2018 Rock School Gala - Beau Soir - Program Book

THE ROCK SCHOOL FOR DANCE EDUCATION presents

BEAU SOIR 2018 BENEFIT & GALA

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

DR. MILTON L. ROCK

“Dance education is important because it gives people the opportunity to see that they have something within themselves that they can give to others.” – Dr. Milton L. Rock

Tonight we honor a great man. Dr. Milton L. Rock enriched and enlightened the city of Philadelphia with his brilliance, warmth, and spirit of philanthropy.

- Jaimie & David Field

TOP ROW: Rock School Chairmain Emeritus- Caro U. Rock, Curtis Institute Composer - Wang Jie, Dr. Milton L. Rock, Former Rock School Artistic Director- Violette Verdy, Rock School Chairmain Emeritus- Constance Benoliel-Rock, Curtis Institute- Milton L. Rock Chair- Jennifer Higdon BOTTOM ROW: ALUMNI: Esteban Hernandez of San Francisco Ballet, Jeanette Kakareka of Bayerisches Staatsballett, Rachel Richardson of American Ballet Theatre, Beckanne Sisk of Ballet West, Derek Dunn of Boston Ballet

BEAU SOIR

2018 GALA BENEFIT COMMITTEE

CO-CHAIRS Carla Rock* Clare Putnam Pozos*

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dayna Abbott Amy Berton Lauren Baer Ali Bauer Crouch* Lauren Cuddeback Mary Jo D’Ortone Abigail Hill

Caro U. Rock (Chair Emeritus)** Phoebe Schuh Fred Stein Tara Trimarchi-Munson Erica Warburg Tali Zeltner

GALA COMMITTEE MEMBERS Barbara & Dr. Todd Albert˚ Dr. John R. Amsterdam Dr. Michael Baumholtz Constance Benoliel-Rock (Chair Emeritus)** Jessica Taylor Benoliel Kess & Todd Benoliel Leslie Benoliel & Alexander Hamilton Willo Carey & Peter Benoliel Ellen & Nicholas Besobrasov Andy Bhattacharya Barbara Bodine Amy Branch & Jeffry Benoliel Mireille & Oleg Briansky˚ Nancy* & George Brodie Patrcia & Patrick Buteux˚ Joan Carter & John Aglialoro Ruth Conway Victoria & Peter Dachowski* Jacqueline & Robert Delannoy˚ Elissa & Roberto Diaz˚ JoAnne & Albert DiSanto Sarah & Judge Nelson A. Diaz Gail Ehrlich Staci & Bayard Fiechter Jaimie & David Field Marie & Joseph Field Gerry & Richard Fox Lisette Galimberti˚ David Glyn Carole Haas Gravagno Frances & Jose Guzman˚

Pat & Lloyd Hamilton, Jr. Liza Herzog* & Paul Curci Pat Hill Lolo & Osagie Imasogie Gail & Edward Kabala Lisa Kabnick & John McFadden Andrea & Owen Kantor Carol L’Heveder˚ Susanna Lachs Adler & Dean Adler˚ Bobbie Lane Carol Clark Lawrence** & Ray Lawrence Shawn & William Lawrence Drs. Mi Wha & Bong Lee Marguerite & Gerry Lenfest Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer & Joseph Neubauer Elaine Levitt Rosemarie & Graham Lintott˚ Martha Madigan & Jeffrey Fuller Drs. Elsa & Leon Malmud Steven Marshall˚ Judy McLaren Marina Kats & John Medveckis Fiona & Gordon Mellor˚ Suzanne & Ronald* Naples Margo & Daniel Polett Delphine & Bernard Poussot Clare* & Antonio Pozos Helen & David Pudlin Jill Clarke & R. Christopher Raphaely* Jean & William Roberts

Carla* & William Rock Caro U. Rock** & Robert Rock* Drs. Kristen & Thomas Rock Sue Rock* & Dr. Michael Phillips Rita Rome Eileen Rosenau Elaine & Ronald Sandmeyer Marciarose Schestack Abby Schroeder SaraKay & Dr. Stanton Smullens Joan Specter Stacey Spector & Ira Brind Elaina Spilove Nancy Taylor Leslie Tolles Mrs. & Judge Thomas Watkins Jon Willoughby Brie Willoughby Knox-Villegas & Ricardo Knox-Villegas Stephanie Wolf Spassoff* & Bo Spassoff* Randi J. Zemsky** & Robert D. Lane, Jr. *Rock School Board of Trustees **Rock School Board of Trustees, Emeritus ˚Honorary Committee Dancer: Kaeli Ware Rock Academics & Professional Division Level 6 student

GALA CONTRIBUTORS as of 4/10/18

DIAMOND:

Constance Benoliel-Rock Marguerite & Gerry Lenfest Caro U. & Robert Rock

GOLD:

Amy Branch & Jeffry Benoliel Cozen O’Connor Marie & Joseph Field Lisa D. Kabnick & John McFadden Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer & Joseph Neubauer Jane & James Stern

SILVER:

Louis N. Cassett Foundation Peter Benoliel & Willo Carey Nancy & George Brodie The Curtis Institute of Music Drinker Biddle & Reath Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health Penn Mutual Margo & Daniel Polett Clare & Antonio Pozos Quaker Chemical Carla & William Rock Sue Rock & Dr. Michael Phillips Vikki Sloviter & Justin Wheeler TD Bank Temple University UBS Financial Services

BRONZE:

Marta & Robert Adelson Barbara & Todd Albert Joan Carter & John Aglialoro Marsha & Bob Chappell Dranoff Family Foundation Jaimie & David Field Carole Haas Gravagno Marjorie & Jeffrey Honickman The Keystone School KieranTimberlake Susanna Lachs Adler & Dean Adler Drs. Mi Wha Lee & Bong Lee Macy’s Malmud-Kravitz Foundation Leslie Miller & Richard Worley Music Theatre Philly

ASSOCIATE:

Arena, Snyder & Dunlap CliftonLarsonAllen Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius CRW Graphics Dietz & Watson Hideaway Day Camp The Honickman Family Foundation / Canada Dry Elaine Levitt Helen & David Pudlin Stacey Spector & Ira Brind Springboard Media Liza & Paul Uhlmann Constance & Sankey Williams

PATRON:

Barton Partners Phyllis & Howard Fischer The Lundy Law Foundation Drs. Kristen & Thomas Rock Robin & Mark Rubenstein Susan Stewart & Robert Abramowitz Randi Zemsky & Bob Lane

INDIVIDUAL:

American Harlequin Floors Lauren & Benjamin Baer Dorothy & Lance Berger Kathy & Dr. Robert Booth BP Business Solutions Susanna M. & Drew Brown JoAnne & Albert DiSanto Duffy Real Estate – John S. Duffy Liza Herzog & Paul Curci Losenge & Osagie Imasogie Gail & Edward Kabala Patty & Jonathan McAuley Jeanne Scandura Linda & Charles Schelke SaraKay & Dr. Stanton Smullens Leslie J. Tolles Tara & Dave Trimarchi-Munson Betsy & John Wilkins Tali & Andrew Zeltner

DONATIONS:

Dana Band Peter K. Benoliel Arnie & Linda Borish Richard P. Bowen Diane Burko Elaine Woo Camarda Dr. D. Walter Cohen Ruth A. Conway Liza Herzog & Paul Curci Bobbie Lane Kathy & Peter Linneman Maggie & Dr. John Brien Murphy Rosalind & Roy Neff Petit Jardin Marlena & Dr. Anthony M. Santomero TCG Document Solutions Fred Stein Judith & Paul Thompson Penelope & Thomas Watkins Stacey G.H. Yap & Raina E. Chong

ROCK SCHOOL SUPPORTERS The following corporate, foundation, and government agencies provide The Rock School for Dance Education with necessary funding, which aids in the sustainability for general programs and operations, scholarships, performances, and community outreach efforts. We are exceedingly grateful for their generosity. $100,000 and Above The William Penn Foundation $25,000 to $49,999 Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Philadelphia Cultural Fund The Wyncote Foundation $15,000 to $24,999 Dizzy Feet Foundation Lincoln Financial National Endowment for the Arts TD Bank $10,000 to $14,999 Campbell Soup Cozen O’Connor Discount Dance Supply PECO Penn Mutual Life Insurance The Jerome Robbins Foundation $5,000 to $9,999 Central New York Community Foundation Inc. Chef’s Table Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. Connelly Foundation Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation Dolfinger McMahon Foundation Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund Independence Blue Cross Independence Foundation Jefferson Louis N. Cassett Foundation Macy’s PMC Property Group Quaker Chemical Corporation Samuel P. Mandell Foundation Samuel S. Fels Fund Temple University Health System The Leslie Miller & Richard Worley Foundation UBS Financial Zemsky Family Foundation $2,500 to $4,999 A Wish Come True Caroline J. Sanders Trust Curtis Institute of Music Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dilworth Paxson, LLP Dranoff Properties Goldman Sachs Howell Lockhart Seiple Trust Keystone National High School Morgan Stanley The Christopher Ludwick Foundation The Philadelphia Trust Company The PoGo Family Foundation UM Holdings, Ltd. Werner Coach

$1,000 to $2,499 Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. B & W Family Foundation Inc. Beneficial Bank Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Day & Zimmerman Delaware Investments Greater Kansas City Community Foundation Hersha Hospitality Hideaway Day Camp Isaacson, Miller Jewish Community Federation of Greater Kansas City Joseph Kennard Skilling Trust Justi Group, Inc. Landenberger Family Foundation Lundy Law Lurie Family Foundation Northrop Grumman Corp Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel, LLP Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation The Becket Family Foundation The Philadelphia Foundation Weaver C. Barksdale & Associates, Inc. $1,000 and below Allan Domb Real Estate American Harlequin Corporation Arena, Snyder & Dunlap LLP Bank of America Benevity Community Impact Fund Cherokee Construction Christenson Investment Partners CRW Graphics Daniel M. Tabas Family Foundation Definitely Dance Inc. Dietz & Watson Elliott-Lewis Corp.

Eurotard Activewear Executive Screen Printing & Embroidery First Western Financial, Inc. Friends Center City Retirement Community Gesu School Maloumian Oriental Rugs Mosaic Financial Group, LLC Old City Pharmacy Parkway Corporation Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust Powell Family Foundation Rothman Institute Sila Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Springboard Media Swan Dancewear, LLC The Agnes Irwin School The Bradley Foundation The Kesher Fund of the Cohen-Fruchtman-Krieger Family, Inc. The Swarthmore Group The University of the Arts Third Avenue Management Private Foundation Valley Green Bank Vanguard Your Part-Time Controller

AUCTION DONORS as of 4/10/18 12 th Street Catering A. Koch Studios BalletX Barcelona Wine Bar Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman’s Emporium Boyds Brandywine River Museum BridgeSet Sound Chaddsford Winery Richard T. Clark Comcast Spectacor, courtesy of Fred Shabel Dave and Buster’s Debra Delaney: Delaney Designs Freehouse Fitness GF Management, courtesy of Ira Lubert Head House Books Hersha Hospitality Group Liza Herzog & Paul Curci Lorraine & Eric Hirschberg JNA Institute of Culinary Arts, courtesy of Nicole DiGironimo Lisa Kabnick & John McFadden Koresh Dance Company Lantern Theater Company Linda Carrie Jewelry Longwood Gardens Kelly Meerbott Morgan Lewis, Robert Abramowitz Museum of the American Revolution Museum of Modern Art, courtesy of Erik Patton

Music Theatre Philly Ron & Suzanne Naples Never Too Spoiled New York City Ballet, courtesy of Daniel Ulbricht Party Host Helpers Pennsylvania Ballet Philadelphia Chamber Music Society Philadelphia Eagles, The Lurie Family Philadelphia Film Society The Philadelphia Phillies, The Middleton Family Philadelphia Scooters Don Pierce Quintessence Theatre Group Constance Benoliel-Rock Caro U. and Robert Rock Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, PC Phoebe Schuh Spruce Philly SoulCycle Starbucks The Daniel M. Tabas Family Foundation The Rock School for Dance Education The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon Tory Burch Triad Wellness Tria Café Urban Front Pilates Wilma Theatre Winspire Tali Zeltner

A very warm THANK YOU to the Gala Committee and the following individuals who joined with us in celebrating the life of Dr. Milton L. Rock at our 2018 -Beau Soir- Gala!

In appreciation for our wonderful Co-Chairs: Carla Rock Clare Putnam Pozos

The 2018 Benefit Committee consisting of benefactors, parents, dance enthusiasts, friends and members of the Rock family who also have a commitment to The Rock School.

Fred Stein, The Creative Group, for his creative vision and events planning expertise.

Dancer: Jillian Price, Orlando Ballet II Rock Academics Alumni, 2016

Celebrating a Life A devoted community member and well-loved friend, Dr. Milton L. Rock strengthened and inspired the lives around him. In celebrating his life, The Rock School has established The Dr. Milton L. Rock Scholarship Fund for Dance Education in his name, so that his legacy can continue to strengthen and inspire others.

Thank you to those who have committed their generous support.

IN-MEMORIAM DONATIONS Dana Band Richard K. Barnhart Caron and Brian Beere & Family Luisa Boverini & Jeffrey Heit Linda & Arnie Borish Joan Carter & John Aglialoro Lisa Cody William & Julie Cook Jeffrey Cornelius Robert J. Davenport Ellen & Peter Davis JoAnne & Al DiSanto Vicki & Gary Erlbaum Deborah Feith Tye Phyllis & Howard Fischer Susan & Marvin Greenbaum Marjorie & Jeffrey Honickman Susan & Benjamin Krevsky Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation Ira M. Lubert Malmud Kravitz Foundation Filomena A. & Joseph W. Marshall Eileen McDonnell

Maggie & Brien Murphy David O’Malley Kathy Moss Tina & Carlo Nunziante Rich Patel Shelly Phillips & Ted Tapper Helen & David Pudlin Krista Reichard Suzanne Roberts Carla & Bill Rock F. Eugene Romano Ellyn & Stephen Saft Amy Sales Ronald & Elaine Sandmeyer Jeanne M. Scandura Lynn & Sam Scott Marjorie Sheikman Linda Shelke Hannah Hope Shipley Jane & James Stern The Wistar Institute Barbara Ann Wenger Robert L.Yusem Randi Zemsky & Bob Lane

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“The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music.” - Ágnes de Mille In loving memory of Dr. Milton L. Rock who always cherished and nurtured the artistic promise of our talented young dancers and musicians.

- Randi Zemsky & Bob Lane

ABOUT THE

SCHOOL

In 1963, at the urging of her mentor, George Balanchine, Barbara Weisberger established The School of Pennsylvania Ballet. In 1986, Bo Spassoff became Director of the school. After six years of steady growth, The Rock School became an independent, not-for-profit institution focusing intensely on its mission: excellence in dance education. Over the past 30 years, Bo, along with Co-Director Stephanie Wolf Spassoff and the Trustees of The School, have transformed a small regional school into an internationally acclaimed institution.

Throughout it’s over 50-year history, the school has developed dancers for most premier dance companies throughout the world. Our faculty includes distinguished dancers, instructors, and choreographers. Additionally, The Rock School owns the best ballet training facilities in the Philadelphia area, with Rock Center in the city and the West Chester branch school, The Rock School West, in the suburbs. To compliment The Rock School’s ballet training, Rock Academics provides flexible but rigorous 7-12 grade course work while Residence provides a nurturing and convenient home away from home for elite national and international ballet talent. Annual enrollment exceeds 1,200 students, with a budget in excess of $5.8 million. Because the Professional Division students are the dance stars of tomorrow, The Rock School awards upwards to $800,000 in annual scholarships to its dancers.

ACADEMICS • Rock Academics provides academic flexibility and dual preparation for our students’ artistic careers and futures in higher education. The Rock Academics Director, Robert Hodges, provides daily academic supervision. Academic tutors are also provided to support the education of The Rock School’s Academics students.

Our highly motivated students move forward at a pace suited to their individual abilities; students can earn middle school, high school and college credits, critical to young artists who often spend their college years in professional companies.

RESIDENCE • The Rock Residence is a home away from home for our students and is located in the Marine Club Condominiums, directly across the street from the Rock School. The Rock School residence occupies one floor in the Marine Club.

The Residence Life Management Staff live on the floor, ensuring students are well supported by providing 24-hour care for each and every student.

Photo: Rock Students, Emily McCallister, Carolyn Ansinn, Emma Spillane, Chloe Humphrey, Anna Turkington by student Amori Rodriguez

ROCK SCHOOL AWARDS 2018

PHILADELPHIA YAGP SEMI-FINALS 13th Consecutive Outstanding School Award Grand Prix Award - Kaeli Ware Outstanding Choreographer Award 1st & 2nd place Women’s Sr. Classical 1st & 3rd place Men’s Sr. Classical 1st & 2nd place Women’s Sr. Contemporary 1st & 2nd Place Women’s Jr. Classical 2nd place Women’s Jr. Contemporary 3rd place Ensemble ATLANTA YAGP SEMI-FINALS 1st place Women’s Sr. Contemporary 2nd place Womens Sr. Classical WORCESTER YAGP SEMI-FINALS 1st place Women’s Jr. Classical 2nd place Women’s Jr. Contemporary

Anna Turkington - 1st place Women’s Jr. Classical 2018 Philadelphia Semi Finals

2017

NATIONAL YOUNG ARTS FOUNDATION Finalist winner MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION Luciano Perotto - 3rd round Finalist NYC FINALS 2nd place Ensemble Top 12 Pas de Deux Top 12 Men’s Sr. Division PHILADELPHIA YAGP SEMI-FINALS 12th Consecutive Outstanding School Award Grand Prix Award - Ian Bulack & Luciano Perotto Youth Grand Prix Award - Ellie Iannotti Outstanding Choreographer Award !st, 2nd, & 3rd place Classical Sr. Division 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place Contemporary Sr. Division 1st & 2nd place Classical Jr. Division 1st place Ensemble ATLANTA YAGP SEMI-FINALS Grand Prix Award - Juliana Missano 1st Place Ensemble 2nd place Contemporary Sr. Division TORONTO YAGP SEMI-FINALS Grand Prix Award 1st Place Ensemble 2nd place Contemporary Sr. Division

BOSTON YAGP SEMI-FINALS 3rd place Men’s Sr. Classical

NYC YAGP SEMI-FINALS 3rd place Pas de Deux Teresa D’Ortone/ Andy Sousa

2016

YAGP NYC FINALS Mary Day Artistry Award - Julia-Rose Sherill Top 8 Pas de Deux Top 8 Ensemble PHILADELPHIA YAGP SEMI-FINALS 11th Consecutive Outstanding School Award Outstanding Choreographer Award 1st, 2nd, 3rd place Women’s Classical Sr. Division 1st & 3rd place Women’s Contemporary Division 1st & 2nd place Men’s Classical Sr. Division 1st & 2nd place Men’s Contemporary Sr. Division 1st place Women’s Classical Jr. Division 3rd place Men’s Classical Jr. Division Hope Award Pre-Competitive Age - Ellie Iannotti ATLANTA YAGP SEMI-FINALS 1st place Women’s Classical Sr. Division 3rd Place tie Women’s Contemporary Sr. Division

CURTIS/ ROCK BIOS Dai Wei,

from Guangzhou, China, entered the Curtis Institute of Music in 2016 and studies composition with David Ludwig. All students at Curtis receive merit-based, full-tuition scholarships, and Ms. Dai is the Milton L. Rock Composition Fellow. Ms. Dai has received commissions from a variety of ensembles, including the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Fifth House Ensemble, Quartetto Indaco, STACKS saxophone duo, Lilac 94, and PresentContinuous Contemporary Ensemble.

Also a vocalist, she has performed her own compositions at the New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival, the International Computer Music Conference, the World Saxophone Congress, and the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference. She has participated in the Atlantic Music Festival as well as the Fresh Inc and highSCORE festivals. Ms. Dai is also an accomplished singer-songwriter whose songs have been released by Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and others. Prior to entering Curtis, Ms. Dai earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she studied with Alejandro Rutty and Mark Engebretson; and a bachelor’s degree from the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China. She has also studied with Richard Danielpour. She began voice lessons at age three, songwriting lessons at age ten, and composition lessons at age eighteen.

JUSTIN ALLEN,

from Baltimore, Maryland, Justin began his dance training at the Baltimore School for the arts. He decided he wanted more serious ballet training and in 2004 he began training at The Rock School for Dance Education where he had the opportunity to dance different styles of ballet and finish his education in the Rock Academics Program Alliance. Justin studied at The Rock School for 4 years. He spent his summers training with the Miami City Ballet School from 2004-2008. In 2008 Justin got his first opportunity to dance as a professional guest artist with The Dayton Ballet, which led to his first professional contract. In 2009 Justin joined The Ballet Theatre of Maryland where he performed many soloist roles. In 2010, Justin joined The Rock School as full time Faculty and Choreographer.

Justin was the recipient of The Joffrey Ballet’s 2013 Choreographers of Color Award.

ROCK SCHOOL FACULTY ARTISTIC STAFF Bojan Spassoff President & Director Stephanie Spassoff Artistic Director Justin Allen Associate Director, Ballet Master, & Resident Choreographer Jody Anderson Ballet Master Telmo Moreira Ballet Master Christina Pastras Ruiz RockReach Director Asya Haykin Music Coordinator

ARTISTIC FACULTY

Justin Allen Jody Anderson Laura Banchero Sun-Mi Cho Colby Damon Yosbel Delgado Gina Grace Kelia Idieshi Rpger Lee Christina Pastras Ruiz Bojan Spassoff Stephanie Spassoff Eva Szabo Natalya Lushina Zeiger

PERMANENT GUEST FACULTY Karin Averty Rachel Butler Joaquin de Luz William Glassman Jeanette Kakareka Sarah Lapointe Maiqui Manosa Benjamin Millipied Eric Otto Phillip M. Otto Rachel Richardson Beckanne Sisk Jennifer Savelli Daniel Ulbricht

PIANISTS

Karina Adriano Ron Bodanza Olga Borisovsk Noah Farber Asya Haykin John Levis Valentina Slutsky Natalia Varlashova

ROCKREACH

Stephanie Demby Fallon Gannon Catherine Long Charon Mapp Theresa Pelicata Kelly Rambo Ben Barnes Christina Pastras Ruiz Angelica Spilis Hannah Wasserman Jennifer Yackel

ADMINISTRATION FINANCE Elizabeth Reid Simmons Assistant to the Directors

Marie Therese Piccioni Controller

Robert Hodges Director of Academics

Janette Fairbanks Paull Accountant

Elise Waychoff Registrar

Kisha Vargas Accountant

Niccole Turoscy Customer Service

Lorraine Pappalardo Bookkeeper

Gina Yung Student Operations Manager

BOUTIQUE

Yenni Leoto Residence Manager

COSTUMES

April Farlow Student Life Manager

ADVANCEMENT Richard Clark Director of Advancement

Sun-Mi Cho Marketing/Creative Manager Ellen Bonett Development Associate Kelly Bruce Development Associate Elizabeth Guthrie Community Relations Associate Cat Park Photographer, Designer Samantha Meneses Videographer

Catherine Lackey Boutique Manager

Laura Berry Costume Design & Manager

ROCK CAFÉ

Dalehia Brown Richard Freeman Dulcida Soto

WELLNESS

Marc Harwood, M.D. School Physician Nicholas A. DiNubile, M.D. Orthopedic Consultant Michael Kowitt, M.D. Wellness Consultant

PRODUCTION & FACILITIES

Brian McCole Production & Technical Manager Kim Alsbrooks Jenna Hodges Security

ROCK SCHOOL WEST therockschoolwest.org • 610-431-4321

The Rock School West offers instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, acro, & much more.

Today, The Rock School West provides dance training to Delaware County, Chester County, and the Main Line. With talented, seasoned, and nurturing instructors, the school prepares talented young artists for the collegiate level of education, and careers as professional dancers as well as providing an exceptional experience for those who simply love to dance. The School instills creativity, discipline, and confidence and has seen first hand how the study of dance can inspire productive work habits in its students other actvities and careers.

Located in the heart of Chester County, The Rock School West can be found in Goshen Village Shopping Center in West Chester, PA. Rock West Spring Show, 2017

REGIONAL DIRECTOR: Nicole Harmon ADMINISTRATOR: Mary Ann Baldwin ARTISTIC COORDINATORS: Danielle Bower Kristin Brown Donna Cherry

BALLET MISTRESSES: Kristin Brown Donna Cherry BOOKKEEPER: Kelly McDermott

FACULTY: Jody Anderson Danielle Bower Kristin Brown Donna Cherry Rose Dowlin RuthE Freeberg Jim Green

Margarita Hoelper Jackie O’Rourke Rita Marie Santos Autumn Drulis Schneider Lisa Rae Smith Sarah Vogan Bria Walton Gabby Wright

STAGE PROGRAM THE LOTUS TOLD ME

Composer: Wei Dai Choreography: Justin Allen Dancers: Gabriela Gutierrez, Luciano Perotto, Raleigh Ledford, Kenna Gold, Kaeli Ware

FROM A SHELL

Composer: Yann Tiersen Choreography: Justin Allen Dancer: Anna Turkington

VARIATION FROM DON QUIXOTE Composer: Ludwig Minkus Choreography: Marius Petipa Dancers: Rena Takahashi

ONCE UPON A TIME Composer: Benoit Jutras Choreography: Justin Allen Dancers: Gabriela Gutierrez & Luciano Perotto

FLY

Composer: Saint-SaĂŤns Choreography: Justin Allen Dancer: Emma Spillane

Dancers: Linyue Zhao, Level 6 International, ESL, and Residence student & Arnaldo Hernandez, Level 6, Rock Academics Alumni

MEMORIES

Composer: Barbara Streisand Choreography: Telmo Moreira Dancers: Teresa D’Ortone & Arnaldo Hernandez

INCANTO

Composer: Rene Aubrey Choreography: Justin Allen Dancers: Amelia McGravey, Emma Spillane, Chloe Humphrey, Anna Turkington, Luciano Perotto, José Hurtado, Brandon Ranalli, Ellie Ianotti, Teresa D’Ortone, Gabriela Gutierrez, Mine Kusano, Kaeli Ware, Kenna Gold, Mizuki Hanada, Rena Takahashi

VARIATION FROM RAYMONDA Composer: Alexander Glazunov Choreography: Marius Petipa Dancer: Linyue Zhao

IN SILENCE WE SPEAK

Composer: Max Richter Choreography: Justin Allen Dancers: Kaeli Ware

GHOST

Composer: Andrew Hewitt Choreography: Justin Allen Dancers: Ellie Ianotti

VARIATION FROM DIANA ET ACTEON

Composer: Cesare Pugni Choreography: Jules Perrot Dancers: José Hurtado

SING, SING, SING

Composer: Benny Goodman Choreography: Jody Anderson Dancers: Students of The Rock School

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS Bojan

Spassoff was a Ford Foundation Scholarship student at the School of American Ballet and was an apprentice with the Harkness Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and New York City Ballet companies. Thereafter, Mr. Spassoff became a member of the Dutch National Ballet and was later among the first foreigners to join the Royal Danish Ballet. Subsequently, Mr. Spassoff was invited to join American Ballet Theatre and continued his career dancing solo and principal roles with the San Francisco Ballet and teaching for that company and its school. Mr. Spassoff served as Artistic Director for both Savannah Ballet and Ballet Oklahoma and their associated schools. He has been guest artist and teacher for numerous regional companies, schools, and universities. A former ballet master for Pennsylvania Ballet, he was Associate Director of the New York State Summer School of the Arts, operated in conjunction with New York City Ballet. He has coached gold medalists in prestigious international competitions in Havana, Berlin, as well as Moscow and USA International Ballet Competitions. He is a judge for Youth America Grand Prix. In 2011, 2012, and 2017 Mr. Spassoff was Artistic Director for the largest Ballet Galas ever held in Mexico City.

BOJAN SPASSOFF PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR

An alumna of the School of American Ballet

and New York’s Performing Arts High School, Stephanie Wolf Spassoff is a former Pennsylvania Ballet soloist, past member of American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, and Finis Jhung’s New York Chamber Ballet. She was a principal dancer with both Ballet Oklahoma and Savannah Ballet. She was Associate Director of Ballet Oklahoma, Savannah Ballet, and their respective associated schools. Ms. Spassoff has been a guest artist and teacher for many regional companies, schools, and universities and was a permanent faculty member of the New York State Summer School of the Arts.

She has coached gold medalists in prestigious international competitions in Moscow and the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MS and is a judge for Youth America Grand Prix.

In 2011, 2012, and 2017 Mrs. Spassoff was CoArtistic Director for the largest Ballet Galas ever held in Mexico City.

STEPHANIE WOLF SPASSOFF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORS We are thankful that you all could be here this evening to celebrate Dr. Milton L. Rock.

We anticipate a truly wonderful performance by the exceptionally talented artists of The Rock School and the Curtis Institute of Music.

Rock School students come to us from the Philadelphia area and around the world. The strength of our faculty, breadth of our programs, the success of our students in major international competitions, as well as placement in prestigious companies worldwide, has brought amazing talent to our city.

Our dancers compete and win at Youth America Grand Prix, the largest ballet competition in the world, and have done so at other prestigious competitions.

Rock School alumni are currently members of New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, “Hamilton” and “CATS” on Broadway.

In fact, The Rock School currently has dancers in every major ballet company in the U.S. as well as on Broadway and in film. This success has grown from our ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of our annual count of over 1,000 students in the ever-changing field of dance. Our goal has always been to nurture, train, and inspire those entrusted to our care, regardless of their ultimate careers; the results have been extraordinary.

The Rock School’s outreach program, RockReach, is the largest dance outreach program in the tristate area. 28,000 underserved schools and thousands of children are taught customized dance programs and experience interactive performances.

It is our pleasure to again share this evening’s performance with the Curtis Institute for Music. This collaboration, initiated by a generous gift from Dr. and Mrs. Milton L. Rock, presents the world premiere of “The Lotus Told Me” composed by Curtis’ Dai Wei and choreographed by Rock Ballet Master, Justin Allen. This extraordinary relationship has been a pleasure for over a decade.

You and your generous support make it all possible.

Our sincerest gratitude to the Rock family.

Bojan Spassoff, President & Director

Stephanie Wolf Spassoff, Artistic Director

ALUMNI JAMES ADY, Instructor - Ballet Conservatory West, American Ballet Theatre, Principal Pennsylvania Ballet DEVIN ALBERDA, New York City Ballet JUSTIN ALLEN, Ballet Master at The Rock School for Dance

Education, Dayton Ballet JOSHUA ALLENBACK, Colorado Ballet TAMARA ALLISON, Child Lead NY Radio City Christmas VALERIE AMISS, Academy of Ballet NJ, Soloist Pennsylvania Ballet ALEXANDRA ANSENELLI, Principal, NYCB, The Royal Ballet ROBERT AROLD, Houston Ballet ALLYSON ASHLEY, Dance Theatre of Harlem CAMERON AUBLE-BRANIGAN, American Repertory Ballet ELIZA BARBIC, Eugene Ballet, Ballet Idaho MELISSA BARTUSCH, City Ballet of San Diego ALLISON BASFORD, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet ASHLEY BASZTO, Orlando Ballet MAXIMILIEN BAUD, Pennsylvania Ballet CATO BERRY, Pennsylvania Ballet Company Member KATIE BERRY, Child Lead NY Radio City Christmas Spectacular LUCAS BILBRO, North Carolina Dance Theatre LAURA BOWMAN, Pennsylvania Ballet LAURA BRECKENRIDGE, Broadway shows, Grey’s Anatomy,

Gossip Girl BOBBIE BRISCOE, Company C Contemporary Ballet, Joffrey Ballet SAMANTHA BRISTOW, San Francisco Ballet KACEY BURKE, Roxy Ballet RACHEL BUTLER, Director Huntsville Ballet School, Soloist Pennsylvania Ballet, Soloist Pacific Northwest Ballet FABRICE CALMELS, Principal - Joffrey Ballet TIM CANNON, Dance Alive!

NICK CARTER, Louisville Ballet MARTHA CHAMBERLAIN, Principal and Instructor Pennsylvania Ballet, Senior lecturer at the UARTS ELIZABETH CHAPMAN, Georgia Ballet TAYLOR CIAMPI, Atlanta Ballet Corps Member EMILY CORNEY, Lead in Fame CHRISTINE COX, Artistic Director Ballet X, former Pennsylvania Ballet KAREL CRUZ, Principal PNB KYLE DAVIS, Pacific Northwest Ballet MICHAEL DAVIS, Kansas City Ballet MADELINE DEAVENPORT, North Carolina Dance Theatre, New Chamber Ballet YOSBEL DELGADO, Rock School Faculty Member, Pennsylvania Ballet MICHAELA DEPRINCE, Dutch National Ballet,

JOSEPH GATTI, Principal - Cincinnati Ballet, Soloist Boston Ballet, Corella Ballet, Principal Guest Artist Orlando Ballet ELLEN GREEN, Guest Artist and Faculty Ballet Chicago, New York City Ballet JINCHANG GU, Texas Ballet Theater CHRISTIAN GUTIERREZ, Carolina Ballet KARA HANRETTY, formerly Ballet Arizona REGGIE HARRIS, Austin Ballet, Chicago High School for the Arts ALEXANDRA HARTNETT, Ballet Arizona, Opera and Ballet of Indiana

University Jacobs School of Music JESSICA HE, Atlanta Ballet Company Member ISAAC HERNANDEZ, Lead Principal English National Ballet, Principal Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet ESTEBAN HERNANDEZ, Soloist, San Francisco Ballet KYRA HOMERES, M.J.M. Dance Inc.,

Dancer and Instructor Miami City Ballet PATRICK HOWELL, Milwaukee Ballet IAN HUSSEY, Principal Pennsylvania Ballet JAMES IHDE, Soloist Pennsylvania Ballet RUSSELL JANZEN, Soloist New York City Ballet DAMIAN JOHNSON, New York City Ballet ERIK JOHNSON, Milwaukee Ballet RACHAEL JONES, Nashville Ballet, The Washington Ballet ROBERT JUMMONVILLE, Carnival Cruises JEANETTE KAKAREKA, formerly English National Ballet, Bayerisches Staatsballett MASAYOSHI KATORI, Saarlandisches Straatstheater ELIZABETH KELLER, formerly Trey McIntyre Project, Miami City Ballet, Ballet Idaho REBECCA KING, Soloist Miami City Ballet ASHLEY KNAPP, formerly New York City Ballet PETER KURTA, Ballet Met LUCAS LABRADOR, Atlanta Ballet SARAH LAPOINTE, Charlotte Ballet KRISTIE LATHAM, formerly Ballet Memphis, Ballet Met TIM LEONARD, Koblenz Balett, Germany ANDREA LONG, Principal Dance Theater of Harlem SKYLER LUBIN, Ballet X, Miami City Ballet VERONICA LYNN, former Soloist American Ballet Theater CALLIE MANNING, Principal - Miami City Ballet ABDUL MANZANO, Dance Theater of Harlem, Charlotte Ballet SKYLER MARTIN, Dutch National Ballet JANEY MCGEARY, formerly Pennsylvania Ballet, NYCB KATIE MEEUSEN, Ballet West, Ballet San Jose, Ballet Met JULIANA MISSANO, Atlanta Ballet REGINA MONTGOMERY, Tulsa Ballet MIGUEL ANGEL MONTOYA. Atlanta Ballet SARA MICHELLE MURAWSKI, Dresden Semper Opera Ballet,

Author of -Taking FlightMEGAN DILLON, North Carolina Dance Theatre 2nd Company GREGORY DOMINIAK, Paris Opera Ballet MATTHEW DONNELL, Program Director UNCSA, Kansas City Ballet, DEREK DUNN, Soloist Boston Ballet TINA EGAN, American Repertory Ballet DAMIR EMERIC, Soloist Ballet San Jose, Royal New Zealand Ballet KATCHIRI FEYS, Ballet Arkansas MOLLY FLIPPEN, Los Angeles Ballet NICK FONSECA, Orlando Ballet MAKO FUJITA, Joffrey Ballet Trainee JESSICA GATINELLA, Instructor Pennsylvania Ballet

Soloist Slovak National Ballet ELIZABETH MURPHY, Soloist - PNB, Ballet West JACKIE NASH, Atlanta Ballet OLIVER OGUMA, Ballet West TARYN OLIVERI, Ballet Memphis TEMPE OSTERGREN, Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet ERIC OTTO, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Movin’ Out, Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Ballet X, Faculty Central Park Dance NIKKIA PARRISH, Washington Ballet COLBY PARSONS, Alberta Ballet, American Ballet Theatre JAIME POLOVCAK, formerly Orlando Ballet

“

I am very grateful for the wonderful training and my years at The Rock . It helped turn me into the dancer I am today. I have many wonderful memories. A big thank you to the Rock family, and in particular Dr. Rock for the support I received.

- Beckanne Sisk, Rock Alumna, Ballet West Principal

Left to Right: Jeanette Kakareka, Michaela DePrince, Esteban Hernandez, & Beckanne Sisk, 2010

ELLEN GREEN, Guest Artist and Faculty Ballet Chicago, JILLIAN PRICE, Orlando Ballet II CLAIRE RATHBUN, The Washington Ballet, CATS on Broadway GIOVANNI RAVELO, Roxy Ballet JOSHUA REYNOLDS, Atlanta Ballet, Smuin Ballet RACHEL RICHARDSON, American Ballet Theatre LAWRENCE RINES, Boston Ballet SHAYNA RUDD, PHILADANCO ASHLEY RUHL, formerly Ballet West CATHERINE RUSSELL, Kansas City Ballet JENNITA RUSSO, Hubbard Street Dance Company, Choreographer for Celine Dion, Jay-Z & Beyonce SARAH RYAN, Pacific Northwest Ballet ERICA SABATINI, Carolina Ballet, Dresden Ballet ISAAC HERNANDEZ, Lead Principal English National Ballet TAYLOR SAMBOLA, Orlando Ballet AYAMI SATO, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida JENNIFER SAVELLI, Pennsylvania Ballet, Fosse, Boy From Oz,

Chicago the Movie, Anything Goes TYLER SAVOIE, Pennsylvania Ballet, Kansas City Ballet ANDREW SCORDATO, New York City Ballet CHRISTIE SCITURRO, MIAMI CITY BALLET KRISTEN SEGIN, New York City Ballet CHRISTOPHER SELLERS, 1st Soloist, Ballet West JOSE SERRANO, Principal - Columbia City Ballet GABE STONE SHAYER, American Ballet Theatre JULIA-ROSE SHERRILL, Pennsylvania Ballet Company Member CHRISTINE SHEVCHENKO, Principal - American Ballet Theatre RAMMARU SHINDO, Carolina Ballet ILIR SHTYLLA, formerly Ballet Arizona BECKANNE SISK, Principal Ballet West, Breaking Pointe reality television series JENNIFER SMITH, Pennsylvania Ballet PROMISE SMITH, Charlottesville Ballet NICOLE STALKER, Miami City Ballet ISAIAH SUMLER, Ballet Tucson TAYLOR STANLEY, Principal - New York City Ballet HANNAH STERLING, Ballet West II

ABE TAKAHASHI, Reiko Matsuoka Ballet, Japan HITOMI TAKEDA, Houston Ballet YUKIHIRO TAMURA, Colombia Classical Ballet, Asami maki Ballet, Tokyo MAY TANIGAITO, Royal New Zealand Ballet MARGARET TAPPAN, Berlin Ballet, Dutch National Ballet LINDSEY TATUM, Tulsa Ballet TOMOHA TERADA, Soloist, Ekaterinburg Ballet (Russia) MICHELLE THIEME, Ballet West MARIAH THOMAS, Austin Ballet LISL VAILLANT-MCDONALD, Director Ballet Southwest Academy, LLC,

Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Phantom of the Opera LUID VALDEZ, Cincinnati Ballet ANDREW VEYETTE, Principal - New York City Ballet FRANCIS VEYETTE, Director Pennsylvania Ballet II,

Principal Pennsylvania Ballet YUEH ERICA WANG, Corps - Hong Kong Ballet MICHAEL WARDLOW, Soloist - Cincinnati Ballet JODI WEINER, Georgia Ballet JESSICA WEISNER, USMC, Jean Ann Ryan Prod.

ALISON WHITAKER, Louisville Ballet KATHERINE WHITLOCK, Washington Ballet LATEEF WILLIAMS, Kansas City Ballet LORI WILSON, St. Louis Ballet GABRIELLA YUDENICH, Pennsylvania Ballet KYOHEI YOSHIDA, Grand Rapids Ballet JOAN SEBASTIAN ZAMORA, English National Ballet ROMAN ZAVAROV, Soloist - Ballet Arizona, Boston Ballet JIN ZHANG, American Ballet Theatre WAN TING ZHAO, San Francisco Ballet

A message from RockReach Director, Christina Pastras Ruiz:

During

the 2017-2018 school year, RockReach has in-school Residency dance classes in 36 public, charter and parochial schools in Philadelphia. We are reaching approx. 5,000 students with our residency program and 27,000 students through our additional programming such as Assemblies, Field Trip’s and Performances. RockReach students have performed for Mayor Kenney, Superintendent Hite, The Department of Health, Raymour and Flanigan, and The DEA Dance Summit to name a few. We have taken part in the City of Philadelphia, Jazz across Philly where we offered dance classes at various recreation centers. RockReach recently received the Get Fit Philly Grant Award, Lincoln Financial, PECO and William Penn Foundation Grant Awards.

RockReach Director, Christina Pastras Ruiz teaching ballet technique.

RockReach

has the pleasure of working with special needs students at Overbrook Education Center, Joseph G. Greenberg, Edison High School, Alan Loche, to name a few. RockReach Teaching Artists are continuing training and focusing on developing and implementing dance classes designed specifically towards a variety of needs; visually impaired, hearing impaired, different spectrums of autism and children in wheelchairs with disabilities. We feel strongly that every child no matter the impairment deserves a chance to dance and be a part of the arts. Schools are reaching out to find special programs and teaching artists to offer their students an opportunity to be a part of the arts. RockReach classes are designed to meet the needs of each individual student and to offer a range of movement to help increase balance, flexibility and coordination.

We

would like to continue to expand our program to work with more special needs students. For the first time RockReach offered a sensory friendly Nutcracker 1776 Performance and worked with ArtReach to offer our visually impaired students audio description. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and we have been receiving inquiries from additional schools to offer their students the same opportunity to learn about and participate in our residency program, and to be a part of our assembly and field trip programs, along with a chance to perform in shows and musicals. We are looking for additional funding to bring RockReach into these schools and also a funding source to continue to train and focus on designing and implementing classes for these students ranging in grades K-12.

Rock Alumni, Dutch National Soloist, Michaela DePrince performing at a Dynamics of Dance Assembly at The Rock School, 2011.

KIPP Preparatory RockReach Residency, 2018.

RockReach students receiving new ballet shoes for class, 2017.

Maternity BVM School, RockReach Residency, 2018

New Foundations Charter School RockReach Residency, 2017.

A very excited RockReach student departing the bus to see Nutcracker 1776 at the Merriam Theater.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Robert L. Abramowitz, Esq. Mindy Baiada Nancy S. Brodie, Treasurer Susanna M. Brown Alexandra Bauer Crouch Louis Eni Liza Herzog, Chair Education Lorraine Stanhope Hirschberg John Hyman Victoria Kaplan Leroy Kean Warren Kuo J. Nicole Martin Lawton Patricia Quinn McAuley Ronald J. Naples Clare Putnam Pozos Carla I. Rock Robert Rock, PhD Susan Rock Jeanne Scandura Vikki Sloviter Bojan Spassoff Stephanie Wolf Spassoff Scott D. Thompson

TRUSTEES EMERITUS Constance W. Benoliel-Rock Chairman Emeritus Caro U. Rock Chairman Emeritus Diane Breckenridge, PhD Michael DeLuca Howard Fischer Jennifer Franklin Carol Clark Lawrence Robert F. McCadden Suzanne Schoch Rehl, Esq. Howard D. Ross Sherry Varrelman Randi Zemsky

Dancer: Rock Alumni, Hong Kong Ballet Company Dancer, Yueh Erica Wang • Photographer: Vikki Sloviter

Christopher Raphaely Chairman

Chris Raphaely I Chairman, Board of Trustees As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, I am honored to welcome you to the 2018 Rock School Benefit Gala & Auction: Beau Soir. This evening we are celebrating the life and love of our dear patriarch, Dr. Milton L. Rock, whose leadership has shaped The Rock School into the organization it is today and one that will continue its mission for generations.

Dr. Rock was a leader and visionary in many endeavors. His creation of The Rock School, as we know it, along with his tireless support of the School over the years was, thankfully, one of his many passions and successes. Dr. Rock’s passing is a great loss for The Rock School and personally for many of us lucky enough to have known him. He holds a special place in the hearts of so many people and I am happy we get to share in the memories this evening.

Now in its 55th year, The Rock School continues to be recognized for its top quality ballet and dance training. We currently train over 1,200 students on two campuses: Center City and West Chester. Many of these young dancers came to us from all over the world and will go on to have international careers in prestigious ballet companies, theater, television, and movies.

On a local level, The Rock School is committed to making dance accessible to the community through its multifaceted outreach program, RockReach. This year, our extraordinary program will reach over 28,000 underserved children through in-school residencies, performance assemblies, and City Dance scholarships.

Above all, the annual event is our chance to thank you, our loyal benefactors.

The Rock School’s extraordinary growth and influence is only possible because of you and your generous support. Your understanding of the importance of dance in the world has the most profound impact on furthering our mission as one of the nation’s premier institutions for classical ballet and dance training. The Rock School generates nearly ninety percent of its revenue through its dance, academic, performances, and residential programs- a high percentage of earned income for a not-for- profit arts organization. The funding we receive tonight, as a result of your generosity, allows us to stand out from other charitable organizations by establishing The Rock School as a world-class institution with an exemplary reputation for dance education. Thanks to you, our international and local students will take their positive experiences from The Rock School and share them with the world.

Special thanks also go to our Co-Chairs, Carla Rock and Clare Putnam Pozos, the event team led by Rick Clark, Ellen Bonett, Kelly Bruce and Elizabeth Guthrie, and Bo and Stephanie Spassoff, and their incredible staff.

All of us at the “Rock” truly hope you have a wonderful time tonight.

Chris Raphaely, Chairman

THANK YOU,

DR. MILTON L. ROCK

Dr. Milton L. Rock strolling through Rittenhouse Square

On January 27th Dr. Milton L. Rock passed away, a month shy of his 97 th birthday. Known

as“Milt” to his friends and colleagues, and by “Pop” to his beloved family, Dr. Rock lived an active and impactful life.

Born February 25, 1921 in the Logan section of Philadelphia, Dr. Rock went to grammar

school and high school in north Philadelphia and attended Temple University for his B.A. and M.A. While at Temple he met and married Shirley Ruth Cylinder, his wife until her death in 1988. From 1942 to 1945 Dr. Rock served in the Army Air Corps and afterwards went to the University of Rochester for his Ph.D. in psychology.

Upon graduation from Rochester in 1949, Dr. Rock joined Edward N. Hay in the development

of a compensation and human resources consulting firm. He had close working relationships with many top executives who sought out his advice on important and often highly sensitive topics such as CEO succession, corporate governance, and executive compensation. He was a trusted advisor, a wise counselor, and an insightful mentor.

When Dr. Rock retired as Managing Partner of The Hay Group in 1984, the three-man firm

had grown into one of the world’s largest management consulting firms, serving 5,000 clients from 94 offices in 27 countries. Dr. Rock was instrumental in the professionalization of the field of human resources management in general and executive compensation in particular. When Dr. Rock joined Hay Associates in 1949, the personnel department was buried deep within the organizational hierarchy, responsible for tasks such as the company picnic. When he retired thirty-five years later, the department reported directly to the CEO and was accountable for the strategic asset of human resources.

The Hay System, which Dr. Rock promoted throughout the world, remains one of the

primary foundations for salary administration and executive compensation. Thirty years after he retired from the chairmanship of the Hay Group, a 2017 article in The Wall Street Journal referred to him as “the godfather of compensation consulting,” and a recent academic study concluded that in terms of compensation bench-marking and consulting, “all paths eventually lead back to Milton L. Rock.”

After retiring from Hay, Dr. Rock established MLR Holdings, which owns and operates

media and information businesses including the magazines Family Business and Directors & Boards, and the conferences Family Business Transitions and Private Company Governance Summit. He remained active in these businesses, coming to the office into his 90’s. MLR’s publications and conferences have provided thought leadership on corporate development, corporate governance and family business, and were seminal in the emergence and development of these fields.

Throughout his life, Dr. Rock remained very active at Temple University, serving as a

member of the board of governors of Temple University Hospital starting in 1974. He served as its chairman from 1985 to 1992, and afterwards as a member of the board of directors of Temple University Health System. In 1979, he became a member of the board of trustees of Temple University where he remained an honorary life trustee.

In 1986, his gift to Temple helped establish Rock Hall which provides Temple’s Boyer College of Music with a world-class performing auditorium. In 1991, Temple Hospital’s patient tower was named the Shirley and Milton L. Rock Pavilion.

Dr. Rock was a patron and lover of the arts, focusing on the training and education of talented young people. He was a long time member of the board of the Curtis Institute of Music, serving as its chair from 1989 to 2002, and until his death, he remained on both the Bok Foundation Board and the Curtis Board as one of its two honorary chairs. At Curtis, his vision and generosity made possible not only the Rock Chair in Composition, which is held by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon, but also a student composition fellowship which enables an annual collaboration between Curtis and The Rock School for Dance Education. This collaboration includes a commissioning opportunity for a Curtis composition student to compose a piece of music that is choreographed and performed by Rock School students. In addition, the Curtis library, known as the Rock Resource Center, is named in Dr. Rock’s honor.

Dr. Rock was also a long time trustee of the Pennsylvania Ballet and served as its chair in the1990’s. His generous gift helped to purchase the ballet’s building at Broad and Washington streets, which now houses The Rock School for Dance Education. From Dr. Rock’s initial vision and founding support, The Rock School has grown into a worldrenown institution serving 1,200 ballet students, 27,000 in outreach, and 40 conservatory apprentices at its campuses in Center City and the western Main Line.

Other civic and arts groups on whose boards Dr. Rock served include The Philadelphia

Orchestra (1981- 1994), The Philadelphia Museum of Art (1987-1996), and President Ford’s National Commission on Manpower Policy (1974-1977). He was a member of the Union League of Philadelphia for five decades and a long time member of the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Dr. Rock had spent the past three decades with his wife Constance Benoliel Rock at their homes in Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico, Castellaras in the south of France, and The Barclay. Connie was chair of The Rock School from 1989 to 2001, and his daughter-in- law Caro Rock followed as chair until 2016. Both Connie and Caro, along with son, Robert Rock, daughter, Sue Rock, and granddaughters Liza Herzog and Carla Rock, remain active at The School, maintaining Dr. Rock’s shining legacy.

w To my darling husband, spirited,

congenial, joyful, giver to the arts, and of course to the special young dancers of The Rock School.

- Connie

w “Ballet is not technique but a way of expression that comes more closely to the inner language of man than any other.� - George Borodin Alumni: Cato Berry of Pennsylvania Ballet & Juliana Missano of Atlanta Ballet as Candy Cavalier & Sugar Plum Fairy Nutcracker 1776, 2016

Dancers: Level 6 Professional students, Kaeli Ware & Alejandro Estrada as Snow Princess & Prince in Nutcracker 1776 at the Merriam Theater, 2017.

w Thank you to Dr. Milton L. Rock & The Rock School for 55 years of dance education.

- Marguerite & Gerry Lenfest Photo: Dr. Milton L. Rock, Caro U. Rock, & Robert Rock Courtesy of The Rock Family

Our Dad provided the initial vision and founding

support for The Rock School for Dance Education, which has blossomed into a world-class institution serving 1,200 ballet students, 27,000 in outreach, and 40 conservatory apprentices at its centercity and suburban Philadelphia campuses. He also conceived and established the Rock-Curtis collaboration that enables young, gifted artists from two different artistic disciplines, to work together and experience music composed and performed by Curtis students and choreographed and danced by Rock School students. Our Dad took great pleasure in the joy young artists show when they practice, and he took great pride in the recognition they gain when they perform.

We are the grateful heirs to his shining legacy.

- Caro & Bob Rock

Photo: Robert Rock, Caro U. Rock, & Dr. Milton L. Rock

TOP ROW: Susan Mae Rock, Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock BOTTOM ROW: Robert Rock, William Rock, Caro U. Rock, & Liza Herzog

Thank you to Dr. Milton L. Rock & the Rock family for providing a better tomorrow for the arts in Philadelphia. Dr. Rock’s legacy has made a real difference in the lives of students at The Rock School as well as the greater Philadelphia region.

- Amy Branch & Jeffry Benoliel

w

w Thank you, Dr. Milton L. Rock, and the entire Rock Family; because of you, The Rock School for Dance Education can continue its dedication to artistic excellence while also preparing its young students for a well rounded life by providing an outstanding academic education set within a nurturing environment.

Thanks, Marie & Joe

Photo: Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock

Thank you, Dr. Milton L. Rock, for your leadership and vision in guiding The Rock School for Dance Education to new levels of strength and success.

-Fred Stein

We are grateful to Dr. Milton L. Rock, whose keen business sense and passion for the arts led to The Rock School’s decade-long partnership with the Curtis Institute of Music.

- John McFadden & Lisa Kabnick

Photo: 2009, Rock - Curtis Collaboration rehearsal at The Rock School Top Left to Right: Wang Jie, the first composer awarded the Milton Rock Fellowship prize, she was commissioned to compose the environmentally-aware ballet “Five Phases of Spring” for Philadelphia’s Rock School for Dance Education, Jennifer Higdon: Curtis Institute, Milton L. Rock Chair in Compositional Studies, Dr. Milton L. Rock, & Rock School Directors; Stephanie & Bo Spassoff Bottom Left to Right: Alumni: Esteban Hernandez of San Francisco Ballet, Beckanne Sisk of Ballet West, Derek Dunn of Boston Ballet, Jeanette Kakareka of Bayerisches Staatsballett, Rachel Richardson of American Ballet Theatre, & Michaela DePrince of Dutch National Ballet

Remembering an amazing man who left

a legacy of helping young artists achieve their hopes & dreams.

Thank you, Dr. Milton L. Rock & the entire Rock family.

~

Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer & Joseph Neubauer Photo: William Rock, Caro U. Rock, Dr. Milton L. Rock, & Robert Rock Courtesy of Family Business Magazine

w “Life is an interesting thing - you spend a lot of time thinking about yourself, satisfying yourself, but to give joy to others, is something very special.�

- Dr. Milton L. Rock Photo: Dr. Milton L. Rock, Caro U. Rock, & Robert Rock Courtesy of The Rock Family

w We are proud to support The Rock School for Dance Education’s 2018 Beau Soir Gala. Thank you to Bob and Caro, and the rest of the Rock family, for ensuring Dr. Milton L. Rock’s vision of dance excellence will be carried forward into the future.

- Jane & James Stern

Dancers: Joy Lackey & Daria Kasuska, Rock School Annual Showcase, Merriam Theater

, “The Rock School has had the ability to look at people and be able to bring out their talents, giving them the opportunity to express themselves in a unique way.�

- Dr. Milton L. Rock

Dancer: Chloe Humphrey, Rock Academics, Level 4 Professional Division Student

,

,

Congratulations to all of The Rock School students, faculty, and administrators. Through your talent and dedication, you have created something unique and inspired thousands.

Our grandfather was very proud of what you have accomplished.

- Bill & Carla Rock

Remembering Dr. Milton L. Rock,

a man who left an indelible mark on business, education, the arts, & the city of Philadelphia.

- Clare & Antonio Pozos

Photo: Dr. Milton L. Rock celebrates his 80th birthday.

Photo is courtesy of Constance Benoliel-Rock.

I love you Pop, Dad, Milt, Me.

- Susan Mae Rock & Michael Phillips

Top Left to Right: Robert Rock, Liza Herzog, Susan Mae Rock Bottom Left to Right: Caro U. Rock, Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock

“A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.� - B.R. Ambedkar

Remembering Dr. Milton L. Rock, an innovative and pioneering soul whom all will remember fondly.

- Peter Benoliel & Willo Carey

w

Photo: Mr. & Mrs. Dr. Milton L. Rock Nutcracker Chinese Dragon 2001

Dr. Milton L. Rock’s legacy lives through The Rock School for Dance Education, & each of the lives that it impacts.

Thank you, Dr. Rock.

- Louis N. Cassett Foundation

Photo: Pre-Ballet & Level 1X students backstage at the Merriam Theater, 2017 Rock School Showcase

W W W . C U R T I S . E D U

We are grateful to Dr. Milton L. Rock, whose vision led to the truly inspiring, enduring partnership between the Curtis Institute of Music & The Rock School for Dance Education.

Photo: Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock with Curtis Institute Alumnus, concert pianist, Lang Lang Photo courtesy of The Rock Family

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, & join the dance.�

-Alan W. Watts

Honoring a true champion of the arts, Dr. Milton L. Rock.

- Nancy & George Brodie

Photo: Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock Photo courtesy of The Rock Family

c o m m i t t e d t o E xc elle n ce

We are honored to help celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Milton L. Rock

www.drinkerbiddle.com CALIFORNIA | DELAWARE | ILLINOIS | NEW JERSEY NEW YORK | PENNSYLVANIA | TEXAS | WASHINGTON DC | LONDON Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. A Delaware limited liability partnership. Jonathan I. Epstein and Andrew B. Joseph., Partners in Charge of the Princeton and Florham Park, N.J., offices, respectively.

Jefferson is honored to support The Rock School for Dance at the - Beau Soir - Gala: Celebrating JEFFERSON the Life of Dr. Milton L. Rock

The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company is proud to sponsor The Rock School’s Beau Soir Benefit and Gala celebrating the life of Dr. Milton L. Rock.

We admire the inspiration that the school has given to many gifted dancers to help them follow and achieve their dreams, reminding us that anything is possible.

Š 2018 The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Philadelphia, PA 19172 www.pennmutual.com T3998

“We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.� - Friedrich Nietzsche

Thank you to Dr. Milton L. Rock and the entire Rock family for providing a wonderful future filled with art and beauty.

- Jeanne Scandura

Photo: Dr. Milton L. Rock dancing with his grandaughter, Liza Herzog Photo is courtesy of Constance Benoliel Rock.

Legendary Performances.

They’re our goal, too.

Celebrating The Rock School for Dance Education’s contribution to the arts.

Member FDIC | TD Bank, N.A.

UBS FINANCIAL would like to thank Dr. Milton L. Rock for his passionate commitment to the arts in education & is proud to support the 2018 Rock School Benefit Gala -Beau Soir-

Dancer: Emma Spillane Level 4 Professional Division student, 2018

Dr. Milton L. Rock’s philanthropic legacy will continue to impact Philadelphia and its surrounding area for decades to come through his valuement of the arts in education. Thank you Dr. Rock.

- Marta & Robert Adelson

Photo: Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock

Y In honor of Dr. Milton L. Rock’s care for The Rock School dancers & students who are inspired by the arts all across the greater Philadelphia region.

- Susanna Lachs & Dean Adler

Remembering Dr. Milton L. Rock, whose unwavering commitment to the lives of students will shine brightly for decades to come.

- Barbara & Todd Albert

Dancers: Level 6 Professional students, Kaeli Ware & Alejandro Estrada as Snow Princess & Prince in Nutcracker 1776 at the Merriam Theater, 2017.

Thank you to Dr. Milton L. Rock & the entire Rock family.

The Rock School for Dance Education’s many wonderful programs are made possible with your generous support & passion for the arts.

- Marsha & Bob Chappell

Photo: Creative Movement students ready for The Rock School’s Showcase

In appreciation of all Milton Rock did to enhance the Philadelphia community.

- Carole Haas Gravagno

Photo: Dr. & Mrs Milton L. Rock Photo is courtesy of the Rock family

Proud to be the educational partner of

The Rock School for Dance Education & Rock Academics.

We are proud to celebrate the life of Dr. Milton L. Rock, who changed the arts landscape of Philadelphia for the better.

- Drs. Bong & Mi Wha Lee

Photo: Bob Rock & Dr. Milton L. Rock

It feels good to give back.

MACYS And together with our generous customers and employees, Macy’s averages more than $1 million a week to initiatives important to you and your community – arts, education, HIV/AIDS, and women’s health and wellness.

It adds up to nearly $71 million a year.

It’s a good feeling we can all share, and to us, that’s the magic of giving.

photo: Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock Zermatt, Switzerland

Tonight, we warmly remember an exceptional gentleman & charitable soul, Dr. Milton L. Rock.

- Elsa, Leon, Susan, & Anne Malmud

We honor & applaud the legacy of Dr. Milton L. Rock. His vision & generosity has enriched the City of Philadelphia in countless ways.

- Leslie Miller & Richard Worley

photo: Bob Rock & Dr. Milton L. Rock, courtesy of Family Business Magazine

w Tonight we honor Dr. Milton L. Rock, whose peerless wisdom & spirit made the world a better place

- Marjorie & Jeffrey Honickman Photo: Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock courtesy of The Rock Family

proudly supports The Rock School for Dance Education

& their amazing dancers, faculty, & staff!

COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA Dancer: Teresa D’Ortone Photo: Vikki Sloviter

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Celebrating the creative, loving life of Milton Rock and the joy of the dancing he made possible.

- Elaine Levitt

Photo: William Rock, Caro U. Rock, Bob Rock, Susan Rock, Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock Courtesy of The Rock Family

Paul & Liz Uhlmann congratulate their sister & brother in law, Caro & Bob, on their achievements with The Rock School & they recognize the enormous legacy of Dr. Milton L. Rock.

Dancer: Maria Gabriela Gutierrez Aza Rock Academics, Level 6 Professional Division Student

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”

- Warren Bennis

In Memory of

Dr. Milton L. Rock A Great Man… A Great Leader…

A Great Citizen…

A Great Family Man… With All Our Love To The Rock Family & The Rock School

- Stacey Spector & Ira Brind

Thank you, Dr. Milton L. Rock, for your leadership and vision in guiding The Rock School for Dance Education to new levels of strength & success.

-Fred Stein Dr. Milton L. Rock celebrates his 80th Birthday, Photo is courtesy of Constance Benoliel Rock

Proud to honor the memory and contributions of

Dr. Milton Rock.

- Robert L. Abramowitz & Susan Stewart

photo: Dr. & Mrs. Milton L. Rock, 1992

We make ideas work.

is proud to support

The Rock School for Dance Education & the 2018 Scholarship Benefit Gala “Beau Soir”.

Photo: Amelia McGravey Rock Academics, Level 4 student

crwgraphics.com

856.662.9111

Pennsauken, NJ

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petitjardinenville.com Flower Studio 134 N 3rd Street, Philadelphia PA 19106 Outdoor Living and Garden Design 305 Cherry Street, Philadelphia PA 19106 photo: Wandering Bohemian Photography

Thank you to the entire Rock family, the Rock School for Dance Education, and especially the beloved late Dr. Milton L. Rock for nurturing and developing talented young dancers.

With love and respect,

- Phyllis & Howard Fischer

Dancers: back - Teresa D’Ortone & JosÊ Hurtado front - Gabriela Gutierrez & Luciano Perotto 2018 YAGP Ensemble Previews

Celebrating Dr. Milton L. Rock & the Rock family’s care for students at The Rock School for Dance Education & students all across Philadelphia.

-

Robin & Mark Rubenstein

Dancer: Natasha Sum, 2018 Level 5 Professional Division & Rock Academics student

www.tableart.net Thank you Dr. Milton L. Rock and the Rock family for providing the best dance education, successfully nurturing the arts in the greater Philadelphia region.

Dancer: Liam Redford 2017, 2018 Rock Summer Ballet Intensive, Fast Forward Dance student

PROUD SUPPORTER OF

THE ROCK SCHOOL’S 2018 BEAU SOIR CELEBRATING

Milton Rock Founder

LundyLawFoundation.org 1635 Market Street, 19th Floor, Phila, PA 19103

215-563-6066

LundyLaw The

F O U N D A T I O N

®

Dr. Milton L. Rock’s

admirable commitment to arts & education has paved the way for a brighter future.

- Drs. Kristen & Thomas Rock

WORKING TO CREATE A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

www.workwithbp.com 267-308-0123

“ D a n c i n g c a n r e v e a l a l l t h e m y s t e r y t h a t m u s i c c o n c e a l s .”

- Charles Baudelaire

Th a n k you, Dr. Milto n L. R o c k & T he Rock Sc ho o l , for gi vi ng st ud e nts v o i c e s to ex press t he m se l v e s.

728 Springdale Drive Exton, PA 19341

ARENACPA.COM

Photo: Rock student, Emma Spillane as Abbey in the Nutcracker 1776 at the Merriam Theater

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul�

M artha Gr aham

We pay special tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Milton L. Rock

Businessman, Philanthropist, Visionary His leadership, generosity and deep commitment to nurturing gifted artists, has produced top classically trained and versatile dancers for over 50 years.

Th e H o n i c k m a n Fa m i ly

Dancer: Rena Takahashi, 2018 YAGP Previews

BRAVO!

Dr. Milton L. Rock & The Rock School for Dance Education.

We applaud & admire you.

M ARGO & D AN P OLETT ARE PLEASED TO SUPPORT THE ROCK SCHOOL & HONOR THE MEMORY OF A DEAR FRIEND,

DOCTOR MILTON L. ROCK

Gym Source Congratulates

the

Rock School of Dance Education

and

Celebrating the Life of Dr. Milton L. Rock gymsource.com 800.GYM.SOURCE VILLANOVA, PA ∙ WILMINGTON, DE ∙ CHERRY HILL, NJ ∙ PRINCETON, NJ