RDT created the popular series Storybook Tales. Over the years RDT has built a repertoire of story ballets created by Ms. LeGere, Jennifer Sommers (Associate Director 2000-2005), and Megan Marvel (Associate Director 2006-2021). In addition, the company has worked with choreographers including Laura Dean, Leslie Jane Pessemier, Zalman Raffael, and Tyler Walters.

RDT has collaborated with many local artists such as the North Carolina Master Chorale and Triangle Youth Philharmonic. The late Pulitzer Prize winning composer Robert Ward worked with RDT on three occasions to create new ballets.

RDT’s training program has proven successful for dancers working toward a career in the field. Until 2018 when Carolina Ballet started its own school, RDT dancers were invited to perform with Carolina Ballet’s corps de ballet in many ballets including Nutcracker, Firebird, Cinderella, and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Many of these dancers then went onto professional careers with Carolina Ballet. RDT dancers have gone on to professional careers performing with many other companies around the world including American Ballet Theater, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company, Royal Danish Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Royal Ballet of Flanders, and New York City Ballet.

During Mary LeGere’s tenure as Artistic Director (1994-2021), Raleigh Dance Theatre’s performance opportunities expanded to include more performances for each production, and annual attendance at the UNCSA Festival of NC Dance and at the RDA/SE Festival, which RDT hosted in 2000, 2005 and 2016. In addition, RDT expanded its outreach programming to include:

• Partnership with Girl Scouts NC Coastal Pines presenting special workshops and performances.

• Leaping Readers presentations, where RDT dancers bring children’s literature to life in Wake County Libraries and assemblies in public schools.

• George W. Newton School Performance Initiative bringing elementary students on field trips to see ballet in the theatre.

Finally, during her tenure, Ms. LeGere and the RDT Board created three discretionary funds to enhance its programming. The Ann Vorus Choreography Fund allows RDT to bring in outside choreographers and expand our Emerging Choreographers program. The Barbara and Bernard Carlin Music Fund created the opportunity to present our 2018-2019 performances as The Season of Live Music. The Mickey and Frank LeGere Costume Fund provides new costumes each year.

Prior to the close of the 2020-2021 season, Mary LeGere announced her retirement and the RDT board of directors approved the appointment of Megan Marvel as Artistic Director, Hong Yang as Artistic Advisor, and Layla El-Khoury as Administrative and Artistic Coordinator.

Raleigh Dance Theatre’s mission remains unchanged since its inception. With the support of community volunteers serving on the board of directors, dancer families who make up the RDT Guild, contributors who continue to financially support the company, and the dancers and staff who give their heart and souls to the artistic endeavors of the organization, RDT looks forward to many successful years ahead.

RDT dancrs in Snow White, choreogaphy Megan Marvel, Fall 2019

Unique Taste, Unique Gifts, Unique Experience Randi Osetek, Owner/Operator https://www.facebook.com/pourworks/ • www.Pourworks.com • 919.977.3514 900 E Six Forks Rd. #120, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 10

Raleigh Dance Theatre Ann Vorus, Founder Mary LeGere, Artistic Director Megan Marvel, Associate Director Layla El-Khoury, Administrative Assistant

Company Teachers Susan Carlin Galdy, Mary LeGere, Megan Marvel Layla El-Khoury, Nicholas Fokine, Christine Grider, Ashley Hathaway Ruth Leney-Midkiff, Natalie Morton, Hong Yang Board of Directors Robert Schantz, President William Hardiman, Treasurer Lisa Hathaway, Secretary Mary LeGere, Artistic Director Megan Marvel, Associate Director Members at Large Susan Carlin Galdy, David Newton, Catherine Shoemaker, Rebecca van Dorsten The Raleigh School of Ballet, Inc. is the affiliate school of the Raleigh Dance Theatre, Inc.

Hailey Plunkett, Natalie Clyburn, Ava Munn in Jardin Animé, Fall 2019

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Celebrating Forty Years of Professional Training in Classical Ballet, 1981-2021

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The Raleigh School of Ballet

Susan Carlin Galdy & Mary LeGere, School Directors In 1981, Ann Vorus, former soloist with Atlanta Ballet, established The Raleigh School of Ballet (RSB) with 6 adults, and 6 children in the Childrens’ Division. The school grew quickly in size and reputation, and changed location several times before moving to its current location, built especially for ballet in the fall of 1991.

What made the school, according to Vorus, was the highly qualified applicants who wanted to work with her. “One teacher cannot a dancer make,” she said as she embraced one after another of those that applied to teach. Early faculty members, Ruth Mones (onetime RSB associate director) and Lilliana Jaffe were instrumental in helping Vorus achieve her goal of setting the first “White Ballets” on RDT: Les Sylphides and Giselle. The late Vicki Atkinson gave RSB dancers their first taste of classical Jazz and Modern technique.

Nina Jonson has been considered the “Adult Guru,” growing the RSB Adult Program since joining the faculty. Lisa Fellman helped to build the young dancers and creative movement syllabus, and Patty Koss, the first RSB student in the teacher training program, was known for nurturing the youngest RSB dancers.

Of the many fine teachers originally hired by Ms. Vorus, three became the heart and life-force of the growing school and company. In the summer of 1990 Mary LeGere, former soloist of Pennsylvania Ballet, joined the RSB faculty. Ms. LeGere became artistic director of the affiliate performance company, Raleigh Dance Theatre, in 1994 and led the performance training program through the spring of 2021. In 1991 Susan Carlin Galdy joined the faculty of the school. A student of the Joffrey and Harkness Ballet School, Ms. Galdy, inspired by her mentor, Finis Jhung, received her BFA from SUNY Purchase where she began her studies in pedagogy, composition and modern dance. Ms. Galdy became RSB associate director in 1999 before taking the helm of the school with Ms. LeGere in 2003.

Rebecca van Dorsten also joined the faculty in 1991, and served as associate director of RSB from 1993-1999. Having begun her training with Kathleen Crofton in Buffalo NY, Ms. van Dorsten graduated from the National Ballet School of Canada. Ms. van Dorsten added to the richness of training at RSB. She was a strong, valuable teacher and mentor to the school’s teachers until her retirement in 2018.

Once Susan Galdy and Mary LeGere were named directors of the school, RSB began hiring faculty who had been recently or were currently dancing professionally. With Carolina Ballet dancers being so easily accessible, LeGere and Galdy looked among their ranks to find new hires. Among these new faculty members who were simultaneously dancing with Carolina Ballet were RSB Alumnae Ashley Hathaway, Kathleen Black, Lindsay Purrington, and Jenny Palmer. Their choices also offered diverse faculty from around the world including Pablo Perez of Uruguay, Dameon Nagel of Canada, and Nick Fokine, all of whom helped to develop RSB’s Boys program. Hong Yang of China joined the RSB faculty in 2014, and has been selected to direct the school as of July 2021.

Along with Ms. Black and Ms. Palmer, current faculty who are RSB Alum include Layla El-Khoury, Kathryn Daniel, and Megan Marvel, who served as RDT Associate Director for 15 years before being named Artistic Director following Mary LeGere’s retirement.

From this family of teachers grew well-trained, dedicated dancers who were accepted into dance companies around the world including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Aspen/Santa Fe Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, National Ballet of Flanders, Royal Danish Ballet Company, Stuttgart Ballet, and many others. Some have gone on to freelance careers in dance or choreography.

RSB has always strived to train the whole person. Founder, Ann Vorus said, “The child 13

that gets good training in the early years develops the foundation for a strong and balanced body, self-discipline, and inner confidence. Any goal can be reached when built on these qualities.” Former RSB dancers have graduated from Ivy League institutions and colleges around the world. They have become lawyers, neuroscientists, doctors, physical therapists, artists, activists, mothers, fathers, and more. We are proud of each and every one.

For 40 years The Raleigh School of Ballet has been training dancers as well as teachers.

The directors and faculty are proud to continue the tradition of classical ballet training in a professional, nurturing and caring environment.

Please visit our website: www.raleighballet.com RDT dancrs in Snow White, choreogaphy Megan Marvel, Fall 2019

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Reflections on the Past

Ann Vorus – The Strength of Roots On a cold winter Sunday afternoon in 1981 two classes were held above a ski shop on Glenwood Avenue. Six children and six adults, answering the posted flyers scattered across the area, came to study ballet. With no barres or mirrors, and in a space so small grand battements were dangerous, the Raleigh School of Ballet began.

Five months later the school moved on to a larger space shared with Lemma Mackie* who taught creative movement. Here we had an office and two studios. Sprung floors were installed by volunteers. This task was fraught with difficulty and danger. Unknown to anyone, live wiring was hiding under the carpet of the original floor. This was discovered when a bolt of electricity hit my husband’s screwdriver leaving an inch-long black valley up the tip. He kept that screwdriver, a souvenir.

Unfortunately, Lemma and I soon realized that two of our elemental needs as teachers were polar opposites. I needed mirrors. Lemma covered them up. My students needed rosin on the slippery floors. Lemma ’s barefooted children needed baby powder to move freely.

Keeping the floors free of a mixture of rosin and powder was impossible! In the summer of 1982 RSB moved into an old drugstore on Hillsborough Street. Enrollment had increased to seventy-nine, most of whom took two or more classes a week.

The drugstore studio was heavenly. With room to fly, to grow, and to breathe, Raleigh Dance Theater came into being and a second studio was added for the growing enrollment. Several classes had piano accompaniment, and an incredible teacher, Rodger Blum, was hired when he simply fell out of the sky wishing to teach. At a slim 6’4” Rodger could teach any level. I will never forget the sight of Mr. Blum smiling down at an adoring pack of pink-clad four-year olds swarming around his legs.

Except for the roof-dirty rainwater that washed down a wall in the dressing room, the six years in the drugstore studio were wonderful, but in the spring of 1987 the landlord wanted our space and offered us a new building, if we would move. While it was smaller, it was lovely with no wet walls. Best of all we could define the space. We moved into this little jewel box of a studio in September 1987.

The Jewel Box years brought a triplet of priceless teachers who, like Rodger Blum, appeared just when we needed them. Mary LeGere, Rebecca van Dorsten, and Susan Galdy joined the faculty, further strengthening the school. We were compatible, and together expanded and refined the syllabus that moved students through their training in an orderly manner. Here Raleigh Dance Theatre earned performing company membership with Regional Dance America/Southeastern Region and soon earned Honor Company status. In the spring of 1990 RDT performed Giselle, repeating it the following year with the NC Symphony. We spent three happy years growing in the Jewel Box, but our lease would end fall of 1991. Did we renew our lease, buy the Jewel Box, or build a home?

Build! Land, architect, and financing fell into place and suddenly we were watching a 5,000 square foot studio grow on Beryl Road. Summer classes continued in the Jewel Box while we impatiently waited for completion of the new building. Finally, on October 11th, 1991 we opened for classes in our three-studio home.

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Thirty years have passed on Beryl Road. The changes occurring along the way solidified the school. Under Mary LeGere’s direction, Raleigh Dance Theatre became Carolina Ballet, a fully professional company and Raleigh Dance Theatre was re-established. With my retirement in 2003, Mary LeGere and Susan Galdy became the owners/directors, with Ms. LeGere continuing as artistic director of RDT. More change is coming, and with its strong roots and flexibility the school will flourish. I am grateful to have been part of Raleigh School of Ballet’s history. * Lemma Mackie later founded Arts Together, a not-for-profit school

Susan Carlin Galdy Thirty years ago I moved to North Carolina, unsure I would find a teaching position in a proper ballet school. I was so grateful to find RSB, Ms. Vorus, Ms. van Dorsten and Ms. LeGere. RSB quickly became my home and my colleagues and students became family.

RSB founder, Ann Vorus, was the consummate teacher, mentor and director. She took each of us under her wing, nurturing us to become better teachers, communicators and collaborators. We spent many hours discussing ballet technique and pedagogy, getting us ready to become the next generation of RSB. Although Rebecca van Dorsten decided to step down as Associate Director and focus on her teaching and new daughter, she remained in the background, helping us guide the school into the future. As Mary LeGere and I became school directors we understood the importance of communication and collaboration. Not a decision was ever made without thought, conversation, and mutual agreement. I know how fortunate I have been to always have Ms. LeGere at my side as a partner and friend.

Over the years new faculty became an important part of the fabric of RSB, each bringing their unique talents and dedication to us and the school. We are so fortunate RSB has a professional, kind faculty that works well together and shares the common passion of fostering the love of dance to our students.

I have been told you are lucky if you love what you do, and what a gift it has been to teach RSB students and set my choreography on RDT dancers. It seems all the troubles in the world fade into the backdrop when in the classroom/rehearsal studio. During my time at RSB, it has been so rewarding to watch young students grow and thrive both as dancers and human beings. Many remained (Ms. Marvel, Ms. Daniel, Ms. Hathaway, Ms. Palmer, Ms. Black, and Ms. El-Khoury) at RSB as teachers and colleagues. I also enjoyed teaching adult students, many who never had the opportunity to train as children but approach class with the same desire to improve their technique and artistry. It has been a privilege working with, and creating ballets for, RDT. These creative and talented dancers inspired me and brought my visions alive on stage. I will cherish the many fond memories of RDT performances and traveling to festivals with the dancers and artistic staff!

Thank you to all the wonderful RSB/RDT families and staff that made these thirty years so lovely and memorable. I especially want to thank my husband, Elliot, and my children, Gillian, Ian, and Danielle for their love and support to allow me to follow my passion.

As I prepare to retire, I know RSB’s success will always be secure with its strong foundation left to us by Ms. Vorus. As much as it will be difficult at times for me to let go of what was my love, my “family”, and my identity, I know under Ms. Yang’s leadership it is the right time and the right group of people to guide RSB and RDT into the future.

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Rebecca van Dorsten “Who is responsible for training these dancers?” That was the first question I asked RSB Founder Ann Vorus after observing an advanced class. When she replied, “I am,” I knew I was in the right place to continue my teaching career among intelligent, committed teachers. I have played many roles in the RSB/RDT organization from RSB Associate Director to RDT SERBA Coordinator, but my favorite role was that of Ballet Teacher. I have worked with hundreds of students, many of whom have never set foot in a professional ballet company and a few who have.

It has been a privilege to work with each of them and to do so alongside my respected friends and colleagues. Training dancers is a collaborative effort, and I was privileged to work closely with and learn from Ann Vorus, Mary LeGere, and Susan Galdy. They and other dedicated faculty members are responsible for producing well trained dancers at all levels, including those taught by Nina Jonson in the Adult Program.

My greatest joy is seeing former students return to RSB as teachers, choreographers, and parents. In 1991, my first year at RSB, Megan Marvel was one of my students, and I’ve enjoyed watching her become a wife, a mother, a master teacher, a choreographer, and now, the Artistic Director of RDT. It’s been a privilege to watch hers and so many others’ lives unfold. The future is bright and full of promise. Bravo!

Jennifer Clagett Sommers My time at Raleigh School of Ballet and Raleigh Dance Theatre was short in comparison to the wonderful women who are stepping away this year, but it was extraordinarily impactful in my development as a teacher and choreographer.

Students were always first at RSB, and every single faculty member was committed to helping them achieve their best in our art form. This culture led to constant sharing and collaboration.

From impromptu discussions in the dressing room before and after class about small elements of ballet technique to in-depth discussions about challenges our students were facing physically or emotionally, I am grateful for the time I got to learn from and work with this stellar faculty. My time at RSB/RDT changed the way I approached ballet technique as a teacher and gave me the opportunity and time to find my creative voice as a choreographer. Every time I come to back to visit, I am inspired again by the faculty and students; their passion and dedication to artistic excellence are unparalleled.

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Olivia Munn in Snow White, choreography by Megan Marvel, Fall 2019

Raleigh Dance Theatre Guild Members 2020-2021 Committee Chairpersons Layla El-Khoury, Playbill Jill Cody & Tina Clyburn, Wardrobe Karen Attwood, Spirit Nights Caroline Cataldi, Mask Fundraiser Misty Hughes, Christine Grider, & Nef Spicer, Silent Auction Cassidy Plunkett, Butter Braids Fundraiser Genny Upton, Scrips Fundraiser Misty Hughes, GWN Resource Guide Support

Mamatha & Malay Agrawal, Brian Attwood, Bill & Debra Baker, Brenda & Paul Braun Lee Clyburn, Rob Cranfill, Ann and P.J. DaSilva, Jeffrey & Melody Diaz, Stephen Feldman Reed Fountain, Leah Friedman, PJ & Tim Gardiner, Bert Grider Billy Hughes, Amy & Mark Imbriaco, Pamela & Tim Lietz, Rhonda Lewis Adam & Jennifer Lucas, Carlos & Rachel Manriquez, Alison Munn, Nina & Tom Segars Dave & Natalie Skergan, Bobbey Sakoman, Zach Spicer, Melanie & Todd Tremaglio Dave Upton, Robin & Tom Winton

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Joy Winton in Shifting Horizons, choreography by Megan Marvel, Fall 2019

Raleigh Dance Theatre Volunteer Corps

The dedication and hard work of our corps of volunteers contributes to RDT’s success.

Volunteers faithfully perform many jobs – they sew costumes, sell tickets, decorate the lobby, provide office support, fundraise, sell playbill ads, set up computer systems, work backstage, and more. There are many ways that you can support Raleigh Dance Theatre: Contribute a cash or stock gift • Bring a friend to the performance Complete and send in your employer’s matching gift form with your gift Become a volunteer • Become a business or corporate sponsor of programming Contribute an in-kind gift To learn more about how you can support Raleigh Dance Theatre, please contact the RDT office at 919-834-1058 or visit our website at www.raleighdance.org.

Raleigh Dance Theatre would like to give special acknowledgment to the following individuals: David Glenn, Graphic design • David Newton, Emily Wexler, Copy editing Hunter Morris, Photography • Richard Proctor, Tax preparation Robert Schantz, Computer technology/Photography David Newton, Sly Pup Productions Silent Auction In-Kind Contributors: Jaimon Cacares, Colored pencil artist; Ann DaSilva; Dance Etc.; Susan Galdy; Ashley Hathaway; Mary LeGere; Natural Marvels Massage Therapy; PurrCup Cafe; Relevé Dancewear; Jayne Walther Fine Art 19

Our Generous Donors

Raleigh Dance Theatre, Inc. is a deficit-free 501(C)(3) not for profit organization whose existence depends on community support through tax deductible contributions.

We would like to thank those who have made this exciting season possible.

Corporate Support and Matching Grants Blackbaud Giving Fund JIL Enterprises New Southern Loans Walker Lambe PLLC Brady Corbin Law Group $1000 and Above Anonymous Rebecca Dearmin Dr. Mary Susan Fulghum† Mike and Pam Marvel David Newton° Robert Schantz° Hengming Ke and Xueying Xiong° $500-$999 Tina Clyburn°, Jill Cody, Misty and Billy Hughes°, Denise and Walter Newton Carolyn O’Brien, Lucy and William Stokes, Katherine White $200-$499 Mamatha and Malay Agrawal°, Debra and William Baker, Michaela Brabec Caroline Cataldi°, Susan and Reed Fountain, Elliot and Susan Galdy^ Lisa and Richard Hathaway°, Charlotte Holton, Amy and Mark Imbriaco° Carlos and Rachel Manriquez, Mary LeGere and John Newton*° Ayako and Will Newton, Ivey L Newton, Mary M Newton Ann Vorus and Jack Parkhurst*, Roberta Sakomen, Nina and Thomas Segars Heather Setzler, Catherine Shoemaker^, David and Natalie Skergan° Lorri Spicer, Melanie and Todd Tremaglio°, Daling Wen° Marlette Willet, Andrew and Donna Wooster $100-$199 Nora Ellen Cranfill, Megan Marvel and Rob Cranfill, Denise D’Angelo*, Jinnie Y Davis Melody Diaz, Sue Dong°, Anne Dunbar, Habib El-Khoury, Stephen Feldman, Loretta Foster John Fountain, Lisa Granger, Betty and William Hardiman, Hui Hu°, Yiming Huang°, Anne Johnson Marjorie Salzman and Douglas Johnston, Wayne and Lois Kinney, Jing Deng and Jing Li° Meiyu Luo°, Andrew May, Hunter Morris°, Maryann Page, Christa Palchinsky*, Jing Peng° Phyllis Rideout, Roy Segars, John Simon, Eric Sowers, Lorri Spicer, Kayla Steward Sarah Liehr and Ted Storck, Yvette Sumner, George and Kerry Swearingen, Genny and Dave Upton Peter and Rebecca van Dorsten, Ernest and Eliza Williams, Robin and Thomas Winton Qingfen Yang°, Ronald and Susan Zawoysky, Jian Xin° Up to $99 Alisha Agrawal°, Beth Argo*, Karen Attwood, Diana Balasky, Robin Bonner Theodora and Thomas Braun, Brenda and Paul Braun°, CRB, Caroline Campbell, Lamast Cataldi Nancy Consolo, Erin Daniell, Rick DaSilva, Sarah Deming, Barbara Doll, Ann Eller, Xiaoxia Feng° Leah Friedman°, Madison Furr, Kathryn Gardiner, Patricia Gardiner°, PJ and Timothy Gardiner Thomas Gardiner, Tim Gardiner, James Gault, Carrie Gault, Christine Grider, Michael and Amanda Hall Jason Foushee and Amy Hobeika, Charlotte Hollan, Bryan and Media Hooks, Ariadna and John Ilika Craig and Nina Jonson°, Kenneth and Paula Kelly, Christopher King, Shana Lieberman, Pamela Lietz Rachel Manetti, Frances McCain, Mary B McIntyre, Dr. Michael and Iris Mettrey, Jeff Moyer Alison Munn°, Joyce Newton, Carol Niu, Emma Paul, Jennifer Paul, Julie Paul, Cassidy Salter James and Lauren Ramsey†, Katherine Ratterree, Patricia Robison, Catherine Saunders, Deanne Snavely Alan Spicer, Karen Spicer, Nef and Zach Spicer, Tara Spicer, Cliff Swanson, Cooper Swanson Theresa Swanson, Joseph Thompson, Bob Upchurch, Jamie Vaugn, Emily Wexler, Grace Willett PJ Williams, Peter Wood, Yan Xu°, Stephen Young †Includes contributions made to the Ann Vorus Choreography Endowment Fund *Includes contributions made to the Mickey and Frank LeGere Costume Fund ^Includes contributions made to the Barbara and Bernard Carlin Memorial Music Fund °Includes contributions made in memory of XiaoLing Feng We make every effort to ensure that each contributor’s name is properly listed. However, we offer our apologies if your name was omitted, listed incorrectly, or misspelled. We hope you will advise us of the error by calling the RDT office at 919-834-1058 or emailing us at raleighdance@att.net.

List includes contributions made November 15, 2019 – April 15, 2021 20

Donor Funds

The Mickey and Frank LeGere Costume Fund Established in June 2011 by George W. Newton, this fund was created in memory of Frank LeGere, father of RDT Artistic Director Mary LeGere. Frank and his wife Mickey were long-time supporters of the ballet and arts in the community. This gift to RDT was a venue for the LeGeres’ friends to honor them by creating a financial legacy within the organization that their daughter has led for more than two decades.

Since 2011, Raleigh Dance Theatre has used the Mickey and Frank LeGere Costume Fund to create new costumes for Paquita, Firebird, The Seasons, Tea for Ruby, Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet, Where Memories Echo and Cinderella. In 2017, Mickey LeGere passed away, which prompted many new gifts made to the fund. We thank all who graciously supported Raleigh Dance Theatre in memory of Mickey and Frank.

Ann Vorus Choreography Endowment Fund Established in May 2003 in honor of Raleigh Dance Theatre’s Founder, the Ann Vorus Choreography Fund has been instrumental in allowing us to bring guest choreographers to set new works on RDT dancers. This includes: • Lisa Collins Vidnovic and Denise D’Angelo, Cinderella • Leslie Jane Pessemier, nationally recognized choreographer, Where Memories Echo, Bows and Beginnings, Nine at a Glance, Voxhumana • Laura Dean, choreography pioneer of international acclaim, Tao • Tyler Walters, Choo-San Goh Choreography Award recipient, String Theory, Adagio and Fugue • Jennifer Sommers, former RDT Associate Director, an assortment of beloved story ballets including this season’s Alice in Wonderland • Zalman Raffael, Carolina Ballet’s Artistic Director, Lesson in Percussion • Pablo Perez, Carolina Ballet Artist, Tarde Otonal, Impromptu The Choreography Fund has also supported RDT’s Emerging Choreographer Initiative.

This program allows RDT dancers to create ballets for their peers with the support and guidance of the RDT artistic staff. These pieces are often selected to be adjudicated for the Regional Dance America/Southeast Festival. Some of these pieces have been included in RDT or RSB performances, giving many choreographers their first performance venue which sparks a desire to continue choreographing long after they leave Raleigh Dance Theatre!

Our emerging choreographers who have been selected to show their work on RDA/SE emerging choreographer performances include the following RDT alum: • Jennifer Palmer created her first piece on RDT dancers when she was 14. She received the Monticello award for outstanding emerging choreography for her ballet Concerto in Colors in 2016, and her piece, Strung Together, was selected for the 2019 gala performance.

This season she creates her first work for a professional ballet company, Carolina Ballet.

• Amy Greene whose work, Through the Noise, won the Monticello award in 2014.

• Megan Andrews, Camille Carroll, Holly Donnelly, and Layla El-Khoury also had pieces selected to perform.

The Barbara and Bernard Carlin Music Fund Established in September 2012 in memory of Susan Carlin Galdy’s parents Barbara and Bernard Carlin, this fund represents their love of music and has benefited RDT by financially supporting our efforts to bring live music to our productions. When dancers perform to live music it teaches them to listen in a new way and brings nuance and excitement to their performance that is difficult to replicate when dancing to a recording. During the 2019-20 season, fall and spring productions featured pieces accompanied by a small group of professional musicians.

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Alumni Reflections

Maryanne Schwoyer Page, 1989-1994 Ms. LeGere was such an inspiration to me and I strived to be a better dancer because of her! I feel fortunate to have been at the studio when she first arrived, and to have seen the simple elegance with which she danced! For the time that I was teaching ballet classes here in NY, one hope was that I could be as inspirational of a teacher as she was for me. Thank you for everything that you taught me – dance related and otherwise! The lives of thousands of individuals have been touched by you and Ms. Galdy, and the lessons learned, I know, live on, even if they did not pursue dance after high school.

Regarding transition: congratulations!! How special to have someone heading RDT who was an original member, back in the old Hillsborough studio, with Ms. Vorus. I certainly looked up to you (and all the “older girls”) when I first arrived at the studio. The dancers are certainly very lucky to have you leading them and carrying on the traditions of Ms. Vorus and Ms. LeGere! Congratulations!!

Whitney McCrae, 1994-1996 One thing that still sticks with me is being asked to step into a part, even though I had not been tasked with learning that version of the role. As an understudy, I learned as much as I could about as many parts as I could, and when the opportunity arose, I was asked to fill in. It was a great lesson in not only being prepared and ready, but also making sure people saw that you were showing up and working hard so that when opportunities arose, they would think of you.

Laura Bowman, 1995-2000 I would not be the person I am today, or be where I am professionally, without my time at RDT and RSB. These organizations taught me the meaning of dedication, determination, and discipline. They taught me the importance of musicality, hard work, and versatility.

They emphasized that artistic expression is equally as important as technical precision.

They taught me not to compete with others, but to work with them. To push myself to my limits, yet know when to listen to my body. They taught me professionalism at a young age, which has helped me stand out and move forward in my professional ballet career. Most importantly, they were an extension of my family, and that did not end when my time as a student did. When I realized I wanted to become a teacher, they welcomed me into their classes to learn their approach and methods. Eventually I was asked to guest teach at RSB, and that was a full circle moment. I felt so honored.

RDT and RSB are losing two profound teachers, coaches, and mothers this year. Ms. LeGere is the epitome of professionalism and grace. An inspiration to me and so many others. She leaves no B+ or fifth position uncrossed, and always has time for her students, past and present. Ms. Galdy is a radiant, shining light. Full of energy, passion, thoughtfulness, and spontaneity. I strive to be a mix of these two ladies every time I teach. Nothing would make me, or my students, happier!! Best of luck to Mary and Susan, and to RDT and RSB as they continue moving forward. I know they are in wonderful hands, and will continue nurturing beautiful dancers and humans.

Christa Palchinsky, 1998-2002 My first year at RSB, I always stood in the back of the studio, in the corner at the barre, and went last across the floor. I was reserved with my dancing, and too shy to make friends.

I was afraid to be seen and give it “my all”, because what if “my all” wasn’t good enough?

Despite my efforts to hide, the teachers at RSB saw me. They started encouraging me to let go 22

of my insecurities and they showed me that I could be a confident dancer and person.

Ms. Vorus gave me responsibility and accountability by giving me a job in the RSB office. Ms. Galdy gave me private lessons and pep talks to get me out of my comfort zone and dancing my fullest. Ms. Sommers believed in me and gave me a lead role that I loved dancing so much. I still get all the good feels when I hear music from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Ms. LeGere made me work hard on my ballet technique. She noticed my strengths and weaknesses and cast me in roles where I could shine.

I am also grateful for the friends I made at RDT. These friends were my support system.

We gave each other strength to work hard, and silliness to have fun.

By my last year at RSB, I stood in the front of the studio, had the best spot at the barre and was always in the first group across the floor. The teachers I had, and the friendships I made with the other dancers fostered a safe and healthy environment where I could give “my all” and know that it was enough and more. Thank you!

Ashley Hathaway, 2003-2005 I will always remember being a Page in The Dancing Princess; marching with pointed feet, pretending to blow my horn on the musical cue, and trying to hold up a bag of jewels during a never-ending pause. It was a rite of passage for many little dancers at RDT, and it introduced me to the magic of the stage. Being a part of that production was a life changing moment that made me want to pursue dance. Little did I know that RSB would give me the foundation for my professional career, teaching me technique, etiquette, musicality, and perseverance. The teachers encouraged and pushed me and instilled my love of dance. All these years later I’m so grateful to have attended RSB because they paved the way for where I am today.

Sarah Newton, 2005-2009 I quite literally grew up at The Raleigh School of Ballet studios, spending many evenings doing homework while waiting for my mom (Ms. LeGere) to finish rehearsal, doing children’s roles as soon as I was old enough, and later dancing as a member of RDT until I joined Carolina Ballet as an apprentice for my senior year. I have too many good memories to count, but at the top of the list are probably attending SERBA festivals, and the weeks we were in the theater for the bi-annual performance series. Those long days were so much fun. I made wonderful friends who I was deeply connected to during my time at RDT, and many of those friendships are still going strong. I am so grateful I got to grow up at RSB/RDT and will always value the experiences and memories from that time. I have also found that the lessons I learned from my time with RDT helped me immensely when I hung up my pointe shoes and pursued another dream. This past year my partner and I opened PurrCup cat cafe. I have no doubt that the character traits of determination and dedication I learned at RDT helped make that dream a reality!

Christine Brown, 2006-2010 I always loved performing and hanging out backstage with my fellow RDT members.

Warm up classes before performing were my favorite. There was no better feeling than being on stage and the typical Ms. LeGere stage warm up music came on and everyone started dancing without needing any instruction. That would give me goosebumps.

Cameron McCune, 2008-2013 I look back on my time at The Raleigh School of Ballet and its affiliate company Raleigh Dance Theatre with only the fondest of memories. It was a time of great development, both personally and as a dancer, that was greatly influenced by the directorship of Mary LeGere, and I can never thank her enough. Her ability to bring out the best in each and every dancer 23

is incomparable and I would not be the dancer I am today without her encouragement. Her expert knowledge and emphasis on technique will remain something always in mind when taking class. I only truly began to recognize the attention to detail in technique that Ms. LeGere emphasized greatly in her classes once I began my career as a professional ballet dancer. A strong technical foundation is something not to be taken for granted, and I am thankful to have been provided with such from The Raleigh School of Ballet.

Gillian Higgins, 2009-2015 As I’ve been writing my personal statement and essays for PA applications and reflecting on my experiences, I always come back to the same words and character traits that Ms. LeGere used in her retirement announcement: “discipline, perseverance, commitment, and the ability to present themselves with grace and assurance.” I feel like all these characteristics were instilled in me during my time at RSB/RDT, and I’ve carried them along with me throughout my education and work thus far. I can confidently say my work ethic would not be close to what it is today if it had not been for my time spent at RSB. In addition to gaining these wonderful traits, I gained my best friends, and although we are scattered throughout the country now we consistently keep in touch and its always as if nothing has changed when we all get together.

Annabelle Frantz, 2010-2016 Getting to perform Paquita with brand new tutus was so much fun! This was one of my favorite ballets to perform. I also loved being able to be a mentor to younger dancers. This was a great opportunity for both older and younger dancers to grow.

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George W. Newton School Performance

The George W. Newton School Performance Initiative was established in 2015, fulfilling a long term goal to spread the excitement and benefits of dance education. This free performance provides children who may not otherwise have the opportunity, exposure to the magic of a live, in-theatre performance.

This year, RDT was not deterred by Covid. When we realized we would be unable to provide onsite assemblies and performances to area school children, we went to work. We re-worked our resource guide and made our assemblies an all virtual experience. The schools will receive a link to our virtual Storybook Tales performance in June as a culmination of the George W. Newton School Performance Program for the 2020-21 school year. We are very proud to have served over 1500 students from 10 Wake County elementary schools and look forward to seeing everyone in person next season!

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Jardin Animé, Fall 2019

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Leaping Readers!

In conjunction with Storybook Tales, RDT’s Leaping Readers outreach program encourages literacy and early childhood reading by bringing children’s literature to life through ballets based on fairy tales and children’s stories.

Leaping Readers events are held at local libraries, schools, and bookstores. At these events RDT presents excerpts from the Storybook Tales performances, and teaches children a little about ballet. Children hear their favorite stories read aloud and dance alongside company members – physically experiencing the joy of classical ballet movement and developing a love for reading.

This year’s Leaping Readers programs reached almost 1000 pre-school and elementary aged children.

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Mary LeGere,

Artistic Director

A native of Rotterdam, NY, Mary LeGere began her ballet training at age 9. In 1976, she won a scholarship to the school of the Pennsylvania Ballet, where she studied with Barbara Weisburger, Benjamin Harkavy, and Lupe Serrano. In 1980, she joined the company, and in 1986 was promoted to soloist.

While with the Pennsylvania Ballet, she danced principal roles in Balanchine’s Nutcracker, Serenade, Stars and Stripes, Four Temperaments, and Concerto Barocco. In addition, she was featured in works by Paul Taylor, Merce Cunningham, Lynn Taylor Corbett, Robert Weiss, and Peter Martins.

In 1990, she retired with an acclaimed performance of Myrta in Giselle. After moving to North Carolina with her husband, Ms. LeGere became Associate Director of the Raleigh Dance Theatre in 1992, and became Artistic Director in 1994 when Raleigh Dance Theatre founder Ann Vorus resigned to concentrate her energies on directing The Raleigh School of Ballet. It was under Ms. LeGere’s tenure that the company changed its name to Carolina Ballet and reached the final step in becoming a professional ballet company. Choosing to no longer direct Carolina Ballet, Ms. LeGere returned to directing the reestablished Raleigh Dance Theatre, where she continues to uphold the tradition of high standards and excellence.

Ms. LeGere has choreographed several works for Raleigh Dance Theatre that have been chosen to be performed at the RDA/SE annual festival. In April 2016, Ms. LeGere received the Regional Dance America National Choreography Recognition Award.

In addition, Ms. LeGere is a director of The Raleigh School of Ballet and has taught at the school for 28 years. She has guest taught and set her choreography at several companies and schools all over the country. She was honored with the 2006-2007 North Carolina Dance Alliance Annual Award. This prestigious award honors individuals who have made significant life time contributions to the growth and development of dance in NC. Ms. LeGere has two grown children, Sarah and David. She lives in Durham, NC with her husband of 35 years, John.

Megan Marvel,

Associate Director

Megan Marvel grew up in Raleigh, trained at The Raleigh School of Ballet, and was a member of Raleigh Dance Theatre.

She studied at NC State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree focusing on Choreography and Dance Design. She served as the Assistant Director of the NC State Dance Program from 2000-2006. Ms. Marvel joined The Raleigh School of Ballet’s faculty in 1997, and served as RDT’s Administrative Assistant from 1997-2006. She became Associate Director of RDT in 2006. Ms. Marvel has set a wide variety of ballets on RDT from the beloved fairy tale Snow White to more contemporary and contemplative works like The Art of Playing Tastefully and Grace.

Ms. Marvel lives in Apex with her husband, Rob Cranfill, and daughter, Jacqueline.

She owns Natural Marvels Massage Therapy and Living Marvelously Wellness, and works as a licensed massage therapist, wellness coach, and ACE certified personal trainer. This work outside of RDT/RSB influences her philosophy of training well-rounded, grounded, healthy dancers who are ready to step out into the world in whatever capacity they choose with strength and grace.

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RDT Dancers 2020-21

Gia Agrawal

Mae Attwood

Kai Baker

Noah Braun

Natalie Clyburn

Jacqueline Cranfill

Marius Diaz

Caitlin Fountain

Sadie Grider

Sarah Hughes

Noah Imbriaco

Lucinda Lietz

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RDT Dancers 2020-21

McKay Lucas

Ava Munn

Olivia Munn

Hailey Plunkett

Keira Segars

Sophie Skergan

Mackenzie Spicer

Juliana Tremaglio

Joy Winton

Allie Swartz and RDT dancers in Snow White, choreogaphy Megan Marvel, Fall 2019

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Apprentices 2020-21

Alexandra Cataldi

Eve DaSilva

Tova Feldman

Quinn Gardiner

Jeremiah Lewis

Gabrielle Manriquez

Sammy Sakomen

Zachary Spicer

Lilah Upton

Allie Swartz and RDT dancers in Jardin Animé, Fall 2019

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Decade 1

Fall 1981 Ann Vorus starts RSB-One studio on St. Marys Street

May 1991 Giselle with NC Symphony

Fall 1984 Ann Vorus incorporates RDT with proceeds from a yard sale

Fall 1991 RSB moves into new custom-designed school at 3921 Beryl Rd March 25, 1985 RDT first performance, Peter and The Wolf with NC Symphony

Susan Galdy and Rebecca van Dorsten join RSB faculty Mary LeGere becomes RDT Associate Director

Spring 1985 RDT collaboration with Rochelle Zide-Boothe, Midsummer Night’s Dream August 1990 Mary LeGere joins RSB faculty

Dec 1991 RDT first performance of The Dancing Princess

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Decade 2

1993-1999 Rebecca van Dorsten serves as Associate Director of RSB 1993 RDT becomes a member of RDA/SERBA

1994 RDT Board President starts process to become a professional ballet company Nina Jonson joins RSB faculty Fall 1994 Mary LeGere named Artistic Director of RDT 1997 Megan Marvel joins RSB faculty Pre-professional company re-organizes as RDT when CB becomes professional company under Robert Weiss 1999 RDT receives recognition as an honor company of RDA/SERBA Ann Vorus retires, Susan Galdy and Mary LeGere take over directing RSB

1995 RDT named changed to Carolina Ballet Theatre (CBT) Fall 1995 RDT (CBT) performs Raymonda Variations 1996 CBT becomes Carolina Ballet (CB) Susan Galdy named Associate Director of RDT 1997-2017 Patty Koss joins faculty and serves as Administrative Director

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2000 RDT hosts RDA/SERBA

Decade 3

2000-2005 Jennifer Sommers serves as RDT Associate Director 2001 RDT commisions Tao by Laura Dean Fall 2002 First Storybook Tales featuring The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Fall 2006 Megan Marvel named RDT Associate Director

Spring 2003 Ann Vorus Choreography Fund established

Fall 2008 Storybook Tales featuring Fancy Nancy Bonjour Butterfly and Robert Ward’s Jonathon and the Gingery Snare collaboration/reworking of 1951 original score played live with piano and percussonists

2003 RSB starts boys’ program with Dameon Nagel, teacher

November 2008 Collaboraton with NC Master Chorale in Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Unicorn, The Gargon and the Manticore

2004 RDT performs Lady Kate in collaboraton with Triangle Youth Philharmonic April 2005 RDT hosts RDA/SERBA

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February 2009 Collaboration with Triangle Youth Philharmonic and Enloe Chamber Choir in Don Quixote at the Wedding of Camancho

March 2009 RDT celebrates 25 years with a gala perfomance and gathering

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June 2011 Frank and Mickey LeGere Costume Fund established

Decade 4

Fall 2011 Alum Kathryn Daniel joins RSB faculty June 2012 Bernard and Barbara Carlin Music Fund established May 2014 Firebird created with City of Raleigh Arts Comission funding and with live music by Triangle Youth Philharmonic

2016 Rebecca van Dorsten retires 2017 Lilyan Vigo Ellis joins RSB faculty 2018-2019 RDT Season of Live Music: professional string quartet and oboist play for Storybook Tales and Spring Repertoire September 2018 Alum Ashley Hathaway joins RSB faculty

Fall 2014 Hong Yang, Christine Grider, and alum Jenny Palmer join RSB faculty

Fall 2018 Alum Layla El-Khoury joins RSB faculty and staff and becomes RDT Administrative Assistant

May 2015 George W. Newton School Performance Initiative established

Alum Kathleen Black joins RSB faculty

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Fall 2019 Hong Yang sets Le Jardin Animé on RDT Nick Fokine and Ruth Leney-Midkiff join RSB faculty Spring 2020 Global pandemic sends RSB and RDT into virtual and hybrid classes, rehearsals, and performances

July 2021 Hong Yang named Director, RSB/ Artistic Advisor, RDT; Megan Marvel named Artistic Director, RDT; Layla El-Khoury named Artistic and Administrative Coordinator, RDT

Winter 2020 RDT presents first ever virtual performance: Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase Spring 2021 RDT presents virtual Storybook Tales and RSB presents virtual student performance

Other former RSB students who have taught at RSB over the years include Laura Bowman, Claire Bynum, Nadia Capp, Jessica Higgins, Cameron McCune, and Leslie Williams.

June 2021 Mary LeGere and Susan Galdy retire from directing RSB/RDT

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Alumni History Line

1994 Cora Monahan joins NYCB

1996 Stacy Price joins Washington Ballet Studio Company 1997 Emily Younger and Lindsay Purrington join Carolina Ballet

2004 Yvette Sumner joins Carolina Ballet 2006 Jessie Truesdale joins Stugartt Ballet

2001 Laura Bowman joins Pennsylvania Ballet

2006 Marissa Slutsky joins Carolina Ballet 2007 Chris Weisler joins Dutch National Ballet Emily Proctor joins Aspen/Santa Fe Ballet 2008 Phillipa Armes, Ashley Hathaway and Sarah Newton join Carolina Ballet

2003 Brittany Meyer joins Charleston Ballet Theatre

2009 Jessica Higgins joins Buglisi Dance Theatre

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2011 Dylan Giles joins Festival Ballet Providence

2013 Ruben Suarez joins Baltimore Ballet 2014 Mimi Staker and Preston Chamblee join New York City Ballet

2012 Kathleen Black joins Carolina Ballet

2013 Cameron McCune joins American Ballet Theatre

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2017 Amy Greene joins SALLY Dansgezelschap Maastricht 2018 Peyton Anderson joins Washington Ballet Studio Company

2015 Leslie Williams joins Martha Graham Dance Company

Layla El-Khoury joins RSB staff and faculty and becomes RDT Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Palmer joins Carolina Ballet Chandler Proctor joins Tulsa Ballet

2019 Lydia Bevan joins Royal Danish Ballet Camille Caroll joins Ballet Magnificat February 2020 Jennifer Palmer, graduate of Emerging Choreographers program, presents work with Carolina Ballet

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