Virtual Performance Available from May 21st through June 5th thez.org BALLET SUZANNE LOWNSBURY JANINA MICHALSKI Co-Artistic Director Co-Artistic Director Choreographer Choreographer

LYDIA ROBERTS COCO LISA MCCARTY Resident Choreographer Children’s Program Director Marketing Director

COMPANY DANCERS Rebecca Ailstock, Gianna Coco, Colin Jacob, Jackson Kettell, Julia Stewart, Casey Shepard, Leah Upchurch, Hayley-Ann Vasco

w it h BALLET VIRGINIA II members Delia Allen, Ema Amuial, Kaylee Bejarano, Aimee FitzPatrick, Lauryn Hedelund, Oliva Levy, Charlotte Mann, Iana Niknezhad, Sofia Romulo, Katherine Shillito, Leah Trimble and BVII Apprentices: Marlee Brown, Sydney Caggiano, Cora Metzfield, Gabriella Miyares, Mary Schmidt

ACADEMY FACULTY Suzanne Lownsbury, Janina Michalski, Lydia Roberts Coco, Lisa McCarty, Patricia Sorrell, Hannah Whelton, Colin Jacob, Rebecca Ailstock, Julia Stewart, Casey Shepard, Leah Upchurch, Delia Allen, Charlotte Mann, Emily Kodolitsch, Hayley-Ann Vasco, Jackson Kettell

PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Production Manager: David Latham Ballet Mistress: Hannah Whelton Wardrobe: Mershonda Berry and Judy Building Manager: Rett Hansel Fortier Front Desk Staff: Gianna Coco, Karen Shillito Set Design: Rett Hansel Volunteer Coordinator: Karen Shillito Photography: Hayley-Ann Vasco

Performance photography by Angela Douglas Photography

BALLET VIRGINIA

700 West 21st Street in Norfolk and 4314 Virginia Beach Blvd. in Virginia Beach BOARD OF DIRECTORS Harry J. Brown, Esquire—Board Chair, Alperin Law Office, Legal Counsel Grace Atkinson—Community-at-Large Jane Bray—former Dean of the Darden College of Education at ODU Patrick Francis—NATO Suzanne Lownsbury—Ballet Virginia Co-Artistic Director Janina Michalski—Ballet Virginia Co-Artistic Director Page Miyares—Atkinson Realty Amy Sokol—WHRO Vice President of Finance Lisa McCarty—Board Secretary

Board Advisors: Lorraine Graves and Patricia Sorrell

We thank our board members for their continued support and contributions. If you are interested in serving on the Ballet Virginia Board of Directors, please contact Suzanne Lownsbury at [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE FOR

NUTCRACKER 2021 AUDITIONS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH

AT OUR NORFOLK STUDIOS WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Ballet Virginia is a non-profit performing and arts education organization. Since 2008, we have offered performances and educational opportunities to the community. Some of our proudest achievements include maintaining a professional company, opening a second location in Virginia Beach and offering excellent dance training.

In a typical year, tuition and performance tickets cover only a portion of our expenses. During these unusual times, we need your help more than ever. We have adapted to the new environment by offering small in-person classes, virtual performances and, now, live performances. These much appreciated programs take effort, time and creativity. We are passionate and determined to weather this storm, but we need your help.

click here to DONATE TODAY! ARTISTIC STAFF

Lydia Roberts Coco—Resident Choreographer Ms. Roberts Coco began her training in Norfolk, Virginia. Her professional training started with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center on a full merit scholarship. Ms. Roberts Coco was invited to become a member of the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (the Ailey junior company) where she danced for three years. She went on to perform with the Jamison Project under the direction of Judith Jamison. She was also one of six dancers invited by Judith Jamison to become a member of the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Lydia toured nationally and internationally as a with the AAADT for seven years. Her credits include leading roles in Pas De Duke, Night Creature, Fix Me Jesus from Alvin Ailey’s signature piece Revelations, Suite Otis and many others. Lydia currently teach- es ballet and modern at Ballet Virginia and is a guest instructor for Old Donation in Virginia Beach and The Gloucester Ballet. Her choreography has been chosen twice for the South Eastern Regional Ballet Association Festival (SERBA). She is also an adjudicator and instructor for the West Virginia Dance Festival. Lydia also serves as a judge and instructor for the prestigious International Ballet Competition. Lydia is honored to be Ballet Virginia's Resident Choreographer.

Suzanne Lownsbury– Co-Director/Choreographer

Ms. Lownsbury began her training with the Toledo Ballet and Charlotte Regional Ballet, continuing her studies in Tidewater Ballet Association’s residency program under the direction of Gene Hammett. Suzanne joined the as a trainee, progressing to and principal roles within a year. She went on to dance with the Cleveland/San Jose Ballet for eleven years. Her many featured roles include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Maria and Tzarina in Dennis Nahat’s renowned Nutcracker, Swanilda in Coppelia, the title role in and many neo-classical roles. She has toured throughout the United States and Europe, including a tour to the Edinburgh Festival.

Ms. Lownsbury moved back to the Hampton Roads area and joined Virginia Ballet , dancing such roles as the Greedy One in Three Virgins and a Devil, as well as Lucy in the world premiere of Dracula. She also joined the VBT academy faculty, becoming assistant director in 2000. Her teaching credits include School of Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland City Dance, Evelyn Ott School of Dance and Virginia Governor’s School for . Ms. Lownsbury has set many ballets and her choreography includes Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Coppelia, Danse de la Sprit, Spring Symphony, Summer Symphony, , Twelve Dancing Princesses, Peter and the Wolf, Sleeping Beauty and more. In 2015, her piece “Inextricable”, was selected at the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association’s annual the Gala Night. Suzanne and Janina Michalski created Ballet Virginia with the support of many devoted and dedicated parents. She is also extremely proud of her daughter, Jacquelyn Long, who is an alumnus of Ballet Virginia and a member of Ballet. Janina Michalski – Co-Director/Choreographer

Originally from Southern California, Janina began her early training in the Los Angeles area. She trained as a scholarship student at the with Meredith Bayliss, Dorothy Lister, Cho-San Goh, Basil Thompson and Glenn White. At age 16, she appren- ticed with under the direction of John Clifford, where she studied ex- tensively with Irena Kosmovska. As a member of the Pacific Association for Regional Bal- let, Ms. Bove was awarded scholarships to the Craft of Choreography conferences spon- sored by the National Association for Regional Ballet, now called Regional Dance America.

Ms. Michalski danced with such noted companies as Atlantic City Ballet, and the Cleveland Ballet, where she performed as soloist and principal dancer. During her career, Janina traveled the country as a guest dancer and teacher.

Following her move back to California, Ms. Michalski was co-director of her own company and academy for six years. Upon an offer from Glenn White, she moved to Hampton Roads, where she served as academy director and rehearsal assistant for the Virginia Bal- let Theatre for 17 years. During this time, she also served on the faculty of the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts.

In 2008, Janina set out on a journey with Suzanne to create Ballet Virginia with the sup- port of many dedicated and devoted parents.

PROGRAM NOTES From Lydia Roberts Coco

Dear Ballet Virginia Friends and Families, This has been quite a year! We are honored and humbled to be back in the theater and have you all here in the audience. So much has happened and words are often not enough when it comes to expressing what we’ve all been through. This performance, “Visions of Hope”, was created in part to be a vessel to reach people in ways that words may not be able to. Dance is beautiful but even more beautiful when the relationship between dancer and audience is impactful. I want people to leave the theater feeling like they just experienced a wonderful interaction and relationship with the dancers. Dancers should be able to reach people through their movement, their energy, their expression, their commitment to the work and through their heartfelt love of dance. With the works featured in “Visions of Hope,” along with the dancers being vulnerable and committed to the works, I am hop- ing that the audience leaves feeling uplifted and joyous. I’m also hopeful it creates more compassion, humanity and togetherness. With gratitude, Lydia Ballet Virginia Presents “Visions of Hope”

Live in Performances: May 14 at 7:30 PM & May 15 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM Virtual Performance available from May 21 to June 5

Dark Instincts Choreography by Lydia Roberts Coco Music by Ludovico Einaudi

Leah Upchurch, Gianna Coco, Jackson Kettell, Jalen Williams, Colin Jacob, with Rebecca Ailstock, Casey Shepard, Julia Stewart, Hayley-Ann Vasco (Saturday 2 PM Rebecca Ailstock, Hayley-Ann Vasco, Jackson Kettell, Jalen Williams, Colin Jacob, with Gianna Coco, Casey

Shepard, Julia Stewart and Leah Upchurch)

Inextricable Choreography by Suzanne Lownsbury with the BVII dancers Music by Felix Mendelssohn

Delia Allen, Ema Amuial, Lauryn Hedelund, Olivia Levy, Iana Niknezhad, Katherine Shillito, Leah Trimble Interlude 1 — Breath

Choreography by Janina Michalski with the BV II dancers and apprentice Music by Helen Jane Long

Marlee Brown, Kaylee Bejarano, Sydney Caggiano, Charlotte Mann, Cora Metzfield, Gabriella Miyares, Sofia Romulo, Mary Schmidt

Into The Sunshine Choreography by Lydia Roberts Coco Music by Giorgio Moroder, Peter Kubik, Baris Balei

Hayley-Ann Vasco with Rebecca Ailstock, Gianna Coco, Casey Shepard, Leah Upchurch (Friday night and Saturday matinee Julia Stewart replaces Casey Shepard)

Intermission

Greatest Love of All Choreography by Lydia Roberts Coco Music composed by Michael Masser and sung by Whitney Houston

Gianna Coco, Casey Shepard, Julia Stewart, Leah Upchurch, Hayley-Ann Vasco with Ballet Virginia Academy Dancers Lila Bauer, Rebecca Jacques, Emily Lewis, Zoe Johnson, Zoey Pham (Rebecca Ailstock replaces Julia Stewart 7:30 PM on 5/14 and 5/15)

Interlude 2 — Rockerbye Choreography by Janina Michalski with BVII dancers Music by Helen Jane Long

Kaylee Bejarano, Aimee FitzPatrick, Iana Niknezhad, Sofia Romulo, Olivia Levy, Katherine Shillito

Phases Choreography by Lydia Roberts Coco Music by Spark

Gianna Coco, Leah Upchurch, Colin Jacob, Jackson Kettell with Rebecca Ailstock, Casey Shepard, Julia Stewart, Hayley-Ann Vasco with BVII dancers Ema Amuial and Leah Trimble (2 PM on 5/15 with Delia Allen and Leah Trimble)

Interlude 3 — Echo Choreography by Suzanne Lownsbury with BVII dancers Music by Helen Jane Long

Delia Allen, Kaylee Bejarano, Aimee FitzPatrick, Lauryn Hedelund, Charlotte Mann, Iana Nikenzhad, Sofia Romulo, Katherine Shillito and Ema Amuial 2 PM on 5/15

A Seed of Faith Choreography by Lydia Roberts Coco Music composed by and performed by Sunday Service Choir

Ultralight Beam – Hayley-Ann Vasco and Jackson Kettell with Rebecca Ailstock, Gianna Coco, Casey Shepard, Julia Stewart, Leah Upchurch Music composed by Donny Hathaway and performed by Kirk Whalum We Need You Right Now – Jalen Williams, Matthew Frezzell, Colin Jacob, Jackson Kettell Music composed by Reverend George Jordan and performed Dr. G. Hayes & The Warriors Jesus Can Work It Out – Janelle Jones with Rebecca Ailstock, Gianna Coco, Hayley-Ann Vasco, Leah Upchurch, Matthew Frezzell, Colin Jacob, Jackson Kettell, Jalen Williams with BVII dancers Delia Allen, Ema Amuial, Lauryn Hedelund, Sofia Romulo, Katherine Shillito and Leah Trimble BALLET VIRGINIA COMPANY MEMBERS click here for bios

Rebecca Ailstock Casey Shepard

Hometown: Hometown:

Virginia Beach, VA Chesapeake, VA

Gianna Coco Julia Stewart

Hometown: Hometown:

Chesapeake, VA Naples, Italy

Colin Jacob Leah Upchurch

Hometown: Hometown:

Cleveland, OH Virginia Beach, VA

Hayley-Ann Jackson Kettell Vasco Hometown: Hometown: Tampa, FL Norfolk, VA

We thank our company members for dancing safely through the pandemic while wearing masks and now getting vaccinated. The future looks bright as we see your commitment and passion to dance. GUEST ARTISTS

Sponsored by The Urban League of Hampton Roads

Matthew Frezzell began his ballet training at Ballet Virginia. After attending a summer intensive program at Orlando Ballet, he joined the Orlando Ballet School Academy. Matthew became a trainee and then joined Orlando Ballet II. While dancing at Orlando Ballet, Matthew had the opportunity to dance in many original works by Robert Hill as well as by Artist in Residence, Arcadian Broad. He joined Columbia City Ballet in 2019.

Jalen Williams began dancing in his hometown of St.Petersburg, Florida. He continued dancing with John Hopkins Middle and Gibbs High School. He also danced on scholarship with The Academy of Ballet Arts under Suzanne Pomerantzeff. After high school graduation, he attended the University of Utah on a dance scholarship. Upon graduation, he dance with The Ballet Theatre of Maryland. Mr. Williams has performed principal roles in many classical ballets along with a long list of contemporary works.

Janelle Jones is originally from Virginia Beach. She began her training at Virginia Ballet Theater which later in her training, merged to Ballet Virginia. She also attended the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. After high school, she attended the Fordham University/Alvin Ailey American Dance School Program, where she received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance. Upon graduation, she has performed globally. Janelle is now the Director of ’s Dance program, and teaches throughout the Hampton Roads area. BVII

BALLET VIRGINIA’S SECOND COMPANY

The following BVII dancers are performing in “Visions of Hope”: Our BVII dancers range in age from 14 to 18. They train over Ema Amuial: Frank W. Cox High School 23 hours per week. Each year, Kaylee Bejarano: Norfolk Collegiate several receive scholarship Aimee FitzPatrick: Floyd E. Kellam High School offers to nationally acclaimed Lauryn Hedelund: training programs. The exten- sive education they receive both Olivia Levy: Norfolk Academy in the studio and on stage Charlotte Mann: prepares them for a potential Iana Niknezhad: professional dance career. Sofia Romulo: Oscar F. Smith High School Other BVII alumni go on to Katherine Shillito: Granby High School become teachers, doctors, Delia Allen: Grafton High School lawyers, scientists and a host of Leah Trimble: Frank W. Cox High School other challenging and meaning- ful life pursuits. CONTRIBUTORS

The continued success of Ballet Virginia is greatly due to the generosity of our many contributors and volunteers. We thank you all! Governmental Support

The City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission The Virginia Commission for the Arts Norfolk Commission on the Arts and Humanities Norfolk Southern Corporate Good Government Fund The Hampton Roads Business Consortium

Benefactors - $5,000 + Betsy Atkinson Amy Sokol Sandra Wills “In remembrance of my beloved Jim”

Director’s Circle - $3,000 + Anonymous CHKD Sports Grace Atkinson Hagerty

Theater Circle - $500 + Anonymous, Page Atkinson Miyares, Jane Bray, Brown Family, Fleming Family, Lorraine Graves, Emily Hansen, Naomi Hochhaus, Seth and Diane Larson, Monique McClellan, Naomi Muellner, Siebert Family, Linda Stenke Flanagan, The Virginia Lottery, Jacob Wessler, JC Wills and Sons Inc.

Center Stage - $100 + Olivia Rae Anderson, Jennifer Baden, Hilary Dunigan, Patrick Francis, Hilary Garofalo, Hornbuckle Family, The Isabel Glass Family, Jete Dancewear, Sue Johnson, Eliott Jones, Sue Mason, Katherine Nufer, Hilary Poirier, Jim Price, Lena Ulses, Scott Vengamo

Friends of Ballet Virginia - $25 + Adrienne Ashby, Bejarano Family, Kenneth Brown, Kendall Bryant, Cree Family, Dancers Boutique, Debb Family, Delaney Family, Tejal Desai, Douglas Family, Elliott Family, Espy Family, Faires Family, Galecki Family, Gerald Family, Caileigh Gold, Denise Grimes, Hebert Family, Jasahn Holman, Johnson Family, Jennifer Kodolitsch, Sarah Kotarides, Diitrios Kourbetis, Livni Family, Rob Loomis, Jacquelyn Long, Suzanne Lownsbury, Jennifer Mann, McCann Family, Lisa McCarty, Dennis Metzfield, Janina Michalski, Chris Moyer, Dwight Nguyen, Jeryl Phillips, Pressley Family, Puckett Family, Reyna Family, Lydia Roberts Coco, Victoria Romulo, Silasi Family, Ashton Sniderman, Denise Wesseler, Trisha Upchurch, Lena Ulses, Jenny Wilson, Woodside Family

Gifts in Kind Grace Atkinson—musical theater, Harry Brown—legal services, Judy Fortier– wardrobe, Danielle Gerard—musical theater, Gene Hansen—transportation, Jennifer Kodolitsch— ballet guild, Jenn Mann—fundraising, Debbie Porter—backstage, Karen Shillito—volunteer coordinator, Kim Siebert—admin support, Robin Trimble—event planner

SUMMER 2021 AT BALLET VIRGINIA

In Norfolk and Virginia Beach

Make plans to dance this summer.

There’s a program for every level and age.

Summer Classes

JUNE 21 TO JULY 31

Ballet Virginia’s summer programs begin with a session of morning, afternoon, evening and Saturday classes. The program runs for six-weeks with a minimum sign up of three- weeks for ages 18 months to adults with weekday evening and Saturday options.

Storybook Camps

JUNE 28 TO JULY 31

These camps offer exciting and age-appropriate experiences in ballet, tap, choreography and story creation plus costume and set design for ages 4 to 7. These half-day camps end with a newly created “Storybook” ballet performance!

• June 28 to July 2 in Norfolk

• July 12 to July 16 in Norfolk

• July 26 to July 30 in Virginia Beach

Workshops and Intensive

AUGUST 2 TO AUGUST 20

Dancers are immersed in a focused environment led by Ballet Virginia’s artistic staff and professional dancers. Through a combination of ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, conditioning, modern and other specialized classes, students will improve their technique, strength, artistry and self-confidence. Each week concludes with a performance.

Looking Forward Season 21/22 subject to change

Fall Repertoire – TBD October 2021

“The Nutcracker” – Sandler Center for the Performing Arts December 15th through 19th, 2021 plus student matinees

A Hampton Roads holiday tradition that is sure to warm your heart with delicate Snowflakes, adorable Gingersnaps and a cast of talented dancers.

Spring Repertoire – Zeiders American Dream Theater February or March 2022

“Sleeping Beauty” – Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

April 9th and 10th, 2022

Be transported to a land of fairies, royal pageantry and a fated princess. This gem among classical ballets will shine with Tchaikovsky’s score and Ballet Virginia’s artistry.

Check our Instagram or Facebook for other exciting events throughout the year.

BALLET VIRGINIA 700 West 21st Street in Norfolk and 4314 Virginia Beach Blvd in Virginia Beach