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Choreography by stephanie dattellas november 26 27 The Bushnell s Maxwell M Ruth R Belding Theater

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1west hartford’s premier ballet CompanySaturday, November 26, 2:00 pmSaturday, November 26, 7:00 pmSunday, November 27, 11:00 am*Sunday, November 27, 3:00 pm* Sensory-Friendly performanceThe Maxwell M. and Ruth R. Belding TheaterThe Bushnell Performing Arts Center166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106Artistic Direction Stephanie DattellasChoreography Stephanie DattellasMusic Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskyStarring Lauren LovetteLuigi CrispinoLindsey DonnellNupur SondhiOn the cover: Nupur Sondhi | Photo by Thomas Giroir | Cover illustration by Soa BrummittGraphic Design by Laurel Graphic DesignTHE USE OF VIDEO AND AUDIO EQUIPMENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITEDPlease silence audio devices BALLET THEATRE COMPANY 20 Jeerson Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110 860-570-0440 • dance@dancebtc.org • www.dancebtc.orgBallet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not-for-prot organization2022

2The Nutcracker is sponsored in part by The William & Alice Mortensen FoundationThe Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable TrustThe Robert and Margaret Patricelli FoundationMaximillian E. & Marion O. Hoffman FoundationAhearn Family FoundationThe John and Kelly Hartman FoundationHenry Hall Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A. TrusteeThe Buchalter & Breslow FamilyThe Petit Family Foundationfunders and sponsorsLaurLaurGraphic Design

welcome Hello Friends Welcome back to The Bushnell s Belding Theater for Ballet Theatre Company s quintessential production The Nutcracker We are honored to be kicking off your holiday season with such a joyous and beloved performance This year we have many new surprises which includes a re imagined Second Act coupled with brand new stunning costumes designed by Pat Nurnberger It is important that as an organization we continue to assess our efforts to challenge the ever evolving culture of ballet to unravel its archaic fabric but continue to preserve the tradition of ballet technique As such I have decided to remove all cultural references that although beautifully danced have been misrepresented time and time again Instead you will be introduced to delicious treats such as Madame Macaron Captain Cappuccino Miss Macchiato Spicy Hot Chocolate Peppermints and more It brings me joy to think that children in the audience may leave wishing to play the part of the Green Peppermint or the Yellow Macaron some day and that their aspiration is dressed in shimmering fantasy Whether you have seen The Nutcracker many times before or it is your first time experiencing the magic of this ballet at the theater every scene offers fun for all ages I especially adore our partnership with Studio 860 that adds another layer of dimension to the Battle Scene the nod to West Hartford history through the Dancing Dolls in the Party Scene and of course the integration of our youngest dancers to our most decorated I hope you enjoy it as much as I do Wishing you and your family a healthy and joyous holiday Ever thrilled and grateful to share the magic of the ballet with you Enjoy the show Stephanie Dattellas Artistic Director 3 Photo by Lanny Nagler Photography

4The Story of The NutcrackerThe Story of The NutcrackerACT 1The Party SceneOn Christmas Eve, families travel to the Stahlbaums’ house for a holiday party. The house is beautifully decorated for Christmas, and Clara and her brother Fritz are eager to greet their friends and family. Party parents and children enjoy a happy celebration full of dancing and mingling that is only ever so often interrupted by Cousin Phineas causing mischief. Clara’s Godmother Drosselmeyer, a jolly toymaker, arrives at the party bringing magic tricks and wonder. She presents two dancing dolls; one, a replica of West Hartford’s historic gure, Noah Webster, and accompanying him, his Blue Back Speller Ballerina to entertain the guests. She then presents gifts to all of the children at the party, surprising Clara and Fritz with two beautiful wooden Nutcracker dolls of their very own. Clara and Fritz’s friends enjoy using the Nutcrackers to share a treat of nuts until Cousin Phineas breaks Clara’s beloved new gift. Drosselmeyer xes the broken wooden doll and Clara, Fritz, and their friends enjoy dancing with their gifts. Clara’s grandfather, an eager dancer, takes the spotlight with his frantic but loving wife as they share a holiday jig. The party guests leave saying goodnight to the Stahlbaums and Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum send Clara and Fritz o to bed.The Clock Strikes MidnightDrosselmeyer appears, casting her magic touch to the Nutcracker doll that had been left under the Christmas tree. Clara, remembering where her beloved doll was left, returns to the party room and falls asleep with her doll in her arms under the light of the Christmas tree. She then begins to dream.In Clara’s dream, two mice enter the room and try to steal Clara’s beloved doll. After an unsuccessful attempt, they summon ten of their mouse friends to help, leaving Clara distraught. Shortly after the mice depart, Godmother Drosselmeyer appears to nd Clara very upset. Relieved to see her Godmother, Clara explains she is worried about her Nutcracker. Drosselmeyer reassures Clara that she is prepared for any adventures ahead, alongside her trusty Nutcracker, who will become a valiant soldier. Clara is doubtful of her own abilities at rst, but Godmother Drosselmeyer is condent that Clara will be a worthy leader. Moments later, Drosselmeyer begins to work her magic in the party room. The furniture moves, and the Christmas tree begins to grow to twice its size! Drosselmeyer tells Clara that there will be a battle and helps prepare her by transforming her nightgowns into battle ready outts before she departs. The Battle Scene The Nutcracker, now taller than Clara and Fritz, enters with his wooden toy soldiers to ght o  the Mouse King and his mice minions. The battle ends with the Mouse King defeated and Clara’s Nutcracker doll badly wounded. Clara, inconsolable, is surprised when Drosselmeyer enters once again, xing her Nutcracker doll. This time, however, Drosselmeyer transforms him into a handsome Cavalier. The Cavalier thanks her for her help in the battle and welcomes her to accompany him on a journey. Clara accepts his oer and together they set o to the Land of the Snow.

5The Story of The NutcrackerThe Story of The NutcrackerLand of SnowClara and her Cavalier are greeted by the Snow King and Queen and their dancing snowakes in a winter wonderland. The Snow King and Queen then send Clara and the Cavalier to the wonderful Land of the Sweets in a sleigh drawn by magical reindeer. ACT 2Land of the SweetsOn their journey, Clara and the Cavalier are transxed by dancing gumdrops and lollipops, who direct them to a dreamy land of sweets. The two are welcomed into the Land of the Sweets by the Dew Drop Fairy, who inquires about their travels to her kingdom. The Cavalier tells the Dew Drop Fairy about his daring battle with the Mouse King and how Clara’s belief and a little magic brought him back to life.The Dew Drop Fairy, impressed with both of their courageous eorts, invites Clara and the Cavalier to prolong their visit and enjoy several dances and treats in their honor. Clara and the Cavalier graciously agree, and soon nd themselves dazzled by the sweet and Spicy Hot Chocolate. Soon after, they are greeted by Mrs. Pot and join her for a festive tea party. Even Captain Cappuccino has returned home from his travels at sea just in time to greet Clara and the Cavalier, and he shares an enchanting dance with his adoring love, Miss Macchiato. Madame Macaron presents her ensemble of sweet, scrumptious meringue, the enthusiastic Peppermints ll the kingdom with joy and confection, and the darling Mother Ginger and her Gingerbread Cookies dance for Clara and the Cavalier. Finally, the Dew Drop Fairy summons her owers and petals to oer a beautiful waltz. Clara’s Transformation & Grand Pas De DeuxThe Dew Drop Fairy then leads Clara to a magical box covered in a blanket of owers and asks her to step inside. With the magic from her wand, the Dew Drop Fairy fullls Clara’s ultimate dream, transforming her into the Sugar Plum Fairy. Her Cavalier greets her, and together they dance amongst the glistening stars. Before she leaves, all those who dwell in the Land of the Sweets bid Clara goodbye and soon fade away.Christmas MorningClara, drowsy and confused, wakes on Christmas morning and realizes that her journey was all but a dream.

6ACT 1Christmas EveParty guests travel to the house of the Stahlbaums with treats and smilesChristmas Tree Adults Emily SilvaDashawn DavisSnowman Children Quinlan GreenbaumAmanda RiveraIsla SandbergAmelia WalshSnowman Parent Dashawn DavisCousin Phineas Hunter JamesSnowball Fight Children Lilly JacobsonEmelia MartinezNewspaper Reader Lamaree WilsonHappy Snow Shoveler Nicholas FortenbachFrantic Children Taylor GreenwoodLilly JacobsonHunter JamesNicole TheraultWorried Mother Victoria JaensonWorried Mother’s Children Quinlan GreenbaumEmelia MartinezPrissy Mother Naomi LangillPrissy Daughter Emmanuelle HazeltonGingerbread Mother Kerry ShannonGrandparents Nicoletta ConsalesAli NitowskiPresents Child Emmanuelle HazeltonSled #1 Miles Wilson-Toliver, Ryder LaanSled #2 Nicholas Fortenbach, Mary WizemanDrosselmeyer Hailey Wankier

7The Party SceneParty parents and children enjoy a happy holiday celebrationMother Jo-ann BurkeFather James Felton IIClara Nupur SondhiFritz Margie FischerMaids Jillian HubbardEvie MessingerSoa WargoClara’s Friends Quinlan GreenbaumEmmanuelle HazeltonNicole TheraultAmelia Walsh*Ava Johnson, *Aria GreenbaumFritz’s Friends Lilly JacobsonHunter JamesEmelia MartinezAmanda Rivera*Riya ParekhCousin Phineas Hunter JamesGrandma Nicoletta ConsalesGrandpa Ali NitowskiParty Adult Women Victoria JaensonNaomi LangillKerry ShannonEmily SilvaParty Adult Men Dashawn DavisNicholas FortenbachLamaree WilsonMiles Wilson-ToliverPetite Party Children Taylor GreenwoodRyder LaanIsla SandbergMary WizemanDrosselmeyer Hailey WankierNoah Webster Doll Gennaro Della RagioneBlue Backed Speller Ballerina Doll Soa Brummitt*Understudy

8The Transition SceneClara falls asleep and dreams that she shrinks to the size of a mouseClara Nupur SondhiBaby Mice Abiageal Boyle Mariel BurkYana Eizenkrein Annalise Erickson Rowan GellerSarah HoljesReagan McElroy Amelia PersaMack RaissianHannah Quinlan Emily Suprenant Sophia VincentBaby Karate Mouse Sarah HoljesDrummer Boys Mathiang Bona Orion PipechThe Battle SceneThe Nutcracker and his Soldiers ght o the Mouse King and his Mice battalionSoldiers Jade BelloNybol BonaKyla ChengLeah DevorMargie FischerSophia FurbushRaviv Harel-Sibelman Jillian Hubbard Evie Messinger Ella NunezAmanda RiveraEva Speranza Soa WargoValerie WarnerKai WhalenElizabeth WindnagleMouse King Dashawn DavisBig Mice Karim AbaydNicholas FortenbachLamaree Wilson Anthony Witherspoon Jr.Baby Mice Abiageal Boyle Mariel BurkYana Eizenkrein Annalise Erickson Rowan GellerSarah HoljesReagan McElroy Amelia PersaMack RaissianHannah Quinlan Emily Suprenant Sophia VincentNutcracker Luigi Crispino

9Land of Snow Clara and her Cavalier are greeted by the Snow King and Queen and dancing snowakes in a winter wonderlandClara Nupur SondhiDrosselmeyer Hailey WankierCavalier Luigi CrispinoSnow Queen Emily Silva (11/26 2pm, 11/27 11am)Victoria Jaenson (11/26 7pm, 11/27 3pm)Snow King Gennaro Della Ragione (11/26 2pm, 11/27 11am)James Felton II (11/26 7pm, 11/27 3pmDemi-Soloist Snowakes Jo-ann BurkeNicoletta ConsalesNaomi LangillKerry ShannonSnowakes Soa BrummittKyla ChengJillian HubbardEvie MessingerEva SperanzaSoa WargoValerie WarnerKai WhalenElizabeth Windnagle*Jade Bello, *Leah Devor, *Margie FischerReindeer Hunter JamesLilly JacobsonEmelia MartinezAmelia WalshINTERMISSION*Understudy

10Arrival at Candy MountainACT 2Journey to Candy MountainThe Dew Drop Fairy, Lollipops, and Gumdrops welcome Clara and her Cavalier to the Land of the SweetsLollipops Lucy AdamsAluel BonaStella GugginaAva JohnsonPaige O’NeillGumdrops Abiageal BoyleAnnalise EricksonMary FournierSerena HomanSarah HoljesReagan McElroyAmelia PersaMack RaissianEmily SuprenantSophia VincentPeyton WalshBeth WebbDrosselmeyer Hailey WankierClara Nupur SondhiCavalier Luigi CrispinoReindeer Hunter JamesLilly JacobsonEmelia Martinez Amelia WalshDew Drop Fairy Lindsey DonnellGumdrops Abiageal BoyleAnnalise EricksonMary FournierSerena HomanSarah HoljesReagan McElroyAmelia PersaMack RaissianEmily SuprenantSophia VincentPeyton WalshBeth WebbDew Drop Fairy Lindsey DonnellFlower Corps Elizabeth WindnagleKai WhalenSaucers Soa BrummittEva SperanzaMacaron Demi-Soloists Nicoletta ConsalesKerry ShannonSpicy Hot Chocolate Jo-ann BurkeJames Felton IINaomi LangillCaptain Cappuccino Gennaro Della RagionePeppermints Victoria JaensonEmily Silva*Understudy

11Gingerbread Cookies Claire CaseyEmerson GellerAria GreenbaumAlyssa GreenwoodEllery LabinskiElla MintoRiya ParekhAnna Webb*Abiageal Boyle, *Sarah Holjes, *Beth WebbHeralds Mia BattistiniRowan GellerTaylor GreenwoodVienna KeiferRyder LaanRiley McafeeIsla SandbergEleanor StevensNora WiseMary WizemanLand of the SweetsThe Sweets dance for Clara Spicy Hot Chocolate Jo-ann BurkeJames Felton Il Naomi LangillMrs. Pot Hailey WankierSaucers Soa BrummittKyla ChengEva SperanzaKai Whalen*Elizabeth Windnagle, *Valerie WarnerFoam Corps Jade BelloLeah DevorJillian HubbardEvie MessingerValerie WarnerSoa Wargo*Margie FischerMiss Macchiato Jo-ann BurkeCaptain Cappuccino Gennaro Della RagioneMadame Macaron Naomi LangillDemi-Soloist Macarons Nicoletta ConsalesKerry ShannonMacaron Corps Soa BrummittKyla ChengKai WhalenElizabeth Windnagle*Eva Speranza, *Valerie WarnerPeppermints Gennaro Della RagioneJames Felton IIVictoria JaensonEmily Silva*Understudy

12Land of the SweetsMother Ginger Ali NitowskiGingerbread Cookies Lucy AdamsMathiang Bona Claire CaseyEmerson GellerAria GreenbaumAlyssa GreenwoodStella GugginaEllery LabinskiElla MintoRiya ParekhOrion PipechAnna Webb*Beth Webb, *Abiageal Boyle, *Sarah HoljesFox Beth WebbThe Cookie Force Isla SandbergDew Drop Fairy Lindsey DonnellFlower Demi Soloists Victoria JaensonEmily SilvaFlower Corps Soa Brummitt Nicoletta Consales Kerry ShannonEva Speranza(11/26 2pm & 7pm, 11/27 3pm)Kyla Cheng (11/27 11am)Kai WhalenElizabeth Windnagle*Valerie Warner Flower Petals Margie FischerQuinlan GreenbaumEmmanuelle HazeltonLilly JacobsonHunter JamesEmelia Martinez Ella NunezNicole Therault*Amelia Walsh*Understudy

13Clara’s TransformationThe Dew Drop Fairy grants Clara’s wish of becoming the Sugar Plum Fairy Clara Nupur SondhiDew Drop Fairy Lindsey DonnellCrown Carrier Laurel RaissianTransformation Box Escorts Dashawn DavisLamaree WilsonFlower Demi Soloists Jo-ann BurkeNaomi LangillFlower Corps Soa BrummittNicoletta ConsalesKerry ShannonEva Speranza (11/26 2pm & 7pm, 11/27 3pm) Kyla Cheng (11/27 11am)Kai WhalenElizabeth WindnagleSugar Plum Fairy Lauren LovetteCavalier Luigi CrispinoThe Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance into the gleaming starsSugar Plum Fairy Lauren LovetteCavalier Luigi CrispinoGrand Pas De DeuxThe EndApotheosis The Sweets dance and bid farewell to ClaraChristmas Morning Clara realizes her adventures were all a dream and cradles her beloved NutcrackerClara Nupur Sondhi

14In Artistic Director Dattellas’ rendition of The Nutcracker, audience members will notice something unexpected in the epic Battle Scene between the Mouse King and Nutcracker Doll. In most traditional Nutcracker ballets, the Mouse King and Mice are performed by ballet dancers who ll the stage in fast footwork, leaps and turns. However, Dattellas took the chance to redene this particular scene with a vision of her own.The Battle Scene will include the dancing talents of Hartford’s leading Break dancing and Hip-Hop company, Studio 860, performing as the fan-favorite Mouse King and troop of Mice. In 2018, the collaboration with Studio 860 was inaugurated, and this year has developed in collaboration with the Director of Studio 860, Jolet Creary. Under Jolet’s direction, the dancers of Studio 860 bring a thrilling energy into the Battle scene. The sharp and controlled movements of the toy soldiers contrast with the expansive dynamic range of Studio 860’s talented mice, each group highlighting dierent elements of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. The shared energy and tension between these two groups of dancers is riveting and brings a fresh energy to the scene, captivating the grit of this epic battle with unexpected layers of dynamic movement that keep the audience on the edge of their seat in anticipation. To learn more about Studio 860 and see videos of the dancers in action, link to the website by scanning the code. It has been such a rewarding and exciting experience to share the BTC studio with Jolet, and her troupe of talented dancers. Even though Ballet and Break-dancing are very dierent genres of dance, they both demand the same commitment, attention to detail and passion for successful execution. Stephanie Dattellas, BTC Artistic DirectorPhoto: Courtesy of Studio 360The Nutcracker & Studio 860The Nutcracker & Studio 860

15Learn more about BTC’s extraordinary designers and the costumes they create at www.dancebtc.org/costume-team15behind the seamsThe Nutcracker costumesbehind the seamsThe Nutcracker costumesIntrodu cing...Spicy Hot Chocolate!Meet the Peppermints!Photos: Thomas GiroirHow do you get across the idea of candy with cloth? Artistic Director Stephanie Dattellas wanted to recreate the second act of The Nutcracker in a way that would avoid cultural misrepresentations. She felt it was important to portray the Land of the Sweets as a fantasy world of cookies, chocolate, lollipops, and gumdrops, without references to various ethnic cultures.Her new choreography transformed the Tchaikovsky’s Spanish Dance into the new “Spicy Hot Chocolate” Pas de Trois. For Tchaikovsky’s iconic “Trepak” score and instead of the acrobatic dance of traditionally Slavic culture, Dattellas introduces “The Peppermints” an energetic, playful piece of two women and two men, a Pas de Quatre.Head Costumer Pat Nurnberger was excited to meet this challenge by designing the new costumes. She found clever ways to fulll Dattellas’ vision yet pay tribute to the history of the traditional dances. She discovered the origins of spicy hot chocolate came from ancient Mexico. Chocolates, bonbons, and chili peppers make an appearance in Nurnberger’s sweet creations. And to make fabric look like peppermint candy, she hand-sewed green, white and red ribbons (about 100 yd. per costume) together!

16BTC company dancersBTC company dancersPhoto: Thomas GiroirBTC provides over 150 jobs per performance season.The ballet company consists of resident dance professionals, choreographers, oce sta, costume designers, lighting designers, master electricians, videographers, photographers, scenic designers, stagehands, and teaching artists.BTC is part of the Greater Hartford arts scene, and we are proud to be a part of growing the region’s robust and artist-friendly economy. Your patronage will benet the strength of the artistic community in the heart of Connecticut.Please email giving@dancebtc.org if a contribution to BTC’s Workforce Development Fund is right for you.BTC’s Workforce Development Fund BTC’s company dancers are joined by international and world-renowned guest artists to bring its production of The Nutcracker to life on stage. To learn more about BTC’s company dancers see pages 31-33.

17Lauren LovetteSugar Plum FairyLauren Lovette personies the intertwining of dance and choreography, moving seamlessly from one to the other. Her work has been commissioned and performed by leading dance companies and festivals, including the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, the Vail International Dance Festival, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Nevada Ballet Theatre, as well as a self-produced evening entirely of her own work in which she also danced, Why It Matters. Born in Thousand Oaks, California, Lovette began studying ballet at the age of 11 at the Cary Ballet Conservatory in Cary, North Carolina. She enrolled at SAB as a full time student in 2006. In October 2009, Ms. Lovette became an apprentice with NYCB and joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in September 2010. Promoted to soloist in February 2013 and to principal dancer in June 2015, she stepped down from her position at the company in 2021 in order to embark on a career devoted to dance and choreography in more equal measure. She is now the choreographer in residence at the Paul Taylor Dance Company and performs as a guest principal dancer around the world. Ms. Lovette received the Clive Barnes Award for dance in December 2012 and was the 2012-2013 recipient of the Janice Levin Award. (Photo: Nisian Hughes)Luigi CrispinoCavalier and Nutcracker DollBorn on April 17, 1997, Luigi Crispino began his training in 2005 at the Ballet School of the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Italy, and graduated in June of 2015. During his training Luigi performed principal roles such as ‘Oberon’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and ‘The Blue Prince’ in Snow White with the Teatro San Carlo Opera. In 2014 he took part in the Jia Ruskaja Rome Prize in Moscow. While performing at the Bolshoi Academy, Crispino met Franco De Vita, then the director of American Ballet Theater’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. De Vita oered Crispino a full scholarship to attend that year’s summer intensive. Arriving in New York in the summer of 2015, Crispino earned a subsequent scholarship to remain at the JKO School and take a year of their pre-professional courses. In 2016 he joined ABT Studio Company and in 2017 he joined the Corps de Ballet. In 2020 he choreographed his rst ballet for ABT Incubator, Thread of Memories. His repertoire includes ‘Jean De Brianne’ (Raymonda Pas de Dix), ‘Nutcracker Prince’ (The Nutcracker), ‘Siegfried’ (Swan Lake), ‘Basilio’ (Don Quixote - ‘Act 3 Pas de Deux’) and ‘Solor’ (La Bayadere Suite - ‘Realm of Shadows’) as well as soloist roles in Rondo Capriccioso (Alexei Ratmansky), Kabalevsky Violin Concerto (Marcelo Gomes), and many others. In 2017 he received the Positano Prize - Leonide Massine as an international artist; in 2021 the municipality of Frattmaggiore in Naples, Italy, recognized Luigi as an international star and cultural patrimony; in 2022 he received the prestigious Vespoli Prize, again by the board of the Premio Positano - Leonide Massine. (Photo: Karolina Kuras)btc guest artistsbtc guest artists

18Lindsey DonnellDew Drop FairyLindsey Donnell is an artist with the internationally renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem. She was born and raised in Midland, Texas where she studied ballet under the late Judy Coleman and Susan Clark followed by her time at Butler University, earning degrees in Dance-Arts Administration and Journalism. She began her professional career with Nashville Ballet until moving to New York City to join Dance Theatre of Harlem for the company’s celebrated return and inaugural year under Virginia Johnson. During her time with the company, she has had the honor of performing in almost all 50 states and for audiences around the world, including Italy, Honduras, Israel, Turkey, Poland and Brazil and at the White House for former First Lady Michelle Obama. Witnessing the power of art to unite communities led Lindsey to speak at TEDxBroadway 2016 and be a featured artist at the opening of One World Trade Center. Some performance highlights for Lindsey include the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors, Jacobs Pillow, Veil Dance Festival, and the Kennedy Center’s Ballet Across America. In her repertoire are works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Nacho Duato, Alvin Ailey, Robert Garland, Georey Holder, Dianne McIntyre & Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa. Lindsey is ever grateful for her family & friends, her mentor Charla Genn, and to be dancing with BTC this season! (Photo: Theik Photo)Dashawn DavisMouse King and Party AdultDashawn “MJ2” Davis is a professional dancer from Hartford, CT. As a professional dancer, Dashawn has performed as a member of the Connecticut Sun “Solar Power” dance team and is the coach for the 860 Boys Dance Team as well as the Hartford Yard Goats youth dance team. Dashawn has also been involved in various dance projects including MTV’s Next Big Dance Move and a dancer for the Emmy award winning lm “While You Were Gone” featured in Online Dance Magazine. btc guest artistsbtc guest artists

19Lamaree WilsonParty Adult and Big MouseLamaree Wilson-Robinson is an upcoming artist and teacher from Hartford, CT where he is a professional dancer. He has a skill set of acro-tumbling, graphics, and dance in multiple styles. He has been dancing professionally for 5 years, dances with studio 860 where he teaches a youth contemporary I class, coaches the 860 Contemporary Ensemble and teaches a drop-in contemporary class. He trains and performs in hip-hop, contemporary, and jazz; under the direction of Jolet Creary & Peter Reynolds at Studio-8-Sixty. Lamaree’s passion is dance and giving back to his community.Nicholas Fortenbach Party Adult and Big Mouse Nic Fortenbach, from Tolland, Connecticut, is a Senior at Tolland High School and Greater Hartford Arts Academy Half-Day Program. He start-ed dancing at 8 years old. He is a member of the Studio 860 Dance Crew, a member of United Outkast Breaking Crew, and Floorlords Breaking Crew out of Boston. He has starred in the Emmy award winning video “While You Were Gone” for The Bushnell, has done many other projects such as videos, performances and is active in the breaking battle scene. He battled at Breaking for Gold in Brooklyn. This is Nic’s third year danc-ing in Ballet Theatre Company’s The Nutcracker.btc guest artistsbtc guest artistsBreak dance and hip-hop dance students from Studio 860

20Artistic Director Stephanie DattellasChoreography Stephanie DattellasAdditional Choreographyfor The Battle Scene Jolet Creary Dashawn DavisGrand Pas de Deux George BalanchineRehearsal Director Emily SilvaAssistant Rehearsal Director Sarah McCahillProduction Manager Megan O’BrienLighting Design Samuel BiondolilloScenic Design Jacob SikorskiElectrical Supervisor David OrlandoElectrical Support Kelly DaigneaulStage Manager Erica NelsonCostume Design Tracy Dorman, Pat Ubaldi Nurnberger, Norma Savarino, Catherine SavinoSeamstresses Tracy Dorman, Pat Ubaldi Nurnberger, Sibley Morosco, Darby Newsome, Amanda Smith, Marti Simmons, Andrea UsamiHeadpiece Design Heidi UsamiProp Design Imperial Decorating & Upholstering of West Hartford, Eric Brummitt, Sean Harris, David Hubbard, Megan Klamert, Jennifer McAfee, Omar Schrayter, Geeta SandbergMother Ginger Design Rob Fournier, Monica Whalen, Kate Wizeman, Kelley GellerSocial Media Coordinator James Felton IIGraphic Designer Laurel HoskinsGraphics Intern Soa BrummittHead Chaperone Kerri RaissianBoutique Coordinator Monica WhalenPhotography Tracy Dorman, Thomas GiroirVideography Peter Cofrancesco, Creation DreamAdditional thanks goes to the many parents and volunteers for their tireless support of Ballet Theatre Company’s production of The Nutcracker.Thank you to our foundation supporters, our business sponsors, and to our patrons.The Nutcracker production teamThe Nutcracker production team

21ABOUT BALLET THEATRE COMPANYThe mission of Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) is to enrich Greater Hartford by oering professional-caliber dance productions, dance education for ages 3 to adult in its training school, The School of Ballet Theatre Company provides dance related experiences and workshops free of charge to children through its Community Youth Enrichment Program. BTC was founded in West Hartford in 1999. During its rst three years, the performance company presented an annual spring repertory performance at the Gilman Theater, Greater Hartford Jewish Community Center. In December 2002, BTC accepted an invitation to stage its rst production of The Nutcracker at the University of Saint Joseph’s Homan Auditorium in the Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities. Since then, it has become an annual tradition for the Greater Hartford community. In 2021, BTC staged The Nutcracker at The Bushnell’s Belding Theater production to nearly sold-out performances. A newly-choreographed and costumed The Nutcracker is set to take The Belding Theater stage once again on November 26 and 27, 2022.BTC’s annual Spring Repertory performance, held at the Homan Auditorium since 2002, has become a showcase for new works by regional and guest choreographers as well as a select repertoire of classical ballets. In 2018, BTC introduced its rst full-length spring ballet, Cinderella, choreographed by current Artistic Director Stephanie Dattellas. The staging of storybook ballets has since become another annual tradition, with subsequent seasons featuring Sleeping Beauty, and Aladdin, which premiered at The Bushnell’s Belding Theater in Hartford in 2022.This season, BTC is making its’ company debut at The Bushnell for The Nutcracker - an historic achievement for the organization.Jo-ann Burke and Aldeir Monteiro, BTC’s Aladdin, 2022 | Photo: Thomas Giroir

22Stephanie Dattellas, Artistic DirectorStephanie Dattellas is an accomplished professional dancer, choreographer, director, and teacher. Her training began with Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY, Inc., under the direction of Kathleen Rathbun, and continued professionally performing with companies such as Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Buglisi Dance Theatre. Dattellas has in-depth experience developing young dancers’ technique, strength and artistry, and passionately believes that nding personal individuality is equally as important as developing technique. Dattellas joined Ballet Theatre Company as Artistic Director and General Manager in June 2017 and since has choreographed and premiered Cinderella (2018), the rst full-length ballet presented by BTC, The Nutcracker (2018), Sleeping Beauty (2019), and Aladdin (2022). Prior to Ballet Theatre Company, Dattellas was the Ballet Mistress and Company Manager of the Syracuse City Ballet.Emily Silva, Rehearsal DirectorEmily Aubrey Silva grew up in Sandown, NH, and completed her pre-professional training at Boston Ballet School followed by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Graduate Program, where she also taught on the Children’s Division faculty. Emily holds a BFA in Dance Performance and Ballet Pedagogy from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School and is a former soloist with Ballet Hartford. She has been a member of SBTC faculty and BTC Artistic Sta in various roles since 2018, in addition to appearing as a guest dancer. Silva joined BTC as a Season Dancer in 2019 and has been BTC’s Rehearsal Director since 2020.Sarah McCahill, Assistant Rehearsal DirectorSarah McCahill trained at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, School of American Ballet and Miami City Ballet School. She competed in YAGP, winning rst place in the junior division and placing in the top 10 every year after in the NYC nals. An apprenticeship under Edward Vilella in Miami City Ballet quickly set her up for promotion to the corps de ballet. During the ve seasons at MCB she danced Balanchine pieces under Lourdes Lopez and pieces from other world-renowned choreographers like Justin Peck, Twyla Tharp, and Liam Scarlett. In 2017, McCahill danced with Dimensions Dance Theater of Miami. She returned to CT to teach at Woodbury Ballet among other studios in the area while working full time. McCahill was a resident dancer with Ballet Theatre Company for Season 2021-2022, playing leading roles in The Nutcracker and Aladdin at the Bushnell’s Belding Theater.btc artistic team

23Paul Mejia, Artistic Advisor Paul Mejia was born in Lima, Peru, but was raised in New York. He joined the School of American Ballet in 1958, and choreographed his rst ballets by the age of fourteen. Mr. Mejia joined the New York City Ballet in 1964, and danced principal roles in many of George Balanchine’s ballets. In 1972, he joined Maurice Bejart’s Ballet of the Twentieth Century where he danced and choreographed throughout Europe. In 1977, he staged a season of ballet in Guatemala, where he created four new ballets including Romeo and Juliet, the rst of his highly acclaimed Shakespearean ballet series. Mr. Mejia joined the Chicago City Ballet as co-artistic director with Maria Tallchief; and during the next seven years, he created fteen new ballets, including his full-length version of Cinderella, which toured nationally and internationally to great acclaim. His ballet Eight by Adler, music by Richard Adler, was later lmed for PBS and won an Award for Suzanne Farrell.From 1987 to 1998, he was the artistic director of the Fort Worth Dallas Ballet, during which time he added thirty-two of his own works to the company’s repertoire, including sixteen world premieres. Dedicated to the artistic vision and philosophy of George Balanchine, Mr. Mejia has choreographed dramatic story ballets, as well as works in the neoclassical style; and has choreographed several works for operas, including the Chicago Lyric Opera. He has been a guest teacher and lecturer in various schools and universities throughout the US.In 1984, he was selected by Esquire Magazine as one of the “Outstanding Americans Under 40.” In 1998, Mr. Mejia became the artistic advisor of the Metropolitan Classical Ballet, then Ballet Arlington. He has added many of his own works to the company’s repertoire, including three world premieres, and has staged several George Balanchine ballets. In 2001, he assumed the position of executive director for the Company, and in 2002 was named co-artistic director with Alexander Vetrov. He and his wife, Maria Terezia Balogh, and their children, Roman, Isabella and Lazslo, reside in West Hartford, CT.Maria Terezia Balogh, Artistic Advisor As a professional ballerina for twenty-two years, Maria Terezia Balogh was a principal dancer with the Lyric Opera Ballet, later known as Chicago City Ballet, and the Fort Worth Ballet. During that time, she was an instructor in the ocial schools of both companies. After she retired as a dancer, she married and had three children, but continued her career as a ballet instructor. Presently, she is the Founding Director of Dance for All Saints’ Episcopal School in Fort Worth, where she instructs student levels early childhood - 12. Ms. Balogh’s greatest reward is to instill in her students a love of classical ballet they can enjoy throughout their lives.btc artistic team

24Brianna Dunlap, Development DirectorBrianna Dunlap joined Ballet Theatre Company in 2021. Brianna is a results-oriented leader who specializes in growing and maintaining organizational development programs. She loves connecting people to what they are passionate about, and focused on building and stewarding strong relationships with our BTC supporters. Brianna earned her Master’s degree in Public History at Central Connecticut State University (2016). She is the author of Connecticut Valley Tobacco, a History Press book on the history, culture, and people of cigar tobacco agriculture.Nicoletta Consales, School AdministratorNicoletta Consales is an Italian-American, classically trained dancer and choreographer from northern New Jersey. In addition to her role as BTC’s School Administrator, Nicoletta is also a resident dancer. See page 33 for more information about her dance experience.Victoria Jaenson, Community EngagementOriginally from Kampala, Uganda, Victoria Jaenson began her formal dance training at the age of seven in Vermont. She later studied at the Rock School in Philadelphia, eventually joining the faculty. On addition to her role as a BTC resident dancer, Victoria is excited in her position as BTC’s Community Engagement Administrator for the 2022-2023 Season. Please see page 31 for more information about her dance experience.James Felton II, Social Media Content CreatorJames Felton II is a resident dancer with Ballet Theatre Company. He also lls additional role of BTC’s Social Media guru for the 2022-2023 Season. Please see page 31 for more information about his dance experience.btc production team

25Megan O’Brien, Production Manager Megan O’Brien is excited to be joining BTC as the assistant production manager for the company’s 2021-2022 season. Originally from South Windsor, Connecticut, she earned her BA in Theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University and her MFA in Lighting Design at Wayne State University. Before going back to school, O’Brien worked with BTC for three years as the master electrician and spotlight operator for The Nutcracker, and is thrilled to be working with the company again.Samuel Biondolillo, Resident Lighting DesignerSamuel J. Biondolillo is a New York-based lighting designer for theatre, dance, television, and live events. O-Broadway: NYC Dance & Music Festival, Geek! The Musical. Regional: The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret (Moonbox Productions), The Complete History of Comedy Abridged (Lost Nation Theater), Private Lives (Vermont Stage), Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 (Connecticut Repertory Theatre), Flamingo Kid (Hartford Stage, Assist.) Television/Events: The Celebration of the Inauguration of Governor Wolf 2019 (ESM, Assit.), The White House Frontiers Conference hosted by President Obama (ESM, Drafting Assoc.), Ice Chips Show of Champions (Boston Skating Club, Assist.). Sam is an adjunct professor of lighting and sound technology at the University of Connecticut, a proud lighting design member of Local USA 829, and holds a BA from Boston College in Theatre Arts. SJBLightingDesign.com or SamuelBiondolillo.comDavid Orlando, Resident Electrical SupervisorDavid’s recent work has been associate designing Rocky Horror Show with Moonbox productions and Don Giovanni with Boston Opera Collaborative. David received his BFA in Lighting Design from Boston University. He has had the recent pleasure of working at Five Towns College, Moonbox Productions, Boston Opera Collaborative, and the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Festival. He also formerly served as the resident lighting designer of the New Classics Company and former Professor of Lighting at Five Towns College.btc production team

26Jacob Sikorski, Scenic DesignJacob Sikorski (he/they) is a NYC based scenic and lighting designer for theatre and live events. Recent designs include: Constellations (lighting, CCSU), The Crucible (scenic, Parallel45 Theatre), Cabaret (scenic, Parallel45 Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (lighting, Connecticut Repertory Theatre), Blood at the Root (scenic, Connecticut Repertory Theatre). Jacob is so excited to be making their creative team debut at BTC with The Nutcracker! Jacob holds an MFA from UConn and a BA from the University of Iowa. @sikorskidesign www.jacob-sikorski.comErica Nelson, Stage ManagerErica Nelson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance and graduated Magna Cum Laude with University Honors from The Hartt School at The University of Hartford. She is a freelance choreographer, dancer, and model in the New England Area. She has a passion for stage management. She is skilled in lmmaking and writing, graphic design and visual arts. Nelson is a huge advocate for the arts and enjoys collaborating with artists across various elds. She also works as Director of Dance Medicine and Conditioning at Magna Physical Therapy and Dance Medicine Center in Avon. (Photo: Ron Compton)Peter Cofrancesco, Resident Videographer Peter Cofrancesco, Creation Dream Video, is a full time freelance videographer specializing in lming live events and providing legal video services. In 2020 and 2021 he lmed the digital premieres of BTC’s Up Close and the full-length ballet Snow White.btc production team

27Thomas Giroir, PhotographyThomas attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas on a dance scholarship and received his BFA in Dance. He joined the Hartford Ballet and danced there for nine years. After retiring from dance, Giroir pursued a career in photography, specializing in dance photography. He has worked with many dance companies and schools in the New England area, including photographing Mikhail Baryshnikov’s one man show in 2004. He has also done work for corporations and educational institutions.Laurel Hoskins, Graphic Designer Laurel’s relationship with Ballet Theatre Company began 22 years ago when her 5 year old daughter Lianna took ballet lessons at the Masonic Hall on Main Street. Soon after, BTC hired her to promote their growing business and productions. She attended Bucknell University and University of Connecticut, earning a BA in English Literature with minors in Botany and Astronomy. Her many and diverse clients have included The Hartford Insurance for the Coexistence exhibit, Hartford Golf Club, numerous local businesses, non-prots, and local schools. Hoskins has been self-employed as a freelance graphic designer for 25 years.Soa Brummitt, Art & Graphics InternSoa Brummitt is a student at The School of Ballet Theatre Company and a member of the Junior Corps de Ballet. She is a senior at Glastonbury High School and has consistently received high honor roll recognition. In addition to dancing, Soa is an accomplished artist, earning awards from the Scholastic’s Art and Writing regional competitions. Soa started her graphics internship with Ballet Theatre Company in 2020, creating illustrations for Snow White, The Nutcracker, and Aladdin, the Dance-a-Thon, and BTC’s Community Youth Enrichment Program. She illustrated BTC’s Season 24 performance cover graphics.btc production team

28Pat Nurnberger, Head Costume Designer Pat Ubaldi Nurnberger obtained her Master’s Degree in Costuming from UCONN. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and began her career as a fashion designer in New York. She began designing for her daughter’s ballet school, and quickly fell in love with this art form. She decided to leave the apparel business and devote herself to the theater. While at UCONN, she worked on Tito’s Dream, a theatrical presentation of Carlos Garcia’s eponymous poem. Larger works included designs for Big Love and Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as assisting on two operas. In the past years, she has designed a ballet version of L’Enfant et Les Sortileges, as well as several versions of The Nutcracker, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia and others. Musicals include Anything Goes, Always…Patsy Cline and Spring Awakening, Bus Stop, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Hair, Beauty and the Beast, and The Fantasticks. Opera designs for HMS Pinafore, The Marriage of Figaro, Cendrillon, Sour Angelica, Princess Ida and The Mikado have followed. Pat was lead designer of the costumes for BTC’s production of Aladdin that premiered this spring at The Bushnell’s Belding Theater.Tracy Dorman, Professional SeamstressTracy Dorman has nearly six decades of experience costuming theater and dance productions. Mostly self-taught, her rst costuming project was Snow White for a children’s theatre wing of a summer stock theater company while she was still in high school. She designed and built the costumes for the Connecticut Valley Regional Ballet. She volunteered in the costume shop of the Hartford Ballet, working on designs by Sandra Woodall for The American Nutcracker and also the student-based Manchester Ballet. For the rst ve years of Ballet Theatre Company, she was the sole designer and costumer for all of the company’s performances, working with a small crew of volunteers.Darby Newsome, Professional SeamstressDarby Newsome is a Connecticut-based Costume Designer and Technician, and graduate of The University of Connecticut. Costume Design credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (Kingswood-Oxford), Gianni Schicchi Exc. (The Santa Fe Opera), Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail Exc.(The Santa Fe Opera), The Grapes of Wrath (Connecticut Repertory Theater), and She Kills Monsters (Connecticut Repertory Theater).btc costume team

29Marti Simmons, Professional SeamstressMarti Simmons is a full-time First Hand/Stitcher at the University of Hart-ford Hartt School, Marti holds a BFA in Costume Design and Costume Construction from the University of Hartford. At Hartt, Marti builds cos-tumes for a wide range of productions including straight plays, musical theater, dance and opera. Outside of the Hartt school Marti freelances for local small shops that build costumes for Regional theater produc-tions such as Goodspeed and Long Wharf as well as Broadway produc-tions including Hamilton and Moulin Rouge.Amanda Smith, Professional SeamstressAmanda graduated with a BFA in costume design and technology. Since then she kept the dream alive by working with University of Hartford costume department. Previously with Goodspeed Opera House, Westport Playhouse and Maltz Jupiter Theatre, she’s had the joy of building beautiful costumes for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Nutcracker, Will Rogers Follies and many more.Sibley Morosco, Professional SeamstressSibley Morosco trained in New York City with ABT and the Jorey ballet. While pursuing her BA in dance, she performed with Pittsburgh Ballet. She is Founding Director of Main Street Ballet and Main Street Theater In Woodbury, CT. In addition to teaching and producing many productions from The Nutcracker to Shakespeare, Sibley has a passion for costuming and is delighted to be working on this newly envisioned production of The Nutcracker.btc costume team

30Andrea Rossol Usami, Professional SeamstressWith degrees in Art History from Columbia and Yale Universities, Andrea has worked in costume design and construction for the past fourteen years. Currently Head Costumer for the Main Street Ballet Company, she specializes in ballet, opera, and theater costuming.Heidi Usami, Headpiece DesignerHeidi is delighted to return to work at the Ballet Theatre Company as Headpiece Designer. She began her artistic instruction under Sibley Morosco at the Main Street Ballet Company, where she has danced and worked for the past 14 years. Her headpieces premiered in MSB’s production of The Nutcracker in 2019, and some of her favorite designs include headpieces for the Sugar Plum Fairy, Tea, and the fairies from Cinderella. She created headpieces for BTC’s Aladdin production at The Bushnell’s Belding Theater in the Spring of 2022. Heidi is currently a high school junior specializing in writing and 3D Studio Arts.btc costume teamCostume Designer Pat Nurnberger’s watercolor renderings of new costumes for Tea, Peppermints, and Macarons.

31Jo-ann BurkeJo-ann Burke began her pre-professional training in Massachusetts with Irina Vakhromeeva, Carlos Molina, and Alexandra Koltun. At 16 she moved to Philadelphia to attend The School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, and participated in the trainee program under Artistic Director Angel Corella. She continued training with The Kansas City Ballet, under Artistic Director Devon Carney. At age 19 she danced as a member of Milwaukee Ballet’s second company MBII, before joining Syracuse City Ballet as a company member. While under the employ of SCB she was cast in featured roles including “Lucy” in Dracula, “The Snow Queen”, “Arabian Princess”, and “Spanish Pas De Deux” in The Nutcracker, and “The Cat” and “The Spring Fairy” in Cinderella. While at Ballet Theatre Company she has performed original choreography by Stephanie Dattellas, Derek Brockington, Paul Mejia, Kate St. Amand, and has been featured in roles such as: a demi soloist in “Flowers” and “Snow”, along with “The Arabian Pas De Deux” in The Nutcracker, “The Wicked Queen” in Snow White, and most recently as the leading role of “The Princess of Agrabah” in Aladdin. This is Jo-ann’s second season with Ballet Theatre Company.James Felton IIJames Felton II started training at Sandra Brewer’s Dance Connection then later at the Flint School of Performing Arts with the Flint Youth Ballet under the direction of Karen Mills-Jennings. James graduated from Western Michigan University with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography in 2021, where he was gracious to perform works by George Balanchine, Mikal Fokine, Jennifer Archibald, Seyong Kim, Mike Esperanza, David Curwen and more. James began guest performing with Ballet Theatre Company in the Spring of 2022 and is thrilled to join as a Company Dancer for the 2022-2023 season! Victoria JaensonOriginally from Kampala, Uganda, Victoria began her formal dance training at the age of seven in Vermont. She later studied at the Rock School in Philadelphia, eventually joining the faculty. In 2017, Victoria began studying at The Hartt School. In the fall of 2018, Victoria joined Charlotte Ballet II. There, Victoria had the opportunity to perform Alonzo King’s Map; Medhi Walerski’s Petit Cérémonie; Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker and Peter Pan; Christian Spuck’s Leonce and Lena; and Matthew Hart’s Sleeping Beauty. Victoria performed with Des Moines Metro Opera as a dancer for the operas Platée and Queen of Spades. This is Victoria’s second season with Ballet Theatre Company.btc company dancers

32Naomi LangillOriginally from Sacramento, California, Naomi Langill trained with Capitol Ballet Company under the direction of Stuart Carroll and Sharon Newton. Naomi has danced with Ballet Frontier of Texas and guested with Capitol Ballet Company. She has been honored to have performed many dierent ballets and original pieces. Some of her favorite roles have been Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Clara and the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, as well as the title role in Sylvia. Naomi enjoys sharing the love of dance through every new role. This is Naomi’s second season with Ballet Theatre Company.Gennaro Della RagioneGennaro is a professional dancer from Naples, Italy. His teachers included Carmela Pirozzi, Margherita Veneruso, and Ferdinando Arenella in Italy. He studied in Germany at the ocial school of the Semperoper Theater. Della Ragione was chosen as a solo dancer for the show Una Voce for Padre Pio, a prime-time show on Italian TV. In the US, he has been Principal dancer for Sonia Plumb Dance Company as well as Dimensional Dance. He also performed as a principal dancer in La Bayadere with Centro Danza and Sheherazade at the Teatro Mediterraneo in Naples. Della Ragione also apprenticed with the Mystic Ballet company directed by Goran Subotic. Most recently Gennaro performed as a title role in Aladdin. This is Gennaro’s second season with Ballet Theatre Company.Emily Silva Emily Aubrey Silva grew up in Sandown, NH and completed her early pre-professional training at Boston Ballet School. After graduating high school, Emily trained in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Graduate Program and went on to attend the University of Hartford’s Hartt School, graduating summa cum laude with a BFA in Dance Performance and Ballet Pedagogy. Emily is a former soloist with Ballet Hartford and has performed with Ballet Theatre Company since 2017. Her recent featured roles include “Lead Diamond” in Aladdin, “Snow Queen” in The Nutcracker, and “Snow White” in Snow White. This is Emily’s second season with Ballet Theatre Company.btc company dancers

33Nicoletta Consales, ApprenticeNicoletta is an Italian-American, classically trained dancer from northern New Jersey. She started at a local dance studio with creative movement, then moved to Nunnbetter Dance Theatre where she immersed herself in the study of ballet, variations, jazz, theater, modern, and contemporary. Nicky has worked with many prominent names in dance including Eleanor D’Antuono, Margo Sappington, Michelle Manzanales, and Bennyroyce Royon. She attended Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, Kaatsbaan International Dance Center, and Ballet Hispánico’s summer programs. She also participated in three YAGP competitions where she placed as nalist for ensemble twice. Nicky graduated with a BA in Dance and Linguistics from Smith College this May and is very excited to be pursuing dance with BTC!Ali Nitowski, ApprenticeAli Nitowski (he/him) is thrilled to be back with BTC this season as an apprentice! He was last seen in BTC’s Aladdin as The Emperor last spring. He was recently in the musical Head Over Heels ensemble at Playhouse Stage Co. in Albany, NY. Some of his past credits include: A Chorus Line (Larry, u/s Bobby), Celebration (Reveler), A Midsummer…Dream (Oberon/Egeus). Ali has a BA in Theatre Performance from Wagner College, located in Staten Island. This is Ali’s rst season with Ballet Theatre Company.Kerry Shannon, ApprenticeKerry Shannon is 17 years old and a West Hartford, CT resident. She began her training at the age of 8 at The Hartt School Community Division where she trained with many outstanding instructors including Carol Roderick and Sarkis Kaltakhtchian. Kerry was also fortunate to complete a year of training at Greenwich Ballet Academy under the direction of Yuri Vodolago. She competed at YAGP regionals in Boston and placed in the top 3 each time earning her a spot to Finals in 2019. She was also the Gold Medal winner in the Junior category at CT Classic 2018. She trained on scholarship at many outstanding summer intensives and was accepted to Canada’s National Ballet School in 2019. After returning to the US, Kerry trained for a year at University of North Carolina School For The Arts. During her training, Kerry has performed many roles, including Dew Drop and Clara in The Nutcracker, excerpts from Napoli, and a contemporary piece “Before We Go” choreographed by Grady Bowman. Kerry is thrilled and honored to return to West Hartford for her senior year of High School and to perform with Ballet Theatre Company.btc company dancers

34Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) oers students a unique opportunity for young aspiring dancers to perform in professional ballet productions as part of BTC’s Junior Corps de Ballet. The mission of BTC’s Junior Corps de Ballet is to provide serious dancers the opportunity to train at a high caliber, experience professional dance at a young age, and, if interested, to prepare for a future in dance.Soa BrummittKyla ChengNupur Sondhi Eva SperanzaHailey Wankier Valerie Warner Kai Whalen Elizabeth WindnagleApprenticesJade Bello Leah Devor Margie Fischer Jillian HubbardEvie Messinger Soa WargoPortraits by Thomas Giroirjunior corps de ballet

35tickets at dancebtc.org or scan the code performances and eventsOctober 1–7:00pmOctober 2–2:00pmThe Ron and Nancy Compton StudioNovember 25–2:00pm & 7:00pmNovember 26–11:00am* & 3:00pmThe Bushnell’s Belding TheaterOne Night in HollywoodFebruary 11, 2023 7:00pmWest Hartford Town HallMarch 4, 2023 –7:00pmMarch 5, 2023 – 2:00pmThe Ron and Nancy Compton StudioApril 29, 2023–1:00pmApril 30, 2023–11:00am* & 3:00pmJune 17, 2023Save the Date!*A Sensory-Friendly Ballet in partnership with the Miracle League of Connecticut

36The School of Ballet Theatre Company (SBTC) is the officialschool of Ballet Theatre Company (BTC), offering classes forstudents ages 3 to adult, from beginner to advanced levels.Its carefully-constructed curriculum emphasizes strongtechnique, proper alignment, musicality, and expression. Through a faculty of distinguished professionals, its balletinstructors incorporate the best of the French, Italian, andRussian training methods in a nurturing and supportiveclassroom environment that fosters the development ofyoung artists. Classes include: Creative Movement, Ballet, Boys Ballet,Adult Ballet, Pointe, Variation, Contemporary, and Jazz. SBTC offers open enrollment. Join us today!For more information about ourclasses, tuition, school policies, andmore email school@dancebtc.orgor visit us online at dancebtc.org.The School of Ballet Theatre Company (SBTC) is the officialschool of Ballet Theatre Company (BTC), offering classes forstudents ages 3 to adult, from beginner to advanced levels.Its carefully-constructed curriculum emphasizes strongtechnique, proper alignment, musicality, and expression. Through a faculty of distinguished professionals, its balletinstructors incorporate the best of the French, Italian, andRussian training methods in a nurturing and supportiveclassroom environment that fosters the development ofyoung artists. Classes include: Creative Movement, Ballet, Boys Ballet,Adult Ballet, Pointe, Variation, Contemporary, and Jazz. SBTC offers open enrollment. Join us today!For more information about ourclasses, tuition, school policies, andmore email school@dancebtc.orgor visit us online at dancebtc.org.

37Behind the Curtain is affiliated with BTC’s main stageproductions such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty,along with the annual production of The Nutcracker.BTC's team of professional dancers and artists travel to schools throughout CT to educate students about themany aspects of dance productions. In opening students’ eyes to the many wonders of a balletproduction through interactive workshops andperformances, Behind the Curtain aims to share the joysof live performances with young audiences and inspire alifelong connection to the arts, whether that be as aperformer, costume designer, member of the crew, oraudience member. Behind the Curtain's school tours are complimented byentertaining workbooks so that students can furtherexplore the presented ballet and performing arts world,while also practicing essential academic skills. BTC is always looking to partner with more schools for thisprogram! Please reach out to outreach@dancebtc.org if youknow of any school or classroom that may be interested.37

Everybody Dance Now celebrates 5 years!EDN provides dancers of all abilities and ages theopportunity to express themselves through movement,despite their physical and emotional limitations. EDN isdesigned to develop self-esteem and self-expression,improve mobility and fitness, build cognitive abilities, andgive participants the experience of performing live. BTC is proud to continue itspartnership with the MiracleLeague of CT and offer EverybodyDance Now (EDN), an adaptivedance program.Through EDN, over 100children with all types ofexceptionalities have beenable to express themselvesthrough dance since its startup in 2018. Visit www.dancebtc.orgfor more information.38

Raising the Barre (RTB) is BTC’s longest runningCommunity Enrichment program. RTB provides children inGreater Hartford with studio education dance classes andworkshops free of charge. RTB not only introduceschildren to various dance forms such as ballet, jazz and hiphop, but it inspires and encourages them to dream, set,and achieve lofty goals. Through this program, children build socialization andrelationship skills, explore self-expression, and grow inindividuality, self-esteem, and confidence. They gainphysical fitness in strength, coordination, mobility,flexibility, and cognitive ability. The program culminates ina performance that will allow participants to showcasetheir talents and progress with family and friends. BTC partners with the Hillcrest Area NeighborhoodOutreach Center (HANOC) and the Hartford Boys and GirlsClub (BGC) that serve children anywhere from ages 5-16. To learn more about BTC's Raising the Barre programvisit dancebtc.org/raising-the-barre39

When you become or renew as a BTC s Encore Society member you join BTC s community of supporters who prioritize the performing arts in the Greater Hartford area With a contribution of 100 or more you will become a member of BTC s exclusive Encore Society for the entirety of BTC s 2022 2023 season Benefits include complimentary tickets pre sale ticket opportunities to season performances and many other exclusive perks Learn more and join the Encore Society at www dancebtc org encore society Joseph Beltre and Lea Janell Mitchell in Dattellas Divide Eric Vagabond Photography Naomi Langill in BTC s The Nutcracker 2021 Photo Thomas Giroir 42

40BTC is thrilled to introduce "The Sensory-Friendly Ballet".The new initiative will offer Connecticut families theopportunity to experience BTC's performances of TheNutcracker (November) and Cinderella (April) at TheBushnell. BTC welcomes all The Sensory-Friendly performances will provide a safe,judgment-free, relaxed environment for those who havesensory or any other types of challenges that may makethem feel uncomfortable at a “typical” performance.Music and on stage sounds will be lowered, low levellighting will be maintained for the audience and whenwarranted, adjustments to the production will be made toensure everyone’s comfort.Over 200 families will enjoy this holiday classic during ourproduction run of The Nutcracker at The Bushnell.Consider making a contribution so that together we cancontinue to offer this opportunitiy for many years tofollow. Visit dancebtc.org/donate to donate. "This is the firsttime our entirefamily will see theshow and thatmeans more to usthan I can say. " Amy MessingerWest Hartford ResidentBTC is thrilled to introduce "The Sensory-Friendly Ballet".The new initiative will offer Connecticut families theopportunity to experience BTC's performances of TheNutcracker (November) and Cinderella (April) at TheBushnell. BTC welcomes all The Sensory-Friendly performances will provide a safe,judgment-free, relaxed environment for those who havesensory or any other types of challenges that may makethem feel uncomfortable at a “typical” performance.Music and on stage sounds will be lowered, low levellighting will be maintained for the audience and whenwarranted, adjustments to the production will be made toensure everyone’s comfort.Over 200 families will enjoy this holiday classic during ourproduction run of The Nutcracker at The Bushnell.Consider making a contribution so that together we cancontinue to offer this opportunitiy for many years tofollow. Visit dancebtc.org/donate to donate. "This is the firsttime our entirefamily will see theshow and thatmeans more to usthan I can say. " Amy MessingerWest Hartford Resident

41Make a donation at www.dancebtc.org41DirectorsDr. Eric Brummit, Board ChairBarbara Larain, Vice ChairDan Hitchell, SecretaryDrew AngeloTracy DormanKim EckartEric GalmAlexa Berk KingJane OwenEmeritus BoardDouglas EicherKama GiedraLisa GreeneBoard of directors

43DIRECTOR CIRCLEPRINCIPAL CIRCLERon and Nancy ComptonAlexa Berk KingEric Brummitt and Michele PrizioLisa and Tim GreeneBart GuthriePenny HutchisonQuentin LehnGary and Pat NurnbergerNancy and Bernie PelletierLori and Roger Aubrey, Jr.Andy and Cheryl BessetteRene Burke Carl and Chris DattellasDiane DavidsonKimberly EckartBarbara LaurainBob and Margaret PatricelliJe and Jessica CaponeJason and Kelley GellerWilliam and Donna HeerdtBonnie HoskinsDiana JamesAdam MeikleWes and Christina WhitesideBarbara CarpenterTracy DormanNancy E. Zaeh Eckart Robert and Heather FiedlerClaire FournierLaurel Hoskins and Stephen PevarSamantha MagnaniShimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil InsuranceBob and Pamela (Travis) CarrDonna SchwartzScott and Nara WargoKate and John WebbSOLOIST CIRCLECORPS DE BALLET CIRCLE

a journey through the LaND OF the SWEETSa journey through the LaND OF the SWEETSDecember 4, 1:00pm-5:00pmDecember 4, 1:00pm-5:00pmat Ballet Theatre Company20 Jeerson Avenue, West Hartford, CTProceeds will benet BTC's 2021 production of A Children’s Nutcracker. Each year, BTC oers more than 600 children the opportunity to enjoy this magical holiday ballet free of charge through its partnership with local child advocacy organizations.Ballet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not for prot organizationFun for the Fun for the whole Family!whole Family!c a r n i va lc a r n i va lThe NutcrackerThe NutcrackerGames, Crafts, Treats, and Prizes! Come for an hour or stay for all four!Play games for a chance to win tickets to BTC’s Cinderella! Take a picture with The Nutcracker characters Decorate a GF, vegan cookie in Mother Ginger’s Cookie Corner by Dee’s One Smart Cookie Enjoy Russell’s Creative Cuisine at our concessions stand! Purchase tickets and use them instead of real money to play games and buy concessions Play over 12 original games and collect tokens to exchange for prizes!details at www.dancebtc.org details at www.dancebtc.org SCAN THE CODE SCAN THE CODE Purchase tickets and use them instead of real money to play games and buy concessions. 44

45One Night in HollywoodFebruary 11, 2023 at 7:00pmWest Hartford Town Halltickets

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47April 29, 2023 at 1:00pmApril 30, 2023 at 11:00am* & 3:00pmThe Bushnell’s Maxwell M. & Ruth R. Belding Theater* 11am performance is a Sensory-Friendly Ballet in partnership with the Miracle League of Connecticut.tickets

An intimate, season-ending gala performance, seated dinner, dancing, and a virtual auction.June 17, 2023Save the Date!

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50On-Campus LibraryGuest Performances Resident-Run ClubsDuncaster is where From the campus Library to the Presidents’ College,I learn.At Duncaster, there are so many ways to continue to feed your mind. Attend lectures and discussion groups, complete your reading list in our library or learn new skills through our lifelong learning program. Here, you can enrich your mind to stay at your best. And with a full continuum of care services right on campus, choosing our Life Plan community means you’ll live at Duncaster with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve made a smart decision.Keep knowing, keep growing – call (860) 380-5006 to schedule a tour.40 Loeffler Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002(860) 726-2000 • Duncaster.org

51The The Buchalter and Breslow Buchalter and Breslow FamilyFamilyproudly supportsproudly supportsBallet Theatre Companyseason 24The The Buchalter and Breslow Buchalter and Breslow FamilyFamilyproudly supportsproudly supportsBallet Theatre Companyseason 24∏The Party Scene in BTC’s The Nutcracker 2019 | Photo by Thomas Giroir51

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54Dec. 10 – Dec. 29, 2022Tickets 860-523-5900 Ext. 10 or visit playhouseonpark.org244 PARK ROAD WEST HARTFORD, CT 06119Presenting SponsorMusic by Douglas J. CohenLyrics by Tom ToceBook by Robert OwensSensory-Friendly Performance:Sunday, December 11 10amApr. 25 – May 14, 2023Adapted From the Children’s Bookby Don FreemanBook & Lyrics by Joan Ross SorkinMusic by Mary Liz McNamaraSensory-Friendly Performance:Saturday, May 13 10amRegister Now for Winter Classes for Youth & Adults in Hartford & SimsburyTHEATRE ACADEMYTHEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCESBTCprogram_4.5x7.5.indd 1BTCprogram_4.5x7.5.indd 1 11/14/22 12:28 PM11/14/22 12:28 PM

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58State FarmBloomington, IL2006053Happy holidays, neighbors.I wish all my neighbors a safe and happy holiday season and the very best in the New Year. It’s a true joy to be part of such a wonderful community. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®Sharon Kim, Agent2475 Albany AvenueWest Hartford, CT 06117Bus: 860-233-8511sharon.kim.mgor@statefarm.comState Far mBloomington, IL2006044 HappyThanksgiving, neighbors.I’m thankful to be part of such a wonderful community.I wish all my neighbors a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®Sharon Kim, Agent2475 Albany AvenueWest Hartford, CT 06117Bus: 860-233-8511sharon.kim.mgor@statefarm.comI wish all my neighbors a safe and happy holiday season and the very best in the New Year. Its a true joy to be part of such a wonderful community.Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

59A distinctive partnership of boutique investmentmanagers singularly committed to the long-termsuccess of individual and institutional investors.Virtus has the flexibility, agility, and responsivenessof a boutique asset management firm with theproduct breadth, distribution reach, and resourcesof larger firms.Generate sustainable, superior returns with VIRTUS.VIRTUS.COMProud Lead Sponsor of the Raising the Barre program.

60Free $20Promo Cardwhen you purchase $100 in gift cards**Offer available only in-location through 12/31/22. Promotional car d mustbe used between 1/1/23 and 3/31/23. Promotional card may NOT be usedfor monthly payments under Membership/Wellness Agreements, gra tuities,or to purchase gift cards. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPL Y T O PROMOTIONAL CARDS AND THIS OFFER. See MassageEnvy.com/H oliday.Each location is an independently owned and operated franchise.ME-DNLD-2044-00-003-04x6_©2022 ME SPE Franchising, LLCWEST HARTFORD(860) 233-8890WEST FARM(860) 677-4477SOUTH WINDSOR(860) 644-5800

61Congratulations Ballet Theatre Company!We are proud to support you.860.342.1022LEARN MORE, VISIT US AT: WWW.REDTECHLLC.COMRED TECHNOLOGIES, LLCREMEDIATION, ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENTENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONSHazardous Waste Transportation & DisposalIntermodal • Roll-off Containers • Trailers • DrumsRemediation • Site Work • Heavy Highway_________________________________________________Intermodal Transfer Facility173 Pickering StreetPortland, Connecticut

62Jane Owen Public Relations is a results-driven, boutiquefirm, with internationalcapabilities. JOPR is an award-Winning Public Relations Agency based in Los Angeles, New York, London, Dubai, and West Hartford, CT.Public Relations Press and Media EngagementBranding & MessagingProduct LaunchesMarketing StrategySocial Media CampaignsTalent DevelopmentCharity & PhilanthropyCelebrity EngagementCorporate Strategyjaneowenpr.com

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BTC Company Dancers in BTC’s Aladdin, The Bushnell’s Belding Theater, 2022 | Photo: Thomas GiroirSupporting The Arts

we ha com Global Visitors 285 000 Unique Visitors 110 000 We have it all in West Hartford We focus on local news and features about the people schools businesses government real estate sports restaurants charitable events and arts and culture of West Hartford Read about it everyday at We Ha Com http We Ha com Photo credits Ronni Newton Editor Jackie Mandyk Lily Guberman Rtdeleon04 Dreamstime com and Jennifer Yakey

We are proud to be Ballet Theatre Company s season 23 sponsor James Felton ll BTC Company Dancer Photo by Thomas Giroir Give us a call or drop by We are excited to work on your next project 236 Park Road West Hartford CT 06119 860 521 9279 Fax 860 521 1079 www cricketpress net