Sleeping Beauty Tea - Sunday, April 19Th at 1:00 Pm This Activity Is Supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

Michigan Ballet Academy presents Michigan Ballet Academy TheSleeping Presents Beauty

THE

April 18, 1:00 pm & 4:30 pm NUTCRACKER April 19, 2:30 pm Featuring Crystal Serrano and Francis Lawrence

current and former Dance Theatre of Harlem Principals Jenison Center for the Arts, 8375 20th Ave., Jenison, MI 49428 Purchase tickets at www.michiganballet.org or December 6, 7:00 pm • December 7, 1:00 pm & 4:30 pm Box Office Ph: 616-667-3602 December 8, 2:30 pm

Jenison Center for the Arts, 8375 20th Ave., Jenison, MI 49428 Sleeping Beauty Tea - Sunday, April 19th at 1:00 pm This activity is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Jenison Center for the Arts

This activity is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Michigan Ballet Academy THE Irina Vassileni, Artistic Director NUTCRACKER The Nutcracker Choreography after Vassili Vainonen, Marinsky Ballet, 1934 Composed by Peter I. Tchaikovsky Friday, December 6, 2019 • 7:00 pm Saturday, December 7, 2019 • 1:00 & 4:30 pm Sunday, December 8, 2019 • 2:30 pm Jenison Center for the Arts

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Lead Sponsor

Season Sponsor

Production Sponsors

This activity is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Lewis and Norma Bruce and Lorna Jarvis Van Kuiken James H. Schindler

Performance Sponsors

Ben Kragt

Community Sponsors

Clara and The Mouse Queen Art by Kaileigh Wisniewski Michigan Ballet Academy Fall Art Contest Winner 2019 Staff Irina Vassileni – Artistic Director Chien-Ming Lin – Ballet Master

Amy Wilson – School Administrator Angela Koeller – Book Keeper Denise Olson – Ballet Instructor Amy Wilson – Contemporary Instructor Nathan Young - Boys’ Class Instructor Branden Reiners Ednis Gomez – Pas Class Instructor Board of Directors Shauna Walwood – President Suzanne Minard - President Emeritus Marcia McEvoy Madden, Ph. D. – Alix Kayayan – Vice President of Advancement Vice President of Operations Angela Koeller – Treasurer Bruce Jarvis – Secretary An Auction to Benefit the Patricia Anderson, Dr. David Armbrecht, Robert Carlton, Lorna Hernandez Jarvis, Ph. D., Wendy Lappenga, Christine Rajah Michigan Ballet Academy Mission Statement Our mission is to provide world-class ballet training using the principles and aesthetics of the Vaganova method, taught by professionally trained faculty in an atmosphere of creativity, challenge, encouragement and integrity. Artistic Director’s Message Welcome to the magic and beauty of the Nutcracker! We are glad that you have made it part of your holiday tradition. I am excited to be at the helm of an Academy that is providing world-class ballet The Rose training for the youth of West Michigan. Over the past few years, 12 of our graduating seniors have received professional contracts with major ballet companies across the U.S. and the world. Other graduates have received generous college scholarships based on their dance technique. Over the past two summers, our dancers have received substantial Summer Intensive scholarships to major ballet schools, including the Royal Ballet in Adagio Gala England, the Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive in NYC, and the Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive in Moscow. I am proud of our students’ hard work and continual striving for technical excellence and artistry. I wish to personally thank our hard working Board of Directors, our devoted MBA teachers and staff, our wonderful volunteers, and our dedicated MBA parents. Without all of your support, we would not be able to showcase the talent of these beautiful children! Let the magic of the Nutcracker begin! Saturday, February 29, 2020 Irina Vassileni 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm MBA Artistic Director Michigan Ballet Academy Studios President’s Message Welcome to Michigan Ballet Academy’s 9th season and presentation of The Nutcracker. We are Tickets: $50 per person delighted to share this production under the direction of our Artistic Director, Ms. Irina Vassileni, a former Bolshoi Ballet dancer. This story was first written by the German author E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, and was turned into a story ballet in 1892 by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky and choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Michigan Ballet Academy continues the tradition of great Russian ballet. We are grateful to our corporate sponsors, advertisers, and individual donors. Without their support, we would not be able to share these beautiful performances. I would like to thank our gifted artistic staff, Ms. Irina Vassileni, Mr. Chien-Ming Lin, Ms. Denise Olson, and Ms. Amy Wilson for their dedication to our students in providing them with the highest quality ballet training. I would also like to thank our students who have worked so hard under their direction. As well, I would like to extend a very special thank you to the many volunteers who have devoted hours of time to support MBA, and to our tireless Board of Directors. Finally, we invite you to visit us at our school table located in the lobby by the boutique to learn more about MBA’s world-class training. We invite you to join us for an open house on Dec 10 to tour the studios, observe a class, and ask questions about our training available to all ages and skill levels. Enjoy the show! Shauna Walwood Michigan Ballet Academy, Board President Michigan Ballet Academy

Irina Vassileni Artistic Director New! Ms. Vassileni joined the faculty of Michigan Ballet Daytime Creative Academy in June of 2017. She is a graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, a former Bolshoi Ballet Movement Classes dancer, and holds a BFA degree in Methodology of Classical Ballet and Choreography. Upon graduating with honors in 1979, she joined the Bolshoi Ballet and performed many of the classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Spar- tacus, and Paquita. She attended the National Institute of Theatrical Arts studying instruction and restaging of classical ballet as well as other disciplines. In 1990, Ms. Vassileni moved to the USA, and from 1991-1997 she was the Ballet Mistress and Director of Education for Ballet Iowa in Des Moines, Iowa. She moved to Long Island, New York in 1998 where she opened her own school, The Russian Ballet School. Throughout her career as an instructor she has taught master classes, seminars on teaching pedagogy, and participated in lectures and workshops with professional schools, universities, and companies nationwide. Prior to coming to MBA, Ms. Vassileni was a faculty member at the Classical Ballet of Colorado. We are honored to have her as part of the MBA family!

Special Acknowledgements

The Michigan Ballet Academy would like to thank the many fantastic volunteers who helped with every aspect of the production of The Nutcracker. We are extremely grateful for all those who helped with costumes, sets, props, backstage management, load in and out, boutique, tea party, ushering, and managing the box office. This production would Mondays & Fridays not have been possible if not for the time and commitment of our wonderful parents and board members. A big thank you to all of you! Ages 3 to 6 Congratulations to Kaileigh Wisniewski, age 21, the Grand Prize winner of MBA’s First Annual Fall Art Contest. Kaileigh’s art is being featured on a limited edition Nutcracker poster available for sale at the boutique this weekend. Congratulations to Dominick Ignite, Nurture, Engage! Martinez, a 17 year-old East Grand Rapids High School student, the First Prize winner of MBA’s First Annual Fall Art Contest. Dominick’s art is being featured on t-shirts worn about town by MBA students. www.michiganballet.org Chien-Ming Lin Ballet Master

Mr. Lin has an M.A. in Teaching Dance with a concentration in ABT Pedagogy from NYU Steinhardt. He is also certified in all levels of the ABT National Training Curriculum. From August 2010 through August 2017, Mr. Lin was Ballet Master and Open House Program Director at a studio in Iowa. Mr. Lin has also taught at several schools in the New York City area. He joined the and Michigan Ballet Academy as Ballet Master in September of 2018. Mr. Lin, who began his dance training in both ballet and Winter Registration traditional dance in Taipei, Taiwan, is also an accomplished traditional Chinese dancer and was selected for best technique award at the 2000 National Chinese Dance Competition in Taiwan.

December 10, 2019 Mr. Lin shares Ms. Vassileni’s belief that every student can benefit from the discipline of classical ballet and the skills and life-knowledge that is gained from the study of ballet. Mr. Lin’s teaching vision “is to cultivate dancers who are well-rounded artists, appreciating the 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm work ethic, beauty, and rich history behind various dance forms and cultures.”

Michigan Ballet Academy Studios

Join us to learn more about world-class ballet training at Michigan Ballet Academy!

www.michiganballet.org Guest Artists

Crystal Serrano “Sugar Plum Fairy” Ms. Serrano received her ballet training at the Pacific North- west Ballet School, School of American Ballet, and Olympic Ballet Theatre. She has performed lead roles with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and has also performed professionally with Ballet San Antonio, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Sacramento Summer Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. She has performed principal roles in the following ballets: Don Quixote, The Nut- Intensive cracker, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Swan Lake, Le Corsaire, Serenade, The Four Temperaments, Donizetti Variations, Allegro Brillante, and in George Balanchine’s Valse Advanced & Intermediate Fantaisie and La Source, and Christopher Wheeldon’s This Bitter Earth. Levels June 15 - July 24, Francis Lawrence 2020 “Nutcracker Prince” Francis was born in Melbourne, Australia and originally stud- ied under Lorraine Blackbourn before furthering his studies Audition Dates and at The Australian Ballet School. Francis toured regionally Locations

with The Australian Ballet Dancers Company and also Grand Rapids, MI danced with The Australian Ballet Company in John Michigan Ballet Academy Studios Neumeier’s Nijinsky and Peggy Van Praagh’s Coppélia. Upon February 8 and 15, 2020 arriving in the U.S., Francis joined New York Theatre Ballet 10:00 - 11:30 am

for their 30th Anniversary season. Shortly after, he went on Alma, MI to join The Grand Rapids Ballet Company in Michigan for Academy of Performing Arts January 26, 2020 three seasons, under the direction of Patricia Barker. Whilst 2:00 - 3:30 pm there, he danced repertoire by George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Jose Limon, Paul

Taylor, Ulysses Dove, Lew Christensen, Olivier Weavers and Mario Radacovsky. Fran- Additional Summer Offerings cis danced for five seasons with The Dance Theatre of Harlem under the direction of Virginia Johnson. He has performed works by choreographers such as George Bal- Junior Division, Ages 7 - 11 June 15 - July 3, 2020 anchine (Agon, Glinka & Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux), Nacho Duato (Coming Together), Alvin Ailey (Lark Ascending), Ulysses Dove (Dancing On The Front Porch of Heaven), Fairytale Camps, Ages 4 - 6 July 6 - 9, 2020 Frederick Franklin (Raymonda), Marius Petipa (Black Swan Pas De Deux), Robert Gar- July 13 - 16, 2020 land (Return, Gloria & New Bach), Donald Byrd (Contested Space), Darrel Grand Moul- trie (Vessels) and Glen Tetley (Dialogues). Francis performed in the North American Former MBA student tour of An American In Paris, choreographed and directed by Tony award winner, Corinne Alondra Jarvis Hernandez Compañía Nacional de Danza, Mexico Michigan Ballet Academy Christopher Wheeldon. Most recently, Francis was in the encores show at New York Photo by: Carlos Quezada 1595 Galbraith Ave SE City Center in I Married An Angel, choreographed and directed by Joshua Bergasse. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-710-1666 Francis is based in New York and is also an active guest teacher and choreographer www.michiganballet.org around the world. Bruce Jarvis “Drosselmeyer”

Bruce Jarvis began his dance training in his native Portland, Oregon and continued his dance education at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School and San Francisco Ballet School. Mr. Jarvis’ professional career included the National Ballet of Mexico (Compañia Nacional de Danza), Indianapolis Ballet Theater and Heinz Poll’s Ohio Ballet. Bruce’s repertoire has encompassed principal roles in most of the great classical ballets as well as major works by Balanchine and contemporary choreographers such as Pilobolus, Lynn Taylor Corbett, and Laura Dean. After his retirement from full-time dance, Bruce completed a degree in Computer Your Leader in Transportation Solutions Science from Hope College in Holland, Michigan but continues his involvement in Airfreight – Truckload – Expedite dance. He has performed occasional roles with the Grand Rapids Ballet and in 2011 became a founding board member of the Michigan Ballet Academy (MBA). In addition to his duties as a member of the MBA board, Mr. Jarvis originated the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer in two MBA productions of The Nutcracker, Dr. Coppelius in Nikoloz Makhateli’s Coppélia, and the Widow Simone in Mr. Makhateli’s La Fille

Mal Gardée. Shauna Walwood Together with fellow board member, Dr. Lorna Hernandez Jarvis, Mr. and Dr. Jarvis D: 858.217.3344 have two children who are both professional ballet dancers - son Victor with State M: 616.516.9017 Street Ballet in California and MBA alumna Corinne, who is dancing with the [email protected] National Ballet of Mexico. www.americanfreightways.net Mr. Jarvis also assiduously maintains his ‘day job’ as an engineer with a

Washington based software company.

Production Staff

Performing Arts Center Director Brian Bennick Production Stage Manager Cindy Alberg Production Coordinator Patti Anderson Assistant Stage Manager David Johnson Lighting Designer Kason Bennett Sound Technician Matt Wisniewski Costume Designer Andrea Lautenbach Costume Manager Heather Porter

The Nutcracker History

The original production of The Nutcracker premiered in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Why Michigan Ballet St. Petersburg, Russia. The great French choreographer, Marius Petipa, who spent his entire career in Russia, created the scenario. Petipa was noted for his choreography of two other Tchaikovsky ballets: Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. His assistant, Lev Ivanov, Academy? often contributed major sections to Petipa’s ballets. In the case of The Nutcracker, after Petipa thoroughly outlined the story and had Tchaikovsky write music, he fell ill and the entire project was turned over to Ivanov. Your child will receive the highest

The choreography in today's production of The Nutcracker includes scenes taken from the quality, internationally-awarded, Russian version choreographed by Vassili Vainonen for the Marinsky Ballet in 1934. This classical ballet training. Students is the oldest and most popular version of The Nutcracker which is still being performed are taught using the Vaganova world-wide. Interestingly, the first production of The Nutcracker did not meet with great success, and was seldom performed after its premiere. In 1944, San Francisco Ballet systematic syllabus by trained became the first American company to produce the entire ballet. Ten years later, George teachers who are former Balanchine produced his now famous version of The Nutcracker. professional dancers. The splendor of Tchaikovsky’s music, the magic and wonder of the story, and the beauty and artistry of the dancers has made The Nutcracker a favorite holiday tradition for all ages. We inspire a lasting love and

appreciation for the classical arts, Synopsis

Former MBA student emphasizing individual development Corinne Alondra Jarvis Hernandez, The curtain rises to reveal guests arriving at the home of Dr. and Frau Stahlbaum for their Compañia Nacional de Danza Mexico and results for every student. annual Christmas Eve party. The magical and eccentric Dr. Drosselmeyer presents gifts to Photo by: Carlos Quezada the children, including life-size dolls. He has planned a special surprise for his beloved godchild, Clara Stahlbaum. He presents her with a wonderful Nutcracker doll. Clara is immediately entranced by her gift. Clara’s brother, Fritz, is jealous and accidentally breaks her Nutcracker. Dr. Drosselmeyer comes to the rescue and assures Clara that all will be well.

The party ends. Clara returns to the darkened living room and falls asleep. As the clock strikes midnight, Clara wakes and strange things start to happen. The Christmas tree grows high above her head. An army of large mice, led by the fierce Mouse Queen, threat- ens Clara. Clara’s Nutcracker leads the toy soldiers into battle with the mouse army. Just as the Mouse Queen begins to overpower the Nutcracker, Clara throws her slipper at the Queen and saves her Nutcracker. As Clara is overcome with tears, the Nutcracker is trans- formed into a handsome Prince. He takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow where they are welcomed by dancing Snowflakes.

The Prince escorts Clara to the Land of Sweets, where they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Michigan Ballet Academy Fairy. Clara is entertained by dancers from many exotic lands: Spain, Arabia, China and Russia. Following the beautiful dance of the Reed Pipes, Clara dances with the Bon Bons. 1595 Galbraith Ave SE The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince dance for Clara. Grand Rapids, MI 49546

As the celebration ends in the Land of Sweets, Dr. Drosselmeyer escorts Clara back to her home. Not wanting to let go of the magical feeling of the Land of Sweets, Clara reflects on Phone: 616-710-1666 her beautiful journey. Was it a dream? www.michiganballet.org Cast – Friday, 7:00 pm Performance Act I

Dr. Stahlbaum Ron Kragt Nutcracker Doll Isabel Schautz

Frau Stahlbaum Wendy Lappenga Mouse Queen Abigail Batts

Clara Abby Zhang Solo Mouse Rosabel Beaumont

Fritz Gabby Lockwood Mice Lynlee Bell

Sophia Friedlmeier Dr. Drosselmeyer Bruce Jarvis Katherine Furxhi Party Men David Armbrecht Cindy Jiang Mike Keast Karena Keast Jamie Kolacki Valentina Kellett Bill Porter Elliott Kolacki

Rheagan Ly Party Women Grace Anderson Kristela Rezhda Jane McElwee Naomi Tamae Jennifer Wisniewski Brynn Wisniewski Natasha Viilo

Soldiers Jaina Barden Maid Patti Anderson Jordin Barden Elegant Ladies Isabelle Batts Annika Furxhi Meghan Brentana Elle Johnston Alexandra Kassouni Party Girls Annika Furxhi Caroline Klafeta Caroline Klafeta Evangeline Kragt Evangeline Kragt Colin McCalley Sarah Porter Sarah Porter Kendall Wisniewski Kendall Wisniewski Brooke Wixom Brooke Wixom

Party Boys Jaina Barden Nutcracker Prince Francis Lawrence Lynlee Bell DANCE AT GRAND VALLEY Karena Keast Snow Soloists Meghan Brentana Sierra Post Rheagan Ly Colin McCalley 2019-2020 AUDITION DATES gvsu.edu/dance Snow Flakes Jaina Barden Kristela Rezhda Jordin Barden Dance Major/Minor Audition Dates: Small Party Benjamin Carton Anastacia Bolt Children James Carton Rosie Daniels Friday, January 24, 2020 Celine Dai Annika Furxhi Friday, February 14, 2020 Sophia Friedlmeier Elle Johnston Friday, March 13, 2020 Lilianna Hayataka Alexandra Kassouni Valentina Kellett Evangeline Kragt Prospective students can take classes, Elliott Kolacki Olivia Lappenga see an informal performance, and meet Coraline Li Gabby Lockwood professors and current students by Zoe Niu Sarah Porter registering for our Dance Day: Laila Mi Kendall Wisniewski

Spring Dance Day: Harlequin Alexandra Kassouni

Friday, March 20, 2020 Columbine Olivia Lappenga

Photo Credit: Darren Breen Devil Doll Elle Johnston

Cast – Friday, 7:00 pm Performance Act II

Large Angels Jaina Barden Spanish Soloist Meghan Brentana

Anastacia Bolt Spanish Boys Lynlee Bell Rosie Daniels Karena Keast Annika Furxhi Rheagan Ly Elle Johnston Colin McCalley Alexandra Kassouni Sarah Porter Evangeline Kragt Kristela Razhda Olivia Lappenga Gabby Lockwood Arabian Abigail Batts Sarah Porter Isabelle Batts Kendall Wisniewski Rosie Daniels

Small Angels Celine Dai Chinese Annika Furxhi Sophia Friedlmeier Elle Johnston Lilianna Hayataka Evangeline Kragt Valentina Kellett Kendall Wisniewski

Coraline Li Russian Anastacia Bolt Zoe Niu Olivia Lappenga Supporting Strategies offers Laila Mi Gabby Lockwood

Sugar Plum Fairy Crystal Serrano outsourced bookkeeping and Reed Pipes Caroline Klafeta Sugar Plum Fairy Sierra Post Brooke Wixom

Variation operational support for small, Bon Bons Rosabel Beaumont Sophia Friedlmeier growing businesses. Katherine Furxhi Cindy Jiang Valentina Kellett Elliott Kolacki Naomi Tamae Brynn Wisniewski

Dan Yeomans, MBA Owner & Managing Director

Support 888-631-8922 Painting Services LLC Direct Dial 616-901-9268

4735 Stafford Ave. SW Outsourced bookkeeping for small businesses Wyoming, MI 49548 www.supportingstrategies.com 616.437.3032 Cabinet Refinishing | Interior | Exterior | Residential | Commercial Cast – Saturday, 1:00 pm Performance Act I ART • FRAMING • INSTALLATION Dr. Stahlbaum Ron Kragt Nutcracker Doll Isabel Schautz

Frau Stahlbaum Wendy Lappenga Mouse Queen Abigail Batts

Clara Sierra Post Solo Mouse Rosabel Beaumont

Fritz Gabby Lockwood Mice Lynlee Bell

Sophia Friedlmeier Dr. Drosselmeyer Bruce Jarvis Katherine Furxhi Party Men David Armbrecht Cindy Jiang Mike Keast Karena Keast Jamie Kolacki Valentina Kellett Bill Porter Elliott Kolacki

Rheagan Ly Party Women Grace Anderson Kristela Rezhda Jane McElwee Naomi Tamae Jennifer Wisniewski Brynn Wisniewski Natasha Viilo

Soldiers Jaina Barden Maid Patti Anderson Jordin Barden Elegant Ladies Isabelle Batts Annika Furxhi Meghan Brentana Elle Johnston Alexandra Kassouni BILL BENNETT • (616) 389-0306 • [email protected] Party Girls Elle Johnston Caroline Klafeta Alexandra Kassouni Evangeline Kragt Caroline Klafeta Colin McCalley Sarah Porter Sarah Porter Kendall Wisniewski Kendall Wisniewski Brooke Wixom Brooke Wixom

Party Boys Jaina Barden Nutcracker Prince Francis Lawrence Lynlee Bell Karena Keast Snow Soloists Meghan Brentana Abby Zhang Rheagan Ly Colin McCalley Snow Flakes Jaina Barden Kristela Rezhda Jordin Barden Small Party Benjamin Carton Anastacia Bolt Children James Carton Rosie Daniels Celine Dai Annika Furxhi Sophia Friedlmeier Elle Johnston Lilianna Hayataka Alexandra Kassouni Valentina Kellett Evangeline Kragt Elliott Kolacki Olivia Lappenga Coraline Li Gabby Lockwood Zoe Niu Sarah Porter Laila Mi Kendall Wisniewski

Harlequin Evangeline Kragt

Columbine Rosie Daniels

Devil Doll Annika Furxhi

Cast – Saturday, 1:00 pm Performance Act II

Large Angels Jaina Barden Spanish Boys Lynlee Bell Anastacia Bolt Karena Keast Rosie Daniels Rheagan Ly Annika Furxhi Colin McCalley Elle Johnston Sarah Porter Alexandra Kassouni Kristela Razhda

Evangeline Kragt Arabian Abigail Batts Olivia Lappenga Isabelle Batts Gabby Lockwood Rosie Daniels Sarah Porter Kendall Wisniewski Chinese Elle Johnston

Alexandra Kassouni Small Angels Celine Dai Evangeline Kragt Sophia Friedlmeier Kendall Wisniewski Lilianna Hayataka Valentina Kellett Russian Anastacia Bolt Coraline Li Olivia Lappenga Zoe Niu Gabby Lockwood

Laila Mi Reed Pipes Caroline Klafeta Sugar Plum Fairy Crystal Serrano Brooke Wixom

Sugar Plum Fairy Abby Zhang Bon Bons Rosabel Beaumont Variation Sophia Friedlmeier

Katherine Furxhi Spanish Soloist Meghan Brentana Cindy Jiang

Valentina Kellett Elliott Kolacki Naomi Tamae Brynn Wisniewski

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1211000 State Farm, Bloomington, IL Cast – Saturday, 4:30 pm Performance Act I

Dr. Stahlbaum Ron Kragt Nutcracker Doll Isabel Schautz

Frau Stahlbaum Wendy Lappenga Mouse Queen Abigail Batts

Clara Abby Zhang Solo Mouse Rosabel Beaumont

Fritz Gabby Lockwood Mice Lynlee Bell

Sophia Friedlmeier Dr. Drosselmeyer Bruce Jarvis Katherine Furxhi Party Men David Armbrecht Cindy Jiang Mike Keast Karena Keast Jamie Kolacki Valentina Kellett Bill Porter Elliott Kolacki

Rheagan Ly Party Women Grace Anderson Kristela Rezhda Jane McElwee Naomi Tamae Jennifer Wisniewski Brynn Wisniewski Natasha Viilo

Party Boys Jaina Barden Nutcracker Prince Francis Lawrence Lynlee Bell Karena Keast Snow Soloists Meghan Brentana Sierra Post Rheagan Ly Colin McCalley Snow Flakes Jaina Barden Kristela Rezhda Jordin Barden Small Party Benjamin Carton Anastacia Bolt Children James Carton Rosie Daniels Celine Dai Annika Furxhi Sophia Friedlmeier Elle Johnston Lilianna Hayataka Alexandra Kassouni Valentina Kellett Evangeline Kragt Elliott Kolacki Olivia Lappenga Coraline Li Gabby Lockwood Zoe Niu Sarah Porter Laila Mi Kendall Wisniewski

Harlequin Alexandra Kassouni

Columbine Olivia Lappenga

Devil Doll Elle Johnston

Cast – Saturday, 4:30 pm Performance Act II

Large Angels Jaina Barden Spanish Boys Lynlee Bell Anastacia Bolt Karena Keast Rosie Daniels Rheagan Ly Annika Furxhi Colin McCalley Elle Johnston Sarah Porter Alexandra Kassouni Kristela Razhda

Evangeline Kragt Arabian Abigail Batts Olivia Lappenga Isabelle Batts Gabby Lockwood Rosie Daniels Sarah Porter Kendall Wisniewski Chinese Annika Furxhi

Elle Johnston Small Angels Celine Dai Evangeline Kragt Sophia Friedlmeier Kendall Wisniewski Lilianna Hayataka Valentina Kellett Russian Anastacia Bolt Coraline Li Olivia Lappenga Zoe Niu Gabby Lockwood

Laila Mi Reed Pipes Caroline Klafeta Sugar Plum Fairy Crystal Serrano Brooke Wixom

Sugar Plum Fairy Sierra Post Bon Bons Rosabel Beaumont Variation Sophia Friedlmeier Katherine Furxhi Spanish Soloist Meghan Brentana Cindy Jiang Valentina Kellett Elliott Kolacki Naomi Tamae Brynn Wisniewski Precision Sawing Machine

www.Rattunde.com Cast – Sunday, 2:30 pm Performance Act I

Dr. Stahlbaum Ron Kragt Nutcracker Doll Isabel Schautz

Frau Stahlbaum Wendy Lappenga Mouse Queen Abigail Batts

Clara Sierra Post Solo Mouse Rosabel Beaumont Prevent Fritz Isabelle Batts Mice Lynlee Bell

Injury Sophia Friedlmeier Dr. Drosselmeyer Bruce Jarvis Katherine Furxhi Party Men David Armbrecht Cindy Jiang Develop Mike Keast Karena Keast Jamie Kolacki Valentina Kellett Bill Porter Elliott Kolacki Flexibility Rheagan Ly Party Women Grace Anderson Kristela Rezhda Jane McElwee Naomi Tamae Increase Jennifer Wisniewski Brynn Wisniewski Natasha Viilo

Strength Soldiers Jaina Barden Maid Patti Anderson Jordin Barden Elegant Ladies Anastacia Bolt Annika Furxhi Meghan Brentana Elle Johnston

5775 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616.901.9347 Alexandra Kassouni Party Girls Elle Johnston Caroline Klafeta [email protected] | bodymindpilatesgr.com Alexandra Kassouni Evangeline Kragt Caroline Klafeta Colin McCalley Sarah Porter Sarah Porter Kendall Wisniewski Kendall Wisniewski Brooke Wixom Brooke Wixom

Harlequin Evangeline Kragt

Columbine Rosie Daniels

Devil Doll Annika Furxhi

Cast – Sunday, 2:30 pm Performance Act II

Large Angels Jaina Barden Spanish Soloist Meghan Brentana

Small Angels Celine Dai Chinese Elle Johnston Sophia Friedlmeier Alexandra Kassouni Lilianna Hayataka Evangeline Kragt Valentina Kellett Kendall Wisniewski

Coraline Li Russian Anastacia Bolt Zoe Niu Olivia Lappenga Laila Mi Gabby Lockwood

Sugar Plum Fairy Crystal Serrano Reed Pipes Caroline Klafeta Sugar Plum Fairy Abby Zhang Brooke Wixom

Variation Bon Bons Rosabel Beaumont Sophia Friedlmeier Katherine Furxhi Cindy Jiang Valentina Kellett Elliott Kolacki Naomi Tamae Brynn Wisniewski

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Orthodontics for adults, teens & kids Gaslight Village www.lathemillerortho.com ! 725 Bagley SE 616-855-1198 snapdragonboutique.com Sponsor A Nutcracker Character The Michigan Ballet Academy wishes to thank the following people for their generosity in sponsoring a Nutcracker character. These sponsorships helped to off-set the cost of the Nutcracker production.

Role Dancer Sponsor Clara Sierra Post Nate and Jennifer Post Abby Zhang Lin Tian and Peter Zhang Fritz Gabby Lockwood Kevin G. Bradley Gabby Lockwood Olivia Lappenga Gabby Lockwood Artur Pacheco Gabby Lockwood Susan VanderSloot Dr. Stahlbaum Ron Kragt Andrea Kragt Ron Kragt Wendy Lappenga Mrs. Stahlbaum Wendy Lappenga Lauren Cook Wendy Lappenga Julie and Steven Lappenga Wendy Lappenga Suzanne Minard Wendy Lappenga Susan VanderSloot Wendy Lappenga Theresa Vickery Elegant Lady Meghan Brentana Shauna and Robert Walwood Party Parent Grace Anderson Dale and Patti Anderson David Armbrecht Sally Kotani Mike Keast Mike and Gloria Keast Jamie Kolacki The Kolacki Family Party Girls Caroline Klafeta Steve and Claudia Klafeta Evangeline Kragt Andrea Kragt Sarah Porter Bill and Heather Porter Brooke Wixom John Wixom Party Boys Jaina Barden The Barden Family Lynlee Bell Barry Goggans Rheagan Ly Edward and Samantha Balde Kristela Rezhda Edison and Bianka Rezhda Small Party Children James Carton Amanda and John Carton Benjamin Carton Amanda and John Carton Sophia Friedlmeier Mihaela and Wolfgang Friedlmeier Liliana Hayataka Ginny Hayataka Liliana Hayataka Nancy Vandewater Valentina Kellett Linda Fudo Valentina Kellett. Dave and Kristina Kellett, Kellett Builders Inc. Elliott Kolacki Jamie and Chrissy Kolacki Dr. Drosselmeyer Bruce Jarvis Lorna and Corinne Jarvis Harlequin Evangeline Kragt Alix Kayayan and Ron Kragt Evangeline Kragt Andrea Kragt Columbine Rosie Daniels Peter and Eleanor Krawutschke Rosie Daniels Jennifer and John Daniels Olivia Lappenga Tom Aycock Olivia Lappenga Gabby Lockwood Devil Doll Annika Furxhi Migena and Petri Furxhi Nutcracker Doll Isabel Schautz Gloria Gabrielse Isabel Schautz Alexandra Lawson Isabel Schautz Bob and Denise Schautz Isabel Schautz Todd and Annette Schautz Isabel Schautz Dorothy Smith Maid Patti Anderson Dale and Grace Anderson 519 Ada Drive, Suite A Solo Mouse Rosabel Beaumont Andre’ and Jennifer Beaumont Mice All The Mice Michael and Cindy Norgren Lynlee Bell Robert Smith Ada, Michigan 49301 Sophia Friedlmeier Mihaela and Wolfgang Friedlmeier Katherine Furxhi Monika Furxhi Cindy Jiang Yuefeng Jiang and Beibei Shen Elliott Kolacki Jamie and Chrissy Kolacki 616.676.9177 Rheagan Ly Edward and Samantha Balde Rheagan Ly Sophia Carter Rheagan Ly Linda Prater Rheagan Ly Sandy Vandenboom Ren Keast Mike and Gloria Keast Valentina Kellett. Dave and Kristina Kellett, Kellett Builders Inc. smile. we can help. Kristela Rezhda Edison and Bianka Rezhda Naomi Tamae The Tamae Family Brynn Wisniewski Jennifer and Matthew Wisniewski Soldiers Jaina Barden The Barden Family Jordin Barden The Barden Family Sponsor A Nutcracker Character (continued)

Caroline Klafeta Steve and Claudia Klafeta Evangeline Kragt Andrea Kragt Colin McCalley Peter and Colleen Edmonds Brooke Wixom John Wixom Nutcracker Prince Francis Lawrence James H. Schindler Snow Soloists Meghan Brentana Dennis and Leigh Ann Hawver Meghan Brentana Steve and Courtney Jablonski Meghan Brentana James and Karan Kettenhofen Meghan Brentana Dan and Tammy Reiffer Meghan Brentana Meagan Ross Meghan Brentana Rebecca Sanchez Meghan Brentana Betty Schohl Meghan Brentana Susan Tater Meghan Brentana Shauna and Robert Walwood Sierra Post Nate and Jennifer Post Snow Flakes Jaina Barden The Barden Family Jordin Barden The Barden Family Rosie Daniels Katie Daniels Rosie Daniels Annabelle Daniels Annika Furxhi Migena and Petri Furxhi Evangeline Kragt Andrea Kragt Olivia Lappenga Julie and Steven Lappenga Olivia Lappenga Wendy Lappenga Gabby Lockwood Susan VanderSloot Sarah Porter Jack and JoAnn Travillian Big Angels Jaina Barden The Barden Family Anastacia Bolt Olga and Daniel Bolt Rosie Daniels Angel Daniels Annika Furxhi Migena and Petri Furxhi Evangeline Kragt Andrea Kragt Olivia Lappenga Julie and Steven Lappenga Olivia Lappenga Wendy Lappenga Gabby Lockwood Susan VanderSloot Sarah Porter Priscilla Hankins Kendall Wisniewski Jennifer and Matthew Wisniewski Small Angels Sophia Friedlmeier Robert Rossi Valentina Kellett Linda Fudo Valentina Kellett Matthew and Nicole Kellett Valentina Kellett. Dave and Kristina Kellett, Kellett Builders, Inc. Sugar Plum Fairy Crystal Serrano Andrea Kragt Sugar Plum Fairy Variation Sierra Post Nate and Jennifer Post Abby Zhang Lin Tian and Peter Zhang Spanish Solo Meghan Brentana Shauna and Robert Walwood Spanish Children Lynlee Bell Alex Bell Colin McCalley Ian and Sarah McCalley Kristela Rezhda Edison and Bianka Rezhda Arabian Rosie Daniels Jennifer and John Daniels Chinese Evangeline Kragt Andrea Kragt Kendall Wisniewski Jennifer and Matthew Wisniewski Russian All Russian Dancers Michael and Cindy Norgren Anastacia Bolt Daniel and Olga Bolt Olivia Lappenga Julie and Steven Lappenga Olivia Lappenga Wendy Lappenga Gabby Lockwood Susan VanderSloot Reed Pipes Caroline Klafeta Steve and Claudia Klafeta Brooke Wixom Jen Wixom Bon Bons Rosabel Beaumont Andre’ and Jennifer Beaumont Sophia Friedlmeier Josita Maouene Katherine Furxhi Monika Furxhi Cindy Jiang Yuefeng Jiang and Beibei Shen Valentina Kellett. Dave and Kristina Kellett, Kellett Builders, Inc. Elliott Kolacki Jamie and Chrissy Kolacki Naomi Tamae The Tamae Family Brynn Wisniewski Jennifer and Matthew Wisniewski

Partners In Dance Excellence THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Michigan Ballet Academy would like to thank the many generous individuals and corporations who have contributed to the Academy’s operating budget. Gifts received from November 1, 2018 to November 30, 2019 are listed below.

Artistic Director’s Partnership - $10,000 + Art Works Macy’s Department Store • design services Michigan Council For Arts And Cultural Affairs National Endowment For The Arts James H. Schindler Lewis and Norma Van Kuiken • copywriting Choreographic Partnership - $5000 - $9999 • logo & stationary Anonymous Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics • postcard mailers Andrea Kragt Ron Kragt and Alix Kayayan Terry and Marcia Madden Slenk Charitable Lead Annuity Trust • brochures & catalogs www.bigcatapult.com Bravura Partnership - $2500 - $4999 • signage Robert Carlton Bruce and Lorna Jarvis Ruth Joplin Steve and Claudia Klafeta • product sell sheets Kohl’s Department Store Michael S. McElwee • advertisements Michigan Natural Storage Suzanne Minard San Chez Bistro • invitations Grand Pas Partnership - $1000 - $2499 • photoshop services Dale and Patti Anderson David Armbrecht and Sally Kotani Khary and Jennifer Bridgewater Jerry and Annette Broersma • free consultation Fox Acura Fox Hyundai Kia Fox Nissan Jamie Tinker Heeringa Horizon Bank Information Technology Management Association Angela Koeller Steven and Julie Anne Lappenga e [email protected] p 616.490.3522 Wendy Lappenga Legacy Financial Network Kate McElwee Meijer Rehmann CPAs & Consultants TrueNorth Insurance & Financial Strategies Jack and Joanne VandenBerg

Danseur Noble Partnership - $500 - $999

Rick and Amy Ackerman Alliance Physical Therapy Partners INFINITE HAIR SCULPTING AND LASH EXTENSIONS Sally Beyer Buiten & Associates – Rod Hathaway Dave Burgess -Studio 616 Photography Covanta Energy Edward Jones Investments - Ben Kragt Elite Products Group Inc. Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Little Black Booth – Bill and Heather Porter Neil and Laura Mansilla Natural Health & Healing Center Nate and Jennifer Post Pine Bluff Resort, Roger and Jill Betten Gary and Christine Rajah Spindance Jane Lynne Stockinger Shauna and Robert Walwood Watermark Country Club West Bend Insurance Company Wheeler Upham Attorneys & Counselors

Divertissement Partnership - $100- $499 Allegro Coaching American Ballet Theatre Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Dr. Gary Armbrecht Jason and Cheryl Barden Stephen Barrows Barton Chiropractic Office Herk and Joyce Batts Mark and Thuy Batts David and Joan Bellamy Big O’ Cafe Black Star Farms Vineyard Inn Bodymind Pilates, Carolina Pava-Gil Daniel and Olga Bolt Bonefish Grill Judy Boomgaard Lexie and Dan Botruff Tom Brentana – GR Mat & Towel Brewery Vivant Broadhurst Theatre - NYC Broadway Grand Rapids Caledonia Sportsman Club Chop House Clark and Nancy Matthews Bob and Julie Connors John and Jennifer Daniels Edible Arrangements Eerdmans Publishing Company Essence Group Restaurants Expressions of Grace Yoga (616) 717-3202 Ken Faber Jenny Farmer Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. Founders Brewing Company Four Corners Framing Company Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse Petri and Migena Furxhi Doug Gabriel Downtown Location Knapp’s Corner Location Gerrit’s Appliance Gilmore Collection – Greg and Jacqueline Gilmore 1140 Monroe Ave NW, Ste. 2103 2054 Celadon Dr. NE Grand Rapids Art Museum Grand Rapids Circle Theatre Grand Rapids Griffins Grand Rapids Performance Center Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Grand Rapids Symphony Green Home Cleaning and Restoration Partners In Dance Excellence (continued)

Harbor House Inn Harbor Restaurants - Steve and Carole Loftis Heart of West Michigan Mary Hoag Home Advisor Hope Summer Repertory Theatre Horrocks Market Hubbard Street Dance Company Amy Hudson Mary Ippel Iyengar Yoga Center of Grand Rapids Jacobson Heating & Cooling Donna and Philip Jarvis Jimmy John’s – Cascade Road SE John Ball Zoo J. Gardella’s Tavern JSJ Corporation J.W. Marriott Hotel Kangaroo Kitchen – Chef Roman Kent Philharmonic Orchestra Kayla Rae Cellars Kellett Builders, Inc. James Kettenhofen Kicks Dance & Activewear – William Schutte Kiss The Cod Broadway LP Jamie and Chrissy Kolacki Lacks Enterprises, Inc. Eric Laug Andrea Lautenbach Alexandra Lawson Jeremy and Kathy Lehman Leo’s Restaurant Linear Restaurant Lole Sportswear Lorde Beauty & Cosmetics Lowe’s Tai and Suzanne Ly Tom and Donna Madden Clark and Nancy Matthews Dr. Alan McEvoy Lynn McMullin The Meadows Golf Course - GVSU Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Mexo Grand Rapids Annette Minard Ha Morrison David and Carol Myers Neato Organizing New Holland Brewing Company Florencia Nicolet Michael and Cindy Norgren Odd Side Ales Brewery & Tap Room Old World Olive Press Denise Olson Opera Grand Rapids Panera Bread Panopoulos East Salon PEC Technologies Perimeter Frames – Bill Bennett David and Cheri Phelps James Pietrowski Pilates in Ada Ed Reed and Mary Rademacher Reed Renewal Skin Spa Reserve Wine & Food Cecilia Schaible Todd and Annette Schautz Scholastic Book Fairs Schuler Books & Music Steve and Elizabeth Schultz Shedd Aquarium - Chicago Mark Siegrist Anita Simic Sin Republic Salon St. Cecilia Music Center Stafford’s Properties Fred and Cathy Stockinger Stratford Festival Streekstra Electric Subway – Cascade Road SE Naomi Tamae Thomas Taylor Jr. Chris and Bill Tibbits Twin Lakes Nursery Van Andel Arena Van Andel & Flikkema Chrysler Jeep Susan VanderSloot Christian Vermeulen, DDS Jeffrey B. Walker, M.D. Dean and Nancy Ward Jay Weis Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa Wines For Humanity Matt and Jennifer Wisniewski Whitecaps Community Foundation Woodcraft of Grand Rapids Peter Zhang and Lin Tian Zoup!

Grand Allegro Partnership - $50 - $99 American Spoon At Home Tom Aycock Bagel Beanery Edward and Samantha Balde Andre’ and Jennifer Beaumont Biggby Coffee Boutique Emmanuel Bowers Harbor Vineyard Joseph and Teresa Browne Bull’s Head Tavern John and Amanda Carton Steve Case Celebration Cinema Juan and Sandra Chavez-Reza D & W Fresh Market John Feliu The Field Museum - Chicago Forest Hills Foods Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant Wolfgang and Mihaela Friedlmeier Monica Furxhi Melinda Gelder Get Empowered Fitness Studio Goldfish Swim Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Grand Rapids Escape Room Grand Rapids Popcorn Company Hair Technique Harder & Warner Landscaping & Garden Center Leigh Ann Hawver Hudsonville Grille J Salon & Spa Yuefeng Jiang and Beibei Shen John Ball Zoo Partners In Dance Excellence (continued)

Chris and Jennifer Johnston Jonny B’z Dogs & More Mike and Gloria Keast Leigh’s Boutique Mike and Abby Little Little Bird Restaurant Madcap Coffee Bennett and Jen Mallory Manna Cafe Ian and Sarah McCalley Elizabeth McCourt Melting Pot Restaurant Men’s Warehouse – Store 4212 Michele Miller Donald Minard Jill M. Misner VANREST Mister Car Wash Florencia Nicolet FAMILY DENTISTRY Jacob Nyenhuis On The Border Restaurant P.F. Chang’s Mary Pierce Xiuhan Qi Tammy Reiffer Edison and Bianka Rezhda Rylee’s Ace Hardware Robert and Denise Schautz Anita Simic Sin Republic Salon Staples Maddie Taylor Sylvia Taylor Terra Restaurant Rod and Brenda Terry Thomet Stables Art and Cheryl Tusch Marilyn VandenBoom Vernales Chophouse Theresa Vickery Janice Waterway Westside Social American Tavern Ellen J. Wierenga Wildroast Coffee Company Winchester Restaurant Jen Wixom Woodcraft of Grand Rapids Xiwei Zhang

Petite Allegro Partnership - $25 - $49 Adobe In & Out Tara Anderson Paula Averill Bangkok Taste Thai Restaurant - Jenison Alex Bell Jen Bird Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park Kevin G. Bradley Sophia Carter Cathy Cibulka Brooke and Nick Coney Lauren Cook Costco Dave & Busters Monica DeBoer Fathom Events Field’s Fabrics Flowerland Frank’s Market Linda Fudo Gloria Gabrielse Barry Goggins Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Grand Rapids Public Museum Charles Green David and Lisa Greiner Natalya Grounin Courtney Hansen Harvest Health Foods Ginny Hayataka Hop Cat Houlihan’s Restaurant Rita Hunt Jimmy Johns – 28th Street SE Luba Kassouni Sarah Keast Matthew and Nicole Kellett Kimberley’s Boutique – Rockford Peter and Eleanor Krawutschke Le Bon Macaron Cara Mackley Josita Maouene Stephen and Carol McEvoy Donald Minard Mr. Burger Nantucket Bakery Alicia Neiman Huyen Nguyen Nonna’s Café Jacob and Leona Nyenhuis Artur Pacheco Frank Patrick Linda Prater Jennifer Quinn Real Food Café Ric’s Food Center Rockford Corner Bar Carol Roeda Studio Romence Gardens & Greenhouse Meagan Ross Robert Rossi Rebecca Sanchez Betty Schohl Dorothy Smith Robert Smith Snapdragon Boutique Sobie Meats Susan Tater Laurel Taylor Judith Thumsen Trader Joe’s Art and Sheryl Tusch Marilyn VandenBoom Sandy VandenBoom Nancy Vandewater Wealthy Theatre Wild Birds Unlimited Wing Doozy Susan Williams Amy Wilson John Wixom Nate Zevenbergen Michigan Ballet Academy is very grateful to Macy’s, our Lead Sponsor

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