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Ballet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not-for-prot organization | www.dancebtc.orgseptember 29-october 1, 2023the ron and nancy compton studio20 jefferson avenue, west hartford, ctballet theatre companyStephanie Dattellas, artistic director
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1west hartford’s premier ballet CompanyFriday, September 29 at 7pm Saturday, September 30 at 2pm & 7pm Sunday, October 1 at 2pmThe Ron and Nancy Compton StudioWorks by Marius PetipaDerek BrockingtonArtistic Director Stephanie DattellasRehearsal Director Emily SilvaCompany Repetiteur Anna Laghezza Resident Choreographer Derek BrockingtonProduction Manager Megan O’BrienProduction Assistant Sam OravitsWardrobe Tracy DormanVideographer Peter Cofrancesco, Creation Dream VideoPhotography Tracy Dorman Kai WhalenLighting Designer Megan O’BrienProgram Designer Laurel HoskinsOn the cover: Naomi Langill as Princess FlorinePhoto by Kai Whalen | Cover design by Laurel Graphics BALLET THEATRE COMPANY • 20 Jeerson Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110 860-570-0440 • dance@dancebtc.org • www.dancebtc.orgBallet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not-for-prot organizationup close: fall
2SPONSORSUP CLOSE: FALL is sponsored in part by PARTNERSHIPS MAKE DANCE ACCESSIBLE Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) makes it possible to solidify your organization’s commitment to giving back. BTC is grateful for the generosity of our donors who collectively help to build this growing organization one season at a time. Your investment to create stunning ballet performances, fund programs and support job opportunities will grant you access to unique opportunities for brand recognition and art experiences.e Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable TrustEnsworth Charitable Truste William & Alice Mortensen FoundationDavenport Hatch FoundationHenry Hall Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trusteee Petit Family Foundation e George A. and Grace L. Long FoundationAhearn Family Foundatione John and Kelly Hartman FoundationThe Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation
3SPONSORSup close sponsorseason sponsorlead sponsorpartner sponsorcommunity sponsorLaurLaurGraphic Design
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5about up closeUp Close offers the unique chance to view Ballet Theatre Company’s professional dancers and advanced students of the Junior Corps de Ballet at close range, giving a completely new perspective on ballet appealing to new and returning audience members alike. While dance in a traditional theatre setting is thrilling, hearing the dancers’ breath and shoes on the floor, and watching them prepare in the “wings” between each entrance brings audience members enchanting insight into the physicality behind this powerful art form.Up Close was first introduced virtually to BTC’s performance season in Fall of 2020 when theaters remained closed. The intention of this performance series was to showcase the beauty and athleticism of ballet in a new perspective, and audiences responded with great interest and enthusiasm. Since then, BTC has welcomed hundreds of community members into its home theater to introduce classical and contemporary works in a cozy and intimate setting.Paul Mejia’s “Serenade in A”, Up Close: Spring 2021 | Photo: Tracy Dorman
6Sleeping Beauty Christening Scene; Seen in Act I Choreography Marius Petipa, staged by Anna Laghezza and Emily Aubrey SilvaMusic Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky performed by the Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic OrchestraCostumes Tracy DormanCandide FairyThe Gift of BeautyDancer | Sarah McCahill (Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm), Sarah Berglund (Saturday 7pm, Sunday 2pm)Coulante FairyThe Gift of GenerosityDancer | Emily Aubrey SilvaMiettes Qui Tombent (Breadcrumb Fairy)The Gift of SerenityDancer | Jo-ann BurkeCanary FairyThe Gift of MusicalityDancer | Abigale Bilodeauup close: fALL 2023program
7up close: fALL 2023Violente Fairy (Finger Fairy)The Gift of CourageDancer | Zoe Simons (Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm), Isabella Warshaw (Saturday 7pm, Sunday 2pm)Lilac FairyThe Gift of WisdomDancer | Elizabeth van HeerdenFairy CorpsDancers | Jade Bello, Kyla Cheng, Nupur Sondhi, Eva Speranza, Kai Whalen, Elizabeth Windnagle Sleeping Beauty is set to one of three scores composed specically for ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky was commissioned by the Imperial Theatre in St. Petersburg to create a score that would bring to life Charles Perrault’s La Belle au bois dormant. The full-length ballet was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and saw its premiere in 1890.Since then, Sleeping Beauty has become a renowned classical ballet beloved by audiences across the globe. Many choreographers have been inspired by the score and Petipa’s original choreography to envision their own unique take on this well-known folktale. BTC presented its own Sleeping Beauty choreographed by Artistic Director Stephanie Dattellas in 2019. BTC is proud to share the iconic “Christening Scene” up close as the six enchanting fairies present gifts for Princess Aurora’s christening. 10 minute intermissionprogram
8up close: fALL 2023programstarburst (A work in progress)Choreography Derek BrockingtonMusic Jessie Montgomery and William Grant StillMovement 1Music | Sunburst, by Jessie MontgomeryDancers | Sarah Berglund, Abigale Bilodeau, Jo-ann Burke, Emily Aubrey Silva, Zoe Simons, Elizabeth van Heerden, Isabella WarshawMovement 2Music | 3 Visions: II. Summerland, by William Grant StillDancers | Sarah Berglund, Abigale Bilodeau, Jo-ann Burke, Zoe Simons, Elizabeth van Heerden, Isabella WarshawFeatured soloist | Sarah Berglund“The ballet I’m currently working on for Ballet Theatre Company explores three main themes: joy, profound loss, and rediscovery. I’ve challenged myself to use music composed by black artists. I nd that the music tells another side of history with personal stories that inuence the sound. The music for the rst movement is composed by Jessie Montgomery, a new, prominent black female composer. This music is bright and full of vitality, representing joy for me. The second piece is composed by William Grant Still, a prolic artist with over 200 rarely used works. As we begin to create the other movements, we will delve into the other themes. The dancers greatly inspire what unfolds in the studio, and I aim to let their personalities inform some of the work we create. I’m very excited for the opportunity to create a larger piece for BTC and, hopefully, to tell more stories.”
9resident Choreographer Derek BrockingtonBallet Theatre Company is thrilled to welcome Derek Brockington as a Resident Choreographer for its 25th Anniversary Season. Derek is contracted to set a piece on the professionals that will premiere in BTC’s Up Close winter performance. He will travel in from NYC to work with the company professionals several times throughout the Season.Brockington was born in Chicago, IL and raised in Holland, MI. He started his training at the Dance Asylum and moved to Grand Rapids Ballet School, Blue Lake Fine Arts, and attended Interlochen Arts Academy for his high school. Attended summer intensives at Ballet West and Pennsylvania Ballet Summer Intensives. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (sixth season), Cincinnati Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet. Repertoire includes works by Claudia Schreier, Stanton Welch, George Balanchine, Robert Garland, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Nacho Duato, William Forsythe and Darrell Grand Moultrie. He has choreographed for Columbia Ballet Collaborative, Ballet Theatre Company, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Along with DTH’s Alexandra Hutchinson, he coordinates DTH social media.up close: fALL 2023
10 In 1999, Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) was a small ballet company putting on one spring performance per year. Within twenty-ve years, it has grown exponentially to become Connecticut’s leading ballet organization.BTC was founded to produce professional dance productions for public enjoyment. Since 1999, the organization has grown to become a community leader in making dance accessible. BTC has ensured that dance is accessible to children and their families who faced nancial hardship by hosting free performances and after-school dance classes. This mission would later evolve into its Community Enrichment Program. BTC also trains the next generation of ballet dancers through its distinguished School of Ballet Theatre Company.Season innovation becomes traditionBallet Theatre Company Celebrates 25 years!To learn more, scan the code or visit www.dancebtc.org/btc-celebrates-25-years
11BTC leadershipSTEPHANIE DATTELLASArtistic & Managing DirectorEMILY AUBREY SILVARehearsal DirectorELIZABETH VAN HEERDENSchool AdministratorAåIGALE BILODEAUCommunity EnrichmentLAUREL HOSKINSGraphicsANNA LAGHEZZACompany RepetiteurMARIA TEREZIA BALOGHArtistic AdvisorPAUL MEJIAArtistic AdvisorDEREK BROCKINGTONResident ChoreographerPAT NURNBERGERHead Costume DesignerMEGAN O’BRIENProduction ManagerSAM ORAVITSProduction AssistantJACOB SIKORSKIScenic DesignerSAMUEL BIONDOLILLOLighting DesignerTRACY DORMANWardrobeExecutive Director EmeritusRead about our team at www.dancebtc.org/leadership-and-team
12BTC dancers COMPANY ARTISTS Jo-ann BurkeZoe SimonsEmily Aubrey SilvaElizabeth van HeerdenIsabella WarshawAbigale Bilodeau, ApprenticeSarah Berglund, ApprenticeSarah McCahill, GuestSeason 25 Company ArtistsSarah BerglundDallas, TXApprenticeAbigale BilodeauNorth Reading, MAApprenticeJo-ann BurkeSouth Windsor, CTEmily Aubrey SilvaSandown, NH Zoe SimmonsSan Rafael, CAElizabeth van HeerdenCape Town, South AfricaIsabella WarshawSeattle, WASarah McCahillBurlington, CTGuest Resident DancerTo learn more about our Company dancers, visit www.dancebtc.org/company-dancers
13BTC dancersJunior Corps de Ballet Jade BelloKyla ChengNupur SondhiEva SperanzaHailey WankierSoa WargoKai WhalenElizabeth WindnagleApprenticesLeah DevorQuinlan GreenbaumHunter JamesEmelia MartinezElla NunezCompany professionals and select members of the Junior Corps de Ballet following the costume run through of Sleeping BeautyLearn more at www.dancebtc.org/corps-de-ballet
14BTC board of directors Alexa Berk-King, ChairBarbara Laurain, Vice ChairAshleigh Martin, TreasurerDan Hitchell, SecretaryEric BrummittTracy DormanCamille HudsonJane OwenDoug Eicher, EmeritusLisa Greene, EmeritusKama Giedra, Emeritus
15join BTC encore societyBecoming a member of the Encore Society is the best way to support BTC and get perks for your patronage. With an annual donation of $100 or more, you are welcomed into the Encore Society membership program for the entire 2023-2024 Season. Your gift will support BTC’s professional company artists, special guest stars, and craftsman’s labor for the creation of professional theater productions, including scenery and costumes, as well as making performances accessible to our community through our Sensory-Friendly performances. Consider a special $250 donation to celebrate BTC’s 25th anniversary.Your chosen contribution amount will welcome you into one of BTC’s four benefactor Circles: � Director Circle ($1000+)� Principal Circle ($500 +)� Soloist Circle ($250 +) - Honorary 25th Anniversary Circle!� Corps de Ballet Circle ($100 +)To learn more and donate, scan the code or visithttps://dancebtc.org/encore-society
16BTC encore society membersCorps de Ballet CircleBrian & Amanda BagleyRaymond BlissAshley DattellasRobin FlorenceRob & Claire FournierBill & Donna HeerdtLaurel Hoskins and Stephen PevarMichelle JonesPaola Martinez McdonaldMarianne MuellerJohanna PallerJason PhilibinJeremiah QuinlanBeth RosenbergLynn and Andy SimonsTiany SmetakScott & Nara WargoFrancine Sue WatermanMary & Doug WrightSoloist CircleJessica BellDiane DavidsonMichael & Lynda EmardJosh GageKelley and Jason GellerKama GiedraJennifer GrewSean HarrisBonnie HoskinsDiana & Denman JamesPhilip JulianiBarbara LaurainMeghan & Ariel MartinezGrace NapolitanoBronwyn & Freddy Rolon
17BTC encore society members Principal CircleSteven AbbottLori and Roger AubreyAndy BessetteCarl and Chris DattellasJohn and Leslie HarrisPenny and Gary Hutchinson Director Circle Lisa and Tim GreeneTracy DormanJohn and Kate WebbGary and Pat NurnbergerBernard and Nancy PelletierFrancine and Bob GoldfarbWilliam Jr. PetitGail Buchalter & Warren Breslow Brook and Erin Hazleton
18The 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 ocial school of Ballet Theatre Company (BTC), oering classes for students ages 3 to adult, from beginner to advanced levels. Its carefully-constructed curriculum emphasizes strong technique, proper alignment, musicality, and expression. Through a faculty of distinguished professionals, its ballet instructors incorporate the best of the French, Italian, and Russian training methods in a nurturing and supportive classroom environment that fosters the development of young artists.Classes include: Creative Movement, Ballet, Boys Ballet, Adult Ballet, Pointe, Variation, Contemporary, and Jazz. SBTC oers open enrollment. Join us today!For more information about our classes, tuition, school policies, and more, email school@dancebtc.org or visit us online at dancebtc.org.
19What is A Children’s Ballet?BTC oers schools the opportunity to take a eld trip to the theater to experience an abbreviated version of story-book ballet classics. The one hour performance is oered exclusively to children in CT. Students who attend also interact with professional artists including dancers, lighting designers, scenic designers and more. To date, BTC has partnered with The Bushnell to oer a eld trip to the theater to host over 800 children to see the ballet.This 25th Season, an abbreviated performance of BTC’s The Nutcracker and original production of Snow White will be oered to CT public schools. PerformancesA Children’s Ballet: The Nutcracker, December 1, 2023 at 10:00am (Book by November 3, 2023)A Children’s Ballet: Snow White, April 19, 2024 at 10:00am (Book by March 1, 2024)BookingTeachers who are interested in attending A Children’s Ballet performances should book directly online. Tickets are $10/student. For every 20 tickets purchased, one educator/teacher is free. Find out more and book your eld trip at www.dancebtc.org/a-childrens-balletConnecticut students take a eld trip to The Bushnell theater! Photo: Tracy Dorman
20Sponsored in part byEnsworth Charitable TrustBTC is thrilled to oer “The Sensory-Friendly Ballet.” This initiative oers Connecticut families the opportunity to experience BTC’s performances of The Nutcracker (December) and Snow White (April) at The Bushnell. All are welcome!The Sensory-Friendly performances provides a safe, judgment-free, relaxed environment for those who have sensory or other types of challenges that may make them feel uncomfortable at a “typical” performance. Music and on stage sounds are lowered, low level lighting is maintained for the audience and when warranted, adjustments to the production are made to ensure everyone’s comfort. Last season, over 200 families enjoyed this special production run of The Nutcracker and Cinderella at The Bushnell. With your nancial support we can continue to oer this opportunity for many years to follow. Visit dancebtc.org/donate to donate or scan the QR codeBTC 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
21BTC partners with the Miracle League of CT to oer Everybody Dance Now (EDN), an adaptive dance programEDN provides dancers of all abilities and ages the opportunity to express themselves through movement, despite their physical and emotional limitations. EDN is designed to develop self-esteem and self-expression, improve mobility and tness, build cognitive abilities, and give participants the experience of performing live.Through EDN, over 100 children with all types of exceptionalities have been able to express themselves through dance since its startup in 2018.Visit www.dancebtc.org for more information.
22ballet theatre companyThe NutcrackerChoreography by stephanie dattellas december 1-3*, 2023The Bushnell’s Maxwell M. & Ruth R. Belding Theater*Dec. 3, 11am Sensory-Friendly performanceLuigi Crispino, The Nutcracker | Photo: Tracy Dorman20 Jeerson Avenue | West Hartford, CT , 06110 | Ballet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not-for-prot organization Ticketsww.dancebtc.org
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33Nupur Sondhi, The Nutcracker 2021 | Photo: Thomas GiroirProud Supporter of Ballet Theatre Company
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