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@artsballetPROGRAM IIDecember 20-22, 2024Lillian S. Wells atThe ParkerDecember 12-15, 2024Aventura Arts &Cultural CenterVLADIMIR ISSAEVNUTCRACKERTHE

Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida is a 501 c 3 non-profit organizationArts Ballet Theatre of Florida relies on the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, and with the support of Arts Access Miami at The Miami Foundation, Funding Arts Broward, the National Endowment for the Arts, Citizen Interested in Arts, The Children Trust and the Walmart Foundation.

As Clara onDecember 12, 15, 20 and 21KanonTanakaCongratulations, Kanon!We are thrilled to celebrate Kanon, one of our talented professional dancers, as she takes on the cherished role of Clara in The Nutcracker. Your dedication, artistry, and passion inspire us all.We wish you much success in this performance and in all your future endeavors. Bravo, Kanon@patriciasphotography

As Clara onDecember 13 and 19PenelopeAguilera Lujan´´Penélope,Ten years ago, at the age of three, you began in Vladimir's School of Ballet. Since then, you had the dream of being "Clara". We are so proud this is your third year performing in this important role. Our hearts are filled with so much joy seeing your passion and dedication to ballet. We love you!Mami and MichelMami and MichelThank you to Maestro Vladimir, Ms. Giselle and all my teachers. I wouldn’t have been able to make it as far as I have without you. Thank you for all these years of hard work, guidance and passion for ballet. The school has been my second home for as long as I remember. Penélope@patriciasphotography

As Clara onDecember 14 (am) and 22SophiaTorrensWe are amazed at how amazing of a dancer you are! We can't believe all that you have accomplished. All your friends and family are very proud of you! We are so very honored that you were selected for Clara for a second season and as always we can't wait to watch you on stage! We love you Sophie Bear! Thank you to Maestro Vladimir, Ruby Romero-Issaev, Giselle Deya, Ms. Patricia, Ms. Veronika and Ms. Lusian for all the eort and dedication you have shown us throughout the years. We can sincerely call you our family! Love We can sincerely call you our family! Love Aileen (Mom), Luis (Dad), and Luis Torrens (LT5)@patriciasphotography

As Clara onDecember 14 (pm) and 18EmilyGallegoIt has been a pleasure to watch you grow both as a dancer and as a person. This journey has been one of growth, friendship, and fulfillment. We are forever grateful to your teachers—Mr. Vladimir, Ms. Giselle, Ms. Lusian, and Ms. Veronika—for their hard work and dedication. We are also deeply appreciative of Ms. Isabella for always staying on task! And, of course, we are very thankful for your fellow ballerinas and Vladimir Issaev School of Classical Ballet, your second home.Vladimir Issaev School of Classical Ballet, your second home.With love,Mami, Daddy, Aaron & Eitan@patriciasphotography

Lewis ThalerSharon Miller PresidentMarialva ValeraTreasurer Ada ValienteLeslie RozencwaigFortuna LudmirAnna SolorzanoCriseida WenderbergDevorah SashaSecretaryLisa StarkLesly SimonNina AllenDorothy BarrieGary PyottVice - PresidentJosiePodesta Soto Miguel Ferro

Vladimir Issaev was born in Russia in 1954. His career started at the age of 11 at the Choreographic School of Voronezh. After working as a ballet dancer at the Opera House of Ufa and at the Opera House of Odessa, he received his masters degree from the “Gitis State Institute of Arts in Moscow” as Ballet Master and Master Choreographer with the highest honors in 1986. He held the position of Academic and Artistic Director at the “Choreographic School of Frounze”, in the former Soviet Union. In 1987, he worked as Ballet Master and Regiseur for Ballet Metropolitano de Caracas and a year later for Ballet Nacional de Caracas, directed by Vicente Nebrada, where he worked for more than ten years, teaching and coaching the principal dancers of the Company for their classical soloist roles. During his extensive career as a Choreographer and Ballet Master ,Issaev has had the opportunity to work with many prestigious dancers and directors such as Papa Beriozoff for Don Quixote, with Julio Bocca and Eleonora Cassano as soloists; Alla Sizova, Alla Osipenko, Tatiana Terekhova and Irina Kolpakova. He has also been invited as a guest Ballet Master by several companies such as Le Jeune Ballet de France, Ballet Nacional de España, Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Orlando Ballet among others. Until August of 2002 he held the position of Ballet Master at the Miami City Ballet School. As a Choreographer, he has staged several ballets in Russia, Puerto Rico, Peru, Japan and Venezuela. Mr. Issaev was the recipient of the“New Choreographer Award” for his piece “El Encuentro” at the Dance Under the Stars Choreography Competition in Palm Desert, California. In June of 2005 Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico Presented The Premiere of Issaev’s work “Doctor Ouch!“, a ballet in two acts based on the story of Korney Chukovskiywith great success restaging it in 2007. In 2004, Vladimir Issaev staged “Shostakovich Suites” for the Voronezh Choreographic School in Russia. An invitation from Prima Ballerina Altanay Asylmuratova, director of the Vaganova-Kirov School of Ballet in Saint Petersburg followed to stage a Ballet for the graduating students joining the Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet Company. This choreography premiered in March of 2006 at the Mariinsky Theater in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Due to its success this choreographic work was presented again in June of 2006. Vladimir Issaev belongs to the Artistic Advisory Council for the Classical Dance Alliance. He is recipient of the Honorable Merit Diploma from theTerpsihor Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts of Dance of Saint Petersburg, Russia, in recognition for his outstanding performance enhancing the art of classical ballet on the Vaganova Style in the United States. He has also been awarded with the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts Award as the most influential Ballet Teacher. Mr. Issaev was also awarded in 2009 as Best Arts Educator of the State of Florida by the Florida Alliance for Arts Education. He has been Artistic Director of the International Ballet Competition in Caracas, Venezuela; Artistic Director of the Russian Ballet of South Africa and International Ballet Competition in Lima, Peru. In January of 2011 his ballet Stone Flower was premiered in Nagoya, Japan with tremendous success and the greatest reviews. In 2013, two new ballets were premiered in Japan during the Aichi Triennial Festival and presented by the Michiko Matsumoto Ballet: Polovtsian Dances and the premiere of Firebird. Mr. Issaev has been invited to present his dancers and choreography in Poland, Germany, Peru, Indonesia and most recently he had the honor to teach Master Classes at the Beijing Ballet Academy and has been named Artistic Director of the Asia Ballet Academy in Malaysia. Maestro Vladimir Issaev has been recently awarded “A Life for Dance” at the International Ballet Festival Of Miami for his lifetime achievements in Ballet. He recently received a Proclamation from Mayor Daniella Levin Cava declaring June 11, Vladimir Issaev’s Day and he received a recognition from the Department of Cultural Affairs from the Peruvian government in Lima for his contribution to the ballet in Peru. Mr. Issaev is considered one of the top ballet masters and choreographers world wide. 

Born in Havana, Cuba, Ms. Giselle embarked on her ballet journey at the age of 9 at the Alejo Carpentier Ballet School, later graduating with honors from the National Ballet School of Cuba. Mentored by renowned instructors such as Fernando Alonso, Ramona de Saa, and Loipa Araujo, she joined the National Ballet of Cuba in 1998, showcasing her talents in classical roles.Earning honors in 2006 from the Higher Institute of Art of Cuba, Ms. Giselle’s expertise extends to teaching, where she became a faculty member at the National Ballet School of Cuba. Her teaching repertoire includes ballet and pointe techniques, variations, pas de deux, character dance, ballroom dance, and repertoire. She played a crucial role in launching Guidance Vocational Workshops, contributing as a Professor of Methodology.Ms. Giselle has shared her knowledge globally, coaching students for international competitions and working as a repertoire teacher in Cuba and Mexico. She became Ballet Mistress at The Ballet Art School in Belize and, from 2010 to 2016, led the Bhakti Victor Ullate School in Spain, serving as Head of Studies and personal assistant to Master Ullate, while also being Ballet Mistress for the Victor Ullate Ballet Company.Her career includes staging numerous classical productions like Graduation Ball, Giselle, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. In 2016, Ms. Giselle assumed the role of Ballet Mistress and Director at the Vladimir Issaev School of Classical Ballet, bringing her wealth of experience and artistry to shape the next generation of dancers. Prima ballerina of Miami was born in Venezuela. She began her training at the age of six in Caracas and began her professional career at the age of 13. She danced with the Youth Ballet of Venezuela, the Contemporary Ballet of Caracas, Cleveland Ballet and as a principal with the National Ballet of Caracas, where she was coached and trained by Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev. She danced as a principal at the Miami City Ballet from 1999 to 2015. Her repertoire includes works of George Balanchine, Vicente Nebrada, Dennis Nahat, Alberto Mendez and Vladimir Issaev. Ms. Catoya has danced extensively abroad at many festivals and galas, including an international gala before the King and Queen of Spain, the inauguration of the Theater Simon Bolivar in Brazil, Dance Aspen, and the Gala of Stars at the Festival International de Santander and was the prima ballerina responsible to open the Arsht Center in Miami with her interpretation of Don Quixote. She has also dancer at the Gala Night at the Mikhailovsky Theater in Saint Petersburg, Russia and at the Orlando Competition Gala of the Stars. She has danced with both Taras Domitro and Daniel Sarabia in Queretaro, Mexico and with Rolando Sarabia at the Fire Island Festival in New York City. In July 2011 she was the prima ballerina for Les etes de la Danse at the theatre du Chatelet in Paris with Miami City Ballet.She received the award “Premio Casa del Artista” as Best Classical Dancer of theYear in 1999 and Premio Municipal de Danza 2002 as best dancer.Mary Carmen have been coached and trained by remarkable artists such as Jose Pares, Vicente Nebrada, Vladimir Issaev, Rafael Portillo, Zane Wilson Karelia Moreno, Elena Madan Vera at the Ballet Nacional de Caracas, Dennis Nahat at Cleveland Ballet, Ileana Lopez, Violette Verdy, Jean Pierre Frohlich, Maria Cagliari, Mary Ashley and Edward Villella at Miami City Ballet. Most recently she performed in Poland, Mexico, Peru and Indonesia next to her ballet master Vladimir Issaev.Ms. Catoya is principal dancer and also the Ballet Mistress of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida since 2015.

Anita Vivas, Artistic Director of the Anita Vivas Dance Studio, has illuminated the dance and entertainment scene for three decades. Leading EDAV VENEZUELA for 25 years, she has nurtured outstanding professionals and earned the Municipal Dance Award twice.With a career spanning Venezuela, the United States, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Spain, England, and Mexico, Anita has left an international mark. Her versatility is evident in roles such as an image consultant on shows like “Quien Baila Mejor” in the Dominican Republic and the “Intercollegiate Dance Championship” on “Date con Todo.”She has also served as a choreographer on Telemundo’s iconic “Sábado Gigante,” produced by Emilio Estefan. In 2017, she debuted as an actress and singer with her monologue “La Música y El Espejo” in Miami, directed by Enrique Salas. Anita directed the first 15-minute musical comedy at Micro Teatro Venezuela, titled “No Me Calo Tu Final Feliz.”Anita not only shines in the arts but also devotes time to social causes. She teaches dance at the Adriana Barraza Acting Studio in Miami and advocates for animal adoption and rescue as a volunteer at Animal Services in Miami Dade. As the creator of the “Dancing for Pets” event, she raises supplies for animal shelters in Venezuela. Miguel Ferro. As the founder of Venevision International TMiguel Ferro, the founder of Venevision International Theatre, boasts a prolific career as a producer of over twenty-two Spanish-language plays. Notable productions include “A $2.50 La Cuba Libre,” which had a successful twelve-week run in New York City, and “Master Class” at the Broward Center of the Performing Arts. As the Executive Producer of the popular talk show “Laura” on NBC/Telemundo, Ferro led the most successful Hispanic TV program for over five years. His roles as Director of Entertainment at America TV and Vice President of Production at MEGA TV demonstrate his impactful contributions to the industry.An Emmy Award winner for the show “MARIA ELVIRA LIVE,” Ferro has also been recognized for his outstanding work on AIDS awareness campaigns. He co-founded Microtheater Miami and created Paseo de las Artes and Paseo Wynwood, staging over 500 short plays and 100 long-format plays in the last 8 years. Holding an MBA and MIB from Florida International University, Ferro currently serves as the Artistic Director of Bayfront Park Management Trust and District 3 City of Miami with Commissioner Joe Carollo. As the Vice President of Histepa, representing the 8 Hispanic Theaters in Miami Dade County, Miguel Ferro continues to shape and elevate the cultural landscape.

Vladimir IssaevMary Carmen CatoyaMatthew Bryce, Yoichi Habaguchi, Rena Iwasaki, Kuan Lun Li, Sara Marlin,Suzuka Matsumoto, Yuzuka Matsumoto, Ataru Matsuya, Kazusa Murayoshi,Saaya Okada, José Luis Pechené, Matteo Rollini, Louise Rigby,Yayoi Sasaki, Seiga Sato, Zoárd Szabó, Remina Tanaka,Urara Tsukamoto, Kirsty Walker, Clarence Wong. Putri Gobel, Mayu Kanazawa, Indira MayraniMayuko Nono, Zara Scott, Gai Suehiro, Kanon Tanaka.Executive Director & Development Ruby Romero-IssaevAdministrative DirectorEvent Coordinator Ricardo MontealegreLia AranguibelVISCB Director Giselle DeyáElla GarciaArts Ballet Goes To School Youth Arts AdvocateKirsty WalkerOutreach Coordinator (summer) Patricia Laine &Isabella KennedyMaster Classes Vladimir IssaevGiselle DeyáPianists Milagros TejasRemina TanakaTeresa ValdiviaTechnical Crew SeamstressStage ManagerGladys SanabriaMariana DelgadoStage Manager II Rafael CarreroLighting Designer Art GarciaBroward Center and Aventura CenterPhotography Patricia LaineVideo Carlos OchoaGraphic Designer Anastasia RomeroArts Ballet Theatre of Florida does not discriminate on the basis of any race, color, gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, disability, religious preference and national or ethnic origin.@artsballet #ABTFSeason2024-25

NUTCRACKERTHECOMPOSER: PETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKYCHOREOGRAPHER: VLADIMIR ISSAEVIt is Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum home.Family and friends gather around the beautifully decorated tree; it’s a night of rejoicing, exchanging gifts, and dancing. The joy is suddenly interrupted when Herr Drosselmeyer enters. He is a strange, but kind old man who brings beautiful lifesize toys for Clara and Fritz, which dance at the touch of his wand. Drosselmeyer has another present for Clara: a Nutcracker.When the party is over and all the guests leave, Clara sneaks down to the living room in her nightgown to take another look at the Nutcracker. The clock strikes midnight and as Clara goes to fetch the Nutcracker, pandemonium breaks loose; toy soldiers come to life along with the mice. A great battle takes place as Clara huddles in her chair. The Mouse King fights with the Nutcracker. Clara saves the Nutcracker by hitting the Mouse King’s head with her shoe. The battle is over andClara is now transported to the Kingdom of Snow where she meets the Nutcracker,transformed into a prince.After dancing with the King and Queen of Snow and the Snowflakes, Clara and her Prince are taken to the Kingdom of Sweets here they are met by the Dew Drop Fairy and her Cavalier. The celebration begins in their honor, and dances representing Chocolate from Spain, Tea from China, Coffee from Arabia, and Marzipan follow.The Flowers delight them with a waltz and to top it all, the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier honor Clara and her Prince with a beautiful Pas de Deux. Afterwards everyone joins in the dancing of a spectacular Coda.Born in Russia the 7th of May 1840. He studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. In 1891 brought the very successful tour of the United States and Tchaikovsky’s appearance at the opening of the Carnegie Hall. On December 18 of 1892 The Nutcracker World Premiere took place at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia with choreography by Petipa/ Ivanov. The first review of the Nutcracker did not look too favorably on what would become the most attended holiday ballet ever produced. Tchaikovsky died one year later, on November 6, 1893.

Kanon Tanaka, Penelope Aguilera Lujan, Sophia Torrens, Emily Gallego.Brandon BaldomeroLouise RigbyAtaru MatsuyaMatthew Bryce or Yoichi HabaguchiAnita Vivas and Miguel FerroSuzuka Matsumoto, Yuzuka Matsumoto, Isabella Cabrera, Romy BretonGai Suehiro, Zoárd SzabóAll company membersLuna Aranguren, Marina Artiukhova, Giuliana Baguet, Sophia Bauza, Kaylee Cabrera, Penelope Elias, Elise Garver, Sofi ShmytovaItzuri Arrieta, Giuliana Baguet, Penelope Elias, Elise Garver, Naomi Leon, Alexandra Mizrahi, Michelle Shaposhnikov, Lainey Seror, Armila Tavgazova and Juan TorresAva Allaei, Giuliana Baguet, Mia Capaccio, Olivia Elias, Penelope Elias, Elise Garver, Mia Germanovsky, Manuela Gordillo, Emma Rose Litman, Gina Rodriguez, Mia Shaposhnikov

THE BATTLE SCENEChristopher NoelClarence Wong, Matteo Rollini, Kuan Lun LiGia George, Olivia Mansur De Mello, Eva Holovchenko, Fiona Matatov, Nathan Muchayi, Valentina Rios, Audrey SkhurbatiItzuri Arrieta, Brandon Baldomero, Ginalda Joseph, Naomi Leon, Alexandra Mizrahi, Natalia Mizrahi, Umma Murias, Ruth Pierre, Jayne Previlus, Michelle Shaposhnikov, Lainey Seror, Armila Tavgazova, Juan TorresIndira Mayrani and Yoichi Habaguchi or Matteo Rollini Mayu Kanazawa and Ataru Matsuya Urara Tsukamoto and Matteo Rollini or Yoichi HabaguchiRena Iwasaki, Sara Marlin, Suzuka Matsumoto, Yuzuka Matsumoto, Kazusa Murayoshi, Saaya Okada, Louise Rigby, Urara Tsukamoto, Kirsty WalkerPutri Gobel, Mayu Kanazawa, Indira Mayrani, Mayuko Nono, Zara Scott, Kanon TanakaPenelope Aguilera Lujan, Samantha Barake, Farrah Bensalah, Romy Breton,Isabella Cabrera, Natasha De Mier, Emily Gallego, Ella Garcia, Sashka Saintil, Clara Strassnig, Sophia Torrens Allison Aponte, Lucia Bauza, Alfia Cohen, Angelina Cohen, Marisol Cole, Savannah Cousins, Isabella Garcia, Clara Mansur De Mello, Olivia Mansur De Mello, Ariana Egorov, Gia George, Emma Guerrier, Eva Holovchenko, Valentina Martinez, Fiona Matatov, Leticia Muchayi, Nathan Muchayi, Kendjha Paulemont, Keon Paulemont, Emma Pagelsohn, Nessa Raymond, Valentina Rios, Denis Shmytov (DJ), Audrey Skhurbati, Michelle Skhurbati, Ayla Allaei, Fabiana Barreira, Riley Coelho, Angelica Cousins, Morgan Davis, Mahalia Guerrier, Ava Levin, Chloe Lima, Emma Lisman, Antonia Mariño, Elizabeth Mejia, Aurelia Muchayi, Umma Murias, Ivanna Polonio, Natalia Rios, Agatha Rodriguez, Rayne Rosado, Vanessa Rosabal, Sophia Scheer, Vivian Shamosh, Sofiia Sukhina, Ella Taranto, Anya Thane, Mariajose Toledo, Stassi Ugalde

Ginalda Joseph, Umma Murias, Ruth Pierre, Ivanna Polonio, Jayne Previlus, Natalia Rios, Vanessa Rosabal, Sophia Scheer, Sofiia Sukhina, Ella Taranto, Vivian Shamosh, Natalia MizrahiSara Marlin and Jose Luis Pechené or Seiga SatoKazusa Murayoshi and Seiga Sato or Jose Luis PechenéZara Scott or Kirsty Walker and Zoárd Szabó Urara Tsukamoto and Yoichi HabaguchiPutri Gobel and Ataru Matsuya or Yoichi HabaguchiSara Marlin or Kazusa Murayoshi and Jose Luis Pechené Yuzuka Matsumoto and Clarence Wong or Gai SuehiroKanon Tanaka and Gai Suehiro or Clarence WongSuzuka Matsumoto and Remina Tanaka or Gai Suehiro or Clarence WongLuna Aranguren, Marina Artiukhova, Giuliana Baguet, Sophia Bauza, Kaylee Cabrera, Penelope Elias, Elise Garver, Samanta Gonzalez, Madison Lopez, Ella Pila, Gina Rodriguez, Sofi ShmytovaMatthew Bryce, Yoichi Habaguchi, Kuan Lun Li, Ataru Matsuya, José Luis Pechené, Matteo Rollini, Seiga Sato, Gai Suehiro, Remina Tanaka, Clarence WongPenelope Aguilera Lujan, Samantha Barake, Farrah Bensalah, Romy Breton, Isabella Cabrera, Natasha De Mier, Emily Gallego, Ella Garcia, Sashka Saintil, Clara Strassnig, Sophia TorrensGinalda Joseph, Umma Murias, Ruth Pierre, Ivanna Polonio, Jayne Previlus, Natalia Rios, Vanessa Rosabal, Sophia Scheer, Sofiia Sukhina, Ella Taranto, Vivian Shamosh, Natalia Mizrahi

Louise Rigby and Matthew Bryce or Zoárd SzabóKirsty Walker and Zoárd Szabó Mayuko Nono and Matteo Rollini Rena Iwasaki and Matteo Rollini or Matthew Bryce or Zoárd SzabóPenelope Aguilera Lujan, Farrah Bensalah, Romy Breton, Isabella Cabrera, Emily GallegoElla Garcia, Sophia Torrens, Natasha De Mier,Sashka Saintil, Clara Strassnig, Samantha Barake Luna Aranguren, Giuliana Baguet, Sophia Bauza, Elise Garver, Kaylee Cabrera, Sofi Shmytova, Marina Artiukhova, Penelope EliasSaaya Okada and Remina TanakaMayu Kanazawa and Ataru Matsuya (Dec 21)Itzuri Arrieta, Naomi Leon, Alexandra Mizrahi, Michelle Shaposhnikov, Lainey Seror, Armila Tavagazova, Juan Torres, Ava Allaei, Brandon Baldomero, Mia Capaccio, Olivia Elias, Mia Germanovsky, Manuela Gordillo, Emma Rose Litman, Mia Shaposhnikov Kirsty Walker and Matteo Rollini Urara Tsukamoto and Yoichi Habaguchi Louise Rigby and Kuan Lun LiRena Iwasaki, Sara Marlin, Suzuka Matsumoto, Yuzuka Matsumoto, Kazusa Murayoshi, Saaya Okada, Louise Rigby, Urara Tsukamoto, Kirsty WalkerPutri Gobel, Mayu Kanazawa, Indira Mayrani, Mayuko Nono, Zara Scott, Kanon TanakaPenelope Aguilera Lujan, Samantha Barake, Farrah Bensalah, Romy Breton,Isabella Cabrera, Natasha De Mier, Emily Gallego, Ella Garcia, Sashka Saintil, Clara Strassnig, Sophia Torrens

Mr. Bryce received his formal ballet education at the Alberta Ballet School and later became a Trainee at the Alberta Ballet in Canada where he is from. In addition to his classical ballet training, Mr. Bryce s currently studying a degree in Film Scoring from the Berklee College of Music. He is a pianist and a music composer. He joins Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as a Company Artist for the 2024/2025 season.Mr. Habaguchi began his formal dance education at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy under the direction of Marina Leonova. He later moved to Canada to join Alberta Ballet School, where he graduated. Mr Habaguchi joined Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in 2023 and has since performed leading roles in our productions of The Nutcracker, Le Papillon, and Petrouchka, amongst others.Ms. Iwasaki comes from the Perm State Choreographic College where she trained for the three years before graduating in 2023. In 2020 she won 2nd Place at the Prix du Japan and in 2022 she was awarded First Place in the Japan International Ballet Festival. Rena joined the company in 2023 and has since been promoted to the company artist. Her repertoire with the company includes Danzon, Inspired by love, The Nutcracker, Le Papillon, Klimt, and others.Ms Marlin began her training at Vladimir Issaev School of Classical ballet at the age of 4. As a student of the school, she performed in many of the company’s productions such as The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Firebird, and Fairy Doll among other classical and neoclassical pieces as well as attending many ABTF summer intensive programs. She has traveled with the company to participate in various renowned dance festivals in Germany, Poland, and Peru and participated in various ballet competitions around Florida. She became an Apprentice of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in 2019, following her graduation and was subsequently promoted to the corps de ballet in 2022. Since joining the company Sara has performed soloist roles in our productions of Tarde en la Siesta, Doble Corchea, Danzon, The Nutcracker, Pentimento, and Suite of Waltzes alongside many others.Mr. Li was born in Taiwan. He received his early training at the Tainan Municipal School. Mr. Li, later moved to Washington, District of Columbia where he continue to train and subsequently graduated from the Kirov Academy of Ballet. He has been a guest dancer for the Tainan City Ballet, the Mariinski and the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. He joins the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as a company artist for the 2024/25 season

Suzuka Matsumoto began her early training at the Ashiya Dance Studio in her native Japan, before joining the Perm State Ballet School in Russia where she continued her formal training. Suzuka Matsumoto then went on to train at the European School of Ballet in Amsterdam – The Netherlands before joining Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as an apprentice in 2023. Suzuka was subsequently promoted to Company Artist and her repertoire includes soloist roles in The Nutcracker, Le Papillon and Klimt, amongst others.Yuzuka Matsumoto was born in Hyogo, Japan, where she began her early ballet training at Ashiya Dance Studio. She then went on to continue her training at the Perm State Ballet School in Russia for two years before joining the European School of Ballet in The Netherlands. Yuzuka joined Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as an appren-tice in 2023 and was promoted to Company Artist in 2024. Since joining the company her repertoire has included Inspired by love, Petrouchka, Danzon, and Klimt as well as soloist roles in Four Seasons, The Nutcracker and Le Papillon.Mr. Matsuya was born in Japan and began his early training at the Lucia Ballet School at the age of six. He was later accepted at the Pôle National Supérieur de Danse Rosella Hightower in Mougins, Cannes – France where he graduated in 2022. Mr. Matsuya received Bronze Medals at the Hatsukaichi International Ballet Competition and the Youth America Grand Prix – Japan, as well as,was Silver Medals at the Kobe All Japan Dance Competition and the Miami International Ballet Competition. Mr. Matsuya has also performed as a guest artist in Medellin, Colombia in 2022. Since joining the company in 2022, Ataru’s repertoire includes leading roles in pieces such as Le Spectre de La Rose, Le papillon, The Nutcracker, Pentimento, and Chipollino. Ms. Okada was born in Japan. She began her ballet training at the age of five with Reiko and Rie Matsuoka and performed in many of their original pieces with Reiko Matsuoka Ballet Company. Ms. Okada also trained at Ayano Tsuchiya's Ballet Studio and danced with Ballet Theatre UK before joining Orlando Ballet School in 2019. During this time, she had the opportunity to dance with Orlando Ballet Company in Victoria Morgan's Cinderella and Robert Hill’s The Nutcracker. Saaya has competed at multiple international competitions, winning the silver medal at Miami International Ballet Competition, third place at the World Ballet Art Competition in Canada, and ranking in the top 12 at the Youth America Grand Prix. Ms. Okada has performed many principal and soloist roles with Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida since joining in 2021. Among them: The Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Farfala in Le Papillon, Winter in Four Seasons, Ballerina Doll in Petrouchka, and Spring Waters Pas de Deux.She was born in Japan. Ms. Murayoshi attended the Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham, England under the directorship of Robert Parker. She later attended the European School of Ballet in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. During her time in Amsterdam, she had to opportunity to take intensive courses with Balanchine Trust Répétiteur Suki Schorer and Claude Bessy, former Director of the Paris Opera Ballet School. She joins Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as a company artist for the 24/25 season.

Mr. Pechené began his formal training at INCOLBALLET in Cali – Colombia where he graduated. He then went on to train at Danso and Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet before receiving a full scholarship to attend the Summer Intensive Program at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. Mr. Pechené was awarded 1st Place in the Universal Ballet Competition Regionals in Fort Lauderdale and 1st Place in the Youth American Grand Prix Semi Finals in Boston, both in the Senior Male Division Classical. Before joining the company in 2023 José Luis was a member of Philadel-phia Ballet II. Since he joined the company his repertoire has included leading roles in Inspired by love, Le Papillon, Danzon, Four Seasons and Petrouchka. At an early age, he began his intensive training at the Royal Ballet School in London, where he completed the Foundation and Development Programmes at the White Lodge. Mr. Rollini continued his training at the Kings International Ballet Academy in Leicester and his final four years at the Moorland International Ballet Academy before joining us for the 24/25 season. He received a Diploma in Dance Education by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Ms Rigby began her formal training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, where she studied for 8 years until she graduated in 2021. Following her graduation, Louise joined the Graduate program and Northern Ballet, where she performed alongside the company in many of their productions and national tours. Prior to joining Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as an Apprentice in 2022, she performed with the Le ballet du Capitol Toulouse in their production of Giselle. Ms Rigby was promoted to Company dancer in 2023 and her repertoire includes Doble Corchea, Pentimento, and Le Papillon, as well as soloist roles such as Countess Cherry in Chipollino, and The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker amongst others. Since joining the company Louise also had the opportunity to perform with English National Ballet in their production of Swan Lake in-the-round.Mr Sato graduated from the Hungarian Dance Academy in Budapest – Hungary, where he received a full scholarship from the government sponsored program. He has competed in multiple international competitions, receiving the bronze medal at Miami International Ballet Competition, a Scholarship Award at the Youth America Grand Prix and First Place at the Tokyo Ballet Competition. Seiga joined the company in 2022 and has since performed in many of our productions such as Chipollino,DobleCorchea, The Nutcracker, Danzon, and Taiko.Ms Sasaki was born in Miyagi, Japan. Her early ballet training started at the Company Bona Terra. She then went on to train at the New Zealand School of Dance where graduated in 2019. Ms. Sasaki has won many awards including the Sendai Mayor Award 1st prize in 2015 and 2016, The Gailene Stock Memorial Young Dancer Award, and the Incentive Award at the Educational Ballet competition in 2018. She was the finalist at the Japan Grand Prix in 2021 and won 1st prize at Miami International Ballet Competition in 2023 and 2024. Prior to joining Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in 2021 she danced with Fort Wayne Ballet. Since joining the company Ms Sasaki’s repertoire has included soloist and principal roles in Coppelia, Tarde en la Siesta, Pentimento, Chipollino, Le Corsaire, Four Seasons, and The Nutcracker, amongst others. She has also performed at the International Ballet Festival in Barranquilla, Colombia and the Miami Dances Festival in 2023.

Mr Szabó comes from the Opera Krakowska in Krakow – Poland, where he was a professional ballet dancer since 2021. Mr. Szabó received his early formal training at the Hungarian Dance Academy prior to receiving his Bachelor Degree in Classical Ballet from Ballett-Akademie der Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich – Germany. Since joining Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in 2023 his repertoire includes: Danzon, The Nutcracker, Le Papillon, Klimt, and others. Was born in Sendai, Japan. His early ballet training started at Soki Ballet International, under Kenichi Soki and Kumi Soki. He also trained at Academié Princesse Grace in Monaco and San Francisco Ballet School. In 2019, he joined Orlando Ballet where he was part of their productions of Vampire’s Ball, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Moulin Rouge, Peter Pan, and The Robert Hill Collection. He also performed as a pianist with Orlando Ballet in the production of Vampire’s Ball, Uncorked, Ballet Ball and The Robert Hill Collection. Since joining Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in 2021, Mr. Tanaka has performed Vladimir’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux , Coppelia Pas de Deux and Le Papillon Pas de Deux at the International Ballet Festival of Miami, and soloist roles in productions such as The Nutcracker, Le Spectre de la Rose, Le Papillon and Coppelia. He has also performed at the International Ballet Festival in Barranquilla, Colombia and the Miami Dances Festival in 2023Ms. Tsukamoto comes from the Alberta Ballet School in Calgary – Canada, where she was part of the Trainee Program on full scholarship, awarded by the Youth American Grand Prix. She has competed in multiple international competitions including winning First Place at the National Ballet Competition in Tokyo and Hirakata, the European Ballet Grand Prix in Vienna, the World Art Ballet Competition and the bronze medal at Miami International Ballet competition. Ms. Tsukamoto joined Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in 2022 and among others has performed soloist roles in The Nutcracker, Four Seasons, Doble Corchea, and Pentimento.Mr. Wong graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts where he received a Bachelors Degree, majoring in Classical Ballet under the Gifted Young Dancer Program. He began his formal education at The Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing and at The Royal Academy of Dance. In 2021 Mr. Wong received a Gold Medal at The 49th Open Dance Contest. Since joining the company in 2023, Mr Wong has performed in many of our productions including leading roles in Danzon, Le Papillon, and Petrouchka. Born in the United Kingdom, Ms. Walker trained full-time at Elmhurst Ballet school for 8 years under the direction of Robert Parker and Desmond Kelly. Following her graduation from Elmhurst in 2019, Kirsty joined Orlando Ballet as a Trainee where she performed alongside the company in productions such as Victoria Morgan’s Cinderel-la and Robert Hill’s Vampires Ball, The Nutcracker and Requiem. Kirsty joined Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in 2021 and has performed in many of our productions including soloist roles such as Consuelo in Tarde en la Siesta, The lady in Le Spectre de la Rose, the title role in The Firebird and others.

Comes from the Indonesia Dance Company. Ms. Gobel graduated from the Marlupi Dance Academy in Jakarta, Indonesia where she is from. She received a Bronze Medal at the Malaysia International Ballet Grand Prix in 2017, the First Place at the Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition in 2018 and the First Place at the Youth American Grand Prix Regional Jakarta in 2022. She joins Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as part of our Junior Corps for the 2024/2025 season.She began her training at a very early age at the Tateda Ballet Studio in her native Tokyo, Japan. She continued her formal training at the Victoria Academy of Ballet in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada where she graduated in the Spring of 2024. During her time as a student, she was able to complete and receive certifications at different levels within the Cecchetti educational program. Ms Kanazawa joins the Junior corps of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida for the 24/25 season.Ms. Mayrani trained at the Marlupi Dance Academy in her native Indonesia, under the directorship of Founder Marlupi Sijangga and Fifi Sijangga with faculty member Claresta Alim, former dancer at Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida. She graduated from The Australian Ballet School where she spent the last three years of her formal training. In 2019 she received the Grand Championship Medalist Award at the Japan Ballet Competition and in 2021 she was awarded a Gold Medal at the Dance Prix Indonesia. Indira joins the Junior Corps of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida for the 2024/2025 season. She received a Bachelor Degree with Honors from the Central School of Ballet in London and later completed the Graduate Programme at the Northern Ballet in Leeds, England. At the Youth American Grand Prix Japan 2018 she received and later attended the intensive course offered by the Alberta Ballet School, Canada in 2019. She joins the Junior Corps of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida for the 2024/2025 season.Ms. Scott comes from Elmhurst Ballet Company after completing a few years of training and graduating from Elmhurst Ballet School under the directorship of Robert Parker. She had the privilege of dancing the title role of Cinderella with Birmingham Royal Ballet in England. She joins Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as a member of our Junior Corps for the 2024/2025 season.Comes from The Dallas Conservatory under the directorship and training of BJJ, MMA and ballet star George Birkadze in Dallas, Texas where he trained from 2021. Mr. Suehiro received his early training at the Naomi Funatsuki Ballet studio in his native Japan. In 2023, he won the Second Place at the Washington District of Columbia Grand Prix. He joins Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as part of our Junior Corps for the 2024/25 season.Ms. Tanaka began her early training at the Tchaikovsky Memorial Kyoto Ballet in her native Japan, where she stayed for 13 years. She continued her formal education at the Houston Ballet Academy in Texas. In 2019, she won Second Place at the Japan Grand Prix. Ms Tanaka joins the Junior Corps of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida for the 2024/25 season. 

Sophia ScheerDear Sophia, From the moment we first saw you dancing, we knew there was something truly special about you. Your passion, dedication, and grace fill our hearts with pride every single day. Watching you dance with such freedom and expression reminds us that you are only a dancer, but a true artist, a dreamer and a fighter who has the courage to follow her heart. Remember that no matter where dance takes you, we are always here, Remember that no matter where dance takes you, we are always here, cheering you on every step, every leap and every twirl. With all our love, Mom & Dad @patriciasphotography

Congratulations, Madison our shining star! Wishing you a magical season in The Nutcracker. Dance your heart out and enjoy every moment! We are so proud of youWe are so proud of youMadison Lopez@patriciasphotographyGinalda JosephYou continue to amaze us with your passion and dedication. We wish you the best of luck in your journey! Mom and Dad@patriciasphotography

@patriciasphotographyCongratulations, Sophia and Lucía!We are so proud of you both on another incredible performance in The Nutcracker! Your hard work, dedication, and passion shine brightly on stage.Keep striving for new goals and Keep striving for new goals and achievements—you have an exciting journey ahead, and we know you will continue to inspire us all with your talent and perseverance.With love and admiration,Your friends, teachers, and family

@artsballetPROGRAM IIIMarch 8, 9, 2025201 SW 5th Avenue,Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312(Amaturo Theater)Broward Center for thePerforming ArtsMarch 1, 2, 20253385 N.E. 188th StreetAventura, FL 33180Aventura Arts &Cultural Center

 $10,000 and upMiami Dade Department of Cultural AffairsBroward County Cultural DivisionFlorida State Department of Cultural AffairsThe Miami FoundationMs. Nina AllenMrs. Carole BehrmanCitizens Interest in Arts, Inc.$2,500 to $9,999AnonymousFunding Arts BrowardMs. Dorothy BarrieMs. Sharon MillerMs. Mariela RomeroMs. Lisa StarkThe Shepard Broad Foundation$1,000 to $2,499AnonymousGloria & Herb BarkerRay & Virginia BriscusoCitizens for Florida ArtsMr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Marcia FrantzSylvia & Argelio GarciaThe Thomas E. Rodgers, Jr. FoundationMr. & Mrs. LudmirMr. Steven LutzJewel MaloneMichael PolakovMarglys RequenaMr. Lewis ThalerMr. & Mrs. Woodman $500 to $999AnonymousThe GoodCoin FoundationThe Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of CommerceMs. Regina BonneyMr. George BrodThe Drozdow FamilyMr. & Mrs. HaghayeghThe Hilton AventuraMr. Eric JorgensenMr. Alberto KamhaziArt & Christy LambertusMr. & Mrs. ManzoRicardo MontealegreMs. Anny PaezMr. Gary PyottMr. Diego RamirezMrs. Diana RieberMs. Nathalie TalonMr. & Mrs. TorrensMarvin Ross Friedman & Adrienne Bon HaesMs. Criseida WerdenbergMs. Stephen & Marsha Zimberg$100 to $499$100 to $499The Arthur Gallagher FoundationDarren AllenMaribel AlonsoGovindi Samaranayake & Oliver AndryszweskiMs. Sandra BakerMrs. Samantha BassMr. & Mrs. BayleyHannah BaumgartenMs. Zuleika BeriroMs. Patricia BinghamRomain BretonConstantino BraggiatoJohn & Judith Bordeaux Management Inc. Camelot HealthcareOsviel Cabrera & Joicy Beatriz EstevezDr. Marie CarreMs. Brenda ConnorCynthia Christ-StrumKamila DasilvaMr. Ronald DonMr. & Mrs. Eric EliasMs. Camille EricsonMs. Sally FlesnerMr. Stephen GordonYolanda GonzàlezMs. Roberta E. GriggMs. Eva GrossiMr. & Mrs. Francisco GuiaDiana GutensteinMr. & Mrs. Robert & Joan HathawayMs. Meridel HortaJo KarabellMs. Frederike KramerMs. Halina KowalskaMs. Patricia LaineMr. Thomas LaneMr. Paul LoreeMr. & Mrs. LuccoMichael LuxMs. Sharon MaliskaMs. Ruth MillerMs. Jill Myers FischerMr. & Mrs. PardoJavier Paula, Gift TrustMr. & Mrs. Perez-BarriosMrs. Sandra SimonMs. Nairy ReboredoCarole ReichEric Renteria

Mr. John RinaldiMr. & Mrs. RichmondMr. Chris RomanikMr. Scott D. SandbergMs. Devorah SashaChris McKinney & Patricia SchwartzMr. Jay ShapiroJoe & Michiyo SloaneAri & Jodi SklarAnna SolorzanoMr. Simon SoongDr. Robert SugarmanMr. Pedro SzalayMs. Ali TejasHoward Allan TuckerMr. Pierra VilmeMartina WeinbergerMr. & Mrs. Miao Zong$25 to $99Felix AdamSilvia AlvarezRosa AndersenMichael AndrewsIsabel AnzolaLisa ArnettAllyn Ginns AyersMarialva BauzaTery BeallKaren Becerra – PenagosIsaac BeracasaMr. & Mrs. Alex BertiMs. Cindy BlandinoAndrea BritellMs. Leigh BrockmanJeri BuxtonManuel CastineirasHarriet ChungMaria Jose De CairesJaime DuclosLiliana EstradaMartha EspinosaMerle FrankPaula GarverDaphna GalskyJustin GoldAllen GreenwaldDanilo JimenezGary & Shia Toby GreenAli JohnstonLolita KadalaThe K FoundationJohn HudsonMichael KransMarcy & Norman KushnerRonald B. LarrisonTerry LealClaudia LewisSusan LurveyKristina LyonsDr. & Mrs. MatosJanice MichelSophia McDonaldLouis NiroSusana NovakMs. Wendy OstySylvia PadronAnais Ramentol de GarciaEmanouil PetrovEdgar PinedoHoward Anthony PittersonJosephine Podesta SotoKevin Michael ReedSue RobishAnnabelle RodriguezJan Tyner – SaddingtonDiego Salterini - Dance Now! MiamiDeborah R. StarrMrs. Elaine SeligNinfa SkezasMr. Kenichi SokiHadrian G. TuckJade Van ZoestCrissy Velasco RayRuth WiesenKimberly YoudellShirley ZimmermanLorraine Ziegelheim

January 22 - 26, 2025January 26, 2025

@artsballetwww.artsballettheatre.org