New Orleans Ballet Association - 2017-2018 Program

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Table of Contents 6

Welcome Letter

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Sponsor Feature

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Board of Directors and Staff

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NOBA Will...

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Season of Dance

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Ballet Hispánico

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Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

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Tango Fire

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Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

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Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

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NORD/NOBA Center for Dance

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Dancing Through Generations

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Partnerships for Youth

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Summer Programs for Youth

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Advanced Summer Programs

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NOBA Faculty

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Partnerships for Health

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BRAVO Letter

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BRAVO Events

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Prix d’Elegance Awards Luncheon

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Donors

Executive Editor

Jenny Hamilton EDITOR

Jessica DeBold Editorial Assistant

Topher Balfer

ART DIRECTOR

Ali Sullivan

Sales Manager

Brooke LeBlanc 504-830-7242 Brooke@myneworleans.com vice president of sales

Colleen Monaghan

The 2017-18 New Orleans Ballet Association program is produced for the New Orleans Ballet Association by Renaissance Publishing, LLC New Orleans Ballet Association 935 Gravier St., Suite 800, New Orleans, La 70112 504-522-0996 | www.NOBAdance.com Copyright 2017 New Orleans Ballet Association and Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. © New Orleans Ballet Association 4

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Welcome to the 2017-18

Season of Dance

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e are so pleased to be a major part of New Orleans’ Tricentennial celebration and are thrilled to present an extraordinary, international season of world-class dance. The season opens with one of the city’s most popular companies, Ballet Hispánico, with a new program of works that are a blast of energy and pure joy. Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro will once again provide the experience of a lifetime for twelve Center for Dance students when they perform with the gorgeous dancers of Ballet Hispánico in free lecture/demonstrations in the community. In January, audiences will be mesmerized by the skill, speed and charisma of Tango Fire’s world champion artists from Buenos Aires, Argentina. For the first time since 2005, Les Ballets de Monte Carlo takes this stage to kick off their three-city U.S tour with another of Jean-Christophe Maillot’s spectacular full-length ballets, the beautiful and contemporary Romeo et Juliette. The season culminates with a very special 40th anniversary program of one of America’s preeminent troupes, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. We also are once again honored to partner with The NOCCA Institute to bring Aspen Santa Fe Ballet to the intimate setting of Freda Lupin Memorial Hall for performances and master classes with our students.

In addition to the grand performances on the Main Stage, NOBA continues our deep commitment to serving our community through over 5,000 tuition-free classes and activities for ages 3-80+ in partnership with multiple institutions in three parishes.

This fall in collaboration with the Jewish Community Center, we proudly launch the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Dance for Parkinson’s program to empower people through the exploration of music and movement. For NOBA, the opportunity to impact lives and share the joy of dance with our community and families is an honor, and we are inspired each and every day by the dedication, perseverance, passion and talent of the participants of all of NOBA’s programs.

We remain humbled and honored to work alongside such a committed group of board and staff members, BRAVO volunteers, Men and Women of Fashion members, funders, patrons and audience members whose belief, trust and remarkable investments of time and resources year after year make it all possible. The greater our collective vision, the greater our future will be. Thank you for your conscious decision to make this art form and NOBA a part of your life!

John M. Duck

Chair, Board of Directors

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Jenny R. Hamilton Executive Director

Chevron believes that arts inspire, celebrate diversity, stimulate economic growth and fuel the social vitality of communities.

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hevron has been a major sponsor of the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) for over thirty years. Our support has helped the organization expand its programs in the community, providing a lasting positive impact on thousands of Greater New Orleans youth, adults and senior citizens through tuition-free dance, fitness and wellness classes and healthy lifestyle workshops. Chevron is proud to continue our partnership with NOBA so that they can continue to cultivate understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of dance through performance, education, and community service.

Lauren Buggs of Chevron with Dance Theatre of Harlem Artistic Director Virginia Johnson following a master class with students in The Chevron Studio Photo by Jeff Strout

“Chevron’s partnership with the New Orleans Ballet Association and NORD is part of our commitment to the cultural vitality, health and wellness of Greater New Orleans and the Gulf Coast,” said Leah Brown, Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager. “We’re proud to once again support the free dance programs, giving local children who are passionate about dance the opportunity to learn from the world’s most accomplished artists.”

NOBA Senior Dance Fitness participants in a class at St. Maria Goretti Church Photo by Millette White 8

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Chevron Master Artist Series

Chevron’s collaboration with NOBA is focused on delivering diverse education and healthy lifestyle activities for the youth of the Greater New Orleans area, fostering strong bodies, minds and spirits. Through the yearround Chevron Master Artist Series, students receive unique opportunities to learn, perform and be mentored by world-renowned dancers. Over the past five years, NOBA’s young and talented artists have trained with some of the top companies in dance, including Dance Theatre of Harlem, San Francisco Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Stars of American Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet and Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, among others. NOBA students have also performed in the community and in major theaters with some of the top names in the industry, including Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Parsons Dance, Ballet Hispanico and Martha Graham Dance Company. In January 2017, a multigenerational cast of 32 dancers ages 12 to 66 performed with EVIDENCE in a very special edition of Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown’s On Earth Together, set to a medley of songs by the iconic Stevie Wonder. The cast was comprised of faculty and students of presenting partners NOCCA and NOBA, including dancers from the NORD/ NOBA Center for Dance’s programs for youth and senior citizens. Center for Dance alumna and current EVIDENCE dancer Courtney Ross was also featured in these unforgettable performances.

“Thank you to everyone who made this project possible.

Participating in On Earth Together was such a thrill and a beautiful, spiritually uplifting experience!”

— Cynthia M. Howard, Senior Dance Fitness Program Participant

EVIDENCE Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown rehearses with NOBA Senior Dance Fitness participant Cynthia Howard Photo by Jeff Strout

“If it weren’t for NOBA, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today. NOBA provided me access to the highest level of dance artists and training.

Because of NOBA, my dream of becoming a professional dancer came to fruition!”

NOBA Alum and current Texas Ballet Theater dancer Alex Danna Photo courtesy of Jiyan Dai

— Alex Danna, NOBA alum and current dancer with Texas Ballet Theater

“I started dance classes with NOBA at five years old, and this program shaped me into the successful young professional that I am today.

NOBA shapes amazing dancers, but they turn kids into extraordinary individuals as well.

The rigorous training NOBA alum and current Advisory Associate in Contract Compliance with KPMG Lauren Landry that I received at Photo by Jeff Strout NOBA showed me how to become a hard worker in every aspect of my life. I have been on over a dozen interviews with top tier, Fortune 500 companies, and I can honestly say that I have received a job offer from every company. NOBA is a unique program that needs to stay in New Orleans to continue to show kids the path to success. I am excited to one day become a donor for NOBA so children can continue to be awarded with the unforgettable experiences I was able to receive.”

Complexions Contemporary Ballet Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson with Alyssa Walker, Selena Walker, and Fredrick Walker, Regional Manager for Chevron Americas Manufacturing and Supply

Center for Dance

Each week, the Center for Dance provides over 100 classes in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, creative movement and dance history with a weekly attendance in excess of 1,200 participants ages 3 to 80+. In 2013, Chevron sponsored the construction of a dance studio at the Lyons Rec Center for NORD/NOBA Center for Dance programs. In addition to the Chevron Master Artist Series and classes for the pre-professional program, the studio houses almost forty weekly tuition-free activities for youth ages 6 to18; the Senior Dance Fitness Program for ages 55 and up; the Early Childhood Development Program for ages 3 to 4 years; faculty professional development; community classes in yoga, tai chi, Pilates and ballet, open to adults with disabilities and summer dance camps and intensives.

— Lauren V. Landry, NOBA alum and current Advisory Associate in Contract Compliance with KPMG

Center for Dance primary ballet students at Behrman Rec Center Photo by Jeff Strout

• 100+ tuition-free, weekly classes at Center for Dance partnership sites & Tulane University • Total weekly participation of 1,200+ • Total attendance of 80,000+ in 2016–17 NOBA pre-professional students in The Chevron Studio at Lyons Rec Center Photo by Jeff Strout N E W O R L E A N S B A L L E T A S S O C I AT I O N 2 0 1 7 - 1 8

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Board of Directors Chair John M. Duck

Vice Chairs Dottie Belletto Monique Gougisha Doucette Cynthia LeBreton

Secretary Chad Berg

Treasurer Guy P. Brierre

Immediate Past Chair Charlotte Bollinger

Members Michael Allday Toni Van Zandt Bachmann Cara N. Banasch William D. Bennett Tiffa Boutté Jacquee Carvin Sandra Chaisson

Christopher J. Claus Gregory Curtis Rosalyn Ditta Terry A. DuFrene Elizabeth Ellison-Frost John M. Fox Cathy M. Green Teresa Guzzetta Bernard M. Jaffe MD Carmen L. LaBrie-Brown MD Henry M. Lambert Theron Lewis Willis A. Lovell Pamela Lupin Carlos Mickan Max Moreno Rachel Nunez Holly S. Popham Constance Willems Pamela M. Williams

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Lifetime Members M. Cécile Gibson Henrietta Ramirez Hall Dr. E. Ralph Lupin (1997-2014) Phyllis M. Taylor

1: Seated (l to r) Cécile Gibson, Cynthia LeBreton, Monique Doucette. Standing (l to r) John Duck, Chad Berg 2: Seated (l to r) Cathy Green, Elizabeth Ellison-Frost, Pam Williams. Standing (l to r) Theron Lewis, Carlos Mickan 3: Seated (l to r) Tiffa Boutte, Pamela Lupin.Standing (l to r) Jacquee Carvin, Bill Bennett, Teresa Guzzetta

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Staff EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jenny R. Hamilton BOX OFFICE/AUDIENCE SERVICES Wanda W. Fulton FINANCE/OPERATIONs Gina Klein

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DEVELOPMENT Francesca Martin Marci Schramm EDUCATION Susan Bensinger Millette White

PROGRAMMING/MARKETING/ COMMUNICATIONS Laura Burkhart Gambel Communications

PHOTOGRAPHER Jeff Strout

TECHNICAL/WARDROBE Joan Long

HEALTH PROMOTIONS INTERN Gerline Casseus

GRAPHIC ARTIST Lauren Faustermann

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New Orleans Ballet Association

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ounded in 1969, the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) cultivates understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of dance through performance, education and community service. NOBA’s dynamic programs position it as a leading dance and service organization throughout the region, and one of very few presenting organizations in the United States dedicated solely to dance.

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IN 2017–18, NOBA WILL… PRESENT

7 extraordinary concert stage performances by five companies 13 dance companies as artists in residence 105 performances by participants of NOBA’s educational programs 75 pre-professional students in performance on local and national stages

TRAIN

2,000 students ages 3–80+

PROVIDE

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120+ weekly tuition-free classes and activities at 12 sites 5,500+ tuition-free dance classes and activities 100,000+ contact hours with participants of all ages through all programs 50+ local artists’ employment and professional development

ENRICH

33,000 dance enthusiasts through more than 5,500 services

New Orleans Ballet Association 935 Gravier Street, Suite 800 New Orleans, La., 70112 T (504) 522-0996 | F (504) 595-8454 www.NOBAdance.com

1: Pre-Professional student Kennedy Simon, 13 years old, performs an excerpt of Ronald K. Brown’s Gatekeepers

Follow us @nobadance on

2: Pre-Professional students Caleb Dowden and Celeste Jupiter share a pre-show laugh before performing in The Nutcracker Suite

Photo by Jeff Strout

Photo by Jeff Strout

3: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in Roméo et Juliette Photo by Alice Blangero 12

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Season of Dance

2017-18

Ballet Hispánico Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts “The Latin-American experience at last has a voice.”

— The New York Times Led by charismatic, Cuban-American director Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispánico has become an “ambassador of not just Latino culture but of dance itself.”

(Broadway World) This stylish company of “the most technically accomplished and musical dancers you’ll find in the contemporary sphere” (The Washington Post) brings a virtuosic evening that includes Vilaro’s electrifying tribute to Cuban dance with music by Grammy-winner Paquito D’Rivera, the lush, cinematic work of celebrated Mexican choreographer Tania Pérez Salas and a passionate, flamenco-inspired piece by internationally acclaimed dance maker Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, the choreographer of the wildly successful A Streetcar Named Desire for Scottish Ballet.

Photo by Paula Lobo

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Friday, Nov. 10, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA Co-presented with The NOCCA Institute “ASFB is a gem of a contemporary dance company.

Catch this company wherever and whenever you can.”

— Bachtrack

Photo by Rosalie OConnor

Hailed by The New York Times as “a breath of fresh air,” Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is always at the forefront of American dance with its innovative, sleek style, adventurous repertoire and a dedication to commissioning new works from top international choreographers for over 20 years. Led by Jean-Philippe Malaty and celebrated Joffrey Ballet dancer Tom Mossbrucker, the company brings a joyous program to the intimate NOCCA stage with stunning ballets by innovative masters Alejandro Cerrudo, Cayetano Soto and Jorma Elo.

Tango Fire Saturday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts “With flashy skill, this is some of the best dancing you’ll see on stage.”

— The Evening Standard, London With ten glamorous dancers and a quartet of the finest musicians, Tango Fire ignites the stage with a blazing hot, Broadway-style show of “tango at its sexiest and most stupendous.” (The Telegraph) Directed by international superstar German Cornejo, this fiery ensemble of world champion tango couples from Buenos Aires expertly performs all of the lightning fast, precise footwork and sensational acrobatic partnering of authentic Argentine tango with “plenty of sizzle.” (The Telegraph) 14

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Photo courtesy of Tango Fire

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in Roméo et Juliette Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts Premium Special Event!

“Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo has something startling and fine to show us in this swift and sleek dance treatment of the eternal story of Romeo and Juliet.” — The New York Times Shakespeare’s tale of the most famous star-crossed lovers gets an exotic French twist in this “gorgeously original” (The Telegraph), stunningly imaginative interpretation by renowned choreographer and director Jean-Christophe Maillot. Flawlessly performed with impeccable artistry by an exquisite company of 50 dancers and set to the romantic Prokofiev score, this innovative staging of Roméo et Juliette is a must-see event for ballet enthusiasts and new audiences alike.

Photo by Alice Blangero

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Saturday, April 7, 8 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts “There is no better dancing done by humans to be seen anywhere on the planet.” — Chicago Sun-Times

Photo by Quinn B. Wharton

Back by popular demand! Celebrating 40 years as a driving force of American contemporary dance, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago returns with a special anniversary program that spotlights master works from all four decades of the company’s illustrious history. From Resident Choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo’s newest creation and trailblazing first hit by the brilliant Nacho Duato to the poetic dances of Crystal Pite and a jazzy swing classic by founding Artistic Director Lou Conte, this versatile and virtuosic ensemble of dancers will simply “take your breath away.” (The Washington Post)

The Nutcracker Suite Dec. 3, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Dixon Hall, Tulane University “The Nutcracker Suite reminds me of opening that one gift you did not expect to get for Christmas, where the excitement just leaps out of your chest. The dancers’ costumes were spectacular! This program has inspired and touched the hearts of young and old.”

— Ellenynor Russell Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday adventure in a special one-hour production perfect for the entire family. From an enchanting party, a dramatic battle and dancing dolls to a whimsical journey to the Land of Sweets, this magical tale is uniquely brought to life by over 200 participants of NOBA’s tuition-free programs for youth and senior citizens from the greater metropolitan area. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Photo by Jeff Strout

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Photos by Paula Lobo

BALLET HISPĂ NICO Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts

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allet Hispánico, the premier Latino dance organization in the United States, brings individuals and communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through dance.

Whether dancing on stage, in school or in the street, Ballet Hispánico creates a space where few institutions are breaking ground.

The organization’s founder, National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez, sought to give voice to the Hispanic experience

and break through stereotypes. Today, Ballet Hispánico is led by Eduardo Vilaro, an acclaimed choreographer and former member of the Company, whose vision of social equity, cultural identity and quality arts education for all, drives its programs.

Ballet Hispánico, a role model in and for the Latino community, is inspiring creativity and social awareness in our neighborhoods and across the country by providing access to arts education.

Eduardo Vilaro Artistic Director & CEO

Vilaro was the first artistic director to assume the reins of Ballet Hispánico from its founding director and National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez. After seven years of igniting Ballet Hispánico’s vision with a contemporary perspective in dance and culture, he assumed the additional role of CEO for the organization. Vilaro was born in Havana, Cuba and raised in the Bronx. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Adelphi University and a Master of Arts from Columbia College in Chicago.

Upon his graduation from Columbia College, Vilaro founded Luna Negra Dance Theater in Chicago, a company that served as a springboard for Latino dance throughout the Midwest for 15 years.

Vilaro’s own choreography is devoted to capturing the spiritual, sensual and

historical essence of the Latino cultures.

He has created over 25 ballets for Luna Negra and Ballet Hispánico and received numerous commissions from dance festivals and arts organizations. In 2001, he was the recipient of a Ruth Page Award for choreography and, in 2003, was honored for his choreographic work at Panama’s II International Festival of Ballet. Vilaro was an associate professor at the Dance Center of Columbia College, has served on the board of directors of Dance/USA and is currently on the advisory board of Dance NYC. As an invited guest on panels and forums, he speaks to the growing need for cultural diversity and dance education. Vilaro is a proud 2016 inductee into the Bronx Walk of Fame.

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Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Co-presented with The NOCCA Institute Friday & Saturday, Nov. 10 & 11, 8 p.m. | Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m.

Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA

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n 1996, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Founder Bebe Schweppe invited Tom Mossbrucker and Jean-Philippe Malaty to create a ballet company in Aspen. A unique, multidimensional arts organization developed from the ballet school Schweppe had established in the Rocky Mountains. “Bebe’s vision for Aspen to have its own ballet company was the project of a lifetime,” says Malaty, ASFB’s executive director. “We embarked together on a serendipitous adventure.

Now, the connection between the dancers and our

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two communities is deep and inextricable.”

The company began modestly with seven dancers. Growth was organic. Friends in the field–Gerald Arpino, Trey McIntyre, Septime Webre, Dwight Rhoden–offered start-up repertoire. Moses Pendleton’s highly popular Noir Blanc was a seminal event for the young ASFB. It launched a tradition of commissioning new works. An open, exploratory style emerged as Mossbrucker and Malaty tapped the creative scene in Europe where classical ballet was

breaking from its boundaries.

In 2000, the Aspen-based ballet company forged a dual-city relationship with Santa Fe, New Mexico, broadening its scope and lending crucial revenue diversification. Under this hybrid business model, a roster of arts activities takes wing year-round in both cities.

Performance, education, presentation and community outreach all join in the mix. Within this innovative structure, ASFB celebrated its 20th anniversary season in 2016.

ASFB’s mission places the highest priority on developing new choreography and nurturing relationships with emerging choreographers.

The company fostered the early careers of now in-demand global dance makers like Nicolo Fonte (nine commissioned Fonte works in the ASFB repertoire), Jorma Elo (four commissioned Elo works), Edwaard Liang, Jacopo Godani, Helen Pickett, Cayetano Soto, Alejandro Cerrudo and others. Works by late 20th century masters – William Forsythe, Jirí Kylián, Twyla Tharp – round out the repertoire.

Repeat engagements at the American Dance

Festival, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Joyce Theater, The Kennedy Center, Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Wolf Trap testify to the company’s popularity and ability to please audiences. Overseas, ASFB has embarked on international tours to Brazil, Canada, France, Greece, Guatemala, Israel, Italy and Russia. Premier funders–National Endowment for the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts / National Dance Project, Joyce Foundation, Shubert Foundation, Wolf Trap Foundation, Jerome Robbins Foundation and Princess Grace Foundation–have supported ASFB’s growth.

Tom Mossbrucker Artistic Director

Working as an as artistic director since 1996, Mossbrucker has built a prestigious arts organization sharing two homes in Aspen and Santa Fe. In his role, Mossbrucker cultivates highly sophisticated and challenging works of contemporary ballet. His shining achievement is ASFB’s roster of 28 ballets created on commission by leading global choreographers.

Mossbrucker began dancing at age four, studying tap in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington. He pursued classical ballet training at the School of American Ballet and Joffrey Ballet School. His 20 years as a principal dancer with The Joffrey Ballet, performing in over 70 ballets under the direct coaching of founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, coincided with a period of high artistic achievement for the company.

Mossbrucker danced in works by great 20th century

choreographers Fredrick Ashton, George Balanchine, Laura Dean, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Mark Morris, Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp, among others. Signature roles included Lago in José Limón’s The Moor’s Pavane; Champion Roper in Agnes DeMille’s Rodeo; Billy in Eugene Loring’s Billy the Kid and Romeo in John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet. Mossbrucker brings this rich dance heritage to coaching dancers today.

Mossbrucker and Executive Director Jean-Philippe Malaty were co-honored with the Joyce Theater Foundation Award in recognition of ASFB’s contribution to dance in 2010 and the Santa Fe Community Foundation Piñon Award in 2013. A former board member of Dance USA, Mossbrucker currently serves on the board of The Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey Foundation.

Jean-Philippe Malaty Executive Director

Malaty was born in the Basque region of France.

After receiving his baccalaureate in dance, he accepted scholarships to study at Mudra, Maurice Béjart’s school in Brussels, and at John Cranko’s ballet academy in Stuttgart. Invited by acclaimed instructor David Howard to study in New York, Malaty traveled to America under Howard’s tutelage. Malaty’s performance career began with Joffrey II. He also danced as a guest artist with Los Angeles Classical Ballet, Ballet Hispánico and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Malaty segued from the stage to an administrator role while still in his twenties. A key member of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s start-up team, Malaty has been central to developing the company’s unique dual-city business model. He directs operations in two locations, overseeing a $4.2 million budget that he allocates to the company, two schools, an esteemed

presenting series, and an award-winning folkloric outreach program. In 2014, in a daring managerial move, Malaty added Juan Siddi Flamenco Santa Fe as a second performance company under the ASFB umbrella.

Over the last decade, Malaty has received multiple accolades from the field. He has served as panelist for both the Colorado Council for the Arts and the National Endowment for Arts. The Denver Bonfils-Stanton Foundation granted him their Livingston Fellowship in recognition of his significant leadership role in Colorado’s non-profit sector. His first love is teaching, and when his schedule permits, he teaches company class and is a guest instructor at schools and universities. Malaty is proud to have forged a dance company infused with American energy, invention and eclecticism.

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German Cornejo’s

Tango Fire Saturday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts

Tango Fire’s German Cornejo & Gisela Galeassi Photo courtesy of Tango Fire

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nternational tango superstar German Cornejo’s Tango Fire is a true global phenomenon and the world’s leading tango company. The art of tango has never been so superb and dynamic. Cornejo’s extraordinary choreography and vision have captured the world’s imagination, encompassing and defining all that is Argentine tango dancing that sizzles with sensuality, accompanied by the unforgettable music and song of the great tango masters, including Piazzolla, Pugliese and Gardel. This exhilarating show combines the rawness, sophistication, seductiveness and sultriness of tango, evoking the intoxicating passion of late night Buenos Aires.

Internationally considered a master of tango, Cornejo and his amazingly sensuous and passionate partner Gisela Galeassi are joined by an outstanding cast, including World Tango Champions and the very best dancers from the greatest tango houses in Buenos Aires.

Cornejo’s Tango Fire was conceived in 2005 with its world premiere in Singapore and presentation at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The company has toured the world extensively to critical acclaim. Unique in the world of

Tango Fire’s Sebastian Alvarez & Victoria Saudelli Photo courtesy of Tango Fire

tango, Tango Fire creates a showcase of the five couples’ individual styles by allowing them to choreograph their own solos under the artistic guidance of Cornejo, refining the steps, as is traditional in Argentine tango.

German Cornejo Founder/Artistic Director

Cornejo was born in Zárate, Buenos Aires Province in 1986. At age 10, he started studying his passion–tango–and by age 15, he graduated from Gatell Conservatory of Dance with an honorable Master of Tango degree.

He also obtained a Master of Choreographic Composition at the National Institute of Arts. He calls his greatest influence, Nélida Rodriguez, his “Artistic Godmother.” A Broadway star in the 1980s, she imparted her knowledge of not only dance but also yeites, an early 20th century tango term meaning “the secrets of the Tango steps.”

Renowned for his performances at many of the famous tango houses in Buenos Aires, Cornejo has won numerous awards and acknowledgements throughout his career, including Tango World Champion in 2005.

He was a winning finalist in Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony’s reality TV show “¡Q’Viva!

The Chosen,” screened throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America, culminating

in the Las Vegas stage show of the same name in 2012. A short time after Cornejo opened Jennifer Lopez’s first performance in Buenos Aires as her special guest, he naturally progressed into directing and choreography, forming dance group Sentimientos Tangueros for former President of Vietnam Tran Duc Luong on his visit to Argentina. Since then, Cornejo has choreographed a number of shows, including Mission Tango under the musical direction of Lisandro Adrover, Tango Inferno—The Fire Within, Immortal Tango and German Cornejo’s Tango Fire.

Cornejo has become one of the most recognized and requested tango coaches and choreographers for couples who compete in the Tango World Championships held in Buenos Aires each August. Many of his students go on to achieve finalist status.

Cornejo has been a tour de force in Tango Fire since 2006, starting as dancer then progressing to lead dancer and choreographer.

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LES BALLETS DES MONTE-CARLO Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts

Photo by Alice Bangero

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he year 1909 marks the beginning of a strong presence of choreographic art in Monaco. Serge de Diaghilev presented his Russian Ballet in Paris for the first time, and they set up in Monte-Carlo, which became their creative workshop for the next two decades. Since the Principality, Diaghilev, in his time, reformed ballet in all its forms. Upon his death in 1929, the company was dissolved. Following, several personalities and choreographers revived it under various names, but it disappeared completely in 1951.

In 1985, thanks to the vision of H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, the Monte-Carlo Ballet Company was born first under the leadership

Jean-Christophe Maillot Artistic Director

Born in 1960, Maillot studied dance and piano at the Conservatoire National de Région de Tours before joining the Rosella Hightower International School of Dance in Cannes. After winning the Prix de Lausanne in 1977, he was

of Ghislaine Thesmar and Pierre Lacotte, and later by Jean-Yves Esquerre. In 1993, H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover nominated JeanChristophe Maillot as the head of the MonteCarlo Ballets. Building on his experience as a dancer from Rosella Hightower and John Neumeier and as choreographer-director of the National Choreographic Centre of Tours, Maillot created more than 30 ballets for her, including several which entered the repertoire of large international companies. Les Ballet des Monte-Carlo is now in demand throughout the world thanks to the iconic works of Maillot such as Vers un pays sage (1995), Roméo et Juliette (1996), Cendrillon (1999), La Belle

(2001), Le Songe (2005), Altro Canto (2006), Faust (2007), LAC (2011), CHORE (2013) and Casse-Noisette Compagnie (2013). He also enriches the company’s repertoire by inviting major choreographers of our time as well as emerging choreographers to work with the 50 dancers of the company. Among these guest choreographers are Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Shen Wei, Alonzo King, Emio Greco, Chris Haring, Marco Goecke, Lucinda Childs, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Karole Armitage, Maurice Béjart, Marie Chouinard and more.

In 2000, Maillot created the Monaco Dance Forum, an international window to dance that presents an eclectic fusion of spectacles, exhibitions, workshops and conferences, in which the company regularly participates, and the Académie Princesse Grace. In 2011, under the presidency of H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, the Ballets de Monte-Carlo now incorporates the Company, the Monaco Dance Forum and the Princess Grace Academy under a single organization with a mission of providing the excellence of an international company, the assets of a diverse festival and the potential for a school of a high level.

Creation, training and production are currently reunited in Monaco to serve choreography in an unprecedented manner in the world of dance.

Roméo et Juliette is an emblematic JeanChristophe Maillot ballet. To date, it has been presented more than 260 times worldwide and interpreted by seven international ballet companies.

hired by John Neumeier at the Hamburg Ballet, where he danced in principal roles as a soloist for five years. An accident brought his dancing career to an abrupt end. In 1983, he became choreographer and director of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Tours, which later became a National Centre of Choreography.

In 1993, he was appointed directorchoreographer of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

by H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover. His arrival set the company on a new path that quickly developed the level of maturity and excellence for which this company of 50 dancers has been renowned for 20 years. He has created 80 ballets, including more than 40 for the company, forging its reputation across the world. His works can also be found in the repertoires of major international ballet companies, such as Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Royal Swedish Ballet, Korean National Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Royal Danish

Ballet, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and the Béjart Ballet Lausanne. In 2014, he created La Mégère Apprivoisée for the Ballet of Bolshoi Theatre.

Also aware of the work of other artists, Maillot is known for his spirit of openness and his commitment to inviting choreographers with different styles to create for the Company. In 2000, this desire to present choreographic art in all its many forms led him to create the Monaco Dance Forum, an international showcase for dance that presents an eclectic proliferation of shows, exhibitions, workshops and conferences.

In 2011, dance in Monaco underwent a major and historical change. Under the presidency of H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, the Ballets de Monte-Carlo now incorporates the Company, the Monaco Dance Forum and the Princess Grace Academy under a single organization, of which Maillot was appointed head.

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PHOTO BY QUINN B. WHARTON

HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts

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Photos by Todd Rosenberg

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ubbard Street Dance Chicago’s core purpose is to bring artists, art and audiences together to enrich, engage, educate, transform and change lives through the experience of dance. Celebrating Season 40 in 2017–18, Hubbard Street, under the artistic leadership of Glenn Edgerton, continues to innovate, supporting ascendant creative talent while presenting repertory by internationally recognized living artists. Hubbard Street has grown through the establishment of multiple platforms alongside the Lou Conte Dance Studio — now in its fifth decade of providing a wide range of public classes and pre-professional training — while extensive youth, education, community, adaptive dance and family programs keep the organization deeply connected to its hometown. Visit hubbardstreetdance.com for artist profiles, touring schedules and much more.

Extensive youth, education and community programs, directed by Kathryn Humphreys, are models in the field of arts education, linking the performing company’s creative mission to the lives of students and families. Hubbard Street also initiated the first dance-based program in the Midwest to help alleviate suffering caused by Parkinson’s disease. Youth dance program classes at the Hubbard Street Dance Center include creative movement and progressive study of technique, open to young dancers ages 18 months to 18 years.

At the Lou Conte Dance Studio, directed by founding Hubbard Street Dancer Claire Bataille, workshops and master classes allow access to expertise, while a broad variety of weekly classes offer training at all levels in jazz, ballet, dance fitness, modern, tap, African, hip-hop, yoga, Pilates and more.

Glenn Edgerton Artistic Director

Photo by Joe Mazza

Edgerton joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago after an international career as a dancer and director. At The Joffrey Ballet, he performed leading roles, contemporary and classical, for 11 years under the mentorship of Robert Joffrey. In 1989, Edgerton joined the acclaimed Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), where he danced for five years. He retired from performing to become its artistic director, leading NDT 1 for a decade and presenting the works of Jiří Kylián, Hans van Manen, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Mats Ek, Nacho Duato, Jorma Elo, Johan Inger, Paul Lightfoot and Sol León, among others. From 2006 to 2008, he directed the Colburn Dance Institute at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Edgerton joined Hubbard Street as associate artistic director in 2008. Since his appointment as artistic director in 2009, he has built upon more than three decades of leadership in dance performance, education and appreciation established by founder Lou Conte and continued by Conte’s successor, Jim Vincent.

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Bringing Dance Into the Community NORD/NOBA Center for Dance Celebrates 26 Years

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n 1992, visionary leaders of multiple institutions—New Orleans City Council, New Orleans Recreation Department, and NOBA—united in a common goal: to touch the lives of every member of our community through dance. Through the collective vision of this dedicated group, the unique and groundbreaking partnership between the New Orleans Ballet Association and the New Orleans Recreation Department—NORD/NOBA Center for Dance—was formed to ensure children, regardless of economic means, would have access to high quality dance instruction.

Over the past 25 years, the NORD/NOBA Center for Dance has provided more than $5 million of free classes to over 20,000 youth, many of whom would not otherwise have the opportunity to study this art form. The program has garnered national recognition and awards along the way, including the Coming Up Taller Award by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts and others.

The program, which started with just 30 students at one site, has grown to now serve over 1,750 students each year at seven NORD and other NOBA partner sites. Weekly, more than 120 tuition-free classes and activities are offered by a professional faculty who bring a wealth of knowledge, care and experience. Students study ballet, tap, hip hop, modern, jazz, yoga, tai chi, dance fitness and other movement forms. These classes are regularly filled to capacity on a first come, first served basis, and if a child has a specific

“NOBA’s after-school programs are a beacon in underserved communities, and as a single parent, I’m so grateful to its donors for investing in our community and giving our kids a chance to dream big!”

– Center for Dance Parent

need, the Center for Dance provides shoes, leotards and tights. Bridge and Pre-Professional Program students ages 7 and up receive additional intensive training and classes by world renowned dancers and choreographers through the Chevron Master Artist Series in The Chevron Studio and at Tulane University; internships; advanced summer training locally; scholarships to study at prestigious national summer programs; free or reduced tickets ($5) for Main Stage performances and more.

In 2008, NOBA, at the request of NORD, expanded its reach in the community by providing participants ages 55 and up a dance fitness program.

This year, the Center for Dance proudly continues its newly expanded Early Childhood Development Program for ages 3–5 at Lyons Rec Center.

For a packed house of family and friends, students ages 5–80+ take part in fully produced performances with costumes, professional stage management and lights at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall as well as presentations at each partner site. The pre-professional students annually receive opportunities for advanced study and guest artist residencies in addition to invitations to perform throughout the community and appear on regional and national stages such as New York City’s Joyce Theater, the Kennedy Center and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.

This season, the Center for Dance is honored to be invited by one of America’s Latino cultural dance ambassadors, Ballet Hispánico, to join them on stage as part of our main stage season of dance!

Photos by Jeff Strout

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“The instructors are so efficient in their training and the way they deliver it to the kids. I’m so proud that our family is afforded the opportunity. We love the program!”

– Center for Dance Parent

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Dancing Through Generations “I am a retired law enforcement officer and never thought I would get involved in dancing at all. NOBA’s Senior Dance Fitness Program has opened up so much for me… camaraderie, plus the exposure to the arts. I think I went to my first ballet as a result of this program!”

– Jill Benoit, Senior Dance Fitness Program participant

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hrough an extension of the Center for Dance’s award-winning, innovative programs, over 1,200 community members will participate this 2017–18 season in a variety of weekly sessions, including adult dance technique, senior dance fitness, yoga, tai chi, Pilates and more–all tuition-free.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and at the request of NORD for the development of crucial programming for seniors, NOBA’s Senior Dance Fitness Program launched at St. Bernard Rec Center in 2008 and continues to positively impact the lives of countless participants ages 55+. Currently offered twice a week at three centers, this completely free program includes stretching, cardio and dance set to fun music; health and wellness workshops; special dance workshops with visiting Main Stage artists; performance opportunities; social events and more!

A cancer survivor of three and a half years, Rose Powell credits her nearly four years of participation in NOBA’s Senior Dance Fitness Program for helping her regain her strength and become more balanced.

“The program has positively impacted my health overall for the better,” she states. “I have more energy, feel good, and am not sluggish and tired like before. I have peace of mind that I can move around more than I used to and still be self-sufficient.” Senior Dance Fitness Program classes, paired with health and wellness workshops and activities, provide seniors with the tools necessary to achieve their nutrition and health goals. “I am more aware of good eating habits such as increasing fruits, vegetables and grains as well as watching intake of carbs, sugar, sodium, fried foods, sodas, etc.,” Powell says. For participants like Powell, the health benefits of NOBA’s programs extend far beyond the physical, fostering emotional, spiritual and social fortitude.

Year-round, the Center for Dance also offers classes open to all adults and teens in ballet and Horton modern technique, along with fitness and wellness classes in tai chi, yoga and Pilates. Taught by master guest artists and NOBA instructors, these sessions provide participants the opportunity to enhance their dance skills further or explore dance and movement for the very first time.

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“This program is incredible!” exclaims Nefertiti Zeno.

“I had studied various cultural styles of dance, but not modern,” she adds. “The Horton Technique class is the highlight of my week­—it’s an awesome workout as well, and the instructor is amazing!”

1: Rose Powell (second from left) speaks with Senior Dance Fitness participants and Dr. Denise Johnson of the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program Photo by Millette White

2: Senior Dance Fitness Participants perform a Brazilian dance in the Senior Olympics Photo by Jeff Strout 3: Stars of American Ballet Artistic Director Daniel Ulbricht with CFD seniors during a master class Photo by Millette White 28

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Bringing Dance Into the Community Partnerships for Youth

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OBA’s comprehensive programs reach deep into the community, bringing dance to neighborhood centers and schools in three parishes. NOBA is honored to collaborate with these institutions to enrich the lives of hundreds of youth ages 6–18 through quality tuitionfree training, performances, family field trips to Main Stage performances, workshops with guest artists, successful auditions for NOBA’s pre-professional programs and more.

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ST. BERNARD PARISH AFTER-ScHOOL BALLET PROGRAM In its first expansion for training programs beyond Orleans Parish, NOBA began a partnership in 1995 with Chalmette Refining, LLC and the St. Bernard Parish School Board. With unwavering dedication and support, this collaboration has fulfilled thousands of dance dreams and today provides instruction twice a week in the beautiful dance studios of the Chalmette High School Cultural Arts Center, which also houses the program’s performances.

JEFFERSON PARISH AFTER-SCHOOL BALLET PROGRAM In 2007, NOBA began classes in Jefferson Parish and, for the fourth year, is proud to partner with Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy to offer ballet technique classes twice a week open to any child ages 6–14 in the parish.

BROADMOOR ARTS AND WELLNESS CENTER AFTER-SCHOOL BALLET PROGRAM NOBA and the Broadmoor Education Corridor are built around a common vision: affordable and quality programming opportunities for New Orleans youth. NOBA’s partnership since 2010 with the Broadmoor Improvement Association has provided children ages 6–18 a year-round program of ballet classes twice a week, which for the third year are being housed at the Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center.

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1: Students perform a Nutcracker excerpt in a winter concert Photo by Jeff Strout

2: KDHSA students perform before family and friends at Holiday Open House Photo by Jeff Strout 3: St. Bernard Parish After-School Ballet Program Primary students rehearse before the 2016 Holiday Open House Photo by Jeff Strout 3 N E W O R L E A N S B A L L E T A S S O C I AT I O N 2 0 1 7 - 1 8

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When School is Out, Dance is in!

Summer Programs for Youth

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OBA’s tuition-free programs for youth extend beyond the school year into a kaleidoscope of summer dance and fitness camps in partnership with NORD and other community organizations. Led by a faculty of passionate and highly-qualified local and visiting artists, these camps engage both the mind and body through health education related activities that foster life skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, discipline, focus and commitment.

Adventures in Dance Three-Week Day Camp for 35+ children ages 8–10 is held in The Chevron Studio at Lyons Rec Center in July. This comprehensive, popular camp offers: • Daily technique classes in ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop • Global dance workshops such as African, Brazilian, Hawaiian and more • Educational activities in nutrition, health, dance history, sewing, craft arts, arts integration and literacy • A children’s dance book for each participant to add to their home library • Nutritious breakfast and lunch in partnership with The Fresh Food Factor • Fully costumed culminating studio performance for family and friends June Twilight Dance Camps for ages 6–18 offer evening technique classes in ballet, modern, tap, hip hop and more at partner sites.

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Young Dancer Day and Evening Intensives for ages 8–14 feature a rigorous schedule of technique classes, choreography workshops, sessions in nutrition, dance history and more.

Teen Dance Intensives for ages 11–18 foster an emphasis on building technical proficiency, confidence, and self-expression through classes in ballet, modern and world dance workshops.

For more information about advanced summer intensive programs, available by audition for talented, focused young dance students, please visit pages 32–33.

3 1: July Evening Intensive student Camryn Moore in ballet technique class Photo by Millette White 2: Adventures in Dance Camp students partake in a combined master class with advanced students led by Ronald K. Brown Photo by Millette White 3: Center for Dance students perform a hip-hop dance during the 2017 Adventures in Dance Camp culminating performance Photo by Jeff Strout

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Center for Dance students in the Adventures in Dance Camp culminating performance Photo by Jeff Strout

Adventures in Dance Camp students Tallulah Campbell and Anya Chaney sharing a goodbye hug Photo by Tai Teamer

Center for Dance students in modern technique class during the 2017 June Chevron Master Artist Series Photo by Millette White

Center for Dance students in modern technique class during the 2017 June Chevron Master Artists series featuring Larry Keigwin of Keigwin + Company Photo by Jasmine Forest

Center for Dance students in a studio showcase featuring 2017 June Chevron Master Artist Series guest faculty from Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Photo by Jasmine Forest

Adventures in Dance camper Aalissa TubrĂŠ performs at culminating performance at Lyons Rec Center Photo by Jeff Strout

Adventures in Dance campers having the time of their lives before culminating performance Photo by Jasmine Forest

July Evening Intensive students showcase Horton technique at the culminating performance Photo by Millette White

EVIDENCE’s Arcell Cabuag leads Adventures in Dance Campers and Daytime Intensive students in a combined class Photo by Millette White N E W O R L E A N S B A L L E T A S S O C I AT I O N 2 0 1 7 - 1 8

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NOBA Advanced Summer Programs

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ew Orleans summers, with a heat index to rival the tropics, are thankfully shaded with canopies of beautiful, ancient oaks. These deeply-rooted trees reflect NOBA’s commitment to cultivating budding young artists into strong, determined, thoughtful and confident dancers and individuals. As Complexions Contemporary Ballet Artistic Director Dwight Rhoden comments, “NOBA exposes youth to some of the industry’s most notable teachers, choreographers, directors and dancers.

It is unparalleled in its reach, and sets a standard for excellence through diversity on all levels.”

Scarlett Mitchell-Yang, now age 14, relocated from New Mexico to New Orleans at the age of seven. Shortly after, she began taking NOBA’s afterschool ballet classes at Wilson Charter School. Mitchell-Yang progressed quickly and was invited to join NOBA’s Pre-Professional Program and five years later, will continue her training in its most advanced level this fall.

Summers are prime time for focused young students like Mitchell-Yang to tune-in, be challenged, and think and dance “outside the box” with some of the industry’s most notable artists.

Throughout the year, NOBA offers its students numerous opportunities

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to connect, train and dance with world-class talent. In June, through the Chevron Master Artist Series, dancers and artistic directors from all over the country visit New Orleans to teach their respective companies’ and/ or schools’ techniques and styles during week-long sessions of master classes and choreography workshops, culminating with a showcase for family and friends. The 2017 summer roster included Craig Black, former dancer with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and current artist with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago; Larry Keigwin, founder/artistic director of Keigwin + Company; Liz Koeppen, former associate artistic director of Parsons Dance; Chanel DaSilva, co-founder and co-director of MOVE(NYC) and former dancer with Trey McIntyre Project and Maleek Washington, former dancer with Kyle Abraham’s Abraham.in.Motion.

At the three-week Summer Intensive in July, students trained for up to eight hours a day with the highly sought-after artistic directors of Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE. Beyond rigorous, top-rate dance instruction, the exposure to these companies gave students a preview of what it’s like to dance in a professional company. As Complexions Contemporary Ballet artist Kelly Marsh IV

1: Dwight Rhoden leads a repertory workshop with Summer Intensive Students Photo by Millette White 2: Green Track students in an excerpt of Dwight Rhoden’s Breakout Photo by Jeff Strout 3: Guest artists Youngsil Kim and Kelly Marsh IV of Complexions Contemporary Ballet in Dwight Rhoden’s Gutter Glitter Photo by Jeff Strout 4: July Summer Intenisve students and faculty backstage at NOCCA Photo by Jeff Strout

5: Purple Track students during modern technique class led by Ronald K. Brown Photo by Millette White 6: Purple Track students during modern technique class Photo by Millette White 7: Purple Track Students Marguerite Valadie and Caleb Dowden in an excerpt of Ronald K. Brown’s Gatekeepers Photo by Jeff Strout

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8: Purple Track student Scarlett Mitchell-Yang performs an excerpt of Dwight Rhoden’s Flight Photo

by Jeff Strout 9: Guest artist Ronald K. Brown in For You Photo by Jeff Strout 10: Purple Track student Celeste Jupiter performs Chapter 17 Photo by Jeff Strout

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shares, “It has been a wonderful experience working with all the young artists here at NOBA…I see such beauty within all of them and can only hope that I have helped to inspire them to pursue their dreams. They focus and are able to zero in on the task at hand, push themselves, are observant of both their teachers and fellow classmates and dance from their hearts and souls!”

For these young dancers, the summer intensives bridge the gap between engaging the dance world as admiring students and audience members to actually training as performers, receiving choreography from renowned artists. Each student was featured in a professionally produced concert at NOCCA’s Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, where they performed the difficult choreography set on them by these artists during the three weeks.

“Through this program,” Mitchell-Yang shares, “I have learned that I am determined, and that if I work hard enough at something and slowly chip away at the things that I need to improve on, I can get better over time.

This summer, I really enjoyed being able to work to a place where I could

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sync in to the unique styles of both Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE.” Through competitive summer internships, NOBA also offers opportunities for alum and current dance majors to receive hands-on dance, leadership and arts administration training with top artists during June and July.

“Seven years at NOBA gave me countless opportunities and amazing adventures that most professionals have not experienced,” states Cori Lewis, NOBA alum and current sophomore at SUNY Purchase in New York, one of the most prestigious colleges for dance in the country. “This program has helped me gain stamina, vulnerability, mental flexibility, perseverance, creativity, awareness and so much more. If you are willing to give yourself to your art, NOBA provides you with everything you need to be the best dancer, artist and human you can be. Dancing over 20 hours a week, working with extremely relevant master artists, the discipline that is instilled and being part of a supportive community are all aspects of NOBA that I think have prepared me for college and life afterwards.”

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NOBA Faculty Susan Bensinger

earned a BA in dance education from Pennsylvania State University and an MA in dance from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. While there, she performed with the Maida Withers Dance Construction Company.

She has taught dance at George Washington University, Foxcroft School and Lusher Charter School. In 2007, she was voted Teacher of the Year at Lusher. Bensinger has performed locally with New Orleans Dance and Anne Burr and began working with NOBA in 2012.

Rebecca Delery Chauvin began her

ballet training in 1986 under Kathy Gamble and continued her instruction at Ballet Hysell, where she has performed for over twenty years. She has danced with the Anne Burr Dance Company since 1993 and has also performed with Monique Moss in Drama Rama, Confederacy of Dances, Tsunami Dance Company, d’Project and many others. Chauvin has been a NOBA faculty member since 2006.

Aline Neves de Souza, a native of

Brazil, holds a degree in physical education from the Universidade Castelo Branco and is a graduate from Escola Estadual de Danças Maria Olenewa of the Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro. She performed and toured internationally with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and in festivals as a dancer

and an aerialist. De Souza has danced and choreographed for Komenka Ethnic Music and Dance Ensemble, performing nationally and in Bulgaria, France and Canada. She has served as the local rehearsal director for Center for Dance student projects with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Hispanico, Parsons Dance and Limón Dance Company and is the founding and lead instructor for the Senior Dance Fitness Program. Also the director for The Nutcracker Suite, de Souza joined the NOBA faculty in 2007.

Kelly Harp Haber

began dancing in Monroe, Louisiana with Twin City Ballet. Haber also studied modern dance at Louisiana Tech University while earning her degree in elementary education, and later received an M.Ed. at Vanderbilt University. She has worked with Encore Ballet Company in Madison, Mississippi and Ballet Mississippi as an instructor, teaching all levels and as director of the lower school. Haber will bring her experience in working with assisted living facility residents, many of whom had Parkinson’s disease, to her new role with NOBA as lead instructor for the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Dance for Parkinson’s Program. Haber’s additional training includes workshops in Dance for PD® at the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Chanice Holmes, a native of New Orleans, began her technical training at Lusher Charter School, where she graduated with a certificate of artistry in dance. She is a 2015 dean’s list graduate of Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, with a BFA in dance and two certificates in arts administration and leadership. She was also awarded the Lisa Lindsey

Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theater Arts. Holmes has worked with notable companies and choreographers such as Urban Bush Women, Abraham.In.Motion and the National Dance Institute, and trained with artists from Ballet Hispánico and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, among others. A Center for Dance alumna, Holmes joined the NOBA faculty in 2015.

Nanette Ledet attended Tulane University before relocating to New York to pursue her career as a dancer, choreographer and percussionist. She studied on scholarship at the José Limón School and with Finis Jhung, and performed with DanceBrazil, Solaris Dance Theater, Stephen Petronio, New York Shakespeare Festival, Djoniba Mouflet’s Drum and Dance Ensemble, among others. Her choreographic achievements include being awarded the prestigious Louisiana Division of the Arts’ Artist Fellowship for Choreography in 2004 and choreographing the first season of the Disney TV show The Imagination Movers. Ledet joined the NOBA faculty in 2000.

Tess Losada

earned a BA in dance performance from Illinois State University in 2014 before relocating to New Orleans to pursue a career as a dancer, choreographer and certified Pilates teacher. In 2013, she traveled to Brazil to study at the Universidade Federal de Vicosa, where she truly enjoyed experiencing a culture so deeply rooted in dance. She continues to pursue a strong interest in the science and history

“One of the things that inspires me to continue to push our students forward is the way they approach work and their openness. It’s a pleasure to work with them, and I’m really proud of them.”

– Donald Williams Donald Williams with Pre-Professional students Sarah Meunier, Emma Loetzerich, Jaelyn Robinson and Caleb Dowden Photo by Jeff Strout 34

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behind human movement and hopes to give students a better understanding of the world through dance. Losada spends her time teaching private and group Pilates sessions and performing with Mélange Dance Company. This is her fourth year as a NOBA instructor.

Monique Moss,

a native of New Orleans and artistic director of Third Eye Theatre Interdisciplinary and Improvisational Performance Company, earned her BA in French, MA in Latin American studies and MFA in interdisciplinary dance performance from Tulane University, and a MA in museum studies from Southern University at New Orleans.

Her work has been presented at Voodoo Festival, Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival, Essence Festival and Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, among others. She was the producer of the 2014 International Haitian Arts and Culture Exchange and the 2016 Congo to Congo Square Dance and Drum Consortium. She has also traveled throughout Haiti for research and study and is the recipient of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture travel scholarship. Currently teaching in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Tulane University, Moss joined the NOBA faculty in 1994.

Alice Pascal Escher is an

associate professor of dance in the Newcomb Dance Program, Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance and the artistic director of the Newcomb Dance Company. Escher is a native of Baton Rouge, where she studied ballet with Elisa Minet Fuchs. She earned a BFA in dance from Florida State University, an MFA in dance from Temple University, and is a Certified Movement Analyst (CMA). Escher has been instrumental in the development of the dance major program at Tulane. She enjoys teaching in

the Center for Dance Pre-Professional program and is constantly inspired by the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of the students and staff.

Bethani Pete hails from Crowley, Louisiana and received a BFA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2011. She has also studied with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Urban Bush Women Summer Leadership Institute and American Dance Festival. Joining the faculty in 2015, she is an instructor with NOBA’s Senior Dance Fitness program and the PreProfessional Program. Pete is dedicated to enthusiastic and dynamic teaching as a means of creating and nurturing a lifelong love of the arts.

Carly Sistrunk Bourgeois started

training at age three at Sandra Dottolo’s Dance Etc. By 11, she was taking instruction in classical ballet and competed in regional and national competitions in various genres of dance until 2011. She has been a teacher’s assistant since 2005 in general dance classes and classical ballet. In 2012, she began assisting with the Loyola University New Orleans’ Ballet Preparatory Program. Sistrunk has performed with D’Project, Inc. and Storytellers Dance Project, and toured nationally and internationally with Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble.

Sistrunk has been a NOBA instructor since 2013.

Tai Ashley Teamer began

dancing at the age of two and has studied with the NORD/NOBA Center for Dance, Lusher Charter School, NOCCA and New Orleans Dance Academy. She has trained with artists from

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispánico, Paul Taylor Dance Company and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She is a recent graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, where she received a BS in business administration. A former cheerleader for the Arena Football League’s New Orleans VooDoo Dolls, Teamer currently serves as an instructor for Loyola Group Fitness, Dancing Grounds, Lusher Cheer Coach, and director of Spotlight Dance Company. Teamer joined the NOBA faculty in 2013.

Millette White

formerly danced with Sandra Organ Dance Company, Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble, Ballet Hysell and Ballet Apetrei. Her training includes the Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education, Joffrey Ballet School, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, NOCCA and Apetrei Dancenter. White acquired her BA from the University of New Orleans. She has taught at the New Orleans Dance Academy, Body Expressions Center of Performing Arts, the Conservatory of Ballet Aviv, Main Street Dance and Activity Center and Apetrei Dancenter, and began working with NOBA in 2010.

Brittney Williams, a native

New Orleanian, began her formal dance training at the NORD/ NOBA Center for Dance.

She has also studied at New Orleans Dance Academy, NOCCA, Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Ailey School. Williams has worked with choreographers including Daniel Catanach, Monique Moss, Nanette Ledet, Joya Powell, Rebecca Stenn and Eduardo Vilaro. In 2009, she received her BA in natural science from Fordham University and now hopes to educate students on the connection between the art of dance and the science of movement.

Williams joined the NOBA faculty in 2012.

“Teaching for NOBA is so fulfilling as I get to directly give back to the very community and program that groomed me. As an alum, I am honored to provide other New Orleans youth with the opportunity to experience quality dance education the way I did.”

– Tai Teamer NOBA faculty and staff Nanette Ledet, Bethani Pete, Tai Teamer, Aline de Souza, Caroline Combs, Jasmine Forest and Starr Edwell Photo by Jeff Strout N E W O R L E A N S B A L L E T A S S O C I AT I O N 2 0 1 7 - 1 8

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NOBA Faculty Donald Williams (Chevron Master Artist in Residence), a Chicago native, became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1977 and ended a 27-year career with the company as premier danseur in 2004. Known for his versatility, Williams’ repertoire encompasses ballet, jazz, African and contemporary idioms. As a principal guest artist, Williams has performed with London’s Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, International Ballet Festival in Cuba, and starred in many other international galas.

He has worked with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Dances Patrelle, and Fugate/Bahiri Ballet NY, creating critically acclaimed, original roles with them. Williams made his film debut in The Cotton Club, starred in numerous award-winning films, and has made television appearances and commercials. In 1998, Williams made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award winning musical Ragtime.

In 2000, he was guest artist in the New York City Ballet/Dance Theatre of Harlem collaboration for the

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Diamond Project, dancing the principal roles in Robert Garland and Robert LaFosse’s Tributary and Balanchine’s Agon. He was featured in the national tour of The Phantom of the Opera and most recently with Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian Resort and Casino. Williams’ teaching credits include company teacher for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Celine Dion: A New Day,

Nevada Ballet Theater and Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater, among others; school instructor for Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Ailey School, Ballet Academy East (NYC) and The Rock Center for Dance (Las Vegas) and guest teacher for Marymount College and Florida State University, among others.

He was also personal trainer for Keanu Reeves for the film Devil’s Advocate. Williams began working as a Chevron Master Artist-in-Residence with the Center for Dance Pre-Professional Program in 2013.

Faculty member Nanette Ledet with Early Childhood Development students Photo by Susan Bensinger

NOBA Partnerships for Health “This program [Senior Dance Fitness Program] is my medicine!”

-Paulette Watson, NOBA participant

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OBA is honored to provide healthy lifestyle activities for over 2,000 participants annually through more than 5,500 classes offered each year for ages 3-80+ in a variety of dance forms, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and fitness at neighborhood partner sites. Ongoing collaborations with an expanded network of health organizations such as Tulane Prevention Research Center, American Diabetes Association, Fit NOLA, LSU AgCenter and many others increase NOBA’s capacity to deliver positive health outcomes and build vibrant, creative communities. “NOBA has been beneficial in keeping my daughter active and also has helped with her focus and confidence,” one parent shares. “I also love that I can go work out while she’s in class. It keeps us all motivated, and we love the program!”

From early childhood development to senior programs, classes are open to all, including those with disabilities. “Our partnership with NOBA has provided valuable health and wellness experiences to a population in great need of preventative health activities,” comments Norelia Reed, Community Development Specialist for Arc of Greater New Orleans. “We applaud NOBA’s outstanding commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

NOBA’s relationships and residency work with Main Stage companies and artists regularly produce transformational experiences for community members to be moved in body, mind and spirit. In May 2017, through a new partnership with the New Orleans VA Medical Center, NOBA offered a movement workshop for veterans, led by world-renowned choreographer Jessica Lang and her dance company. “The dance movement workshop presented by NOBA was a wonderful experience that was beneficial to both our VA patients and staff,” states Susan Berryhill, MOVE! Program Coordinator, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. “These kinds of workshops improve morale and decrease stressors–thank you!”

This season, NOBA is thrilled to kick off its newest community dance program–the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Dance for Parkinson’s Program, in partnership with JCC New Orleans. Modeled after the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD® program, these specialized, weekly dance classes are designed to empower people with Parkinson’s disease to explore movement and music in ways that are stimulating and creative, all in a safe and welcoming environment for participants and their friends, family and caregivers.

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1: Yoga participants in The Chevron Studio, Lyons Rec Center Photo by Millette White

2: Students participate in a NOBA-led class led by faculty member Tai Teamer Photo by Susan Bensinger 3: A veteran connects hands with a Jessica Lang Dance artist during a special movement workshop at the New Orleans VA Medical Center Photo by Jeff Strout

4: Veterans participate in a special movement workshop led by Jessica Lang Dance artists at the New Orleans VA Medical Center Photo by Jeff Strout

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BRAVO

Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization

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e will warmly welcome you to our troupe!

Volunteer time and talents are responsible for BRAVO’S success as an organization. By providing NOBA with financial and human resources, we help ensure that NOBA can keep up its exemplary work of providing vibrant and groundbreaking programming. But BRAVO is so much more.

The membership of 200+ helps NOBA provide over 5,500 tuition-free dance classes and activities for people of all ages, including award-winning programs for youth, seniors and more.

We have an exciting year planned of meetings, socials and Gala in the spring.

BRAVO is also honored to again be the beneficiary of the annual Men and Women of Fashion Prix d’Elegance Luncheon, which provides funds for talented students to attend prestigious summer programs and to bring the very best artists to Orleans.

We invite you to become a member of our troupe! Email bravo@nobadance.com or call the office at (504) 522-0996 x208 for more information.

(seated, l to r) Tiffa Boutte, Sharon Marchand, Jacquee Carvin, Sandra Chaisson, Cynthia Aucoin, Suzanne Parker, Deborah Alciatore Empey (standing, l to r) Jamie Moreau, Sandra Herman, Teresa Guzzetta, Stephanie Burks, Leslie Stokes, Kathleen Mix, Pam Halter Lupin (Not pictured: Vanessa Berg)

Sincerely,

Sandra Stage Chaisson President, BRAVO

(seated, l to r) Carol Hall, Pamela Williams, Gail Barnes McKenna, Virginia Eckholdt, Diane Hollis, Carol Short, Faith Peperone (standing, l to r) Joan Zaslow, Gayle Dellinger, Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa, Kathy Singleton, Charlotte Bollinger, Diane Dupin, Karen Kraak Wood On September 20, 2017, BRAVO leadership kicked off the new season with the announcement of the 2018 Gala, Une Affaire d’Avant Garde: En Blanc et Noir. Photo by Jeff Strout 38

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BRAVO’s Annual Fundraising Events

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or over two decades, the dedicated members of BRAVO have presented some of the community’s most anticipated annual galas and fundraising events to raise much-needed operating support for the New Orleans Ballet Association’s programs. The funds raised each year at NOBA’s annual gala enable NOBA to bring the power and excitement of dance to the New Orleans community by combining a Main Stage series of world-renowned dance and an extensive, multi-faceted education program.

These programs, including NOBA’s Summer Intensive for pre-professional students and scholarships for talented youth, give students the opportunities to experience dance in ways that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

The annual gala includes exciting entertainment and dancing, a grand seated dinner, gorgeous decorations and a silent auction of premier items. BRAVO works tirelessly each year in planning these galas to ensure the continuing success of NOBA, and NOBA is honored by the extraordinary dedication, generosity and energy of the volunteers who make the events happen.

This past season, BRAVO hosted “When the Stars Align: Stars of American Ballet Meet Stars of New Orleans Philanthropy” to celebrate the return of the stunning Stars of American Ballet artists to New Orleans while honoring the many generous philanthropists and supporters in our community. “When the Stars Align” featured three exquisite evenings, beginning with the exclusive Benefactor Dinner on March 8 sponsored by the Windsor Court Hotel and chaired by Jacquee Carvin, Gregory Curtis and Teresa Guzzetta. Benefactors enjoyed cocktails, a delicious three-course meal, and a live auction of a vintage Art Deco estate platinum and diamond bar pin from Lee Michaels.

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In coordination with Celebrity Greeters Courtney Andersen and Travers Mackel, Gala Chair Sandra Herman and BRAVO President Sandra Chaisson welcomed the guests of honor, Stars of American Ballet and friends of BRAVO on March 17 in 1940s and 50s splendor for the Old Hollywood themed gala evening at the Roosevelt Hotel. The event began with champagne and Sazeracs and passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by an elegant seated dinner, dancing to the Big Band sounds of Deacon John & the Ivories, a raffle for a shopping spree at Lee Michaels, and bidding on a spectacular silent auction.

Plus, Master of Ceremonies Bryan Batt led bidding on two exciting live auctions, including a New York City Ballet weekend package and a weeklong stay in a stunning Parisian apartment. The gala events culminated on March 18 with the much-applauded Stars of American Ballet Encore! performance at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, which included the worldpremiere commission of House of the Rising Sun, performed by Daniel Ulbricht and Joseph Gatti and choreographed by Marcelo Gomes.

The success of the “When the Stars Align” weekend would not have been possible without the commitment and hard work of the gala committee chairmen and volunteer members. NOBA extends it sincere gratitude to the gala committee for their efforts as well as to all members of BRAVO for their year-round efforts and the magical nights they create to benefit NOBA.

Please Save the Date for another spectacular evening with internationally renowned artists of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo Une Affaire d’Avant Garde: En Blanc et Noir Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 The Hyatt Regency Hotel For more information or to become involved, please contact Francesca Martin at (504) 522-0996 x 208 or fmartin@nobadance.com

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Photos by Kenny Martinez

1: Chad Berg, Leah Brown and Carlos Mickan 2: Henrietta Hall, Gregory Curtis and Tiffa Boutte 3: Joan Zaslow and Deborah Alciatore Empey 4: Stars of American Ballet Dancers 5: Joel and Sandra Chaisson with Sandra and Russ Herman 6: Brennan Arcement, Brooke Bordelon, Jacob Duplantis, Lucy Gautreaux and Charlotte Bollinger 7: Stephanie Burks, David Teich and Gayle Dellinger 8: Warner and Pamela Williams 9: Stephen Sonnier, Jacquee Carvin and Roy Dunn

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Photos by Kenny Martinez

BRAVO Alvin R. Albe, Jr. Cynthia Aucoin Toni Bachmann Penny L. Baumer Walda Besthoff Jo Ann Bohm Charlotte Bollinger Tiffa Boutté Ryan & Stephanie Burks Renee Carrere Jacquee J. Carvin Cindy T. Cenac Sandra Stage Chaisson Sheila Collins Dr. Chuck & Lorraine Cucchiara Gayle B. Dellinger Kathleen N. Mix John M. & Renea C. Duck Lynette & Terry DuFrene

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Extends its deep appreciation to the 2017-18 Sustaining Members.

Heidi Dugan Diane S. & Charles L. Dupin Virginia Eckholdt Elizabeth Ellison-Frost Deborah Alciatore Empey Marguerite Knight Erwin Dr. Mary Fazekas-May Lee Giorgio Joanna Giorlando Teresa Guzzetta Henrietta Ramirez Hall Jenny R. Hamilton Trudi Haney-Dyer Deborah D. Harkins Russ & Sandra Herman Mr. & Mrs. Michael R. Howard Linda R. Inglés Janie Kahn Millie Davis Kohn

Ana Konrad Cynthia & Robert LeBreton Rose McCabe LeBreton Rusty Levy Theron Lewis Pamela Halter Lupin Sharon Marchand Jack & Mary May Cynthia Chassaniol Metcalf Gilda H. “Cuqui” Moore Jamie Moreau Max Moreno Dr. Lynne Neitzschman Dr. Denise L. Newman Suzanne L. Parker Nina Pugh Janet Schmid Dr. & Mrs. Byron C. Scott R. Sonda Stacey

Dr. Bethany Stich Leslie S. Stokes Jim & Teri Sutterfield Judith B. Swenson Phyllis M. Taylor LaVerne Toombs (Saulny) Janée (Gee) Michelle Tucker Nina C. Tyler Gerri Valene Raymond Washington Vanessa G. Whipple Karen Kraak Wood Warner & Pamela M. Williams Joan Zaslow

*Members as of September 22, 2017

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Prix d’Elegance Awards Luncheon

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tyle meets substance on April 18, 2018 for one of the year’s most prestigious events: the 46th annual Prix d’Elegance Luncheon and Fashion Show in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. Each year, the Men and Women of Fashion organizations honor 20 individuals in our community who exemplify unique personal style as well as excellence and generosity through business, civic and charitable endeavors. Additionally, two honorees—one man and one woman from the memberships of both organizations—are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their sustained contributions to the mission. From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests will enjoy a champagne reception, an upscale silent auction, a raffle with contributions from Rubensteins and Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, a savory three-course lunch, a performance by students of the Center for Dance and a show-stopping Fashion Show by Jeff’s Haberdashery and Chatta Box Boutique. This year’s upcoming Prix d’Elegance Awards Luncheon will be a family collaboration, co-chaired by 2013 award recipient Carol Hall and sister Marilyn Dittmann, one of last year’s honorees. The duo remarks, “We are truly grateful to have an opportunity to change children’s lives for the better. By co-chairing this outstanding event, one of the most successful fundraisers in the New Orleans area, we, along with our great committee of volunteers, are able to raise funds that allow children to participate in the educational ballet programs at NOBA. We’re planning an unforgettable Men and Women of Fashion Luncheon this year.”

Women of Fashion President Deborah Alciatore Empey elaborates further on the partnership with BRAVO, stating, “Our commitment to BRAVO remains unwavering and strong. The members of Men and Women of Fashion are privileged and honored to work alongside BRAVO and to dedicate the proceeds from our annual Prix d’Elegance Luncheon to NOBA’s dynamic and innovative dance programs. To provide financial support to assist the continuation of the youth oriented, nationally recognized dance programs is of paramount importance to Men and Women of Fashion. We want our young dancers to have the ability to enjoy dance and to strive to become dance artists.” The groups’ philosophy maintains that an inherent relationship exists between the arts and philanthropy. Men of Fashion President Lee Giorgio recalls Emerson in his explanation of the link: “To appreciate beauty and to leave the world a little better is to have succeeded.” Giorgio adds, “The Men and Women of Fashion believe that the arts provide us with not only beauty and appreciation of gifted talent but also limitless boundaries to transcend established goals of giving more than we receive with our philanthropic endeavors.”

Through a combination of haute couture and signature New Orleans panache, there is no question that this year’s Prix d’Elegance Awards Luncheon will once again spotlight not only the Men and Women of Fashion’s sense of style, but also the tremendous generosity of the members who are truly making a difference in the lives of others.

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1: (l to r) Women of Fashion Officers: Laura Badeaux, Prix d’Elegance Luncheon Chairs Carol Hall and Marilyn Dittmann, Deborah Alciatore Empey, Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa, Teresa Guzzetta, Suzanne Parker and Sandra Herman. Not pictured: Jacquee Carvin, Kathy Singleton and Sonda Stacey 2: (front row, l to r) Men of Fashion Officers: Robert Asaro, R.K. Hoddinott, Leon L. Giorgio, Kenneth Pickering (second row, l to r) Mark Andrews, Ray Seamon, Brett Patrick Bauman, Todd Murphy, Desi Vega, Joseph Young and Kenneth Rubenstein 4: Cheryl Georgusis, JoAnn Bohm, Lee Giorgio and Melanie Cannatella Photos by Jeff Strout

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Photos by Jeff Strout

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5: Diane Hollis, Sharon Marchand, Deborah Alciatore Empey and Virginia Eckholdt 6: Kenneth Rubenstein and Linda Mah-Kelly of Lee Michaels 7: RK Hoddinott III, Nadia AlHashimi and Carl Panebiango 8: Hall of Fame Honorees Ashton Ryan and Teresa Guzzetta with Jeff Chouest Jr, Rebecca Nordgren and Jeff Chouest III 9: Laura Badeaux, Juan Barona, Gail McKenna and Juli Miller Hart 10: Special Honorees Joe Young, Aysen Young and James Fitzmorris Jr.

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Instutional Investors T he New Orleans Ballet Association gratefully acknowledges the following contributions received from July 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017. Due to the limitations of space, we unfortunately are not able to acknowledge all supporters. Please know that each and every gift is equally appreciated.

We make every effort to ensure an accurate listing. Should you find an error, please contact the Development Office at 504-522-0996, marci@nobadance.com or fmartin@nobadance.com. Thank you! *Contributions include the value of both cash and in-kind gifts.

PREMIERE CIRCLE

LEADERS

Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) Chevron Foxmor, LLC Friends of NORD Lois & Lloyd Hawkins, Jr. Foundation

The Audubon Group at Morgan Stanley Capital One Chatta Box Boutique Dunn & Sonnier Antiques and Flowers Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Jeff’s Haberdashery New Orleans Center for Creative Arts New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau RosaMary Foundation South Arts United Way

($100,000+)

PRINCIPALS

($50,000-$99,999) Adams & Reese, LLP City of New Orleans Edward Wisner Donation Hyatt Regency New Orleans Men of Fashion National Endowment for the Arts Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust The Pamela and Warner Williams Charitable Fund Women of Fashion WWL-TV

UNDERWRITERS

($25,000-$49,999) Chalmette Refining, LLC Clayton-Royer Family Fund Greater New Orleans Foundation The Helis Foundation Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Pan-American Life Insurance Group Renaissance Publishing, LLC Windsor Court Hotel

BENEFACTORS

($10,000-$24,999) Arts Council of New Orleans Louisiana Division of the Arts Newcomb Dance Program, Tulane University Department of Theatre and Dance NOCCI Ogletree Deakins Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Ruth U. Fertel Foundation St. Charles Avenue Magazine Strout Photography Wells Fargo

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($5,000-$9,999)

PARTNERS

($2,500-$4,999) Anton, Ltd. Brady’s Wine Warehouse Brown-Forman Centerplate Cox Communications Louisiana, LLC The Chatwal Hotel, New York Chilly Willy, LLC Dorignac’s Entercom Communications First Bank and Trust Gambel Communications IBERIABANK Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation New Orleans Pelicans One Cleaners Regions Bank Rubensteins Soniat House Hotel

ASSOCIATES

($1,000-$2,499) Augustina’s Blessings & Hope Fund FELLOW Fleur d’Abeille The Harouni Gallery Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel J. Edgar Monroe Foundation Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana Joseph K. and Inez Eichenbaum Foundation JP Morgan Bank Martinez Custom Clothier Mayers Portraiture New York City Ballet Planetguide

Chad and Vanessa Berg with Jan and Carlos Mickan Photo by Kenny Martinez

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans Select Properties, Ltd. Saks Fifth Avenue Westin Savannah Golf Resort & Spa Whitney National Bank

SUSTAINERS ($500-$999)

Algiers Auditorium Bailey Institute Burkedale Foundation Guastella Institute of Permanent Cosmetics Hilton Midtown New York Mignon Faget, Ltd. Mulate’s Nanette LoCoco, D.D.S. New Orleans Saints Page Goss Art Petricia Thompson Antiques St. Maria Goretti Church Weinstein’s

CONTRIBUTORS ($100-$499)

Acme Oyster House Aesthetics Surgical Associates American Luxury Limousines Andrea’s Restaurant & Catering Antiques on Jackson Anytime Fitness-Lakeview Arts Center Enterprises—New Orleans, LLC Audubon Dermatology Basics Underneath Fine Lingerie & Basics Swim & Gym Bebe Marchal & The Carlisle Collection Boudreaux’s Jewelers

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Café Amelie Charvet’s Garden Center Century Girl Vintage Clothing & Accessories Magazine St. Chateau Golf & Country Club The Columns Hotel Commander’s Palace Restaurant Contemporary Arts Center Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts Desi Vega’s Steakhouse Dick & Jenny’s Downtown Fitness Center English Turn Garden Club English Turn Golf & Country Club Estella’s Home Gautreaux’s Georgy’s Salon Spa Gulf South Eye Associates G.W. Fins The Institute for Cinema Ephemera Jefferson Performing Arts Society John’s Tuxedos, Inc. John Jay Salon Katie Koch Home Kendra Scott Lara Leone Le Visage Day Spa The Linen Registry Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Marcello’s Restaurant & Wine Bar Metairie Small Animal Clinic Mike Posey Photography Muriel’s Jackson Square Restaurant National WWII Museum Neal Auction Company New Orleans Friends of Music New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival & Foundation, Inc. New Orleans Opera Association New Orleans Silversmiths NOLA Restaurant Ogden Museum of Southern Art

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Gerri and Murray Valene, Artistic Director Jessica Lang and Renea and John Duck Photo by Jeff Strout

Perlis Clothing Pharmavite Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers Reagan Charleston Design, LLC Ryan Family Foundation Salon du Beau Monde The Silver Plum Southern Electronics Supply, Inc. Southern Rep Theatre St. Charles Vision Uptown Starlight Ballroom Dance Studio SWEGS Kitchen Tommy’s Cuisine X-Trainers Personal Training Wilson Electric X-Trainers Personal Training YAYA Arts Center

Prix d’Elegance Honorees Joey DiFatta, Patricia Riddlebarger and Steven Trotter Photo by Jeff Strout

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Individual Donors NOBA extends its gratitude to its Presenters Club—those donors who contribute a minimum of $1,000 toward the annual campaign above & beyond all other designated funds. Presenters Club members receive special perks, including VIP parking and invitations to the VIP Intermission Receptions at all Main Stage season shows at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.

ETOILES

PATRONS

($10,000+)

($1,000-$2,499)

Dottie Belletto Chad & Vanessa Berg Boysie & Joy Bollinger Charlotte Bollinger Gregory Curtis Monique & Jason Doucette Mr. & Mrs. John M. Duck John M. Fox Mr. & Mrs. Terence E. Hall Sandra & Russ Herman Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Mickan Jeff Strout Phyllis M. Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Warner Williams

Nada AlHashimi Cynthia Aucoin Mr. & Mrs. Brett Bauman Mr. & Mrs. Alvin A. Baumer, Jr. John & Paulette Battaglia Forrest L. Bethay, III Mr. & Mrs. Barra L. Birrcher Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson Mr. John Cleveland Arthur A. Crais, Jr. Mary Virginia Crawford Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Crouere Gayle B. Dellinger Joseph S. DiFatta, Jr. Roz Ditta & Rusty Gaudé Marilyn V. Dittmann Mr. & Mrs. Terry DuFrene Mr. & Mrs. John L. Eckholdt Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Falk Elizabeth Ellison-Frost Tommy Fonseca Dr. Jerry & Carolyn Fortino Marian M. Gibbs Leon L. Giorgio Joanna Giorlando Charles & Cathy Glaser Cathy M. Green Rita O. Gue Laurie Guimont Guillaume Jenny R. Hamilton Mr. & Mrs. Harold C. Harper Bill & Kathy Hornsby Dr. Bernard M. Jaffe Betty Lou Jeffrey Mr. & Mrs. Gordon K. Konrad Dr. Augusta LaFleur Maurice & Dr. Carmen LaBrie Brown Joyce LaPorte Rep. & Mrs. Walter J. Leger, III

PLATINUM CIRCLE ($5,000-$9,999)

Tiffa & Kerry Boutté Jacquee Carvin Mr. & Mrs. Joel T. Chaisson, II Mr. & Mrs. Jake Giardina Henry Lambert & Carey Bond Pamela Halter Lupin Murray & Gerri Valene Mr. & Mrs. Casey Willems Renee F. Zack Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Zaslow

CHOREOGRAPHERS ($2,500-$4,999)

Toni & Richard Bachmann Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Devon Becnel Stephanie & Ryan Burks Deborah & John Empey Dr. & Mrs. Don Guzzetta Mr. & Mrs. Robert LeBreton Sammy L. Steele, III Mr. & Mrs. James Sutterfield Karen Kraak Wood & Jim Ward

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Theron Lewis & Kimberly Hakes Dr. Hugh Long & Ms. Susan L. Krinsky Mr. & Mrs. Stephen D. Manshel Drs. Stephen & Rebecca Metzinger Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Meyer Max Moreno Connie & Ernie Nagim Sheriff Newell Normand Drs. Howard & Joy Osofsky Mr. & Mrs. Carl Panebiango Suzanne L. Parker Mr. & Mrs. Joseph S. Paternostro Leo J. Radosta & Maria Caso D. Patricia Riddlebarger Robert Ripley & Thomas Beaty Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Schenk Dr. & Mrs. Byron C. Scott Mr. & Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV Dr. & Mrs. Harold M. Stokes Sara Stone & Carol Stone Dr. & Mrs. George Van Wormer Janis Van Meerveld Desi Vega Cathie Choppin Weinstein Mr. & Mrs. Douglas J. Womac Donnell Zeringue

BENEFACTORS ($500-$999)

Henry Bernstein & Jerry W. Zachary Dr. & Mrs. James W. Bohm Melanie G. Cannatella Renee Carrere Cindy Cenac Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Chouest Christopher J. Claus Micelle D. Craig Dr. Gerald Cohen Ray Cole Kelly Haber Carol V. Hall

Stars of American Ballet dancers Andrea Harvey and Joseph Gatti with Henrietta Hall and Joan Zaslow (center) Photo by Jeff Strout

Cynthia LeBreton, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Rehearsal Director Christina Johnson and Janée Tucker Photo by Jeff Strout

Virginia Eckholdt and Lynette Dufrene Photo by Jeff Strout

Lauren LaPoint, Conny Willems and Elizabeth Ellison-Frost at the 2016 Gala Photo by Kenny Martinez

Paige Royer and Kerry Clayton with Grupo Corpo Artistic Director Rodrigo Pederneiras Photo by Jeff Strout

Janis Van Meerveld and Cathy Green

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Deborah Harkins Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Kullman Charles A. Levy, III Mr. & Mrs. Michael Maenza Elizabeth Mantis Sharon Marchand Mr. Bruce & Dr. Jane C. Miller Kathleen N.Mix & James G. Diamond, M.D. Jamie Moreau Faith Peperone Mr. & Mrs. Ira Savoie Mark Schneider S. Scott Sewell Katherine Tommaseo Steven Trotter Janée “Gee” Michelle Tucker Mr. & Mrs. Dominic G. Tusa Nina C. Tyler Dr. José Veras-Pola & Dr. Ana de Aguiar Raymond & Lisa Washington

SUSTAINERS ($250-$499)

Juan Barona & Capt. Robert Phillips Dianne M. Breaux Mr. & Mrs. Guy P. Brierre Mr. & Mrs. Sterling J. Cardon Mr. & Mrs. Chad Clark Dr. Jane Clayton Bruce & Robin Crutcher Freddie Delaune Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. Dupin Ronald Durnford Deena Gerber Dr. Rick Henderson R.K. Hoddinott, III Mr. & Mrs. Michael R. Howard Katie Legardeur Dr. & Mrs. Don Kern Dr. & Mrs. Robert Matheney Dr. & Mrs, Warren P, McKenna, Jr. Judy Norwalt Sophia G. Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Larry W. Pickett Cheryl Reuther & Joseph Georgusis Vada Reynolds

Dr. & Mrs. David R. Silvers Kathy Singleton Barbara Spencer Brenda Sue Vaccaro Jeaneen M. White

CONTRIBUTORS ($100-$249)

Ann H. Abbrecht Lynn Abide Susan Adams Mindy Airhart Frances S. Allain Mr. & Mrs. Jack M. Alltmont Suzy Andry Bobby Asaro Dr. Laura Badeaux Lou J. Bartolo Jay Baudier Ms. Linda Elaine Benigno Mr. & Mrs. Darryl D. Berger Donna Kay Berger Harold Hugh Burns Mr. & Mrs. Sterling J. Cardon Seth Chazanoff Marianne W. Cohn Mr. & Mrs. Thomas S.Davidson Stella Del Bianco Mr. & Mrs. Carlo DeMatteo Chris Dezendorf Bart Dornier Mr. & Mrs. Marc N. Duber Marlene Duronslet Dr. & Mrs. Gregory Eckholdt Dr. Blackwell Evans, Jr. Dr. Mary Fazekas-May Mr. & Mrs. Mark Fullmer Mr. & Mrs. John R. Gebbia Peggy Gehbauer Cécile Gibson Mary Goodman Mr. & Mrs. Louis K. Good, III KaTrina Griffin Laura Gurievsky Holley Haag Sharon Hannahan Dr. & Mrs. Sheldon Hersh Coeli Hilferty

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Diane M. Hollis Mr. & Mrs. James Hughes Linda & Luis Inglés, Jr. Jolene Jeff Burnie & Mary Anne Juneau Mrs. Carlie Meyer Kahn Dorothy Kattengell Alice E. Kraemer Yvonne LaFleur Shirley Laska Gladys Gay LeBreton Cori & Caitlyn Lewis Lieschen Mr. & Mrs. Juan Linares Dr. Benjamin Lowry Dawn Lyons Jamie M. Manders, DDS & James R. Riopelle, MD Mr. & Mrs. Brian J. Marceaux Linda R. Martin Kay McArdle Mr. & Mrs. C. G. Melville Peggy Mendoza Shelley Middleberg Gilda H. “Cuqui” Moore Barbara & Biff Motley Catherine Myers Dr. Denise Newman Chris O’Sullivan Sophia G. Pappas Darren A. Patin Michael Phillips Kenneth E. Pickering Holly S. Popham Phyllis Roberson Simonne G. Robinson Joan Lisso Rogers Pamela A. Rogers Anthony M. Rotolo Laurie Rosenberg Christina Roux Kenneth Rubenstein Lucille S. Ruffino Helen Schneidau Leslie Schutt Beth Seamon Dr. & Mrs. J. Terry Segura Janet Schmid

Faith Peperone, Stars of American Ballet Principal Dancer Joseph Gatti, and Renee Carrere Photo by Kenny Martinez

Warner and Pamela Williams with Complexions Contemporary Ballet Artistic Directors Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden Photo by Jeff Strout

Melanie Canatella and Lee Giorgio with NOBA students Caleb Dowden (back), Greta Bourke (left), and Lauren Guzman (right) Photo by Will Strout

Warren and Gail Barnes McKenna, Ryan and Stephanie Burks, and Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa

Joel and Sandra Chaisson with Jessica Lang (center) Photo by Jeff Strout

Kathy Singleton and Jamie Moreau Photo by Kenny Martinez

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Mr. & Mrs. Rick Skelding Elaine B. Smith Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Spivey Sabrina Strander Mr. & Mrs. Frank B. Stewart, Jr. Phillip & Eleanor Straub Judith Benson Swenson Dr. Nia K. Terezakis Doug Tillman Mr. & Mrs. Hugh C. Uhalt Brenda Sue Vaccaro Maurer Van Voorthuysen Mignonne Volterre C. Michael Winters Joann B. Wisdom Mr. & Mrs. D. Brent Wood

—Holiday Tree Donors—

Nutcracker Legacy Fund Donors

Mrs. John Eckholdt (Virginia) Gail Barnes McKenna Faith Peperone Joan Lisso Rogers Olga G. Smoak

—Snowflake Donors— Penny L. Baumer Mrs. Jacquee J. Carvin Sandra Stage Chaisson Elizabeth Ellison-Frost Teresa Guzzetta Pam Pickett Dr. & Mrs. Byron C. Scott Warner & Pamela M. Williams

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Harold Hugh Burns Deborah Alciatore Empey Dr. Mary Fazekas-May R. Sonda Stacey

—Candy Cane Donors— Diane S. & Charles L. Dupin

—Holiday Bow Donors— Cindy T. Cenac Trudi Haney-Dyer Joanna Giorlando Ana Konrad Martine Chaisson Linares Nina C. Tyler

Lisa Romano, Wendy Goldberg, Jenny Hamilton and Theron Lewis at the kickoff event for the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Dance for Parkinson’s Program at the JCC Photo by Jeff Strout

—Holiday Stocking—

*Donations received between July 1, 2017–September 26, 2017

Desiree and Representative Gary Carter with Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson and Mary Robin Foster Photo by Jeff Strout

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COMMEMORATIVE GIVING In Honor of Charlotte Bollinger’s Birthday Betty Lou Jeffrey Teresa Guzzetta In Honor of Yvonne LaFleur Women of Fashion In Memory of Lorraine Myers Hamilton Deborah Alciatore Empey Wanda Fulton Leon L. Giorgio Jolene Jeff Cori & Caitlyn Lewis Elaine B. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Warner Williams

DANCE FOR PARKINSON’S is made possible by generous community support provided by: Mr. & Mrs. Jack M. Alltmont Mr. & Mrs. Darryl D. Berger Mr. & Mrs. Marc N. Duber Deena Gerber Ms. Joanna Giorlando Mr. & Mrs. Louis K. Good, III Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Kullman Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Meyer Vada Reynolds and Ryan Family Foundation Laurie Rosenberg Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Schenk Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Mrs. Renee F. Zack

Barbara Hayley and Alice Pascal Escher Photo by Jeff Strout

In Honor of Mary-Margaret Lhuilier Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. Dupin In Memory of Dr. Ralph Lupin Pamela Halter Lupin

Deborah Alciatore Empey and Heidi Dugan Photo by Jeff Strout

In Memory of Marie Jeanne Trauth Shirley Laska In Memory of Mrs. Louise Williams Pamela Williams

Toni Bachmann, Elizabeth Harper, and Pamela Williams Photo

by Jeff Strout

Grupo Corpo artist Cassi Abranches with Cynthia LeBreton and Aline de Souza Photo by Kenny Martinez

Jim Ward, Kerry Boutte and Karen Kraak Wood Photo by Kenny Martinez

Susan Hoffman, Gregory Curtis, Francia Barradas and Bradley Feichter Photo by Jeff Strout

Jessica Lang Dance artists John Harnage and Milan Misko with Cecile Gibson Photo by Jeff Strout

Maurice and Carmen Brown Photo by Jeff Strout

NOBA Board Members Tiffa Boutte, Teresa Guzzetta, Monique Doucette, Terry Dufrene and Jacquee Carvin Photo by Jeff Strout

Jim and Teri Sutterfield with Casey Willems Photo by Jeff Strout

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Invest In The Future “The Helis Foundation is proud to support NOBA’s Ovation Program as it furthers our mission of advancing access to artistic opportunities in our community. We are pleased to work closely with NOBA to provide students and their families with the opportunity to enjoy high quality dance performances in our city.”

Y

— David A. Kerstein, President of The Helis Foundation

our investment in NOBA’s programs directly touches the lives of all those whom we serve. With your support, we will continue (1) to fulfill our vital role in the international dance community by presenting, producing, commissioning and providing resources to artists and (2) to sustain our nationally recognized education programs of over 5,500 tuition-free classes and activities by a phenomenal faculty of over 50 local artists annually.

GIFTS OF ANY AMOUNT TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE. $20 will supply a pair of ballet or tap shoes to a child $50 will provide a student’s full uniform of leotard, tights and shoes $100 underwrites the cost of a new costume for The Nutcracker Suite.

SUSTAINING GIFTS Become a NOBA Monthly Sustainer and join the growing number of supporters who have generously decided to make easy, convenient and automatic monthly gifts of any amount that provide a sound foundation for each season and for NOBA’s future.

MEMORIAL/IN HONOR OF GIFTS Whether a gift in memory of a friend or loved one or a commemoration of a birthday, anniversary or an important milestone, these gifts are a wonderful way to pay tribute to those whom we hold dear. NOBA will send a beautiful card to the honored person or family notifying them of your thoughtfulness.

BRAVO The Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization is a powerful force of 200+ who “FUN-raise” for NOBA. Find out how you can become involved on pages 38-41.

THE NUTCRACKER LEGACY FUND Help ensure Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat Queen, and all the party guests take to the stage in their festive best. Dedicated to the acquisition and maintenance of the Nutcracker costumes, sets and props used annually by the over 200 participants of NOBA’s production of The Nutcracker Suite, the Nutcracker Legacy Fund helps replace tattered costumes for several scenes and ensures our costumes stand the test of time, worn for years to come to transform our dancers into their legendary roles.

Center for Dance students and their families attend a Complexions Contemporary Ballet performance through The Helis Foundation Ovation Program Photo by Millette White

MATCHING GIFTS The impact of your gift to NOBA may be doubled or possibly tripled! Many companies sponsor matching gift programs that will match any charitable contributions made by their employees, retirees and/or spouses.

PLANNED GIFTS A planned gift represents the ultimate gift from one’s estate, including simple bequests in one’s will, charitable remainder trusts, unitrusts, charitable lead trusts and gifts of insurance. These gift vehicles offer attractive benefits that might include an income for life for the donor or a designated beneficiary, a significant charitable tax-deduction or the ability to reduce the taxable portion of one’s estate while having the satisfaction of making a charitable gift.

NOBA recommends you speak with your financial advisor to develop the best method of planned giving that will complement your estate’s needs.

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES AND ENDOWMENT Your gift can keep on giving through major gifts in your name to a capital campaign for bricks and mortar, commissions of new artistic works, dedicated scholarships and investments in NOBA’s endowment held at the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

GIFTS OF STOCK NOBA gratefully accepts gifts of stock valued at any amount. Oftentimes, a gift of appreciated stock may significantly reduce your capital gains tax while creating a larger charitable deduction.

Please help us continue our work and efforts to make sure that dance remains a vital part of the cultural fabric of this great city. For more information or to make your donation, contact us today at 504-5220996, fmartin@nobadance.com or marci@nobadance.com or visit www.NOBAdance.com.

GIFTS IN-KIND Help us reduce our costs through the donation of non-cash gifts delivered in the forms of goods, services or expertise. Some examples include office supplies; bottled water and healthy snacks for students; art, jewelry and accessories, or restaurant gift certificates for silent auctions or raffles at BRAVO’s fundraising events and pro bono services such as catering, photography or graphic design.

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP Demonstrate your company’s commitment to the community and boost your marketing efforts with a winning sponsorship. NOBA offers a variety of special benefits for our corporate partners, and opportunities are available at many levels.

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BRAVO President-Elect Stephanie Burks shows the result of the Nutcracker Legacy Fund, with the new Rat Queen tutu on the left. Photo by Jeff Strout