we dance - the canton ballet

FESTIVAL 2021

TogetherWe Dance

April 23 - 25, 2021

Regional Dance America/NortheastPresident: Patricia LavoieVice President: Cassandra CrowleySecretary: Kimberly ChapmanTreasurer: Sarah Purvis

Parliamentarian: Cassandra CrowleyRDA Coordinator: Sunshine LatshawRDA Representative: Joy CapponiMembership Chair: Sunshine LatshawAdjudication Chair: Joy Delaney-CapponiScholarship Co-Chairs: Stephanie Artigliere & Brittany FaulkinghamCollege Recruiter Chair: Kaitlynd Valentini

Professional Companies that began as members of RDA/Northeast:Ballet Metropolitan, Berkshire Ballet, Boston Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Philadanco, Princeton Ballet

RDA/NE Member CompaniesCanton BalletCassandra Crowley, Artistic DirectorCanton, OH

Dayton Dance Conservatory CompanyAudra Kucharski, Artistic DirectorDayton, OH

Delaware BalletBrittany Faulkingham, Artistic DirectorDover, DE

Delaware Dance CompanySunshine Latshaw, Artistic DirectorNewark, DE

Erie Contempoary Ballet TheatreSarah Purvis, Artistic DirectorErie, PA

Greater Annapolis BalletMargaret Russell, Artistic DirectorAnnapolis, MD

Onyx Contemporary Dance CompanyAmy Jones, Artistic DirectorFairborn, OH

Philadelphia Dance TheatreJoy Delaney-Capponi, Artistic DirectorPhiladelphia, PA

Providence Creek Ballet TheaterStephanie Artigliere, Artistic DirectorClayton, DE

South Dayton Dance TheatreErin Robbins, Artistic DirectorCenterville, OH

Southern New Hampshire Youth BalletPatricia Lavoie, Artistic DirectorBedford, NH

Vineland Regional Dance CompanyKimberly Chapman, Artistic DirectorVineland, NJ

Leigh-Ann Cohen-Hafford has been teaching student and professional dancers for over 20 years. She has taught master classes, and guest classes across the USA and Canada. She was Artistic Director of Conservatory Ballet of Washington and Director of the Ballet Department of Washington Academy of Performing Arts and served as a dance faculty member at Oakland University, MI. She is currently on faculty at Cornish College of the Arts Dance Preparatory Program, Dance Fremont and is a resident guest instructor for Deborah Hadley. She is a sought after coach and guest teacher. Ms. Cohen-Hafford teaches ballet, pointe, variations, repertoire as well as Spanish dance and conditioning classes.Ms. Cohen-Hafford’s teaching philosophy includes an emphasis on the basics of technique, placement, and posture as well as good form and line. She works on developing an understanding of the rotation and length needed in the legs

in all movements. She focuses on developing a dancers awareness of the importance of details in transitions and movement quality. She encourages dancers to be musically aware, using phrasing to enhance their artistic choices. Her professional career training was Vaganova and Balanchine based and as a student she trained in both Cecchetti and RAD methods. Her diverse professional repertoire included contemporary ballets, the classics, Balanchine works and modern dance providing her with a diverse background and understanding of the essential requirements on ballet professionals today. She is passionate about teaching and considers each of her students and their individual technical and artistic needs. With years of teaching experience in all levels of ballet she has had many opportunities to reevaluate the demands on students and professional dancers alike.She has attended Regional Dance America festivals in the Mid-States region and the Pacific Region. She participated in RDA festivals over the years as a dancer, a choreographer, an artistic director, a teacher, and as an associate member.During her extensive 15-year professional performing career she danced principal roles in numerous classical ballets as well as in works by some of the most eminent contemporary choreographers including Ashton, Balanchine, Butler, Cranko, Tetley, and Forsythe. She was fortunate to work personally with many of these choreographers as well as with distinguished ballet directors, teachers and choreographers. She was honored to be chosen for the lead role in the Canadian première of William Forsythe's "In the middle, somewhat elevated." Ms. Cohen-Hafford toured extensively nationally and internationally performing throughout Canada and in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, the UK and Israel. She danced with Ballet British Columbia, Ballet Jorgen, Metropolitan Ballet Theater and Pennsylvania Ballet and was an invited guest artist for numerous schools and companies.Her choreography includes works for Ballet British Columbia's Choreographic Workshop and for Central Pennsyl-vania Youth Ballet's Choreoplan. Her choreography has been presented by RDA companies such as Conservatory Ballet of Washington, Olympic Ballet Theatre, Michigan Classic Ballet, Whidbey Island Dance Theatre, as well as by Cornish College Junior Company, and Trilogy Dance Company. Ms. Cohen-Hafford’s works have been performed at several RDA festivals including Gala Night performances in 1994 and 1999. She has choreographed contempo-rary ballet solos and coached numerous Youth America Grand Prix New York finalists.Ms Cohen-Hafford has a diploma in Dance Training from George Brown College in Toronto and an Advanced diploma in Spanish dance. She continues to teach, coach, choreograph and stage works for many schools and com-panies in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.She is working on a booklet on pre-class preparation, that incorporates her interest in dance conditioning and the mind, body connections so imperative to a healthy and full dance career. She is in the final stages of completing a Ballet Terminology and Technical Primer for use by students and teachers. She regularly does research and attends competitions, seminars, festivals and watches classes to remain current with dance trends, teaching methods, tech-nique and dance research.

Festival AdjudicatorLeigh-Ann Cohen-Hafford

RDA/NE Festival 2021Faculty & Musicians

Teaching StaffCanton Ballet

Zachary Catazaro Clark (Ballet)Julia Erickson (Ballet)

Jonathan Hejnal (Ukrainian Folk Dance)

Dayton Dance Conservatory CompanySharon Neumeister (Ballet)

Gina Walther (Modern)Shauna Steele (Afro-Jazz)

Crystal Perkins (Contemporary)

Delaware BalletAnton Wilson (Ballet/Modern)

D. Gary Jeter (Ballet/Contemporary)Conor McGiffin (Musical Theater)

Angela Zielen (Ballet)

Delaware Dance CompanyKelly Millar (Ballet)

Kim Schroeder (Ballet)Briana Walton (Hip Hop)

Greater Annapolis BalletClarissa Notto (Stretch & Strengthening)

Florian Rouiller (Ballet)Adjetey Klufio (West African Dance)

Onyx Contemporary Dance CompanyGregory Robinson (Ballet)

Dawn Carter (Modern)Jonathan Pattiwael (Hip Hop)

Philadelphia Dance TheatreAmy Aldridge (Ballet)

Stephanie Toomin (Modern)

Providence Creek Ballet TheaterMartha Chamberlain (Ballet/Pointe/Variations)

Anton Wilson (Ballet/Modern/Repertoire)

South Dayton Dance TheatreSharon Neumeister (Ballet)

Gina Walther (Modern)Qarrianne Blayr McClellan (African)

Southern New Hampshire Youth BalletJohn Gardner (Ballet/Pointe)

Amanda McKerrow (Ballet/Pointe)Ashley (Walton) Pabst (Contemporary)

Zackary Betty (Jazz)

Musical StaffCanton Ballet

Sharon Walsh

Delaware BalletJohn Perry

Greater Annapolis BalletClarissa Notto

Onyx Contemporary Dance CompanyKevin Anderson

Philadelphia Dance TheatreColin Rose

Ray Lindsay

Providence Creek Ballet TheaterJon Perry

South Dayton Dance TheatreKevin Anderson

Friday Evening Virtual PerformanceApril 23, 2021

2020 Monticello Emerging Choreography Award RecipientErie Contemporary Ballet Theatre

KintsugiChoreography: Grace Twitchell*

Composer: Joseph Bertolozzi, Olafur Arnalds, Joseph BertolozziCostume Design: Grace Twitchell

Elizabeth Sabol with Kiara Adiutori, Emma Argaez, Lillian Slate, Ashlyn Price, Francesca Zacks

2020 RDA/Northeast Eurotard Dancewear Junior Outstanding Soloist

Mia IgnacioCanton Ballet

PaquitaChoreography: Marius PetipaCostume: Elizabeth Kaplan

2020 RDA/Northeast Eurotard Dancewear Senior Contemporary Outstanding Soloist

Madalynn HoySouth Dayton Dance Theatre

Methods of MadnessChoreography: Kaitlynd Valentini-Keim*

2020 RDA/Northeast Eurotard Dancewear Senior Classical Outstanding Soloist

Hannah CherryPhiladelphia Dance Theatre

EtudesChoreography: Harald Lander

2021 Emerging Choreographers’ ShowcaseDayton Dance Conservatory Company

IdentityChoreography: Nicole Fredette

Composer: Garth Stevenson and Reid WillisCostumes: Nicole Fredette & Audra Kucharski

Kennedy Coleman, Ja Kayla Harris, Ellie Morvatz, Gabby Morvatz, Madi Schneider, Jasmine Shelton, Janiah Velicaria

Philadelphia Dance Theatre

Variations on a FeelingChoreography: Lila Kushner

Composer: 1. Antonín Dvořák; 2. Ezio Bosso; 3. Nicolas BrittelCostumes: Joy Delaney-Capponi & Lila Kushner

Bishop Kashock-MarendaLily Anninger, Eva Bevan, Esther Bucko, Olivia Chesla, Hannah Cherry, Eliza Griffin,

Carina Lew, Libby Kline, Lucy Lukens

Southern New Hampshire Youth Ballet

SpeakChoreography: Addison Whitehead

Composer: LunaireCostumes: Benjamin Briones

Sydney Ferland, Lily Koeppel, Ava Smith, Addison Whitehead

Greater Annapolis Ballet

ReChargeChoreography: Nicholas Garvey

Composer: Halsey

Nicholas Garvey


Night ShiftChoreography: Maille Zelko

Composer: A Himitsu

Sydney Ferland, Sophia Hancock, Lily Koeppel, Aubrey Patrick and Cora Steichen


P.U.S.H. (Persistence Until Something Happens)Choreography: Joe González

Composer: 1. Max Richter, Sheila Atim, Mari Samuelsen; 2. (Royalty Free)Costumes: Martha Chamberlain

Hannah Cherry, Bishop Kaschock-MarendaEva Bevan, Olivia Chesla, Carina Lew, Lucy Lukens

IntermissionSouth Dayton Dance Theatre

SensibusChoreography: Amanda Sortman

Composer: Gabriel Olafs, Tom AshbrookCostumes: Evelyn Berry

Makenna Baker, Kaitlyn Berry, Sarah Claiborne, Ava DeVito, Hannah Eversole, Jordan Gage, Kate Gayonski, Caris Skrobot, Catharine Thomas, Maddie Turber, Grace Wright, Lexi Young

2021 RDA/Northeast Junior Outstanding Soloist

Gabby MorvatzDayton Dance Conservatory Company

Looking Out From WithinChoreography: Nicole Fredette

Delaware Dance Company

FractureChoreography: Chloe Cowden

Composer: Ben Frost, Roger Goula, Mikael KarlssonCostumes: Chloe Cowden

Isabella Azuero, Samantha Flaherty, Cassidy Foskett, Vienne Istvan, Grace Miller, Alexis Pettorossi, Natalie Ruth, Catherine Skibicki, Ella Seiler, Madison Smith, Emma Sullivan, Xander Willoughby

Onyx Contemporary Dance Company

re.leaseChoreography: Alexis Rae Diggs

Composer: Billie Eilish and RosaliaCostumes: Alexis Rae Diggs

Ava Kim, Jolie Stankas, Julia Stultz, Kenny Thacker, Emily Kate Tucker, Emily Wissman

Providence Creek Ballet Theater

ContinuoChoreography: Jacqueline Wolford

Composer: Antonio VivaldiCostumes: Jacqueline Wolford & Stephanie Artigliere

Chloe Blackstock, Suzanna Cordrey, Isabella DeGirolano, Brenna Glenn, Alexandra Passero, Max Santos, Kristen Saxon, Krystyl Sengbe, Isabella Wicks

South Dayton Dance Theatre

Fear of Looming FiguresChoreography: Jacob Shade

Composer: AGF, Emptyset, DJride, AagentakCostumes: Evelyn Berry

Makenna Baker, Sarah Claiborne, Hannah Eversole, Jordan Gage, Caris Skrobot, Catharine Thomas, Maddie Turber, Grace Wright, Lexi Young


Girls’ Night OutChoreography: Sallie Werst

Composer: Hurwitz, Wynton Marsalis, Balock/SeverirsenCostumes: Freda Bromberg

Aiva Berrigan, Madilyn Cilley, Sophia Hancock, Nicole Knowles, Ella Martin, Avery Morgan, Hannah Newman-Williams, Rowan Romanauskas, Max Stone, Addison Whitehead, Maille Zelko

2021 Saturday Virtual Concert PerformanceApril 24, 2021


Like A GodChoreography: Kiley Dolaway*

Composer: 1. Chadbourne Anthropocene-Loscil; 2. Emptyset; 3. FunkadelicCostumes: Joy Delaney-Capponi & Kiley Dolaway

Rehearsal Assistant: Lila KushnerVideo Editing: Annie Fox

Lily Anninger, Eva Bevan, Olivia CheslaHannah Cherry, Eliza Griffin, Henry Griffin, Carina Lew, Bishop Kashock-Marenda, Libby Kline,

Lila Kushner, Lucy Lukens


Simple SuiteChoreography: Douglas Davis

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi, Aaron Copland & Max RichterCostumes: Freda Bromberg

First MovementMadilyn Cilley, Sophia Hancock, Nicole Knowles, Sydney Ferland, Avery Morgan,

Hannah Newman, Ava Smith

Second MovementAiva Berrigan, Lauren Felthun, Addison Whitehead

Third MovementAiva Berrigan, Madilyn Cilley, Sophia Hancock, Nicole Knowles, Hannah Newman,

Rowan Romanauskas, Cora Steichen, Max Stone, Addison Whitehead, Maille Zelko

2021 RDA/Northeast Senior Classical Outstanding Soloist

Sophia HancockSouthern New Hampshire Youth Ballet

Raymonda Act 2 VariationChoreography: Alexander Galzunov

Greater Annapolis Ballet

Woven VoicesChoreography: Margaret RussellComposer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

Brooke Bandes, Jemma Bates, Eden Brown, Sophia Crivella, Addison Dayton, Julia DeMarco, Nicholas Garvey, Ella Gawitt, Emily Hansbrough, Isabelle Kraft, Callie Lowman, Gabrielle Miller,

Delainey Parker, Marlowe Richardson, Natalie Sarchiapone, Sarah Schulze, Naomi Willis, Hannah Wintermyer, Emma Young


That Which You SeekChoreography: Kaitlynd Valentini-Keim*

Composer: Zach Hemsey

Makenna Baker, Kaitlyn Berry, Sarah Claiborne, Ava DeVito, Hannah Eversole, Jordan Gage, Kate Gayonski, Caris Skrobot, Catharine Thomas, Maddie Turber, Grace Wright, Lexi Young

IntermissionProvidence Creek Ballet Theater

New WorldChoreography: Joy Delaney-Capponi

Composer: Antonín DvořákCostumes: Joy Delaney-Capponi & Stephanie Artigliere

Chloe Blackstock, Suzanna Cordrey, Isabella DeGirolano, Brenna Glenn, Alexandra Passero, Max Santos, Krystyl Sengbe, Isabella Wicks

Delaware Ballet

ConvictionChoreography: Kaitlynd Valentini-Keim*

Composer: Zach Hemsey

Isabella Gibbs, Lily Gibbs, Morgan Miller, Mary Moller, Akerah Winder

Canton Ballet

“…and when I reach”Choreography: Angelo Lemmo

Composer: Peter Kater & Carlos Nakai, Mark Cosmo, Steven CravisCostumes: Canton Ballet Costume Shop

Mia IgnacioMorgan Lineweaver, Emily Kuntz, Caroline Zollinger, Jane Cook, Mya Frank, Annabella Purses,

Mikayla Hairston, Hannah Harley

Dayton Dance Conservatory Company

Birds of ParadiseChoreography: Kirsten Ulrich

Composer: Zap Mama, John Debney, Hollywood Studio Symphony and George AcognyCostumes: Kirsten Ulrich & Weissman

Jack Cerminaro, Kennedy Coleman, Aryonna Grier, Ja Kayla Harris, Ellie Morvatz, Gabby Morvatz, Madi Schneider, Jasmine Shelton, Madeline Seibert, Janiah Velicaria, Kiera Wright

2021 Sunday Virtual Concert PerformanceApril 25, 2021


AdornoChoreography: Michelle McElveen

Composer: VivaldiCostumes: Evelyn Berry

Makenna Baker, Sarah Claiborne, Ava DeVito, Hannah Eversole, Jordan Gage, Kate Gayonski, Catharine Thomas, Maddie Turber, Grace Wright

2021 RDA/Northeast Senior Contemporary Outstanding Soloist

Makenna BakerSouth Dayton Dance Theatre

CatalystChoreography: Kaitlynd Valentini-Keim*

Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre

Big Red!Choreography: Harlie Yahn*

Composer: KingdomCostumes: Harlie Yahn

Kiara Adiutori, Emma Argaez, Avanel Munger, Elle Orlando, Ashlyn Price, Lillian Slate, Francesca Zacks

Dayton Dance Conservatory Company

Suspended in TimeChoreography: Ashley (Walton) Pabst*+

Composer: Ezio BossoCostumes: Laurie Granlund, Sharmaine & Ashley (Walton) Pabst

Jack Cerminaro, Kennedy Coleman, Ja Kayla Harris, Ellie Morvatz, Gabby Morvatz, Madi Schneider, Madeline Seibert, Janiah Velicaria


La VitaleChoreography: Matthew Powell

Composer: Antonio VivaldiCostumes: Joy Delaney-Capponi & Gina Shifferly

Hannah Cherry, Bishop Kaschock-MarendaEva Bevan, Olivia Chesla, Carina Lew

Lily Anninger, Eliza Griffin, Lucy Lukens, Libby Kline

Intermission

Canton Ballet

SyncronicityChoreography: Debbie Blunden-Diggs*Composer: Rachel’s, Ludovico Einaudi

Costumes: Debbie Blunden Diggs

Mia IgnacioMorgan Lineweaver, Emily Kuntz, Caroline Zollinger, Jane Cook, Annabella Purses,

Mikayla Hairston, Mya Frank, Allison Pellegrino

Delaware Dance Company

SparrowChoreography: Sunshine Latshaw

Composer: Johann Johannsen, Agnes ObelCostumes: Mary Roth & Sunshine Latshaw

Isabella Azuero, Samantha Flaherty, Vienne Istvan, Grace Miller, Alexis Pettorossi, Natalie Ruth, Ella Seiler, Coralee Serex, Kylie Shelton, Catherine Skibicki, Madison Smith, Emma Sullivan

Onyx Contemporary Dance Company

Sensing PerceptionChoreography: Amy Jones Gibbons

Composer: Section 1 – Abel Koreniowksi; Section 2 – The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by Joh Koenig; Section 3 – Oliver Davis

Costumes: Amy Jones Gibbons

Mckenzie Ashcraft, Kylee Hampshire, Ava Kim, Grace Kowis, Gabby McMaster, Rae Richard, Jolie Stankas, Julia Stultz, Kate Thacker, Kenny Thacker, Emily Kate Tucker, Emily Wissman


BloomChoreography: Ashley (Walton) Pabst*+

Composer: Sega Bodega, Johann Johannsson, Ezio BossoCostumes: Benjamin Briones & Jenna Baggs

Lighting: Ashley (Walton) Pabst & Wallace Pineault

Soloist: Addison WhiteheadEnsemble: Aiva Berrigan, Rachel Burkett, Madilyn Cilley, Lauren Felthun, Sydney Ferland, Sophia Hancock, Nicole Knowles, Avery Morgan, Hannah Newman-Williams, Ava Smith,

Cora Steichen, Addison Whitehead and Maille Zelko

*Monticello Award +National Choreography Award #E Virginia Williams Award

Canton BalletCassandra Crowley, Artistic & Executive Director

Under Cassandra Crowley’s long time direction, Canton Ballet celebrates its 56th year of excellence in dance. With her visionary guidance, the ballet is a highly respected member of the regional arts community and has been an honor company of RDA/NE since 1982. In 1987 Crowley co-founded Regional Dance America.

Ms. Crowley’s students have been awarded scholarships and invitations to prestigious schools, companies and programs throughout the U.S. and abroad. The company has made five performance tours to Europe with Young!Tanzsommer. Graduates are dancing with New York City Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Ohio Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Colorado Ballet and Sarasota Ballet as well as Broadway, Las Vegas, LA the West End and television.

With an emphasis on community service Canton Ballet has established a fully funded school division for students who cannot afford to pay tuition; provided lecture demonstrations for area schools, clubs and civic groups; collaborated with public schools in training and

performance projects and performed with fellow arts organizations in their presentations to the public.

The company works to instill in its students and preprofessional dancers an appreciation of the joy and satisfaction of a challenging job well done. In addition to building performers, it is developing responsible adults--teachers, choreographers, designers, knowledgeable audience members, interested volunteers and, hopefully, future supporters.

From the point of the triangle:Emily KuntzMorgan Lineweaver, Caroline Zollinger, Cassandra CrowleyMia Ignacio, Jane Cook, Mya FrankLandyn Scheetz, Annabella Purses, Mikayla HairstonDominic Miller, Hannah Harley, Allision Pellegrino, Max HaywardHailey Young, Marios Macris, Kaylee Porter, Ashlyn WoodElla Giltz, Lucy Dueble, Logan Mastin, Liliana Kerr, Paxton StedmanKristen Exposito, Giada Szerkeres, Leah Faye, Myles Ignacio, Aubrey Hendry, Isabella Harris

Dayton Dance Conservatory CompanyAudra Kucharski, Artistic Director

Dayton Dance Conservatory Company (DDCC) was founded in 2014 by Artistic Directors Audra Kucharski and Kandee Thacker-Mann, with the vision of creating a nonprofit pre-professional youth dance company that would continue to proliferate and sustain the art of dance in Dayton and the surrounding areas. DDCC strives to cultivate young, aspiring professional dancers through education and repertoire which challenges technique, artistic depth, and creativity; and endeavors to continue oral and visual traditions, and instill the value of performing arts within the community.DDCC utilizes multiple approaches to reach the Greater Dayton region, and beyond. First, two major performances are held each season, Miscellany: A Jazz Nutcracker and our Spring Repertory Concert. DDCC has also traveled to share their gifts at the Ohio Dance Festival, the Delaware Dance Festival, the Gem City Ballet Fall Repertory Concert, Tapology Youth Festival, Chicago Tapfest, and at the Dayton Dragon’s Stadium. Through community service projects, DDCC members share their current and historical knowledge, and artistry, with programs offered at Rosa Parks Early Learning Center, Mad River Early Childhood Education Center, Northmont School Disctrict – Kleptz Early Learning Center, and TEDx Dayton. The quality of Dayton Dance Conservatory Company’s program is reflected in the accomplishments of its current members and alumni, who have been awarded acceptance and multiple scholarships to prestigious university

and summer programs including Fordham University, Marymount Manhattan College, New York University – Tisch, Point Park University, The Ohio State University, North Carolina School of the Arts, The Ailey School Summer Intensive Program, Ballet Met, Cary Ballet Conservatory, Cincinnati Ballet, Houston Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, School of American Ballet, and the Woodshed Experience.

Bottom Row: Alyssa Callahan, Rachel Chandler, Bonnie Kelly, Janiah Velicaria, Kelli Chandler, Kaylyn OliverSecond row: Lillian Burton, Aryonna Grier, Jasmine Shelton, Jack Cerminaro, Ava Harp, Kennedy Coleman, Sophia WalrathTop Row: Kiera Wright, Ellie Morvatz, Madeline Seibert, Ja Kayla Harris, Madi Schneider, Gabby MorvatzPhoto Credit: Scott Robbins

Delaware BalletBrittany Faulkingham, Artistic Director

Delaware Ballet is central Delaware’s premier student ballet company, funded by individual and corporate donors and contributions by Delaware State University.

Delaware Ballet began as Delaware Regional Ballet Company, founded by Marion Tracy in the 1970s. The shortened name was adopted in 1991 when Daniel Kaiser, former soloist with Pennsylvania Ballet, took the helm as Artistic Director. As an independent, non-profit company, Delaware Ballet strives to continue its history of excellence and leadership in the local dance community. It is the mission of the company to provide residents of Kent County and its surrounding areas with access to high quality classical and contemporary ballet performances, aiming to share the dancers’ passion and the gift of dance with the broadest possible audience.

Current Artistic Director, Brittany Faulkingham, and the Board of Directors work together to continually take the company to new heights. In addition to the company’s annual pro-duction of The Nutcracker, they present a full-length ballet each spring and attend numer-ous dance festivals each year. Delaware Ballet is proud to broaden its horizon as a member company of Regional Dance America Northeast.

Delaware Ballet hopes to provide each of its company members with an invaluable dance education and experience that, whether they choose dance as a profession or not, will follow and serve them throughout their lives.

Standing (L to R): Mary Moller, Isabella Gibbs, Lily Gibbs, Hannah PacholokKneeling (L to R): Abbie LaMotte, Akerah Winder, Morgan Miller

Delaware Dance CompanySunshine Latshaw, Artistic Director

Delaware Dance Company was founded over thirty-five years ago as the performing troupe for The Ballet School of Newark in Newark, DE. A decade later, the school became part of the non-profit organization. Artistic Director Sunshine Webster Latshaw began training at DDC at the age of 12. Later, she danced with The Maryland Ballet be-fore attending The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. While attending university, she worked with local mod-ern companies including Archetype Dance and Koresh Dance Company and developed a passion for modern and contemporary forms of dance. Upon completing her BFA with a concentration in Dance Education, Ms. Latshaw returned to DDC as Ballet Mistress, and, in 1999, replaced founder Priscilla Payson as the Artistic Director.

Always striving to offer the best in dance training and performance, DDC’s instruction is founded in a strong ballet core curriculum while encouraging students to broaden their dance education through the study of other dance

techniques. Since 1984, DDC has produced a fully -staged version of The Nutcracker bal-let. Spring performances alternate between original dance productions and Gala concerts. As a recipient of support from the Delaware Division of the Arts, DDC takes seriously its role of promoting the art of dance in the community. DDC offers needs-based tuition remission, free school performances, and par-ticipates in demonstrations and collaborations throughout northern Delaware.

Back Row: Vienne Istvan, Alexandra Earley, Samuel Nardo, Elizabeth Brusetti, Cassidy Foskett. Second Row: Julietta Claessens, Isabella Azuero, Coralee Serex, Catherine Skibicki, Kylie Shelton.

Third row: Natalie Ruth, Jordan Forester, Grace Miller, Alexis Pettorossi, Ella Seiler. Front row: Emma Sullivan, Samantha Flaherty, Xander Willoughby, Grace Yang, Madison Smith.

Photo credit: Krista Valla Photography

Erie Contemporary Ballet TheatreSarah Purvis, Artistic Director

ECBT Company Dancers Left to Right, Back Row (standing):Makenzi Marzka, Avanel Munger, Kylie Snyder, Lillian Slate, Elle Orlando, Kiara Adiutori, Emma Argaez, Kristina Birgani, Brooke Butler, Lauren Pennock, Athena Vogel Miller, Francesca Zacks, Ashlyn Price, Avery Clear

ECBT Apprentice Dancers Left to Right, Front Row (seated):Brianna Koket, Madison DiVito, Brooklyn Stritzinger, Kaleena Huber, Katie Potocki, Gabriella Stanley, Kyleigh Young, Charlotte Bollheimer, Mia Koket, Bianca Baldwin, Olivia McVeagh

Founded in 2003 by Artistic Director, Sarah Purvis, Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to providing pre-professional dancers with the highest quality of classical ballet and contemporary dance training in the Northwest Pennsylvania region. ECBT enhances the community’s quality of life by celebrating, teaching and promoting dance through performances, outreach activities, master classes, and other dance-related experiences. Our dancers learn in a positive, safe atmosphere

to develop a fundamental understanding that will allow them to continue to thrive in dance throughout their lives. In its short history, ECBT has brought to life the ballet How the Grinch Stole Christmas for twelve seasons and performed its first full length ballet of The Nutcracker since 2015 to sold-out audiences. In addition, ECBT showcases an annual Spring Gala Concert specifically designed for children, a Director’s Choice performance to promote emerging and innovative choreography and presents numerous mini-performances and lecture demonstrations.

ECBT has received generous funding from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Erie Arts and Culture, the Erie Community Foundation, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, and Erie Insurance as well as many local corporate, foundation, and individual support in order to commission productions, guest teachers and guest choreographers.

Our dancers have been awarded scholarships to some of the most prestigious dance programs, universities, and companies in the Unites States. Moreover, ECBT became a member of Regional Dance America Northeast in 2006 performing throughout the northeastern United States, Phoenix, AZ and Montreal, Quebec with RDA.

Greater Annapolis BalletMargaret Russell, Artistic Director

Greater Annapolis Ballet (GAB) was established in the Fall of 2019 for coaching, private lessons, and supplemental technique classes for homeschool and hybrid learning students. In the Fall of 2020, GAB became a full-time school and company, opening its doors to all students.The school provides classes ranging from Creative Movement through Ballet 7. Its classes include classical ballet technique, pointe, variations, partnering, character, contemporary, and conditioning. GAB offers a Pre-Professional Division for dancers in levels Ballet 4 - Ballet 7, which is designed to prepare dancers for dance careers beyond high school. All of the school’s faculty provide their own unique style and training that they present to the dancers, which allows the dancers to thrive in multiple ballet and contemporary environments. Within its first several months of being open, GAB has held two virtual performances, has become a new company member with Regional Dance America Northeast, and its students have been awarded 1st, 3rd, and top 12 place at Youth America Grand Prix. Greater Annapolis Ballet’s mission is to inspire young artists and ensure an everlasting love of dance. The school provides a healthy and nourishing environment with a strong focus on classical ballet, while exploring other techniques to shape well-rounded dancers. GAB encourages students to explore all opportunities the dance world provides and advises students in their own unique path. It is GAB’s goal to supply their dancers with the tools they will need to

be successful in any professional setting.

Back to front, left to right:Nicholas Garvey, Emily Hansbrough, Jemma Bates, Martina Jakubovas, Ella Gawitt, Sarah Schulze, Naomi Willis, Eden Brown, Brooke Bandes,

Callie Lowman, Emma Young, Julia DeMarco, Gabrielle Miller, Natalie Sarchiapone, Sophia Crivella, Marlowe Richardson, Hannah Wintermyer, Addison Dayton, Isabelle Kraft, Delainey Parker

Onyx Contemporary Dance CompanyAmy Jones, Artistic Director

The Onyx Contemporary Dance Company was founded in 2019. OCDC is a non-profit (501c) organization and an extension company of the Miami Valley Dance Force. OCDC is dedicated to providing pre-professional students with an opportunity to further their training in the technical and performance aspects of dance. OCDC’s goal is to instill an appreciation for the art of dance in a safe learning environment. This higher level of training will provide the young aspiring dancer with learning tools that will enhance discipline, character, solidarity, and work ethic. Onyx Contemporary Dance Company is also committed to community outreach. Our dancers will develop strong connections through community performances by reaching the broadest possible audience.

From left to right:Grace Kowis, Emily Kate Tucker, Ava Kim, Gabby McMaster, Kenny Thacker, Julia Stultz, Emily Wissman, Jolie Stankas, Mckenzie Ashcraft, Raeanne Richard, Kate Thacker

Providence Creek Ballet TheaterStephanie Artigliere, Artistic Director

Providence Creek Ballet Theater began in 2004, at Providence Creek Academy in Clayton, DE, under the Artistic Director, Dr. Lydia Creasy Cooper. This introductory, after-school ballet program grew by 2008 to offer classes in various dance genres and ranged in levels from Creative Movement through Performance Company. PCBT’s curriculum maintains a central focus on classical ballet technique while now encompassing tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and tumbling. Started in 2011, PCBT’s Summer Intensive Program has grown to include multiple Guest Artists, a choreography workshop, and a Showcase performance. 2011 also introduced a new Artistic Director, Stephanie Artigliere, to PCBT. Her vision of supporting PCBT’s dancers beyond the walls of the studio continues to flourish. In addition to PCBT’s annual Summer Concert, they have also performed full-length ballets including Peter and the Wolf, Snow White, and Winter Suites. March 2012 marked PCBT’s debut performance at Delaware Dance Festival which is attended by numerous dance studios from Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, PCBT joined in the holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, performed annually since 2013. PCBT’s dancers have performed commissioned works by award winning choreographers including Danielle Guillermo, Christine Aumiller, and Victoria Silva. PCBT students have been awarded numerous DDF scholarships,

accepted into Delaware’s renowned Cab Calloway School of the Arts, and attended various summer programs nationally. In June 2016, PCBT was evaluated and accepted into the prestigious Regional Dance America/Northeast as an Intern Company. In 2018, PCBT was accepted into the organization as a Full Performing Company. PCBT looks forward to returning to DDF, PYDF, and RDA/NE Festivals in 2020.

Front row: Suzanna Cordrey, Isabella Wicks, Krystyl SengbeMiddle row: Chloe Blackstock, Max Santos, Isabella DeGirolano

Back row: Brenna Glenn, Alexandra Passero, Kristen Saxon

Philadelphia Dance TheatreJoy Delaney-Capponi, Artistic Director

Philadelphia Dance Theatre is located in the northwest section of Philadelphia. Under the direction of Joy Delaney Capponi, the school provides exceptional dance training for begin-ner through pre professional students. Alumni have gone on to study with internationally recognized schools, have been awarded schol-arships to university dance programs, and are currently working professionally in the dance industry and beyond. PDT’S performing com-pany presents an acclaimed ‘A Philadelphia Nut-cracker,’ each winter season, ‘Breaking Ground’ and a children’s story ballet each spring season, the year culminates with the June Showcase.MissionTo enrich, inspire, and uplift lives through clas-sical ballet, dance education, and performance.ValuesThrough a safe, nurturing, positive and struc-tured environment that promotes excellence in dance and individual fulfillment in accom-plishment, Philadelphia Dance Theatre prides itself in offering a premier venue for children to experience, actively and authentically, the world of dance. Quality training by dedicated teachers, currently active as professional artists, allows our young people to continually observe the connection between training and results. Pro-duction development, polished performance, commitment to the company, and personal responsibility are all emphasized as integral components of

the complete dance experience at PDT. We strive to provide this unique experience to all children willing to dedicate the time and effort required to participate.OutreachAt Philadelphia Dance Theatre, we are dedicated to bringing high quality, professional performances to the community at an affordable price. For each of our productions we donate a select number of seats to various charitable organizations to make dance more accessible to a broader community. Tickets are donated to area children’s homes, adult with intellectual disabilities homes, and Vet Tix, a non-profit organization that provides tickets to veterans and their families. Additionally, PDT presents an annual Sensory Friendly Nutcracker which provides an abbreviated and gentler version of the classic holiday ballet. The Sensory Friendly performance features lower music, softer lighting, and judgement free viewing for our friends with sensory sensitivities and our youngest audience members.

South Dayton Dance TheatreErin Robbins, Artistic Director

South Dayton Dance Theatre is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring young, pre-professional dancers to achieve their full potential through comprehensive dance training with an emphasis on ballet and modern technique. SDDT is dedicated to creating dance productions of the highest artistic standard, as well as enriching our local community through quality dance instruction and performances.The South Dayton Dance Theatre was founded in 1986 by Elizabeth Karns in an effort to bring professional-quality performances to area audiences, provide high-level training and performing opportunities for deserving dancers, and encourage dance appreciation by the general public. In 1990, Gigi Gardner became SDDT’s Artistic Director. In 2018, Gigi Gardner was honored with title of Artistic Director Emeritus and Erin Robbins was elected Artistic Director and was charged with keeping South Dayton Dance Theatre’s high standards of performance quality and technique.

SDDT’s diverse repertory consists of classical, contemporary and modern choreography. The Dance Theatre’s high standards and original works have brought critical acclaim, sold-out performances, and a loyal following in the Dayton area for their Spring Concert and annual Nutcracker.

First Row : Luciana Mauro, Addie Bakan, Jorja Tyson, Claire McDermitt, Greta WurdingerSecond Row: Meghan Flaherty, Arley Burkle, Violet Wright, Maura Tyson, Emily Woodard, Claire Drylie

Third Row: Ava DeVito, Alanna Carey, Maddie Turber, Makenna Baker, Caris Skrobot, Sarah Claiborne, Alice Fulton, Megan NoelFourth Row : Megan Gantner, Kaitlyn Berry, Catharine Thomas, Allayna Backowski, Hannah Eversole, Lexi Young, Jordan Gage, Kate Gayonski, Grace Wright

Southern New Hampshire Youth BalletPatricia Lavoie, Artistic Director

Established in 1998 by Artistic Director Patricia Lavoie, Southern NH Youth Ballet is the official performing company of Southern NH Dance Theater and has been educating dancers and inspiring audiences throughout New Hampshire for more than fifteen years. Since 2001, the Youth Ballet has been the resident Nutcracker performing company at the historic Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH. During this time, the New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra and the Palace Theatre Festival Orchestra have accompanied the Youth Ballet.

By providing young dancers with quality dance training and unique performing opportunities, the Youth Ballet continues to inspire youth in the community, fostering their artistic growth and enriching their lives. Southern NH Youth Ballet is proud to be the only company from New Hampshire to join RDA Northeast.

The Youth Ballet presents three major performances throughout the year: The Nutcracker, a Spring Performance in April and the school’s Year-End Performance in May. Graduates of Southern NH Youth Ballet have been contracted with professional companies and productions including Joffrey Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Ballet Austin, Nevada Ballet Theatre, The Metropolitan Opera, Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Walkerdance, Gus Giordano, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story.

Bottom row left to right: Sydney Ferland, Avery Morgan, Nicole Knowles and Cora Steichen.Second from bottom left to right: Sophia Hancock, Madilyn Cilley & Maille Zelko, Third row from the bottom left to right: Rachel Burkett, Lauren Felthun & Addison WhiteheadTop row left to right: Ava Smith, Hannah Newman-Williams, Maxim Stone & Aiva BerriganPhoto by Annmarie Bergenhahl

Bottom row left to right: Sydney Ferland, Avery Morgan, Nicole Knowles and Cora Steichen.Second from bottom left to right: Sophia Hancock, Madilyn Cilley & Maille Zelko, Third row from the bottom left to right: Rachel Burkett, Lauren Felthun & Addison WhiteheadTop row left to right: Ava Smith, Hannah Newman-Williams, Maxim Stone & Aiva BerriganPhoto by Annmarie Bergenhahl

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Compiled by Barbara Weisberger

A BRIEF HISTORY

Regional Dance America NE

In the mid-1800’s, Victor Hugo said, “An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.” He could have been referring to the origins of Regional Dance in America. By the end of World War II, ballet in the United States was a sparse meal compared to the feast it is today. In the mid 1950’s ballet teachers, both former performers and those who had never graced a stage, struggled to restart programs and to keep existing schools and companies alive. At that time, 70% of ballet’s audience resided in New York City. These insightful teachers of the 1950’s wanted to move beyond transplanted European ballet, available only to a limited number of aficionados in major city centers. They wanted to establish teaching standards, performing venues, and a significantly larger audience for the art form they loved. In order to do so they reached out to one another, and the regional ballet movement was born. Thus, what became RDA began in Atlanta with a woman named Dorothy Alexander. In 1956, Dorothy Alexander of the Atlanta Ballet proposed that ballet companies in and around the South get together and have a Festival to establish standards and showcase local talent. Anatole Chujoy, editor of Dance News and great supporter of the arts, and Doris Hering, a writer and critic on the staff of Dance Magazine, helped Alexander plan her festival and reported favorably on its impact. This first Regional Festival was also attended by Alexi Ramov, the artistic director of the Scranton Ballet. He liked what he saw in Atlanta. He liked it very much. He carried the seed of Ms. Alexander’s idea home to Pennsylvania, where he and Barbara Weisberger, artistic director of the Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theater, planted it, nurtured it, and watched it flower with the

first Northeast Festival. In May of 1959 (May 22 & 23 to be exact), the Scranton Ballet and Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theater co-hosted the first Regional Ballet Festival in the

Northeast. P.W. Manchester served as festival adjudicator. 18 to 20 companies from across the northeast attended. Honored guest artists were the Prima Ballerina Alexandra Danilova and Ted Shawn, one of the founders of Modern Dance. Even “Mr. Capezio” himself, Ben Sommers, attended – eager to capitalize on a potential business opportunity. In 1960, Balanchine himself attended the second NE Regional Ballet Festival in Erie, PA. He was moved by the enthusiasm of the twenty companies in attendance

and by the interest in ballet generated by the Festival itself. In every venue throughout the festival, from cocktail parties and teaching seminars to a gala closing banquet, he rallied the artistic directors, young dancers and their families, and community supporters, saying, “Look at us! We are powerful. We must bring ballet to every town in this country. If Hoffa can do it, so can we!” In 1961, Lincoln Kirstein, who first brought Balanchine

to this country and founded the School of American Ballet, attended the third NE Regional Ballet Festival, this time in Dayton, Ohio. Though Kirstein clearly felt ballet belonged in the rarified atmosphere of New York City, he was curious to see what the regional movement was about. In that same year, Balanchine accompanied Diana Adams, the festival adjudicator, and

spent his time viewing the companies in attendance both in class and in performance. In the summer of 1961 Josephine Schwarz took the lead in organizing the first Craft of Choreography Conference under the auspices of the Regional Ballet

Festival Association NE, at Keystone Junior College (now Keystone College) just outside Scranton, PA. Ms. Schwarz had danced professionally with the Humphrey-Weidman Company, a distinguished modern company. Later in her own school, she introduced a curriculum which was a fusion of ballet and modern dance. She brought a major asset of modern dance to the Choreography Conference: thatis, an emphasis on the making of dance. Up to this time, most dance faculty had primarily been staging and adapting existing works. The Choreography Conference grew out of a need for more original choreography. Regional ballet is comprised of non-professional companies of young dancers centered around strong teachers. The goals of the regional movement were to lift teaching standards, increase the number of performing opportunities available to young dancers, and build interest in, and an audience for, ballet across the United States. As the regional movement grew, the number of dancers who were capable of transitioning to professional status also increased. So, as a natural progression, some directors turned their regional companies into professional companies; others moved to geographic areas better equipped to support the needs of a professional company. One such director was Barbara Weisberger. In 1962, Weisberger, recognizing that the Wilkes-Barre community was not large enough to support a professional company, moved to Philadelphia and incorporated the School of the Pennsylvania Ballet. At approximately the same time Virginia Williams turned her New England Civic Ballet into the Boston Ballet. As Schwarz, Weisberger, Ramov, Williams, and their

colleagues worked to create a supportive network through which they advanced the cause of regional ballet, they had the blessings of such eminents as Kirstein and Balanchine and the guidance of Chujoy and Hering. Luckily, too, W. McNeil Lowry, Vice President of the Ford Foundation was waiting in the wings. All these pioneers hoped that the audience they built in the regional movement would transfer to the professional world. In a recent article entitled “Remembrances of Lincoln Kirstein,” written to commemorate the centennial celebration of his birthday, Barbara Weisberger writes about the explosion of dance in the 1960’s: “…Dance activity, in all its forms and audiences for dance were on the ascendance. The path was open, and for those interested in teaching and building companies, the moment was there to be grabbed: if one was crazy enough, and passionate enough, and willing (at least for a long while) to give up an orderly personal life and receive little, if any, remuneration.” The seeds of indigenous American ballet were planted in the 1930’s by the Littlefield Sisters in Philadelphia, the Christensen Brothers in Utah and California, and Balanchine himself in New York City. The regional movement began in the 1950’s promoted the growth of these seeds. The convergence of these two factors not only enriched the world of regional ballet but also decentralized and expanded the world of professional ballet. Today 70% of ballet’s audience, which is estimated to exceed 20 million people, is located outside New York City. As an army of young dancers invades Philadelphia, PA, this spring for the 56th anniversary of regional dance in the northeast, let us remember that they are part of the future of American dance. Some of these performers will become professional dancers; choreographers, teachers, artistic directors; and some will never step on a stage again. They will comprise the audiences of tomorrow. Thus, RDA is an idea forever young.

Rehearsal shots of Wilkes-Barre Theater’s ballet for the First Northeast Ballet Festival, held in Wilkes-Barre, PA May, 1959. “Five Movements in Gay Minor” to Morton Gould’s American Concertette, Choreography Barbara Weisberger.

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader photo of ballet personalities who attended the first NE Regional Ballet Festival May, 1959, including Ben Sommers (president of Dance Business Group of America, New York), Mrs. Joseph Mieszkowski (President of Wilkes-Barre Ballet Guild), Barbara Linshes Weisberger (Artistic Director, Wilkes-Barre Ballet Guild), Ted Shawn (known as the Dean of the American Dance), and Mrs. Alexandra Danilova (one of the all-time great ballerinas).

First NE Regional Festival May 22-24, 1959 Opening Cocktail Reception hosted by Jess & Susan Weiss… in photo, Alexi Ramov, Lydia Joel, Barbara Weisberger, Doris Hering, Stasia Sublette, Amette Evans

Alexi Ramov & Barbara Weisberger 1959 NE Regional Ballet Festival hosts.

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E. VIRGINIA WILLIAMSEllen Virginia Williams (1914-1984) was a teacher, choreographer, and director who played a pioneering role in the development of American ballet. She studied with a Denishawn student and Balanchine, began teaching at the age of 16 and established numerous schools including the E. Virginia Williams School of Ballet in Boston in 1940. In 1958, she was founder and artistic director of New

England Civic Ballet. In 1959, her company took part in the Northeast Regional Ballet Association at the very first regional dance festival in the northeastern United States. It was George Balanchine who, along with W. McNeil Lowry, the director of Arts and Humanities for the Ford Foundation, who recommended that E. Virginia Williams receive a $144,000 Ford Foundation grant in 1963. The artistic affirmation conferred by this prestigious grant led the New England Civic Ballet Company to formally state its professional aims and officially take the name of Boston Ballet, a name that has become permanently associated with the highest standards of artistic integrity. As a result, of her selflessness, Boston Ballet grew to reflect not only the unrelenting determination of a notoriously driven woman, but also the unyielding power of a dynamic art form.

BARBARA WEISBERGERBarbara Weisberger leader, teacher and artistic director, founded the Pennsylvania Ballet in 1962 and led the nationally renowned company for twenty years. In 1984, she conceived the Carlisle Project, the distinctive program for the professional development of choreographers and dancers, and recently has been Artistic Advisor of Peabody Dance.

A protégé and long-time colleague of George Balanchine, Ms. Weisberger is internationally recognized for her major contributions to the development of American classical ballet and for her pre-eminent leadership role in the performing arts in the United States. Balanchine’s first child pupil at the School of American Ballet, Weisberger later studied at the Littlefield School and founded Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theatre where she helped to organize the first Northeast Regional Ballet Festival in 1959. Balanchine offered his support with ballets, dancers and costumes when Weisberger wanted to found a company in Philadelphia. In 1963, the Ford Foundation’s Program in Humanities and Arts announced an initiative to develop regional professional dance companies, and Pennsylvania Ballet was born. Becoming something of a leader in the regional ballet movement of the 1960s, the company appeared in the national spotlight for the first time in 1968 at New York’s City Center.

JOSEPHINE SCHWARZJosephine Schwarz (1908-2004), artist, dancer, essential teacher, choreographer, visionary, and maker and shaper in the world of the arts, founded the Dayton Ballet with sister Hermene in 1938. Inspired by Anna Pavlova, Miss Jo studied and performed with Russian dancer Adolph Bolm, from the Russian Imperial Ballet, at the Hellerau-Laxenberg School in Vienna, Austria; with modern

dance pioneer Mary Wigman; with George Balanchine at the School of American Ballet in New York City, performed on Broadway and with the Humphrey-Weidman Theater Company. The sisters established the Experimental Group for Young Dancers in 1938 which expanded and evolved into the Dayton Civic Ballet, a nationally known regional dance company. It was the second regional dance company (after Atlanta Ballet) to be established in the United States. In 1959, Dayton Ballet took part in the first Northeast Regional Ballet Festival. Schwarz School of Dance alumna Jeraldyne Blunden founded the

internationally acclaimed Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and credited Miss Jo with opening up dance to African Americans in the 1940’s. Miss Jo was also responsible for founding the annual National Association for Regional Ballet Craft of Choreography Conferences now the RDA Summer Dance Intensive featuring the Craft of Choreography Conference that brings together choreographers, ballet directors and their students to discuss and collaborate on choreography for their companies.

ALEXI RAMOVAlexi Ramov, (1917-1999) born Joseph E. Kowatch Jr., was a major figure in ballet in Pennsylvania. He performed with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet as well as at Radio City Music Hall before becoming active in ballet in his home state. He co-founded the Northeast Regional Association of NARB in 1959 (National Association

Regional Ballet) now known as Regional Dance America and served five terms as its president. Alexi Ramov and colleague Barbara Weisberger helped organize the very first regional festival in Scranton, PA, of which The Ballet Guild is a charter member. In the mid-1960’s Mr. Ramov became artistic director and resident choreographer of the Ballet Guild of Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, a position he held until 1995. Mr. Ramov also founded the Scranton Ballet Company and co-directed the Sutton-Ramov School of Dance in Scranton, PA. In 1987, he established the Ballet Guild’s first school and was its first Director.

NESTA TOUMINENesta Toumine (1912-1996) was a British born Canadian dancer, choreographer, artistic director and teacher. She studied ballet with Nikolai Legat in New York, Serafina Astafieva and Margaret Craske in London, in Paris and with Julia Sedova in Nice. Toumine performed with the Ballets Russes de Paris and Léonide Massine’s Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and founded the Ottawa Ballet Company with

Yolande Le Duc in 1947. In 1959, she took part in the first Northeast Regional Ballet Festival in the United States. She was a charter member and examiner for the Society of Russian Ballet. In 1961, Toumine started the first professional Canadian ballet company, the Classical Ballet Concert Group of Ottawa. A direct link with the legendary figures of the Diaghilev era was sustained by her husband, Sviatoslav Toumine, a former dancer with Anna Pavlova and with the original Ballets Russes. An important feature of Nesta Toumine’s versatility as a director was the dual nature of her repertoire. Her company performed the classics yet she also produced a steady flow of new works and was known as a prolific choreographer.

MARJORIE HASSARD Marjorie Hassard (1911-1984) lived during the vaudeville era and toured and performed with headliners such as Ed Wynn, Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, and the Marx Brothers. She was also a member of the Ziegfield Follies in New York. Returning to the Detroit area, she opened a ballet studio, joined the Dancing Masters of America where in 1934 she became a member of the Ballet Committee charged with upgrading the teaching of ballet in the Detroit area. In 1939, the members of this Ballet Committee became Cecchetti Council of America of which Ms. Hassard was a Charter Member. She continued her own studies often in England and earned the coveted Maestro Cecchetti Diploma. In 1957, Marjorie Hassard and Enid Ricardeau founded Detroit City Ballet and became co-artistic directors. In 1959, DCB took part in the first Northeast Regional Ballet Association Festival. In 1982, DCB celebrated its 25th anniversary and disbanded in 1984.Marjorie continued teaching ballet until her death in the fall of 1984. Her wisdom and generosity touched dancers throughout the world. Marjorie Hassard was a rare and precious jewel in the crown of ballet.

Founders

Thank you to the Regional Dance America National Office for all of the hard work put in to this year’s festival

A special thanks to Regional Dance America’s Chief Executive OfficerErika Davis

and the RDA Interns:Emma Bidic

Jillian BowmanLila Kushner Kalia RuckerErica Uszacki

who worked tirelessly to put together this great weekend of classes and performances!

Thank you to all of the Northeast directors who made this special for all of the dancers in their studios!

And to the RDA National Board who guided this new and exciting project for all of our regions!

President: Joy Capponi (RDA/NE)First Vice President - Angela Jackson

Second Vice President - Tracy SolomonSecretary - Missy Crain

Treasurer - Kathryn Aumiller

Regional PresidentsCynthia Crews (MS), Trisha Lavoie (NE), Robert Gosnell (SE), Molly Buchmann (SW)

Regional CoordinatorsJoJean Retrum (MS), Sunshine Latshaw (NE), Tracy Solomon (SE), Debbe Busby (SW)

Regional RepresentativesRhea Gill (MS), Joy Capponi (NE), Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz (SE), Missy Crain (SW)

Directors at LargeKathryn Aumiller, Catie Deitz-Griffith, Angela Jackson, Robyn Miller-Henry

Founding DirectorsGlenda Brown, Cassandra Crowley

FESTIVAL 2021

TogetherWe Dance

FESTIVAL 2021

TogetherWe Dance

we dance - the canton ballet

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