Up Close: Spring Season 23 Digital Booklet : simplebooklet.com

1west hartford’s premier ballet Companymay 13 & 14, 2022, 7PMIn Person and Live Stream PresentationThe Ron and Nancy Compton StudioBallets by Kate St. AmandPaul MejiaAnd Excerpt from Sleeping BeautyArtistic Direction Stephanie DattellasBallet Mistress Emily SilvaProduction Manager Deirdre BensonAssistant Production Manager Megan O’BrienBox Oce Kyleigh OlivierCostume Design Tracy Dorman and Pat NurnbergerVideography Peter Cofrancesco, Creation Dream VideoSound & Lighting Megan O’BrienProgram Design Laurel HoskinsOn the cover: BTC Resident Dancer Victoria Jaenson Photography by Thomas Giroir 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 organization:spring

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2SPONSORSUp Close: Spring is sponsored in part by The George A. and Grace L.Long FoundationThe Robert & Margaret PATRICELLI Family Foundation The Ellen Jeanne GOLDFARB Memorial Charitable TrustLaurelGraphic DesignImperial Decorating and UpholsteringState FarmBloomington, 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.A.T.S.E. - LOCAL 84HARTFORD, CTThe Union BehindEntertainment

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3about up closeUp Close: Fall, presented on November 5 and 6, was the rst of BTC’s Black Box performances featuring a mix of contemporary, modern, and neo-classical repertoire. Performances of Up Close oer the unique opportunity to view BTC’s talented dancers in a more intimate setting than a typical, main-stage production. Audience members are seated “up close” to the dancers, exposing a more intense perspective on the art of ballet.In January 2020, BTC expanded into an additional 2,200 square foot space at its West Hartford location on 20 Jeerson Ave. The space was transformed into a state-of-the-art studio, rehearsal space and Black-box theater named The Ron and Nancy Compton Studio. Just prior to COVID-19, the installation of stage lighting, curtains, auditorium seating, and a professional sound system was underway so the company could host intimate, live performances. BTC’s Artistic Director was thrilled to introduce a new performance series, Up Close, to its 2020-2021 season, which would utilize the newly added studio/performance space, and introduce its audiences to newly created neoclassical and contemporary works. However, with health and safety requirements restricting in-person performance opportunities, BTC quickly adapted its plans and produced this creative program in a digital format for its 22nd season. BTC is thrilled to share Up Close performances in their originally-intended format as the dancers return to live performances in its season 23.Paul Mejia’s Serenade in A, 2021 | Photo: Tracy Dorman

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7Choreographers kate st. amand guest choreographerKate St. Amand is a United States Cultural Ambassador. Ms. St. Amand has trained at SUNY Purchase, where she earned her BFA, as well as the Nutmeg Conservatory, The Erick Hawkins School, The Limon School, and The Kirov Academy. She is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of SYREN, and her ever-growing body of work has been performed internationally in Dubai, Paris, New York, Washington DC, Houston, and more. Notable performances of her work include: Symphony Space (NYC), Jacob’s Pillow (MA), World Expo (Dubai), SUNY Purchase (NY), Bach Society of Houston (TX), Boston Museum of Science (MA), Houston Museum of Natural History (TX), Bach Vespers (NYC) among others. Ms. St. Amand has also been a guest speaker at Yale University, the Metropolitan Museum, and Cite Universitaire in Paris. Her thoughts on beauty, creativity and healing have been published (Peter Lang Publishers, 2014). She thanks Lynn Peterson for standing strong by her side for 20 years. Ms. St. Amand serves on faculty at Westminster School and the Nutmeg Conservatory, and has the tremendous honor of being the Choreographer for SYREN.The process of working on “Dixit Dominus” with the exquisite dancers of BTC was both thrilling and lled with sensitivity. Exploring breath was a dierent concept for me, and these dancers continue to rise to the challenge bringing depth and humanity (and tons of technique!) to the work. I’m so excited to share this piece with you.”[Dixit Dominus] This work is inspired by the absence of breath. When dancers move with each other we hear each other breathing. The breathing ebbs and ows with the dance, and it is ever present. Throughout the Pandemic, I deeply missed hearing the breath of those around me. The haunting, and painful, connection to breath and those that have suered with Covid is also acknowledged. This work is a tribute to those who have suered, and a practice in gratitude for every breath we are able to take.)“The process of creating “Happiness Does Not Wait” was almost too fast! I have worked with Mollie for years and creating this solo for her was a gift. Since we have a history of moving together, we were able to move quickly, sometimes without words, and the steps came together seamlessly. Exploring presence, growth, and transitions, “Happiness Does Not Wait” Is indeed, a woman coming to know herself...boldly. With details and observations of “self” both large and small, we explored “becoming” ourselves while acknowledging the present.”up close: spring 2022

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8Choreographers Paul MejiaPaul Mejia was born in Lima, Peru, but was raised in New York. He joined the School of American Ballet in 1958, and had 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; and 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.up close: spring 2022

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9ABOUT 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, and dance related experiences and workshops free of charge to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity through its Community Youth Outreach 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. This production has become an annual tradition for BTC, the Homan Auditorium, and the Greater Hartford community for 20 years. 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. The staging of storybook ballets has since become another annual tradition, with subsequent seasons featuring Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin.This season, BTC is making its’ company debut at The Bushnell for The Nutcracker - an historic achievement for the organization.Ruth Whitney in BTC’s 2019 Sleeping BeautyPhoto by Thomas Giroir

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10Stephanie 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 (Spring 2018), the rst full-length ballet presented by BTC, The Nutcracker (December 2018), and Sleeping Beauty (Spring 2019). Additionally, Dattellas introduced several new performances into the company’s season; Dancing For A Cause, a benet performance in collaboration with fellow dance companies in Greater Hartford to raise funds for fellow non-prot organizations in the community, Cover to Cover, a season opener performance to introduce works are involved in the upcoming season, and Up Close: Fall & Spring, which both premiered digitally this past season. Prior to Ballet Theatre Company, Dattellas was the Ballet Mistress and Company Manager of the Syracuse City Ballet.Emily Silva, Ballet MistressEmily Aubrey Silva grew up in Sandown, NH, and completed her early pre-professional training at Boston Ballet School. After graduating high school, she was selected to attend Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Graduate Program, where she taught on the Children’s Division faculty during her studies. Emily graduated summa cum laude from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School with her BFA in Dance Performance and Ballet Pedagogy in May 2018 and performed as a soloist with Ballet Hartford following graduation. In September of 2018, Silva joined BTC faculty and served as Assistant Ballet Mistress from 2018-2020 as well as Community Youth Outreach Coordinator for the 2019-2020 season, in addition to performing in all of BTC’s mainstage performances. Silva joined BTC as a Season Dancer in 2019 and stepped into the role of Ballet Mistress in the 2020-2021 season. Since transitioning to the role of Ballet Mistress, she has worked closely with fellow sta members to creatively tackle the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic and continue to provide high quality arts experiences to the community.BTC artistic team

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11Paul 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 had 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; and 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

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12Tracy Dorman, Executive Director Tracy Dorman has been with Ballet Theatre Company since its inception in 1999 and was appointed Executive Director in February 2005. She is a founding member, a member of the Board of Directors, and plays a major role in the Company’s artistic and organizational development. She brings extensive experience as a dancer, choreographer, administrator, and dance educator, to the company and has earned numerous awards for scenic and costume design, photography, and arts advocacy. Dorman received her dance training from Florence Greenland, Madame Margarita Froman, Marguerite deAnguera, Wang Shao Pen, David Howard, and others. She performed with the Connecticut Valley Regional Ballet, The Hartford Civic Ballet, Canton Show Shop, Experimental Theatre of Hartford, Connecticut Opera Ballet, Springeld Children’s Music Theatre, and numerous other regional theater groups. She serves as President of the Connecticut Valley Regional Ballet Company and is Past President of both the Dance Services Network and the Mark Twain Masquers. Dorman has choreographed much of Ballet Theatre Company’s classical repertoire and has designed many of the company’s costumes. Dorman worked with Hartford Ballet’s Costume shop sta to create costumes for The American Nutcracker designed by internationally acclaimed designer Sandra Woodall. As a photographer, her work recently appeared in Popular Photography and Imaging Magazine, where she was named runner-up for a Ford Motor Company advertisement. She is a 2014 honoree of the CT Dance Alliance Award for distinguished achievement in dance and in 2005, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism awarded her the Distinguished Advocacy Award for her longtime volunteerism to the arts. Brianna Dunlap, Development Director Brianna 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, so she is 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.BTC administration team

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13Kyleigh Olivier, Outreach AdministratorKyleigh Olivier began dancing at the age of three in Massachusetts and trained in a variety of styles. She recently graduated from The Hartt School in May of 2021 with a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Ballet Pedagogy, along with a Business Management minor. In her time at The Hartt School, Olivier discovered her passion for teaching dance and community outreach as she worked with diverse groups of students in her internships and served as Dance Director of the Prism Project, leading movement activities for children with exceptionalities. As BTC’s Community Youth Outreach Assistant, Olivier is excited to continue to spread the joy of the Arts to children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds throughout the Greater Hartford area. Maya Cuevas as Interim School AdministratorMaya Cuevas was born and raised in New York. A 2020 Summa Cum Laude graduate of The Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theater, Maya has a background of Singing, Acting, and Dancing specializing in Music Theater. During her time at The Hartt School, she also worked with companies such as Playhouse on Park, The Mac-Haydn Theater, Little Theater on The Square, and Goodspeed Opera House. Maya has always had a love and passion for working with children in the arts and is proud to continue doing so.Mollie Petrizzo, Social Media ManagerMollie Petrizzo was raised in West Hartford, Connecticut where she began her dance training at the age of 3. Throughout her young dance career she danced with Ballet Theatre Company, then at 17 decided to train at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. After high school, Petrizzo was accepted into the Ailey-Fordham BFA program at Fordham University in New York City and graduated in the spring of 2021. She is currently dancing with Dimensional Dance company and teaching at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts in Hartford, Connecticut. She is thrilled to be joining BTC in the additional role as Social Media Coordinator for its 2021-2022 company season.BTC administration team

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14Deirdre Benson, Production Manager Deirdre Benson is a Boston-based stage manager, production manager, and sound designer. Over the past few years, she has worked with The Blue Man Group, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, and the Boston Circus Guild. Most recently, Deirdre was the Producing Associate for the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Festival.Megan O’Brien, Assistant 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.Laurel Hoskins, Graphic Designer Laurel’s relationship with Ballet Theatre Company began 20 years ago when her 5 year old daughter Lianna took ballet lessons at the Masonic Hall on Main Street, the rented studio where the edgling BTC ran classes and performances. Soon after, BTC hired her to promote their growing business and productions. Since then, the partnership has ourished and enriched her professional and personal life with many opportunities and friendships. Her formative years were spent in Mexico, Brazil, Peru, California, and Connecticut. Formal schooling included Bucknell University and University of Connecticut, earning a BA in English Literature with minors in Botany and Astronomy. Hoskins has worked in graphic design and marketing for FPS Marketing in Milford, CT, is a director for Indian Law Resources, and has been self-employed as a freelance graphic designer for Laurel Graphic Design for 25 years.BTC production team

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15Tracy Dorman, Costume Designer See bio on page 13.Pat Nurnberger, 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. While still in New York, she began designing for her daughter’s ballet school, and quickly fell in love with this art form. She ultimately decided to leave the apparel business and devote herself to the theater. While at UCONN, she worked on as many projects as possible, most notably, 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. 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. Peter Cofrancesco lming BTC’s Snow White digital presentation, June 2021BTC production team

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16Jo-ann BurkeWhile under the employ of Syracuse City Ballet’s resident company during the 2019-2020 season, Jo-ann Burke danced throughout the central New York Community. She was featured in the soloist roles of “Lucy” in Dracula, and as the “Snow Queen,” “Arabian Princess,” and “Spanish Pas De Deux” in The Nutcracker, as well as appearing in local school shows, instructional videos, and digital seasons. Prior to joining Syracuse City Ballet, Burke danced as a member of Milwaukee Ballet’s second company, MBII, for the 2018-2019 season, where she understudied roles for the main company, appeared in Milwaukee Ballet performances, as well as with MBII, and represented Milwaukee Ballet in the community. During her training, Burke was aorded the opportunity to premiere new ballets. While attending the School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, she was invited by Mr. Angel Corella to dance along with the corps de ballet in Pennsylvania Ballet’s premiere of Don Quixote, and its world premiere of Le Corsaire. While with the Kansas City Ballet School’s Training Program, she was invited to perform with the Kansas City Ballet in two of Mr. Devon Carney’s world premiere ballets; Romeo and Juliet and Peter Pan. Burke has performed with professional companies in several full-length story ballets including Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan and Dracula. Victoria JaensonOriginally 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. In 2017, Jaenson began studying at The Hartt School. In the fall of 2018, she joined Charlotte Ballet II. There, she 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. This past summer, Jaenson performed with Des Moines Metro Opera as a dancer for the operas Platée and Queen of Spades.BTC Company Dancers

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17Naomi LangillOriginally from Sacramento, California, Naomi Langill trained with Capitol Ballet Company under the direction of Stuart Carroll and Sharon Newton. She has danced with Ballet Frontier of Texas and guested with Capitol Ballet Company. Langill 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 and is excited to be joining Ballet Theatre Compa-ny for their inaugural season.Sarah McCahillSarah McCahill started dancing at the age of four at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. She has also trained with School of American Ballet and Miami City Ballet School. From the age of 12-17 she competed in YAGP winning rst place in the junior division and placing in the top 10 every year after in the NYC nals. After completing high school McCahill moved to South Florida to start an apprenticeship under Edward Vilella in Miami City Ballet. She was shortly thereafter promoted to the corps de ballet and stayed with the company for ve seasons later dancing under Lourdes Lopez doing mostly Balanchine and pieces from world renowned choreographers like Justin Peck, Twyla Tharp, Liam Scarlett to name a few. In 2017 McCahill joined Dimensions Dance Theater of Miami, a newer contemporary dance company led by the retired principal MCB couple, Jennifer Kroennenberg and Carlos Guerra. She stayed for a season dancing with them then came back to CT to begin diving into teaching at Woodbury Ballet and various other studios in the area while working full-time. This will be her rst season at Ballet Theatre Company.BTC Company Dancers

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18BTC Company Dancers Mollie PetrizzoMollie Petrizzo was raised in West Hartford, Connecticut where she began her dance training at the age of 3. Throughout her young dance career she danced with Ballet Theatre Company, then at 17 decided to train at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. After high school, Petrizzo was accepted into the Ailey-Fordham BFA program at Fordham University in New York City and graduated in the spring of 2021. She is currently dancing with Dimensional Dance company and teaching at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts in Hartford, Connecticut. She is thrilled to be joining BTC for its 2021-2022 company season!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 Mystic Ballet company directed by Goran Subotic.Emily Silva Emily Aubrey Silva is one of BTC’s company dancers as well as its Ballet Mistress. She completed her early pre-professional training at Boston Ballet School. After graduating high school, Silva trained in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Graduate Program, where she performed with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company and taught on the Children’s Division faculty. She went on to attend the University of Hartford’s Hartt School, and graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in Dance Performance and Ballet Pedagogy. While pursuing her BFA, Silva performed works by George Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Martha Graham, Arthur Saint-Leon, Claudia Schreier, and Manuel Vignoulle. She is a former soloist with Ballet Hartford and has performed with Ballet Theatre Company since 2017.

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19ApprenticesKyla Cheng Jillian Hubbard Evie Messinger Soa WargoBallet Theatre Company (BTC) oers students a unique opportunity for young aspiring dancers to perform in professional ballet productions as part of BTC’s Corps de Ballet. The mission of BTC’s 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 BrummittJulia BurkackiMason Capone Isabella O’Connor Sophia PirrottaSerana Snow Isha Sondhi Nupur Sondhi Eva Speranza Hailey WankierEla Whalen Penny Wickwire Elizabeth WindnaglePortraits by Thomas Giroirjunior corps de ballet

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ABOUT SEASON 23Ballet is Back!Ballet returns to Greater Hartford stages bigger, and better than ever.As we head into the holiday season, optimism is in the air! We see it all around us, the thrills and traditions that we love and have missed. BTC productions continue to feature accomplished local dancers, national ballet stars, and school-age ballet students from the Greater Hartford area. With each unique show, BTC provides joy and inspiration to everyone from ballet enthusiasts to children who want to experience the magic of dance.BTC is a women-led organization and it’s rapidly growing. As the leadership looks to the future of the Company and of ballet in Connecticut, we are expanding performance possibilities and making ballet more equitable for its dancers.To walk the talk, BTC launched a paid Company Dancers is Residence for the rst time in its history for our 2021-2022 performance year. In the past, BTC paid dancers per performance, but now they are paid to train, rehearse and perform as an ocial Company. In a eld where working for free is often expected, BTC is ensuring that its ballet dancers are valued.At the end of August, BTC held an audition to hire its new dancers. When she looks back at the day Dattellas remembers the feel of a vision coming to life, “After a riveting audition, we oered contracts to a diverse and talented group of professional dancers. I truly cannot tell you how wonderful it felt to see BTC’s dreams come to fruition right in front of my eyes.”Just in time for the 20th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker, we can announce that The Nutcracker this December and Aladdin in April 2022 will be performed at The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts! This is the rst time that BTC will present on this prestigious stage, made more glorious because The Nutcracker will be Ballet Theatre Company’s dancers’ rst main stage show in over a year of not performing in public theaters. We are proud to oer the ballet to Greater Hartford and beyond.With the return of ballet to the main stage, dancers and audiences will reconnect in a way that online performances can never provide. “I’m thrilled to stage news works, and re-visit classics like The Nutcracker at The Bushnell,” says Dattellas. “And we are eager to make ballet more approachable and fair for dancers and audiences in Greater Hartford.”Ballet is back! We are glad to see you here.“We know that audiences are ready to experience the feel of live shows again,” says Ballet Theatre Company Artistic Director Stephanie Dattellas about preparing for the company’s 23rd season, “and as we look at the season ahead, we are ready to dazzle with our fall, winter, and spring ballets.”

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The School of Ballet Theatre Company 20 Jeerson Ave, West Hartford, CT 06110 (860) 570-0440Email: school@dancebtc.org www.dancebtc.orgEDUCATIONEDUCATION22Photo by Walt JedziniakTHE SCHOOL OF BALLET THEATRE COMPANYThe School of Ballet Theatre Company (SBTC) is the ocial school of Ballet Theatre Company (BTC), oering classes for students ages three 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.Whether SBTC’s students dance for fun and exercise, or because they dream of becoming a professional dancer, SBTC’s curriculum prepares students physically and mentally to embrace their next adventure, cultivating discipline, friendships that will last a lifetime, and an appreciation for the art form.In addition, the students share a facility with the professional company, enriching each student’s experience by allowing them to observe those dancers in classes, rehearsals and performances. Students are also oered opportunities to perform with the professional company in productions such as Stephanie Dattellas’ The Nutcracker.

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23COMMUNITY YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM (CYOP) Ballet Theatre Company’s (BTC) Community Youth Outreach Program (CYOP) provides children with the opportunity to participate in studio dance education classes and experience live professional dance performances free of charge. Over the past 22 years, BTC’s CYOP has reached over 10,000 children and grown to encompass four substantial programs and many wonderful partnering organizations!At BTC, we believe that all children deserve the opportunity to experience the positive impact of the arts. Through our programming, we strive to reach as many under-resourced children as possible through dance classes, opportunities to attend professional-caliber live performances, and much more. We believe that these opportunities are crucial in developing well-rounded human beings who become critical thinkers, develop curious minds, and lead more productive lives. The goal of BTC’s CYOP is to inspire, nurture and encourage children by providing them opportunities to forge a life-long, personal connection to the arts. Over the past 7 years, BTC has partnered with Hartford Performs to bring artistic experiences into Hartford Public Schools. In aliation with BTC’s semi-annual main stage productions, BTC produces a 1-hour abbreviated performance specically for school children. Although COVID-19 has created some barriers, BTC is happy to continue to oer this opportunity through live stream performances for this year’s The Nutcracker production directly to local classrooms.Make a donation at www.dancebtc.orgOUTREACHOUTREACH

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25Joseph Beltre and Lea-Janell Mitchell in Dattellas’ Divide | Eric Vagabond Photography25When 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 2021-2022 season.Benets include complimentary tickets and 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

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29Gloria AddonizioEllen AndersonJim and Ellen AspellJessica Bell and Karl LutzJohn BetzBarbara CarpenterBob Carr and Pamela TravisMaggie and Kevin CaseyJoanne C. CollinCaroline Dealy and Robert KosherBarbara DorianBrianna DunlapTracy FlaterAndrew GrayNathan GreenbaumBrooke and Todd GreenwoodJennifer GrewNancy GroverPaul GugginaLisa and Larry HopkinsBonnie HoskinsMargaret HoskinsRon Jackman and Rita E. TrumbullDiana JamesRene Joanis-BurkeKathleen KellerMegan KlamertBarbara LaurainQuentin LehnMeghan and Ariel MartinezJennifer McGrathGarrett and Kerry McVaneyAmy and Dave MessingerNeha and Ankur ParekhTed and Pam ParrotSandra PereiraFriso PostmaVera RacineLawrence and Naomi RothfieldMaura RuckerBeverly J. SchilkeDonna SchwartzJae SieboldJudith and Allen SieboldEmily and Alex SilvaTiffany SmetakKen, Laura, and Tierney SmithOlga Strongin-EuskoSteve and Ann Marie TheraultLeAnn WankierScott and Nara WargoFrancine WatermanWebb FamilyJohn WizemanNancy E. Zaeh EckartCORPS DE BALLET CIRCLEVictoria Jaenson, BTC Company Dancer | Photo: Thomas Giroir

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32On-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

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39State Farm, Bloomington, ILFamily.Friends.Community.We're all in this together.1801075Here to help life go right.® Sharon Kim, Agent2475 Albany Avenue, Suite 204West Hartford, CT 06117Bus: 860-233-8511sharon.kim.mgor@statefarm.comState Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'mproud to support Ballet Theatre Company.State 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.comSharon Kim, Agent2475 Albany Avenue, Suite 204West Hartford, CT 06117860-233-8511sharon.kim.mgor@statefarm.com

Up Close: Spring Season 23 Digital Booklet

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