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Home , Beijing Dance Academy, Benjamin Millepied, Christopher Gable, Christopher Wheeldon, Ethan Stiefel, Gillian Murphy

Royal New Zealand Sat, Feb 8, 8:00 pm Orpheum Theatre

28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini Banderillero Bier Halle pas de deux Through To You

Royal New Zealand Ballet in Through To You. Photo © Evan Li. Northrop Presents DIRECTOR'S LETTER ROYAL NEW Dear Northrop Lovers, Welcome to Northrop’s final performance here at the Orpheum Theatre, and thank you ZEALAND BALLET for taking this journey with us. We have a beautiful company to close out our downtown run and point us to the future at the New Northrop. Their program is a delicious mix of work in one of the most exciting collections of contemporary choreographers ever to be The would like to acknowledge the generous support of assembled on one bill! It’s also a program that demonstrates the incredibly international those individuals and organizations supporting the 2014 USA tour. art form that is ballet. Genevieve and Lew Geyser The Royal New Zealand Ballet is New Zealand’s national , and in this role, they tour the entire country every year. Artistic Director has found that Steve and Michèle Pesner each region has its own tastes: “Certain areas are really about tutus and tiaras, and other Fred and Irene Shen areas are more avant-garde.” Tonight’s program will celebrate that incredible variety, showcasing 34 technically strong and emotionally expressive dancers in works that move Alex and Sheila Ewing Christine Tschida. Photo © Northrop. from the classical canon to the most innovative.

28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini is a delightful dance party, showing off choreographer ’s wonderful , and the dancers’ athleticism and technical prowess. Bier Halle was the second work that Ethan New Zealand Supporters Group: Stiefel set on Royal New Zealand Ballet. Originally taking inspiration from the band music he remembered from Larry Carne and Ros Machon his youth in Wisconsin, Stiefel went on to incorporate Strauss waltzes, which we’ll hear in tonight’s romantic pas de deux. Steven and Catherine Fyfe Andrew Simmons is a former Royal New Zealand dancer turned choreographer, and his Through To You has a soft and delicate mood, reflecting Arvo Pärt’s achingly beautiful music. And moving from the delicate to the dynamic, Venezuelan Isaac Hikaka and Jessica Miles choreographer Javier De Frutos closes out the program in a work named for the matador in a bullfighting ring. It’s a passionate piece with flourishes driven by gong and drum music from China and the Zhoushan Islands. Corporate Supporters For our final program at the Orpheum, I want to extend my thanks to the Hennepin Theatre Trust and the staff and crew here at the Orpheum. They have been wonderful to work with, and truly made us feel like welcome guests. Thank Vodafone you also to David and Desiree Abele, Aresi Group, and North Loop Capital Management for their generous support of Northrop and Royal New Zealand Ballet. Tamsin Cooper

Enjoy the performance! NZ Van Lines

Government Support Christine Tschida Director of Northrop New Zealand Ministry for

NEXT UP AT NORTHROP: TRISHA BROWN DANCE COMPANY, March 12–15 at Walker Art Center. Culture and Heritage Then, NORTHROP GRAND REOPENING WEEKEND, April 4–6 featuring in with live orchestra.

NORTHROP STAFF U of M TICKETS & EVENTS STAFF This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts Justin Burke, Production Manager Robin Sauerwein, Business Manager/Accountant Tom Archibald, Event Manager and and cultural heritage fund, and a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota. Mary Ellen Childs, Program Director, McKnight Artist Chanse Shirley, Student Engagement Intern Student Supervisor Artists and programs subject to change. Fellowships for Choreographers and Dancers Nicole Stumpf, Marketing & Publicity Intern Candy Lord, Accountant The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Sally Dischinger, Operations Director Allyson Taubenheim, Student Engagement Coordinator Kathleen Dennis, Accounting Assistant Welles Emerson, External Relations Associate Abby Taylor, Student Engagement Intern Laura Durenberger-Grunow, Lindsy Halleckson, Grants and Outreach Associate Sarah Thompson, External Relations Director Special Projects Assistant Cari Hatcher, Marketing & Publicity Director Christine Tschida, Director of Northrop Holly A Radis-McCluskey, Director Megan Kiecker, Graphic Designer Natalie Wilson, External Relations Assistant Eve Roycraft, Business Analyst Alex Pham, Marketing & Publicity Intern Miranda Woehrle, Senior Graphic Designer Elise Whaley, Event Manager Kristine Porwoll, Graphic Design Intern Melissa Wray, Marketing & Communications Associate Dan Wozney, Data Manager

2 3 Excerpts from Bier Halle by Ethan Stiefel Production Deign by Allan Lees THE PROGRAM Music for Bier Halle by Johann Strauss II and Josef Strauss

“About two years ago, I originally thought I might like to create a ballet using polka music. Polka bands are very popular around where I grew up in Wisconsin, and I knew I wanted to explore creating something fun and vibrant. To be honest 28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini though, after listening to polka music for about 20 minutes, I felt it was not sustainable for me to use only for an entire ballet. Fortunately, it led me to the wonderful polkas, waltzes, and marches of the Strauss brothers, Josef and Choreography by Benjamin Millepied Johann II. About an hour or two later, I had roughly pieced together various musical selections and began envisioning it Music by Johannes Brahms, “28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini” being set in a Bavarian type of beer hall (I had made a pilgrimage to Oktoberfest roughly 15 years before). Hence, Bier Lighting Design by Nigel Percy Halle was conceived and I cracked open a brew for further creative stimulus.

“Benjamin Millepied created the ballet, 28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini, in 2005 for The School of American Ballet As my imagination took flight, I envisioned it being virtuosic, amusing, and sophisticated, whilst evoking the conversations, in . It was later performed at The Joyce Theater, New York, by Danses Concertantes, a company featuring relationships, and merriments one might encounter when spending a night at the pub. I also wanted it to present some dancers from American Ballet Theatre. authentic references to the , clothing, and atmosphere of Germanic culture, yet not necessarily become a literal and historical reconstruction of any specific place. Therefore, the fantastical country of Bierland was founded! A charming Millepied’s work reflects the subtly shifting moods of Brahms’ intricate piano score with its rhythmic pulse and driving, nation, nestled between the borders of Germany and Austria, famous for its beer, humour, and incomparable dancing. forward motion. Millepied explores the potential of the art-form to convey a range of emotions through a play on a pose and its counter-pose; swirling motion is followed by quietness. He creates patterns that build. Courtly in tone, the ballet Herzlich Willkommen to Bierland and I hope you enjoy your visit to this festive place!” hints at the ballroom with its single chandelier, while simultaneously maintaining a spare modernity. The dancers move in —Original program note by Ethan Stiefel, 2013 and out of ensemble formation; couples come together and move apart. We glimpse fleeting narratives; she refuses his kiss, he implores her on his knee, imbuing the piece with romantic implication. Please note that staging of Bier Halle will be adapted for touring.

Millepied knows what well-trained dancers can do and 28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini is technically demanding, Music for Bier Halle is by Johann Strauss II and Josef Strauss: stretching the virtuosity of the dancers in the manner of a finely tuned orchestra.” “Piefke und Pufka”Johann ( Strauss II) —Original program note by Janet Colson, RNZB 2012 “Pizzicato Polka” (Johann Strauss II and Josef Strauss) “Die Libelle” (Josef Strauss) 28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini was first performed by the Royal New Zealand Ballet in February 2012 as part of “Indigo March” (Johann Strauss II) NYC: Three Short from the Big Apple, the first program created by Ethan Stiefel on assuming the role of RNZB Artistic Director. The specially arranged score for Bier Halle was recorded by Orchestra Wellington under the baton of RNZB Music Director Nigel Gaynor in March 2013. Staging was by guest repetiteurs Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner, with lighting design by Nigel Percy.

The RNZB’s performances of 28 Variations in the U.S.A. will use a recording of Brahms’ piano work by Jian Liu, Head of Piano Studies at the New Zealand School of Music. Through To You

Choreography by Andrew Simmons Lighting Design by Nigel Percy Costume Design by Tracy Grant Lord Music by Arvo Pärt, “Spiegel im Spiegel”

“For inspiration I took the name of the music which translates loosely to “Mirror in the Mirror.” I thought that it was an interesting term and started to think about the many ways it could be interpreted. For example, looking into someone and seeing a part of you in them, or looking into yourself and seeing what you give out as a person. I found that seeing a part of yourself in another person and feeling a creates a very comforting feeling where you are at ease to be truly yourself and express yourself fully in whatever sense. Dancers, I feel, share a uniquely intimate bond, strengthened by the proximity of their work environment and the challenges they all face. This in turn heightens aspects of their relationships with each other, which I was keen to explore deeper with the movement.

As for the music, I like that the movement can at times sit comfortably with it and then also seem to skim along the surface. Because it repeats a theme consistently throughout, I like that what we are seeing could be just a fraction of something that is infinite in its directions, both previous and ongoing, larger than the few minutes we view—which is again the effect you get looking into two mirrors.” —Andrew Simmons, Choreographer

These performances of “Spiegel im Spiegel” by Arvo Pärt are given by permission of Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, exclusive agents for Universal Edition of Vienna. Royal New Zealand Ballet in Bier Halle in 2013. Photo © Evan Li. 4 5 Banderillero Choreography and Design by Javier De Frutos Music by Zhen-Gui and Tan Dun, “Poem of Chinese DrumLi” “Deep Night,” performed by the Opera and arranged by Li Min-Xiong. “Triumphal Return of Fishing Boats—Gong THE COMPANY and Drum Music of Zhoushan Islands,” performed by Zhejiang Song and and arranged by Liu Wen-Jin. Recording features on the album Yim Hok-man—Poems of Thunder: The Master Chinese Percussionist. Recording courtesy of NAXOS WORLD (76002-2). © 1998 HNH International. © 2000 HNH International Limited. The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) is a versatile company has performed there for over two decades, Javier De Frutos created Banderillero for the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2006 as part of the Trinity program of new company of 34 dancers. Bringing together artists of six will be followed by a return to the U.K. and Ireland in works. It was his second original work for the RNZB, following his award-winning take on The Rite of Spring, Milagros, different nationalities and from many schools and traditions, 2015. International touring has led to prestigious award created in 2003. Banderillero was included in repertoire for the RNZB’s 2011 tour to the U.K. and France, where it met the RNZB is proud to offer New Zealanders the opportunity nominations, including two Best New Dance Production with widespread acclaim. to see ballet and dance of an exceptionally high standard, nominations at the 2005 Society of Theatre in their home towns. The company tours regularly to ten Laurence Olivier Awards (for Romeo and Juliet and De Frutos’ work for ten dancers (five male, five female) takes its name from the banderillero (pronounced ban-dair-ee- centers around New Zealand, and undertakes a biennial Milagros at Sadler’s Wells), and nominations at the 2011 air-oh) bullfighter that teases the bull in the arena—all the time preparing it for the matador’s kill. tour of small towns which takes the dancers to up to 50 U.K. Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards, for Best communities, from the tip of New Zealand’s North Island Classical Choreography (for Andrew Simmons’ A Song In In a frenzied ritual, half sport, half spectacle, the banderillero poses and pirouettes reaching over the bull’s horns to stab to the bottom of the South. The Dark) and as Outstanding Company. colored darts into its flanks.

Banderillero lashes out, plunging the senses into a swirling intensity of self and purpose. It takes its form from a triptych— The RNZB is an intrinsic part of New Zealand’s national The embracing of new opportunities through the media a picture or carving on three panels—as two groups of dancers combine drama and daring in a special space created on heritage, receiving a proportion of its operating income and digital technology has brought the RNZB to an the stage. Tamed and tangled, the dancers are coaxed by the whirlwind power of rhythms from Chinese virtuoso from the New Zealand government through the Ministry ever-widening audience, both at home and abroad. The percussionist Yim Hok-Man and his Poems of Thunder. for Culture and Heritage and with one of the largest company is the subject of The Secret Lives of Dancers, an followings of all New Zealand arts organisations. The award-winning reality television series produced by New From the delicate to the dynamic—Banderilllero drives, pounds, and beats at the heart. award of a Royal Charter in 1984, making the RNZB one Zealand’s TV3, a third series of which will air in 2014. of just four ballet companies in the British Commonwealth to enjoy this recognition, was further proof of the company’s The RNZB’s 2012 production of Giselle, co-produced by leading place in New Zealand’s cultural life. Ethan Stiefel and Johan Kobborg and starring as Giselle and Qi Huan as Albrecht, was developed Today, the RNZB has developed a reputation for strong into a feature film by New Zealand director Toa Fraser, and unique interpretations of full-length dramatic works, produced by Matthew Metcalfe of General Film, with something which has been a hallmark of its work since support from the New Zealand Film Commission. Following the 1980s. To this base have been added many of the its premiere at the New Zealand International Film Festival masterworks and major ballets of the 20th century, in July 2013, Giselle was selected for both the Toronto including works by Balanchine, Kylián, Jorma Elo, and and Vancouver International Film Festivals and is now on Mark Morris, and the Prokofiev and Stravinsky ballets, international release, including 100 cinemas in France. notably versions of and Romeo and Juliet by The RNZB’s education program takes the company’s British choreographer Christopher Hampson, a fine work into classrooms, school halls, dance schools, and Petrouchka and an award-winning interpretation of The community centers around New Zealand. Special classes, Rite of Spring, Milagros, by Venezuelan choreographer including dedicated Ballet for Boys sessions, are offered Javier De Frutos. The company has an enviable track for pre-vocational dance students around New Zealand record in commissioning and performing works from New alongside each tour, and the RNZB has also created a Zealand and international choreographers including, mentoring program which pairs aspiring young in recent years, Mark Baldwin, Andrew Simmons, David dancers with company members for regular advice Dawson, Cameron McMillan, and Larry Keigwin. and encouragement.

The RNZB undertakes an international tour most years, The appointment of Ethan Stiefel as Artistic Director in with recent destinations including China (2007, 2009 2011 has raised the national and international profile of and 2013), where the company enjoyed sell-out the Royal New Zealand Ballet still further. As the company performances in Shanghai and Guangzhou; the United begins its sixth decade it does so in good heart, proud of Kingdom and France (2011); and Australia (2008). The its place in New Zealand and on the world stage. RNZB’s 2014 U.S. performances, the first time that the

Royal New Zealand Ballet in Banderillero in 2006. Photo © Bill Cooper. 6 7 Turid Revfeim, Ballet Mistress Martin Vedel, Ballet Master A New Zealander by birth, Turid Born in Greenland, with Danish Revfeim was appointed Ballet nationality, Martin Vedel trained at Mistress at the Royal New Zealand the School and Ballet in 2003. Her association with danced with the Royal Danish Ballet ARTISTIC STAFF the RNZB dates back to 1980 when from 1988–2000, rising to the rank she was a dancer in . of . In 2000 he became a She spent four years as a soloist with the Theater der Principal with the Béjart Ballet in Lausanne, Switzerland, Stadt Koblenz in Germany. In Europe she danced at the under the directorship of Maurice Béjart and Gil Roman. Ethan Stiefel, Artistic Director, of The Sleeping Beauty, and In the Middle, Somewhat prestigious Bayreuther Festspiele each summer from As a dancer, his repertoire included works by Bournonville Royal New Zealand Ballet Elevated by William Forsythe. The Mariinsky (Kirov) 1982–86. Revfeim re-joined the RNZB as a dancer in 1986. and Balanchine as well as classics such as , Ethan Stiefel, born in Pennsylvania, Ballet first invited him to dance in St. Petersburg. In 1997 she worked for the Eric Languet Dance Company The Sleeping Beauty, , and Frederick Ashton’s is the Artistic Director of the Royal He later returned to perform the role of Solor. Other as Rehearsal Assistant and Stage Manager, and later that Romeo and Juliet. His contemporary roles included works New Zealand Ballet. Just prior to guest appearances included , the year had her daughter Emma. In 1999 she retired from by William Forsythe, John Neumeier, Maurice Béjart, and being appointed the RNZB’s Artistic Zürich Ballet, the Bayerische Staatsballett, Hamburg dancing and took up the position of Artistic Coordinator Jiří Kylián as well as recent creations by Kim Brandstrup Director, Stiefel served as Dean of Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Teatro Colon, with the company. The RNZB has performed four of her and . the School of Dance at the University of North Carolina and tours in the , Japan, Russia, and works: Si Supieras for the 2004 Otago Festival of the School of the Arts (UNCSA). throughout Europe. Arts, subsequently restaged for the RNZB’s Tutus on Tour While at the Béjart Ballet he began to teach the regional tour of New Zealand in 2005;Three over Four company, and on his retirement from dancing in 2010 Stiefel began his dance studies in Madison, Wisconsin. His He starred in the feature film Center Stage, and returned and Bernarda Alba’s House featured in the RNZB’s 1999 he became a guest teacher for , early teachers included Paul Sutherland and Ted Kivitt. to play the role of Cooper Nielsen in Center Stage 2 – ‘Original’s season; and Kleines Requiem in 2000’s Next working with Wayne Eagling on his new production of He continued his studies at Marcia Dale Weary’s Central Turn it Up. Stiefel’s television and video credits include The Step season. The Nutcracker and assisting with principal coaching for Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. He was awarded a full Dream, , Die Fledermaus, Gossip Girl, and the productions of Romeo and Juliet and Manon. scholarship at the School of American Ballet, where he documentary, Born to be Wild. Amanda Skoog, Managing Director studied under Stanley Williams and then trained with Amanda Skoog left New Zealand as From 2011–12 he was Ballet Master at of at his School of Classical Ballet. In 2004, Stiefel founded a summer training program on a teenager to pursue a career as a Flanders, where he taught company class and coached Martha’s Vineyard, Stiefel and Students, which took place classical , touring Europe a wide range of ballets including John Cranko’s , Stiefel began his performing career at age 16 with the for four years. He was the founding director of the extensively before accepting a Marcia Haydée’s production of The Sleeping Beauty and Ballet where he quickly rose to the rank of Nantucket Dance Festival. position with English National Ballet works by William Forsythe and . . He was also a Principal Dancer with the where she met her husband Matz (the Zürich Ballet and joined American Ballet Theatre in 1997. He has been a guest teacher for many institutions Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet from Vedel joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet as Ballet Stiefel gave his final performance as a Principal Dancer including the American Ballet Theatre II, American Ballet 1996 to 2001). Master in January 2013. with ABT in July 2012. Theatre, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, The National Ballet of Canada, and The . Skoog has worked in arts administration for the past 20 His repertoire of full-length works included Florimund years. She was Education Officer with English National (The Sleeping Beauty), Siegfried (Swan Lake), Romeo In 2009, Stiefel created a new staging of The Nutcracker Ballet, the Development Manager at London’s Design (Romeo and Juliet), James (), Albrecht (Giselle), for the UNCSA, which continues to be performed every Museum, Assistant Director at Central School of Ballet Lescaut (Manon), Lenski (Onegin), Jeanne (), Christmas season. Most recently, he choreographed with the late Christopher Gable, and Visitor Services Colas (La Fille Mal Gardée), Solor (La Bayadère), Oberon Bier Halle and collaborated with Johan Kobborg on Manager at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Prince (Cinderella) Cassio choreographing and producing a new production of where her responsibilities included the trading operations (Othello), Basil (Don Quixote), Franz (Coppélia), Conrad Giselle for the RNZB. In 2013, Giselle was adapted into a of the museum. She has a post-graduate Diploma in Arts and the Slave (Le Corsaire). He appeared in a wide feature film, directed by Toa Fraser, and was selected for Administration from City University, London. variety of shorter works by , Jerome screening in the New Zealand International Film Festival, Robbins, Michel Fokine, William Forsythe, Lar Lubovitch, Vancouver International Film Festival, and the Toronto Skoog began her role with the RNZB in September 2006 Jiří Kylián, August Bournonville, , Antony Tudor, International Film Festival. and says the most satisfying aspect of her job is enabling Christopher Wheeldon, Eugene Loring, , talent from throughout the company to shine, be it dancers, Nacho Duato, Frederick Ashton, including works created His Royal Highness Crown Prince Albert of Monaco production, or any area of administration. on him by , Paul Taylor, Nils Christe, Susan presented Stiefel with the Statue Award of the Princess Stroman, Mark Morris, and Christopher Wheeldon Grace Foundation, the Foundation’s highest honour, in In 2014, Skoog was honoured for her services to ballet among others. October 1999. He received the prestigious Dance Magazine by becoming a member of the New Zealand Order of Award in December 2008; was a juror for the Prix de Merit (MZM). He made his debut with London’s Royal Ballet in Twyla Lausanne in 2001, and served on the selection committee Tharp’s Junk Man pas de deux and returned frequently as for the 2010 International Ballet Competition held in a guest, dancing the roles of Franz, Solor, Colas, Albrecht, Jackson, Mississippi. Lenski, the Prince in Natalia Makarova’s new production

8 9 CHOREOGRAPHERS DANCERS

Benjamin Millepied, Choreographer of his first piece, Theme and Deviations, for the company in Abigail Boyle, Dancer Clytie Campbell, Dancer 28 Variations on a Theme 2007. His second work for the RNZB, Through to You, was Abigail Boyle is a graduate of the Clytie Campbell joined the RNZB Born in Bordeaux, France, Benjamin Millepied began his premiered during the RNZB’s 2009 Tutus on Tour International Ballet Academy in in 2005, returning from eight years dance training at the age of eight with his mother, programme and has just been revived as part of the Christchurch. She joined Royal New dancing in Europe. Starting at the Catherine, a former modern dancer, continuing at the RNZB’s 2013 Tutus on Tour programme, performed in 47 Zealand Ballet in 2005 and has age of five, her entire ballet training Conservatoire National de Lyon. In the summer of 1992, centres around New Zealand. In 2010 Simmons’ largest received critical acclaim for her was at her mother’s school, the Millepied went to New York to the School of American new work for the RNZB, A Song in the Dark, was dancing. Notable mentions include Phillipa Campbell School of Ballet Ballet (SAB), the official school of , commissioned and joined the company’s repertoire after a her performance as Mercedes in 2008’s The Meridian in Auckland. At 17, Campbell joined the Deutsche Oper becoming a full-time student in 1993. successful triple bill season. This was followed by equally Season of Don Quixote, which The Press described as Ballet in Berlin, where she danced for more than six years, successful and critically praised performances of the “seductive hard-edged elegance, coupled with superb before moving to Vienna’s Staatsoper Ballet. Millepied originated a principal role in ’ same piece on the company’s 2011 tour of the United comic timing,” Boyle was applauded for her 2010 2 & 3 Part Inventions set to music by J.S Bach at the SAB Kingdom and France—resulting in A Song in the Dark performances in The TOWER Season of From Here Campbell has danced many lead roles with the RNZB Workshop. He joined New York City Ballet in 1995, and receiving a nomination for best classical choreography in to There and her portrayal of Carmen also drew rave including Kitri in Don Quixote, the sylph in La Sylphide, was promoted to Principal in 2001. Millepied directed the the 2011 U.K. Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards. reviews with Theatreview saying, “her first solo drips with Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis in Giselle, the grand pas de Morriss Center Dance Workshop and was choreographer- alluring sexuality as the choreography sits deliciously in deux in The Nutcracker, and Carabosse and the Lilac in-residence at the Baryshnikov Arts Center. Javier De Frutos, Choreographer and Designer for her highly articulate body.” Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, as well as solos in Esquisses, Banderillero Silhouette, and A Million Kisses to My Skin. Her role as Millepied danced ballets by George Balanchine, Robbins, Javier De Frutos began his dance training in his native In 2011, the Dominion Post described her performance Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet was described as “a Peter Martins, and Christopher Wheeldon, having works Venezuela before undertaking further study at the in TOWER Tutus on Tour as “superb allegro and serene knockout.” Campbell received critical acclaim for her created on him by Robbins, Bigonzetti, Preljocaj, and London School of and the Merce adagio, which covers all there is.” Most recent among lead roles in all three works in 2010’s From Here to There, Ratmansky. He has choreographed worldwide including Cunningham School, New York. Boyle's leading roles are Aurora and the Lilac Fairy in The which she also performed during the RNZB’s European for the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Meridian Season of The Sleeping Beauty. Tour in 2011. , Geneva Ballet, and others. On returning to the U.K. in 1994, he established the Javier De Frutos Dance Company. His growing body of work was Brendan Bradshaw, Dancer Jacob Chown, Dancer Millepied choreographed and starred in Darren recognized in 1997 with the South Bank Award, followed in Brendan Bradshaw began ballet Jacob Chown graduated from The Aronofsky’s feature film Black Swan (2010). 1999 by a South Bank Show dedicated to his achievements. lessons as a six year-old in the small Australian Ballet School. A former New South Wales town of Wauchope. Western Australia state trampoline In 2011, he directed a short film featuring Lea Seydoux Highlights of his subsequent career include being among He then trained at The Australian champion, he began his career with and five short films to new violin works. He the first to be made a Fellow of the Arts Council of Ballet School in Melbourne, graduating Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2006. also began working on a new series produced by Danceon England (2000); a collaborative film project with Isaac with the Graeme Murphy Award for Chown has performed in numerous and created the LA Dance Project with Los Angeles Julien, The Long Road to Mazatlan, which was nominated Excellence in Contemporary Dance. Bradshaw joined productions with the company. Music Center. for the Turner Prize (2001); and representing Britain at Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2004 and has danced a the 2006 Venice Biennale with a trilogy of his work. variety of roles including The Prince in The Meridian In 2008, Dominion Post critic, Jennifer Shennan, In January 2013, it was announced that Benjamin Millepied De Frutos’ work is in the repertoire of companies around Season of The Sleeping Beauty. Personal highlights commended his performance in the triple bill RED: “the will be the new Director of Dance at the Opéra National de the world, including Rambert, Rotterdam Dance Group, include working with Javier De Frutos and Jorma Elo and eye was continually drawn to young Jacob Chown for Paris. He will take up this appointment in September 2014. Nuremberg Ballet, Candoco, The Royal Ballet, and the performing in the U.K., France, San Francisco, and China. his remarkable combination of control and majesty in Royal New Zealand Ballet. He has choreographed for the His favorite role to date has been Romeo in Christopher solo passages.” Andrew Simmons, Choreographer and Designer for Chichester Festival Theater, London’s National Theatre, Hampson’s Romeo & Juliet. His performance was praised Through to You and Shakespeare’s Globe. In 2007 he won an Olivier for its “serenity and passion.” In 2009, his performance as John in Peter Pan was Andrew Simmons was born in Christchurch, New Award for his choreography for the acclaimed West End praised by critics. He followed this with lead roles in Zealand and attended the International Ballet Academy revival of Cabaret. His recent collaboration with Pet Bradshaw co-choreographed the popular Koo Koo Ka Silhouette and A Million Kisses to My Skin in the 2010 from 2001 to 2003. He was a member of the Royal Shop Boys, The Most Incredible Thing, earned him a 2011 Choo for The TOWER Season of Tutus on Tour in 2009 TOWER Season of From Here to There. When he is not New Zealand Ballet between 2004 and 2008 before Evening Standard Theatre Award together with a Best and WOW, and has choreographed works for Tempo dancing, Chown loves surfing, skate boarding, break- moving to Dresden, Germany. During his time with the Choreographer nomination at the 2012 Critics’ Circle Festivals in 2010 and 2011. Bradshaw has an interest dancing, and circus arts. company, Simmons danced roles in a wide range and style National Dance Awards (U.K.). in photography and has documented many Royal New of works—highlights including pieces in the company’s Zealand Ballet tours. contemporary repertoire by Mark Baldwin, Jorma Elo, Banderillero was De Frutos’ second work for the RNZB, , and Javier De Frutos, along with participating following Milagros (2003), which was commissioned to in the company’s choreographic workshops. celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. In 2013 the RNZB commissioned and performed a new work from After creating on his fellow dancers during a 2006 Javier De Frutos, The Anatomy of a Passing Cloud, to workshop, Simmons was given the opportunity to make mark its 60th anniversary. 10 11 Hayley Donnison, Dancer Madison Geoghegan, Dancer Katherine Grange, Dancer Antonia Hewitt, Dancer Born in Hamilton, Hayley Donnison Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in the U.S., Originally from Tauranga, Katherine Born in Wellington, Antonia Hewitt moved to Invercargill as a toddler Madison Geoghegan began Grange joined Royal New Zealand moved to Canberra as a toddler and started ballet when she was six. dancing at the age of five. She Ballet in 2010 as a Todd Corporation and started taking ballet lessons at At age ten, while dancing at Shelley trained pre-professionally at a local Scholar. Grange has been dancing the age of four. She trained at the E. Coutts Dance Academy, Donnison studio, Ballet Tech of Ohio, under the since the age of four and trained at Kim Harvey School of Dance before moved to Melbourne with her family direction of Claudia Rudolf Barrett. the Dance Education Centre in returning to Wellington in 2004 to where she continued her training with Christa Cameron At sixteen, Geoghegan was accepted into University Tauranga and New Zealand School of Dance. attend New Zealand School of Dance. She joined Royal School of Ballet. At fifteen, she was accepted into the of North Carolina School of the Arts. While attending New Zealand Ballet in 2007 and has performed in every Australian Ballet School and graduated in 2012. While UNCSA, Geoghegan was awarded the She first danced with Royal New Zealand Ballet when still production since then. Her roles have included the Fairy at the ABS Donnison received the Level 5 Award for Endowed Scholarship. She was chosen to perform such a student, joining The Meridian Season of La Sylphide Godmother in the Lion Foundation Season of Cinderella, Excellence and was selected to visit The National Ballet leading roles as Sugar Plum, both Odette and Odile in tour in 2009. In the 2011 Meridian Season of The Sleeping the Young Nurse in The Nutcracker, the title roles in The School of Canada and The School of American Ballet Swan Lake, and in George Balanchine’s Valse Fantaisie Beauty, Grange danced the Blue Fairy and the Orange Meridian Season of La Sylphide and Carmen, and the Lilac on exchange. pas de deux. Geoghegan graduated from UNCSA in May Fairy. Other achievements include joining Singapore Fairy in The Meridian Season of The Sleeping Beauty. 2012 and joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in Dance Theatre as a guest dancer in 2009 for their Donnison joined the RNZB as an apprentice in January September for The TelstraClear Season of Giselle. production of Swan Lake. NBR remarked that Hewitt’s performance as the Sylph 2013, becoming a full company member in September 2013. “shone through with a lustrous richness” and in 2011, the Lori Gilchrist, Dancer Lucy Green, Dancer NZ Herald commended her performance in TOWER Tutus Performance highlights include the Pas de Trois in Russell Lori Gilchrist is from Yorkshire in When dance lessons were offered on Tour’s Pinocchio, saying, “Antonia Hewitt is the ultimate Kerr’s Swan Lake for RNZB, Clara in Leigh Rowles’ England and joined the RNZB in at her Sydney primary school, Lucy Blue Fairy, all willowy grace.” Nutcracker (Australian Ballet School), Prelude in Les January 2014. She trained at Green took up the opportunity. In Sylphides (Australian Ballet School), and the Candide Pamela Gibson’s school of dance 2003, she was accepted into the Oscar Hoelscher, Dancer Fairy from The Sleeping Beauty (Australian Ballet School). and at the age of 16 she continued Victorian College of the Arts Born in Brisbane, Australia, Oscar her training at the secondary school and trained there Hoelscher started dancing at the Rory Fairweather-Neylan, Dancer School in Manchester. Upon graduating Gilchrist joined until she graduated in 2008. A highlight of Green’s young age of 5 learning ballet, Rory Fairweather-Neylan, from Northern Ballet in the U.K. under the directorship of training was performing a solo at the Sydney Opera contemporary, jazz, and tap before Queensland, Australia, joined Royal David Nixon where she danced for 10 years. House for the McDonald Ballet Scholarship. focusing on ballet. He is a founding New Zealand Ballet in 2007. He member of the Brisbane City Youth attended The Australian Ballet She has danced many roles whist being at Northern Green joined Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2010, and says Ballet and danced many ballets with them including the School and later enrolled at the Ballet including; Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker, being offered a contract was a huge thrill. Her acceptance Prince in The Nutcracker. Hoelscher attended and Queensland Dance School of Cleopatra in Cleopatra, Hermia in A Midsummer Nights into the company featured in the first series of TV3’s The graduated the Queensland Dance School of Excellence Excellence. He went on to further his training at New Dream, Myrtle in The Great Gatsby, Isabella in Wuthering Secret Lives of Dancers. In 2011, Green performed the role in 2010 gaining the Dance Student of the Year award. Zealand School of Dance. In 2007, he was a finalist in the Heights, Belle and the Ghost of Christmas past in A of Columbina in Pinocchio, as part of TOWER Tutus on He then started his training at the New Zealand School Alana Haines Australasian Awards and was granted a Christmas Carol, and Beatrice in Ondine. Tour and the roles of the Green Fairy and Bluebird in The of Dance in 2011. In October 2013, Hoelscher danced scholarship to attend the School’s Meridian Season of The Sleeping Beauty. in RNZB's Swan Lake tour on secondment and has since summer program. Fairweather-Neylan was also awarded Gilchrist has also performed in many other works by joined the company. the Solo Seal from the Royal Academy of Dance. Hans Van Manen, Christopher Hampson, Daniel De Adrianna Harper, Dancer Andrade, and David Nixon. In 2012 Gilchrist guested at Born in Auckland, Adriana Harper Maclean Hopper, Dancer Fairweather-Neylan’s performance as Peter Pan in the the International Ballet Gala in Magdeburg where she grew up in small-town Coromandel. Maclean Hopper was born in 1992 company’s 2009 production met with critical acclaim, performed the pas de duex Three Preludes from David She completed her professional in Richmond, Virginia. He started The National Business Review noting he “gave a stunning Nixon I Got Rhythm. training at New Zealand School of dancing when he was 9 years old, and performance as the cheeky, athletic Peter Pan.” Dance in 2004, graduating with went onto train at University of North Fairweather-Neylan has also performed the roles of Madeleine Graham, Dancer the Todd Corporation Scholarship. Carolina School of the Arts and San Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet and Pinocchio in TOWER Born and raised in Melbourne, Harper joined Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2005 and has Francisco Ballet School, with summers Tutus on Tour in 2011. Madeleine Graham began dancing since danced the roles of Lucy Westenra in Dracula, the spent at and . at the age of seven, training at the short step sister in Cinderella, Kitri in Don Quixote, and Jane Moore academy of Ballet and featured roles in Esquisses, Concerto, and A Million Kisses Career highlights while at UNCSA include dancing Act the Victorian College of the Arts to My Skin about which U.S. dance critic Allan Ulrich said 2 of Swan Lake and Little Improvisations with the Royal Secondary School before being her work showed “a spiraling exuberance that, I suspect, New Zealand Ballet company member Sara Havener. His accepted into the Australian Ballet School in 2010, won’t be a Southern Hemisphere secret much longer.” In favorite ballets are Romeo and Juliet and Giselle, and he where she later graduated as Vice Captain in 2012. 2011’s TOWER Tutus on Tour, the NZ Herald said Harper loves the work of David Dawson and William Forsythe. In was in “stunning form” and had found her true calling his spare time, he likes to cook and surf. Hopper joined She was awarded the Royal Academy of Dance Australian as the “wily and wayward Cat” in Pinocchio. Harper the Royal New Zealand Ballet for The TelstraClear Bursary in 2008, and the Graeme Murphy Contemporary appeared as Bluebird in RNZB’s 2011 Meridian Season Season of Giselle. Excellence Award (Australian Ballet School). Her of The Sleeping Beauty. repertoire includes works by Jirí Kylián, Michel Fokine, David Lichine, Peggy Van Praagh, Jonathan Taylor, Mark Annear, and Petal Miller-Ashmole. Performance highlights include dancing the white cat in Peggy Van Praagh’s The Sleeping Beauty, Lucas Jervies’ From Home Far From, and Margaret Wilson's Quintet. 12 13 Qi Huan, Dancer Jiang Peng Fei, Dancer Dimitri Kleioris, Dancer Career highlights for Looker include performing the title Qi (pron: Chee) Huan began his Jiang Peng Fei was born in Anhui An Australian of Greek and Maltese role in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2009 production ballet study in Shengyang, in China’s province, People’s Republic of China. heritage, Dimitri Kleioris took his first of The Meridian Season of La Sylphide and performing as Liaoning Province. While a student at He started dancing at the age of dance lessons in jazz and tap at the Juliet to a home crowd during the 2010 Australian Tour of the Beijing Dance Academy in 2000 four and undertook his formative age of six, later taking up classical Romeo & Juliet. In 2011, Looker performed as The Ballerina he reached the finals of the New York training at the Secondary School of ballet at the McDonald College Doll in Petrouchka and Bluebird and Aurora in The Meridian International Ballet Competition. the Beijing Dance Academy. In 2012, under the direction of Nigel Burley. Season of The Sleeping Beauty. In this role, “Tonia Looker From 2003–04, he taught at the Beijing Dance Academy at the prestigious ballet He graduated from The Australian Ballet School in 2009 as Aurora was exquisite,” according to stuff.co.nz. alongside former Royal New Zealand Ballet Principal competition in New York City, Fei was placed amongst the and joined the RNZB the following year. Dancer, Ou Lu. top 12 men. In the same year, he participated in the Beijing Paul Mathews, Dancer International Ballet Competition and was awarded 3rd Words of praise include, “A piece that requires from its Paul Mathews was born in Auckland, Since joining Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2005, Huan place in the Tao Li Cup. As a consequence of his success dancers soul and raw physicality as well as technique, and and took his first ballet steps at the has performed a number of lead roles including the title at YAGP, Fei was granted an international scholarship to for an embodiment of this...one can't go past Kleioris,” age of four. He attained his Solo Seal role in Dracula, Romeo in Romeo & Juliet, Basilio in The study full-time at the New Zealand School of Dance, in from Australian Stage. In 2012, Kleioris danced the lead from the Royal Academy of Dance in Meridian Season of Don Quixote, Captain Hook in Peter 2013. Fei is thrilled to be joining the Royal New Zealand couple in Larry Keigwin’s Final Dress and the role of 2004, and joined Royal New Zealand Pan, Grand pas de deux in The Nutcracker, and Prince Ballet in 2014. Hilarion in Giselle; he also choreographed the piece 4+1 Ballet from the New Zealand School Désiré in The Meridian Season of The Sleeping Beauty. In for Leaps & Sounds. He has recently been coached by and of Dance in 2006, as the Todd Corporation Scholar. He 2011's TOWER Tutus on Tour the Capital Times said Huan Laura Saxon Jones, Dancer thanks Irina Brecher Hamilton and the team at Soul has performed a variety of roles including Gamache in gave an “outstanding performance” in Verdi Variations Australian born, Laura Saxon Jones Motion in Los Angeles. The Meridian Season of Don Quixote, Gurn in The and “stole the show with his solo.” began dancing at the age of 6 with Meridian Season of La Sylphide, Hook in Peter Pan, Tybalt Christine Atkinson—the Ballet Class, Kleioris’ favorite production is Graeme Murphy’s Swan in Romeo & Juliet, and Blackamoor in Petrouchka. Alexander Idaszak, Dancer Sydney. With dual nationality, Jones Lake. He has played the role of a sailor in Murphy’s The Born in Sydney, Alexander Idaszak came to New Zealand in 2011 to Nutcracker and Jaschiu in Opera Australia’s production of In 2010, he performed in the triple bill From Here to began his dance training at J and L further her training at the New Death in Venice choreographed by Meryl Tankard. There, including a lead role in David Dawson’s acclaimed Productions. He successfully Zealand School of Dance. A Million Kisses to My Skin, and he featured in all three auditioned and was offered a Yang Liu, Dancer works in the company’s 2011 tour of the U.K. and France. place at the McDonald College of In the NZSD’s graduation program, Jones was chosen Chinese-born Yang Liu started Performing Arts School, taught by to dance Violette Verdy’s role in Balanchine’s Emeralds dancing at the age of five and went When he's not in the dance studios rehearsing, Mathews Josephine Jason and Alan Cross. (staged by Diana White). Capital Times wrote, “excerpts on to train at the Beijing Dance likes watching cricket or stand-up comedy, reading of Balanchine’s sparkling Emeralds was fluidly danced by Academy from 1996–2003, before popular science, or studying for his Diploma in Business. After graduating, Idaszak accepted a place at The all, but especially Jones. This elegant dancer has a lovely, joining . Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, where he completed unforced technique and personality that should take Arata Miyagawa, Dancer a Diploma in Dance and a Vocational Graduate Certificate her far.” Liu joined Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2010. Her audition Arata Miyagawa was born in Japan in Classical Ballet. Idaszak joined as a and first season dancing in The Tower Season of From and trained there, as well as at the Company Dancer in January 2013. In her second year of training at the school, Jones toured Here to There were featured in the first series of TV3’s prestigious John Cranko school in with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in Ethan Stiefel and The Secret Lives of Dancers. Stuttgart, Germany, and studied with Kohei Iwamoto, Dancer Johan Kobborg’s new production of Giselle. Jones was Petr Pestov. Kohei Iwamoto joined Royal New awarded the 2012 Todd Scholarship and joins the Royal Her favorite ballets are Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, and Zealand Ballet at the start of 2010. New Zealand Ballet in 2013. Don Quixote. Liu loves updating her blog with stories and Miyagawa makes his Royal New Zealand Ballet debut He started ballet at the age of 11 in photos from her time with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2013 with Made to Move. He has danced with the Japan. His talent was evident and he Bronte Kelly, Dancer and enjoys cooking and collecting traditional Chinese Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Dancenko Academic Music received a scholarship to further his From Queensland, Australia, Bronte clothing and accessories. Her goals for the future Theatre in Moscow (2010–11) and in 2012 won the silver training at The Australian Ballet School. Kelly started dancing at the age include improving her spoken English and becoming a medal at the International Ballet Competition in Varna, of four and went on to train at The dance teacher. Bulgaria, one of the world’s most highly regarded A career highlight for Iwamoto was performing the role Australian Ballet School. She joined competitions for young professional dancers. Other of a tourist in The Meridian Season of Carmen as he has Royal New Zealand Ballet at the Tonia Looker, Dancer awards include a bronze medal at the 2010 Youth a passion for playing comical roles. In 2011, he performed start of 2011, performing in TOWER Originally from Australia, Tonia America Grand Prix in New York, the gold medal at the the roles of Pinocchio and the adventurous puppet Tutus on Tour, Stravinsky Selection and The Meridian Looker trained at The Australian all Japan Ballet Competition in 2010, and medals at the Arlequino in Pinocchio in TOWER Tutus on Tour, and Season of The Sleeping Beauty, in which she danced the Ballet School. In 2007, she was Tanzolymp (‘Dance Olympics’) competitions in Berlin in Bluebird and Prince’s Friends in The Meridian Season of role of the Green Fairy. awarded a scholarship to train with 2005 and 2009. The Sleeping Beauty. “Bluebirds (…Kohei Iwamoto) the School of American Ballet in shimmered like flutes,” said The Dominion Post. Other career highlights include dancing ‘Girlfriends’ in New York and Toronto’s National Don Quixote for Australian Dancers Company 2010 Tour, Ballet School. Looker joined Royal New Zealand Ballet and performing the role of Gerda in their 2010 production in 2008, and in her debut in RED, she was described by of The Snow Queen. one critic as a dancer to watch, noting, “her exuberance and dynamic line is noticeable amongst the ranks.” She performed Tinkerbell in Peter Pan at the end of 2009 to critical acclaim: “a tempestuous wonder as Tinkerbell,” said the Dominion Post.

14 15 Gillian Murphy, Dancer, Loughlan Prior, Dancer Mayu Tanigaito, Dancer Ballet Theatre, all on scholarship. Watkins was a Finalist in Principal Guest Artist Originally from Melbourne, Mayu Tanigaito was born in Tochigi, the Music Center Spotlight Awards, a Gold Level YoungArts Gillian Murphy is a principal ballerina Loughlan Prior began dancing with Japan, and made her first trip to Winner, and a Presidential Scholar in the Arts nominee. with American Ballet Theatre, and the Victorian College of the Arts New Zealand in 2011 to audition for She joined American Ballet Theatre as an apprentice in in 2012, she also became Principal Secondary School before finalizing Royal New Zealand Ballet. NYC will September 2012, and was promoted to the corps de Guest Artist with the Royal New his training at The New Zealand be Tanigaito’s first season with the ballet in May 2013. She joined the Royal New Zealand Zealand Ballet. Murphy was raised School of Dance. In his final year, he company. Tanigaito started her dance Ballet at the end of 2013. in Florence, South Carolina, U.S., and received her high toured with Royal New Zealand Ballet in their season of training at the age of 6 at the Takahashi Wakako Ballet school education and advanced dance training at the TOWER Tutus on Tour and upon graduation joined the Studio, and continued her studies at Antwerp Royal Ballet Maree White, Dancer University of North Carolina School of the Arts. company in 2010. School in Belgium, and The Rock School for Dance Maree White joined Royal New Education in the U.S. In 2007, she was a finalist in the Zealand Ballet at the end of 2006 Murphy’s repertoire includes leading roles in all of ABT’s Prior is an emerging choreographer. He has created Youth American Grand Prix, the world’s largest student for the TOWER Season of Giselle, current full-length classics and in shorter works by works for the NZSD as well as for RNZB’s Leaps and ballet scholarship competition. Her professional career dancing the role of Queen of the George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Jirí Kylián, Antony Sounds program. His work First Light was recently began in 2008 at North Carolina Dance Theatre II where Wilis. At 16, after being awarded her Tudor, William Forsythe, Martha Graham, Lar Lubovitch, performed at the closing night gala of the Asian Grand she danced roles in Snow White, Othello, and RAD Solo Seal, the Cairns native Paul Taylor, Frederick Ashton, and . Prix in Hong Kong. The Nutcracker. received a scholarship to study at the Wiener Staatsoper Ballet School and danced with the Wiener Staatsoper She starred as Odette/Odile in ABT’s PBS television His career highlights include working with Javier De Bryn Watkins, Dancer Ballet. White was also a soloist at the Deutsche Oper Am production of Swan Lake, and she has appeared in world Frutos, Cameron McMillan, Larry Keigwin, and Sarah Bryn Watkins grew up in Orange, Rhein in Dusseldorf for six years. Since joining RNZB she premieres of new creations by Benjamin Millepied, Foster-Sproull. Prior was recently sponsored by The California, in the United States. She has danced the role of Mercedes in The Meridian Season , Jorma Elo, Peter Quanz, , Wallace Arts Trust to develop a dance film with Sir Jon began her ballet training at the West of Don Quixote, Queen Sylph in The Meridian Season of John Neumeier, Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Trimmer and artists of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Coast Conservatory of Ballet at La Sylphide, and Carabosse in The Meridian Season of and Twyla Tharp. age five. At age eleven, she began The Sleeping Beauty. Her performance in Salterello in Joseph Skelton, Dancer training at Ballet Pacifica with noted 2009’s TOWER Tutus on Tour was described as Murphy has danced with the Kirov Ballet, the Royal Born in Gisborne and raised in teachers Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner. In 2008, “heart-stoppingly exquisite.” Swedish Ballet, the Staatsballett Berlin, the Kiev Ballet, Pukekohe, Joseph Skelton started Watkins enrolled at the Maple Conservatory of Dance and in numerous other international engagements and dancing at the age of four. He where she trained for five years under the direction of galas. In 2009, Murphy was the recipient of a Princess trained in the U.K. at the Elmhurst Charles Maple and others. She has attended summer Grace Statue Award, the organization’s highest honor. School for Dance and the Royal intensives at , , and American Ballet School. He returned to New Alayna Ng, Dancer Zealand to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2011 and Wellington-born Alayna Ng has been toured the South Island in TOWER Tutus on Tour. Since dancing since the age of four. Ng then he has appeared in Stravinsky Selection, The WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre graduated from the New Zealand Sleeping Beauty, NYC, Cinderella, and Giselle. AT ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY School of Dance in 2006. Her Presents a world premiere by Susana di Palma With an international cast of dancers and musicians performance in the school’s Inspired by his parents, Skelton aims to be the best graduation season was described dancer he can be and finds his career both challenging WORLD PREMIERE by Maggie Foyer of Dance Europe, as “feminine charm in and incredibly rewarding. In his spare time he enjoys Vanessa Voskuil a crowd pleasing display of one-upmanship.” While still a surfing, playing guitar and piano, and listening to music. The Student student, Ng performed with Royal New Zealand Ballet in ConVivir The Meridian Season of The Wedding and The TOWER Harry Skinner, Dancer APRIL 3 & 4 7 Dances to A More Compassionate Season of Giselle, before joining the company in 2007. Born in Invercargill, Harry Skinner World trained under Paula Hunt in “ …see one of her In 2009, her performance in Dances from Napoli drew Wellington and at The Australian compelling performances, praise from Dance Informa: “In the Pas de Six, Alayna Ng Ballet School. He has performed in interlaced with surrealist shone. Her technique was faultless and her performance The Australian Ballet's productions sensibility and bracing warm and generous.” A knee injury in 2010 gave her time of Don Quixote and Destiny. to focus on her training as a Pilates instructor and her intelligence, and you love of sewing. Skinner joined Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2008 and in won’t forget her.” 2009. He performed the role of the Shadow in Peter Pan, — Star Tribune a part which was praised by several reviewers: “A winsome pas de deux between Peter and his shadow (Harry Skinner) sets the standard for the dances to follow,” wrote Theatreview and “Harry Skinner is captivating,” said the Tickets on sale now NZ Listener. Skinner also performed the mischievous Fritz 651-690-6700 | oshag.stkate.edu in The Nutcracker at the end of 2010 with great flair. At The Goodale Theater 2011 saw him featured in Verdi Variations and as he role at The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts of Lampwick in Pinocchio. April 4, 5 and 6, 2014 Tickets $32 (incl. fees) Thecowlescenter.org Skinner is studying extramurally for a political science degree from Massey University. 16 Vanessa Voskuil 17 Northrop 3.24”w x 4.676”h 4c

McKNIGHT ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS

The McKnight Artist Fellowships for Choreographers offers a choreographic residency program in partnership with three national partners. In addition to the cash award, choreography fellows may also be granted a McKnight-sponsored residency with one of Northrop and McKnight’s national residency partners. The residencies provide time and NORTHROP GRAND REOPENING! resources for the development of new choreographic work as well as garnering a national profile for the fellows. Welcome to the dramatically transformed Northrop—a campus hub for the performing arts, innovation, and learning! Meet our partnering organizations, national leaders in the field of dance:

American Dance Festival (Durham, NC) americandancefestival.org Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (Tallahassee, FL) mancc.org Celebrate our Grand Reopening weekend with Tofte Lake Center (Ely, MN) toftelake.org AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE The 2012 McKnight Choreography Fellows have been granted residencies with our partners for the coming year: Fri, Apr 4, 8:00 pm (Gala performance, reception, and dance party) Sat, Apr 5, 8:00 pm Sun, Apr 6, 2:00 pm

In the classic romantic ballet Giselle with live orchestra

Ananya Chatterjea, Tofte Lake Center, Ely, MN, August 2014 Carl Flink, American Dance Festival, June–July 2014 Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, MANCC (Maggie Allessee Photo courtesy of artist. Photo © William Cameron. National Center for Dance), Tallahassee, FL, Fall 2014 Photo © Ed Bock.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! TREY McINTYRE PROJECT Northrop Grand Reopening continues with an Sat, Feb 8, 8:00 pm amazing variety of both free and ticketed events Orpheum Theatre throughout April, May, and June: Stimulating lectures and seminars featuring thought-leaders from the University and beyond; films; comedy; exhilarating music performances showcasing Northrop’s Highly athletic contemporary dance company Trey McIntyre Project performs Mercury Half-Life, a piece set phenomenal new acoustics; as well as the most to music from rock-and-roll favorite Queen. exciting classical and contemporary dance in the world today.

Visit northrop.umn.edu to find out about all of the events and ways you can get involved.

American Ballet Theatre in Giselle. Photo © Gene Schiavone. Trey McIntyre Project. Photo © Lois Greenfield.

18 19 GUEST SERVICES A Live Broadcast A Prairie Home Companion, with Please notify an usher for any questions or GARRISON KEILLOR needs you may have. Sat, Apr 26, 4:45 pm CAMERAS Carlson Family Stage at Northrop The use of cameras or other types of recording equipment is strictly prohibited.

CELLULAR PHONES AND PAGERS Cellular phones or pagers should be turned off or turned to silent mode while at the theatre. If necessary, a cellular phone or pager can be monitored by the Event Manager.

FIRST AID First aid supplies are available. Ask any usher for assistance. There is a security officer trained in CPR and First Aid on duty at every performance from the time the lobbies open until all guests have exited.

Garrison Keillor in A Prairie Home Companion. ACCESSIBLE SEATING Photo © Velenchenko. If a guest wishes to transfer from their wheelchair to fixed seats the wheelchair will be taken to the outer lobby to comply with local fire code regulations. At the end of the performance an usher will return the wheelchair to the guest. We do not recommend transferring to fixed seats unless absolutely necessary as this may hinder evacuation in emergency situations.

ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES A limited number of portable listening devices that amplify the sound from the stage are available free of charge from any usher for all events. A photo ID will be held while the equipment is in your possession.

LARGE PRINT PROGRAMS Large print programs are available upon request. Please notify an usher if you would like one.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES A variety of beverages including wine, beer, and soft drinks and light snacks including cookies, are available for purchase in the theatre. No outside You can get there. We can help. food or beverages are allowed in the theatre. You can get there. We can help. Visit www.MN529today.com or call 1-877-338-4646 Visit www.MN529today.comYou can get there. Weor cancall help. 1-877-338-4646

MN College Savings Plan MNP 0213Visit FP with bleed.indd www.MN529today.com 1 or call 1-877-338-4646 1/10/13 10:58 AM

MN College Savings Plan MNP 0213 FP with bleed.indd 1 1/10/13 10:58 AM

MN College Savings Plan MNP 0213 FP with bleed.indd 1 1/10/13 10:58 AM 20 21 BALLET WORKS PROJECT JANUARY 24 – FEBRUARY 9 JSB TEK BOX AT THE COWLES CENTER Making a tradition of innovation within contemporary ballet, MARIN RESTAURANT & BAR JSB spotlights emerging choreographers: Nicky Coelho, Blake Nellis and Norbert De La Cruz III. Inside Le Méridien Chambers 901 HENNEPIN AVE • MINNEAPOLIS • MN • 55403 612-252-7000 • MARINRESTAURANT.COM TICKETS: 612.206.3600 JSBALLET.ORG

STUART PIMSLER DANCE & THEATER FEB 14 & 15 Valentine’s Special for 2 four course dinner @ Mason’s+ 2 glasses of bubbly + 2 tickets to Stuart Pimsler tickets for only $65

thecowlescenter.org / 612.206.3600 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

22 23 Locally Roasted Be the hero. COFFEE Fight hunger. SERVING & World Class BUBBLE

T E A Discover Hilton Garden Inn Publika @ Dinkytown 1315 4th St SE, MPLS Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown Bring this Ad in to redeem OFF 1101 4th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Any Drink 612-339-6633 / 1-877-STAY-HGI Exp. 3/31/14 $1 minneapolisdowntown.hgi.com

Hunger Heroes Piper and Violet March Campaign - GardenShare - Advocacy Please give generously at mnfoodshare.gmcc.org.

24 25 THANK YOU FRIENDS OF NORTHROP

Northrop is currently hard at work to deliver more ambitious world-class projects, deep community engagement, innovative University collaborations, and meaningful connections between audiences and artists, culminating in a We are grateful for the generous support of our corporate and community partners dramatic grand reopening season celebrating a new era for Northrop. Ticket sales represent less than 33% of the in making Northrop’s artistic programming and community outreach possible. income needed to realize luminous performances while building toward a grand reopening night and, as a self-sustaining entity at the University, we depend entirely on contributed support to close the gap. We are inviting Friends to join us on this remarkable journey by becoming an investor in Northrop’s future. CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT This is your opportunity to be a leader in the next chapter of Northrop’s rich legacy by becoming a Friend today! Visit northrop.umn.edu/donate for a complete list of giving levels and benefits. Thank you to our Friends of Northrop. Your commitment directly supports Northrop’s long tradition of presenting celebrated artists and providing transformative cultural experiences to students and community members. We are grateful for your generous support!

DIRECTORS CIRCLE Vicki Lansky and Stephen Schaefer Nigel Holmes Alan and Peggy Lathrop Denise Holtz Producer Sally and Richard Leider Blythe Brenden Katherine Howard Sanford Lipsky Allen and Kathleen Lenzmeier Kimberly Hutchens Candy Lord Helen and Benjamin Liu Ramona Jacobs Cal Lueneburg Antone and Genevieve Melton-Meaux Kristine Johnson Toni McNaron Sally and Kenneth Spence Lance and Jan Johnson Shawn Monaghan and Greg Plontikoff Michael Kanner President Leni and David Moore, Jr. Dwayne King The Akins Family Mason and Gwen Myers Darlene Kirch In Memory of Dr. William G. Akins Gordon Rouse and Beach Sarah Kling Randy Hartten and Ron Lotz Barbara Stoll Chris Kraft Paul and Sarah Karon Jeff Stout and Ron Overlid Barbara Land Voigt and Mary Jean Lenmark Michael Symeonides and Mary Pierce William Larson In Memory of Voigt and Catherine Lenmark Carol Thacher Linda Leamer Robert Lunieski Susan Tracy Elaine M. Leonard Dale Schatzlein and Emily Maltz Fund Victoria Veach Delores and Sheldon Levin Partner Annette Webb and William Palmquist James W. and Sharon A. Lewis Karen Bachman and Robert Fisch Associate Claudia Parliament Ellie and Tom Crosby Anonymous (10) Bill Lough and Barbara Pinaire Fran Davis Margaret Albrecht Holly MacDonald Susan H. DeNuccio Sofia Ali and David Caccamo Holly Manning Richard Gregory Kathy and Dennis Anderson Tom Marthaler Gail and Stuart Hanson Jeanne Andre and Dennis Schapiro Frank Mayers Emily Knox & Brian Lammers Linda Andrews Orla and George McClure Glenn Lindsey Paul Aslanian Kathy McGill Jennifer Marrone and David Short Tom and Jill Barland Nancy Mohs Jennifer Martin Allen Beers Mark and Cece Morrow Thomas & Conchy Morgan Rebecca Biderman and David Fraher Jenny Nilsson In Memory of Sylvia and Henry Frisch Jerome and Patricia Boge Ben Oiye Jodi and Daniel Rosen Joan Bren and Steven Nelson Regan Byrne and Timothy Palmer Capt. Buddy Scroggins and Kelly Schroeder Kathryn Cahill and Ferne Rowland Elizabeth M. Parker Donald Williams and Pamela Neuenfeldt The CDF Foundation Ann L. Piotrowski FRIENDS CIRCLE Alice and Herbert Cederberg Possibilitree J. P. Collins Jon Schasker Benefactor Jeanne and David Cornish Stephanie Scheu and Claire Hanson Jerry L. Artz Susan Cygnet Ralph Schnorr Mark Bayuk Dale and Rosemary Dahl Karen Scholl R. and J. Cameron Jean Ann Durades Jacky & Jim Sherohman Rob Carlson and Gregg Larson COMMUNITY PARTNERS William Durfee and Devorah Goldstein Darlene Sholtis and Heino Beckmann Jack and Ann Cole Majel Fletty Marilyn and Dale Simmons Gail Kochie Marsha Freeman Ursel and Mark Smith Thomas Murtha Locally From a 35 Year Subscriber Lucy and Dave Sontag Roasted Advocate Pat Gaarder Katherine R. Stahl Sage Cowles David Gerdes Jane Starr COFFEE Ginny and Will Craig Richard Gramling Cheryl Stearns Sally Dischinger Richard Gwynne Penny P. Truax Katherine and Robert Goodale Joan and John Haldeman John Wald and Marianne Remedios SERVING & Kathy and Lee Gremillion Lindsy Halleckson Dr. Cheryl Wall and Ellen Westenburg World Class Lynn Hamer Eugene and Joyce Haselmann Margaret Weglinski THANKS ALSO TO: BUBBLE Cathy and Sue Hart Blair W Hawkins, Jr. Cathy and Annelynn Westrum G.I.R.L. Initiative, Tim Rummelhoff Photography, Girls in Action, Breakthrough Twin Cities, Aurora Center for Advocacy Maureen Haworth Joyce and Eugene Hogenson Cody Ward Wolkowitz and Education, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys Current as of 1/23/14. To correct the T E A listing of your name above, please contact Publika @ Dinkytown [email protected] or 612-625-0887. 26 1315 4th St SE, MPLS OFF 27 Bring this Ad in to redeem Any Drink Exp. 3/31/14 $1 Copresented with Walker Art Center Trisha Brown Dance Company Proscenium Works 1979–2011 Wed–Sat, Mar 12–15, 8:00 pm Walker Art Center

I’m going to toss my arms—if you catch them they’re yours Set and Reset If you couldn’t see me Astral Convertible

Brown’s uncontested legacy as a pioneer of is celebrated with this farewell tour of works, seen one last time in their original context.

Trisha Brown Dance Company in I’m going to toss my arms—if you catch them they’re yours. Photo courtesy of Trisha Brown Dance Company.