2015 / 2016 Season ProtectingProtecting property rights in all property67 Florida rights counties in all 67 Florida counties

We make your closings

effortless... Miramar Beach: Fort Walton Beach: 11490 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Ste. 201E 158 N. Eglin Pkwy. Miramar Beach, FL 32550 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 269-1119 (850) 269-1119 MODERN AMERICAN Arti st Series DANCE COMPANY

THURSDAY JAN. 28TH 7:30 pm

The renowned Modern American Dance Company (MADCO) presents an eclecti c array of repertoire dance featuring some of the nati on’s fi nest professional dancers. MADCO is the Professional Dance Company in Residence at the presti gious Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of University of Missouri, St. Louis.

$20 each/ $15 Group Discount B�� O�����: (850) 729-6000 (for 10 or more) ���.M�����K����A���C�����.��� Plus $2 per ti cket processing fee JEFFREY TAMBOR: Arti st Series Performing Your Life

“Jeff rey gets right to the heart of the matt er . . . exhilarati ng, a litt le scary, brilliant, engaging, he ulti mately takes you to the next level as an arti st and person . . .” – Jill Clayburgh, Academy Award nominee

TUESDAY JAN. 26TH 7:30 pm Golden-Globe winner Jeff rey Tambor appears in an Arti st Series event that’s part one-man show, part seminar, part questi on & answer, and endlessly entertaining! A sti mulati ng and humorous evening with the stage/screen star that’s interacti ve, humorous, real, and most importantly, relatable. Call or Click for Tickets! $35 adult/$20 youth & NWF State Students Group Discount B�� O�����: (850) 729-6000 (10 or more ti ckets): $30/$15 (plus $2 per ti cket Box Offi ce ���.M�����K����A���C�����.��� processing fee) 2015/ 2016

Dear Friends,

Northwest Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) arts organization that is celebrating its 46th year on the Emerald Coast. NFB provides world-class ballet performances, trains children and adults, and reaches thousands of school children through public programs and performances exclusively for students. We are proud to say that we strive for excellence at every turn.

As the brochure highlights, the season begins in October with Dracula, based on Bram Stoker’s classic tale and choreographed by Mobile Ballet’s Artistic Director Winthrop Corey. Dracula combines athleticism, spectacular sets, sumptuous costumes and a dramatic musical score to create the authentic gothic atmosphere for this captivating work.

In November NFB will present our 36th annual performance of the brilliant holiday favorite, . This timeless ballet is a tradition among families along the Emerald Coast as the start of their holiday season. The performances will feature the return of International Ballet Stars Adiarys Almeida Santana and Joseph Michael Gatti in the principal roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince. In addition, NFB is proud to bring back Sinfonia Gulf Coast to provide live musical accompaniment.

In the spring we are delighted to bring the world’s most beloved fairy tale to life with our rendition of Cinderella. A in three acts with choreography by NFB Artistic Director Todd Eric Allen and Serge Prokofiev’s beautiful score played live by Sinfonia Gulf Coast. NFB will round out the season with our summer mixed repertory performance series at Rosemary Beach and Grand Boulevard.

To learn more about Northwest Florida Ballet, please visit us online at NFBallet.org or on our Facebook page. As always, please feel free to call me directly if you have questions. We look forward to hearing from you. Save time and select your exact seating by ordering online at NFBallet.org/tickets!

Sincerely,

Northwest Florida Ballet is supported in part Todd Eric Allen by grants from the Florida Department of State, Division Artistic Director/CEO of Cultural Affairs. 2015 / 2016 BALLET STAFF

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/CEO Todd Eric Allen

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Sharon Allen

FOUNDER Bernadette Clements Sims

BALLET MISTRESS Dorothy Daniels Lister

STAGE MANAGER Bronwen Hernandez

ADDITIONAL STAFF Cindy Hinton...... Bookkeeper Jess Kosch...... Office Manager Sabrina McLaughlin...... Marketing/ PR Consultant Ashlee Brown...... Office Assistant

PERFORMANCES DRACULA Friday, October 30 | 7:30pm Sunday, November 1 | 2:30pm

The Nutcracker Friday, November 20 | 7:30pm Saturday, November 21 | 7:30pm Sunday, November 22 | 2:30pm

Cinderella Saturday, March 5 | 7:30pm Sunday, March 6 | 2:30pm 2015 /2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ken Borick, President Brenda Hutchison 1984-86 Kevin Greene, Past President JoAnne Connell 1986-87 Todd Eric Allen, CEO Barbara Larnce 1987-88 Nia Kellogg, Secretary Helen Deibler 1988-89 Paul Scarpulla, Treasurer Ralph McGuire 1989-90 Bernadette Sims, Founder Jan Timothy 1990-91 Denise Greene, Board Member Linda Carr 1991-92 Linda Watson, Board Member Penny Eubanks 1992-93 Jeff Prescott, Board Member Valerie Lukes 1993-94 Robert J. Saxer, Board Member Sherry Bowles 1994-95 Anna-Lisa Daniel, Board Member Lynda Davila 1995-96 Shirley Napier, Board Member Sheryl McCowen 1996-97 Paul Arthur, Board Member Linda Watson 1997-98 Julia Sandwith, Board Member Abe G.Watson 1998-99 Terry Prewitt 1999-00 PAST PRESIDENTS Pat Balanzategui 2000-01 Don Anchors 1969-70 Barbara Lord 2001-03 Theodore Laughlin, MD 1970-71 Carrie Wurdeman 2003-04 John Rainey 1971-72 Linda Watson 2004-05 Lee Bragg 1972-73 Robert J. Saxer 2005-06 Donna Jean Trum 1973-74 Nick Barlotta 2006-07 Joy Banks 1974-76 Deedee Bruechner 2007-08 Margaret Bragg 1976-77 Linda Watson 2008-09 Jeff Hooton 2009-10 Ruth Crane 1977-78 Denise Greene 2010-11 Susan Johnson 1978-79 Jeff Prescott 2011-12 Ginny Mitchell 1979-80 Kevin Greene 2012-13 Tasia Davis 1980-81 Kevin Greene 2013-14 Anne Pettigrew 1981-82 Ken Borick 2014-15 Patty Jenkins 1982-83 Ginger Hewitt 1983-84 Honor Roll of Donors SYBIL LEBHERZ CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION

KEYSTONES Destin Bank Prescott Architects, Inc. Florida Department of State: Div. of Cultural Affairs The Sybil H. Smith Charitable Trust Mary C. Ogletree Clark West

CORNERSTONES William W. Abbott Jr., Bill and Joe Garvie Barbara and Perry Lord Sandestin Golf & Beach Abbott Resorts Mr. and Mrs. Preston Hood Patricia McIlroy Resort Anthony S. Bradley Family Laura P. Howard Northwest Florida Daily Sprint Tasia Davis Les Amis du Ballet News Michele W. Steiner

PILLARS Steve Abbott Claudia DeMartini Metzger, SGM Custom Tile Kaye Holland Roberts Jane Adair EDSA, Inc and Stone Installation John and Sandra Rushing E. S. Mitchell & Associates Aluma-Form, Inc. Michael Flasco Russ and Kim Sailors W.O. and Patricia Fort Walton Beach Medical Susan Myers G&L Marble Destin Balanzategui Center and Twin Cities Hospital Tommy Nick, William and Bernadette Sims Steve Bennett and Hanna Christianne Gibson Destin Tile and Marble Paul and Jackie Storey Joensuu, Gulf Playa Phillip Humber-Garack Northwest Florida Robert Blythe Engineering Consulting Engineers Improvement Foundation Joe and Gloria Thompson Ray and Marion Buckley- Walter Humphrey, Jay and Haley Odom, John and Patricia Tringas Shoultz Humphrey & Smith, L.C. Crystal Beach Development Abe and Linda Watson Jeff Cain Linda Jones Okaloosa Gas John and Denise Watts, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLP KMS Business Products Corp Old Bay Steamer Edwin Watts Golf Choctaw Plaza, LTD James Marks Foundation Myra T. Parson James and Renee Wellborn, Charles W. and Carolyn Clary James and Sheila Kelley Richard & Janet Petermann Wellborn Adventures Roger J. Clary Estate Catherine P. Kirksey Jeffrey and Mabel Prescott Wendco Group/Wendy’s Helen Clements Robert Lopp Terry Prewitt and Karen Whitrock Associates, Inc. Robert P. Coletta Richard and Cindy Lundquist Haworth William H. Smith and Fred and Pamela Cochran Shawn G. and Scott G. Regions Bank Associates

BUILDERS Jay and Kathleen Aronson Davis, Seaside Community Frank and Julie Kovach, Annette Seda Development Corporation Resort Interiors Cheryl and Willie South Walton Rotary Club Baumgartner Dixon Lumber Tim and Marlene Kruger Sugar Beach Sertoma Beta Sigma Phi, First National Bank and Trust Marian McBryde John Sullivan and Susan Laureate Gamma Phi Sheryl McCowen Chapter Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Fleischer Guentzel Merrill Lynch George and Beryl Brenner Mary Louise Gallagher The Totten Family Louise Gardnier Michelle Nicholson Anthony and Tracey Vanguard Bank & Trust Brocato, Accent Tile and Gatlin Lumber William D. Nobles III Edmond Waters, Stone, Inc. Paine Webber Max and Fran Gerstman A.G. Edwards & Sons Dr. and Mrs. Ben Carr Mr. & Mrs. Tom Palcic Robert Herbert, Norma R. Webb Choctaw Engineering Professional Moving Prudential Securities Services Jane Whelan Carolyn Crotzer Joyce Shanahan Penelope Wright CSR Zarco Amy Jameson Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arthur Johanson Gund Lyle and Carrie Wurdeman

In August 2002 the Northwest Florida Ballet and Sybil Smith Lebherz Center for Dance Education opened its doors in downtown Fort Walton Beach after a three-year fund raising campaign and a thirty-three-year history of service to the residents of Northwest Florida.

Founded in 1969 by dance pioneer Bernadette Clements, Northwest Florida Ballet was originally called the Fort Walton Beach Ballet. The name was changed to the Northwest Florida Ballet in 1987 to better reflect its geographic service area. The organization’s mission is to provide quality dance performances and instruction for Northwest Florida; identify and develop talented dancers; and increase appreciation of the arts through public education and outreach.

In 1995, former NFB student Todd Eric Allen returned to the area after a distinguished career with and Les Grands Canadiens to accept the position of Director of the Company. Mr. Allen’s talent, his leadership skills, and his extensive performance experience have contributed greatly to the continued growth and success of the Company.

NFB offers world-class performances and training to the community, and reaches thousands of school children through public programs and student performances. In 2002 NFB opened its unique arts education program, the NFB Académie, offering superior academic education and ballet training to young students in grades 3-8 free of charge. For students grades 9-12 NFB created its Pre-Professional Program, an intensive course of study for young men and women who wish to pursue careers as professional dancers. Todd Eric Allen, Artistic Director/CEO Todd Eric Allen is the Artistic Director/CEO of the Northwest Florida Ballet. He grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and began his training in classical ballet at the age of 14 with Bernadette Clements. One year later he received a scholarship to attend the School in New York City, where he studied for five consecutive years; he attended Virginia Intermont College as a scholarship student and was awarded a Dance Magazine Scholarship in 1985 to the Choreographer’s Conference in Geneva, New York.

Mr. Allen has danced with the , Boston Ballet and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and has performed as a guest artist and teacher throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. He has also had the honor of performing at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., on two separate occasions, for Presidents George Bush and . Allen has an extensive background in the classics and Balanchine ballets, and has performed featured roles in ballets by Elisa Monte, , Mark Morris, Nacho Duato, James Kudelka, Hans Van Manen and Lucinda Hughey. In May of 2000 Mr. Allen was one of fourteen dancers asked to perform in Ocean Dance 2000 featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov and the White Oak Dance Project. In 2004 he was invited to perform with the Broadway cast in the Tony Award winning Musical, Movin’ Out, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp, music by Billy Joel.

He has choreographed 30 original works and classical ballets and 8 operas, has taught at The USA International Ballet Competition and many master classes and workshops in the US and internationally and has served on the jury of NBA Ballet’s Japanese National Ballet Competition in Tokyo, Japan.

In the summer of 1995 Todd returned to his hometown of Fort Walton Beach, Florida as Artistic Director/CEO of the Northwest Florida Ballet. Over the past 20 years, he has committed himself to his community by developing young minds and bodies through innovative dance education programs, creating an awareness of dance in Northwest Florida and exposing his audiences to a variety of classical and contemporary works. In 2003 Mr. Allen received the Cox Bravo Champion of the Arts Award in Northwest Florida for his work in establishing the NFB Académie, a free academic and artistic education elementary and middle school located in the NFB studios, he has also received the Elvie DeMarko Dance Achievement Award from The Arts Council of Northwest Florida and has served on various grant panels in the state of Florida for the Division of Cultural Affairs and the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation in Baltimore, Md. His groundbreaking work in arts education was featured in Dance Teacher magazine (Nov, 2004) and in Teacher Magazine, a Department of Education publication (May 2005). The Northwest Florida Ballet is now one of the largest and most respected arts organizations in Northwest Florida and has received national recognition for its innovative programs. Sharon Allen, Assistant Artistic Director Sharon Allen, holds BFA in Dance from Radford University and a Professional Educators Certificate by the state of Florida Department of Education, has studied with North Carolina School of the Arts, Richmond Ballet and Boston Ballet School. She has performed with Ballet Theatre of Boston, Boston Dance Co., Impulse Dance Co., Mill Mountain Theatre and Southwest Virginia Ballet. Ms. Allen taught ballet and jazz for the Harvard-Radcliffe Dance Department, the Jeanette Neill Dance Studio in Boston, the Fort Wayne Ballet, and the University of West Florida. She is a certified instructor of Pilates through the PhysicalMind Institute, Kathy Corey Pilates, and the Restorative Exercise Institute. Ms. Allen has enjoyed teaching students of all ages for over 22 years. She and her husband, Todd Eric Allen have made significant contributions to the arts in Northwest Florida in founding a free integrated arts and academic education program for 3rd-8th grade. Most recently Ms. Allen has been a cast member for the touring company of Lightwire Theater.

Dorothy Daniels Lister, Ballet Mistress Before joining the NFB staff Dorothy Lister directed the children’s program at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. She began her training in Pensacola with Elvie DeMarko and then trained at the Swoboda School, New York University, Hunter College and the Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo. She taught at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the Kingsborough College of the Performing Arts, and now has former students performing in all mediums of dance from classical ballet companies to Broadway.

Bernadette Clements Sims, Founder Bernadette Sims studied with Mary Lou Noletto, Lee Partridge and Duane Dishion. At the age of 18 she auditioned for and placed third in a regional audition for study at the School of in New York City. She won a scholarship to study with Alexandra Danilova at the Ballet Arts Studio at Carnegie Hall. She also studied with Robert Joffrey and Richard Englund and performed with the Mobile Ballet, the New Orleans Ballet and the Birmingham Ballet. In 1964 she was 1st runner up to Miss Alabama. After marrying she moved to Fort Walton Beach and founded the Northwest Florida Ballet in 1969. 2014-2015 PRINCIPAL ARTISTS & SOLOISTS freelance artist. Classical Balletfor the2013-2014 seasons. Iamcurrently aProfessional Ballet for the2012-2013seasons Willie returns home toColumbia for the2011-2012seasons. After performing withRochesterCity to soloistin2009. Hewillbereturning toColumbiaClassicalBallet and hisabilitytospinlike atop–were enchanting. Hewaspromoted amazing skillandtechnique–mostnotably hisgreat heightsinjumps he positively sparkledasPtolemy, Cleopatra’s younger brother. His brother. The Free Times notedthathewasa “Powerhouse” andthat and Cleopatrainwhichhewascastas Ptolemy, Cleopatra’s younger Spanish inNutcracker, DraculaBalletwithaBite, Beauty andtheBeast Wall &Onto theStage, The LionKingMali, Frankenstein, Russianand He joinedColumbiaCityBalletin2006andhasperformed inOffthe renowned InternationalBalletCompetitioninJackson, Mississippi. in theSeniorDivision. In2006 Willie waschosentocompeteinthe the American BalletCompetitionandwasawarded anoverall Bronze duringtheregional’s. Category Contemporary In2006heattended received andaBronze aGoldMedalinthe ClassicalCategory inthe Category.in theContemporary Willie competedagainin2006and awarded aSilver andaBronze Medalinthe ClassicalCategory Medal inthe Willie participated Youth American GrandPrixregional’s andwas Diana and Acteon, Flames ofParisandtheJester inCinderella. In2005 Jekyll &Hyde, Snow White, Beauty&theBeast, Nutcracker, Lifechance, Ballet. In2003, hejoinedColumbiaClassicalBalletperforming in Governor’s Schoolfor the andHumanities Arts Washington insummer intensiveparticipated programs with The SouthCarolina Dance attheageoffourteen. Over thenextfour summers Willie training withDebbieSpivey ofFootnotes, The Schoolfor Classical Willie Moore, Jr. ofColumbia, SouthCarolina beganhisdance Willie Moore, Raul Peinado, George Balanchine’s DanceFantasy, , andSerenade. the GeorgiaBallet, where hewasselectedtoperform leadingroles in Ballet andEglevsky Ballet. Mr. Peinado alsodancedfor 3seasonswith Dance Theater, Andalusia Ballet, South West Virginia Ballet, Mobile Theater,Dance Dance Theater,Theater, Alabama Atlanta North Atlanta United States, includingRuthMitchellDance Theater, GwinnettBallet for manyperformed asaguestartist regional balletcompaniesinthe Honors Award for outstandingperformance by thecitymayor. Raulhas Dance Festival inFukuoka, Japan. There hewasawarded theCity aguest dancerfor twoparticipated years attheFukuokaInternational choreographed by ’s SusanJaffe. Mr. Peinado andrenownedFestival withpartner ballerinaMistyCopelandinaduet dancer there for 3seasons. inthe2008BuffaloDance Raulparticipated In 2006hejoinedtheConnecticutBalletandperformed asaprincipal Peridance Ensemble, ConfigurationDance, andFauneDance Troupe. the following dancecompanies: RebeccaKelly Ballet, DancesPatrelle, for 5years. While inNew York, hehasbeenacompany memberof New York. HethenjoinedtheJoffrey BalletEnsemble, where hedanced States andwasoffered afullscholarshipattheJoffrey BalletSchoolin in DonQuixoteandSwanLake. In2000, RaulcametotheUnited He alsoperformed asaguestdancerwiththeNationalBalletofCuba for 3years where heperformed mostclassicalballetrepertoire. Alonso. While inSpain, RauldancedasasoloistwithBalletClasicode the Victor UllateBalletSchool, andCristina Alvarez atCatedra Alicia his dancetrainingonfullscholarshipwithballetmaster Victor Ullateof Raul Peinado wasbornandraisedinMadrid, . There hebegan Principal Guest Artist Principal Principal Guest Artist Principal SEAN HILTON, Principal Guest Artist Sean Hilton is currently a movement artist with the Atlanta based gloATL under the direction of Lauri Stallings. He recently relocated to Atlanta after spending two seasons with the NYC-based Armitage Gone! Dance company under the direction of Karole Armitage. Prior to this he spent three seasons with River North Dance Chicago Company performing works by Robert Battle, Lauri Stallings, Lynn Taylor-Corbett, Kevin Iaega Jeff, Julia Rhodes and Harrison McEldowney to name a few. In addition to his company work Sean teaches throughout the U.S. and has been on faculty at The University of South Carolina, The Northwest Florida Ballet, Ballet Tennessee, The Lou Conte Dance Studio, River North Dance Chicago and Thodos Dance Chicago. He was also a recipient of the inaugural 2012 Walthal Fellowship through the Atlanta organization, WonderRoot.

JEFFREY SENIOR, JR., Demi-Soloist Jeffrey began is dance training with the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven, Connecticut where he was born and raised. Upon his graduation, he began his classical ballet training at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts also in Connecticut. He later joined Ballet Theater of Maryland where he danced roles in Alice and Wonderland, Romeo and Juliet, Firebird, and The Nutcracker. Jeffrey also danced with Bowen McCauley dance, a neo classical company based in the Metro DC area, where he performed Lucy Bowen’s “Rite of Spring”. While in Maryland, Jeffrey also danced with Suzanne Farrell in George Balanchine’s “” and Jerome Robinson’s “The Concert”. In addition to an extensive repertoire, Jeffrey has also received the Estelle Dennis Dance Award and Scholarship. Some of his other scholarships included Valentina Kozlova Dance Conservatory, The Joffrey Ballet, and . This is Jeffrey’s first season with Northwest Florida Ballet and he is very excited to be preforming and teaching.

JOSEPH MICHAEL GATTI, Principal Guest Artist Gatti is a former and Corella Ballet principal dancer and former first soloist with Boston Ballet. Born in Warwick, New York and raised in Orlando, Florida, Gatti began dancing at the Orlando Ballet School and continued his training with Vadim Fedotov and Irina Depler. Gatti danced with Orlando Ballet as an apprentice from 2001-2003 under the direction of Fernando Bujones. In 2003 he was coached by Orlando Milina for the Youth American Grand Prix ballet competition in New York where he was awarded the Gold Medal and a scholarship to School in London. Upon graduating with honors he received the 2004 Dame Ruth Railton Award for Excellence in Dance After attending the 2003 American Ballet Theater summer intensive he joined the American Ballet Theater Studio Company for the 2004- 2005 season. In 2005 he became the first American male dancer to win the prestigious Gold Medal at the New York International Ballet Competition. Gatti was nominated as the best male dancer for the 2006 Benois de la Danse in Moscow, Russia. In 2006 he became a Bronze Medalist at the USA International Ballet Competition and a Silver Medalist at the Seoul International Ballet competition in Korea. He was also chosen to be featured in a video entitled “The Male Ballet Dancer” presented by master teacher Finis Jhung. In 2007 Gatti was coached by Magaly Suarez for the first World Ballet competition in Orlando, Florida, where he received the Gold Medal. Gatti also received the bronze Medal at the 2010 Istanbul International Ballet Competition. In 2013 Gatti received the Mr. Virtuosity Award at the Dance Open Ballet Festival in , Russia. Some of his principal roles include the Princein Val Caniparoli’s The Nutcracker, Dessire in Kirk Peterson’s Sleeping Beauty, the Prince in Peter - Continued on page 16 Joseph Michael Gatti - Continued from page 15 Stark’s Cinderella, Albrecth in , Romeo in Victoria Morgan’s Romeo and Juliet, Siegfried in Angel Corella’s Swan Lake, Benno in Magaly Suarez’s Swan Lake, Golden Idol in Florence Clerc’s La Bayadere, and many other roles by composers like Stephen Mill, Twyla Tharp, Jamal Story, Helen Pickett, George Birkadze, Russell Ducker, and others. Gatti has been invited to perform as a principal guest artist with Ballet Concerto de Puerto Rico, Western Ballet, Ballet Municipal de Lima, Slovene National Opera and Ballet, Miami International Ballet Festival, Baltic Ballet Festival, Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami, Florida Classical Ballet, Balletto di l’Arena di Verona, Ballet San Jose, NBA Ballet in Japan, The Open Dance Festival in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Stars of the 21st century Gala in Panama, USAIBC, YAGP, and WBC Galas and many other important stages around the world.

ADIARYS ALMEIDA, Principal Guest Artist Almeida is a former Cincinnati Ballet and Corella Ballet Principal Dancer and First Soloist with Boston Ballet. Born and raised in Matanzas, , Almeida’s professional training includes classes at the vocational art school “Alfonso Perez Isaac” in Matanzas and the National Ballet School in . After graduating in 2001 as a professional ballet dancer and teacher she joined the National Ballet of Cuba where she danced for two years under the direction of . She participated in the International Ballet Competition of Havana where she received the Silver Medal in 1997 and 1998 and the Gold Medal in 1999 and 2000. In 1999 Almeida participated in the International Dance Competition in Nagoya, Japan and the Gala of Ballet Muses in Tokyo as the partner of Rolando Sarabia. She was also the first Cuban female dancer to be a finalist at the USA International Ballet competition in 2006. Some of her principal roles include Giselle in Giselle, Juliet in Victoria Morgan’s Romeo and Juliet, Nikya in La Bayadere, Kitri in , Medora in , Odette-Odile in Angela Corella, Victoria Morgan, and Magaly Suarez’s Swan Lake, Clara in Alicia Alonso’s The Nutcracker, Marie and rose in Val Caniparoli’s The Nutcracker, and many other roles in works by choreographers like Lynn Taylor Corbett, Jamal Story, Angel Corella, Ivan Tenorio, Alberto Mendez, Viktor Kabaniaev, George Birkadze, Russell Ducker, Darrel Grand Moultrie, and Trey McIntyre. Almeida has been invited to perform as a Principal Guest Artist with Ballet Concerto de Puerto Rico, Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami, Ballet Mississippi, Miami International Ballet Festival, Florida Classical Ballet, Baltic Ballet Festival, Ballet Tech Ohio, NBA Ballet in Japan, Slovene National Opera and Ballet, Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, Stars of the 21st Century Ballet Gala in Bucharest, Ballet Rosario Suarez, The USAIBC, YAGP, and WBC Galas, Open Dance Festival in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Festival Ballet of Providence, Ballet Met, Ballet Dortmund, Ballet San Jose, Russian Academy of Ballet, The Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition and many other Galas and important stages around the world.

GAYLE MARIE BAUMGARTNER SCHOLARSHIP

In 2005 Northwest Florida Ballet lost one of its own. A NFB ballet student from an early age, Gayle Baumgartner graced our stage in many performances. She was an elegant dancer and a loyal friend. In her memory we have established the Gayle Baumgartner Scholarship Fund to provide an annual scholarship for dance instruction to deserving students.

If you would like to contribute to this fund, please send your tax-deductible donation to: Northwest Florida Ballet, 310 Perry Avenue SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548 KATIA GARZA, Principal Guest Artist Born in Piedras Negras Coahuila, Mexico Katia began her training in Monterrey, Mexico in the Escuela Superior de Musica y Danza de Monterrey graduating in 1995. The same year she joined Ballet de Monterrey and after 6 months became soloist and a year later principal dancer under the direction of Fernando Bujones. In 1997 was invited by the Compania Nacional de Danza in Mexico City to dance the ”Black Swan” in their annual spring season of “Swan Lake”. In 1998, she performed as a guest of Panama’s and start dancing in the Youth Ballet of Monterrey the same year. In 1999, Katia won the silver medal in International Ballet Competition in Peru being the only medal that year being the only medal award that year. In 2000 Katia married Israel Rodriguez and became principal dancer of Orlando Ballet. In 2001 she represented Mexico in the “Jazz World Congress” on Gus Giordano. Katia was a finalist at the 2002 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MS. In 2004 Casa de Mexico and the Mexican Consulate in Orlando gave her an award for her contribution to the community and the arts in the city. Katia has the opportunity to be a guest teacher in Tokyo, Japan from 2006 to 2009 and perform in an international gala in the U.S. in 2009. In 2006 Katia performed in Puerto Rico for the first time and is being coming back every year to perform and choreograph. In 2008 she was a finalist at the “ Hispanic women award Ceremony” in Central Florida. In 2009 the Mexican Consul gave her the award “Angel de la Independencia” for hire with her art the Mexican community and being a model for them in Central Florida. In 2010 she received the award of Outstanding Female in the Arts in the “Hispanic Women that make the difference” in Central Florida. Katia worked as a teacher and dancer at Orlando Ballet from 2000 to 2013, and became an American citizen in 2011. Most recently she won the outstanding teacher award in Youth American Grand Prix in Atlanta. Her repertoire as a principal character includes Don Quixote, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, La Fille Mal Gardee, Coppelia, Cinderella, Corsario, Flames of Paris, La Bayadere, Firebird, La Vivandiere, Esmeralda, Arlequinade and Nutcracker among others. She has the opportunity to work as a choreographer in Ballet of Monterrey, Youth Ballet of Monterrey, ESMD, Tallahassee Ballet, Franceschi Arts Academy (Puerto Rico) Orlando Ballet, Orlando Ballet 2, Orlando Ballet School, Northwest Florida Ballet, Jackson Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, Corpus Christi Concert Ballet, Midland Festival Ballet, Russian Academy (Sarasota), and others. Some of her full-length choreographies are Midsummer Night's Dream, The Little Mermaid, La Bayadere, Luca Bottleblue (Original Story), , Corsaire 2nd act, Don Quixote, Raymonda and La Esmeralda. Since 2000 Katia has been making neoclassical solos for competitions in USA. In October 2013 Katia left Orlando Ballet and start working as a freelance dancer and choreographer. IRG productions made a documentary “Katia Garza My life in Dance” already premier in Mexico in August 31 and will be released in November 2015 in the U.S. COMPANY DANCERS, APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES Corps de Ballet

Jason Bailey Payton Beason Brooklyn Burbidge Ella Brummett

Jonathan Carter Savannah Crabtree Victoria Garofalo Sabrina Lobner

Camille Loftis Madison Mackin Alexandra Trum Apprentices

Makell Burbidge Ansley Daniel Daleia DeJoie Lily Greene

Kameron Kerns Mya Muldowney COMPANY DANCERS, APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES

TRAINEE 3

Jolin Crabtree Amber Holmes Isabell Laws

Josephine Wellborn Ash Willman

TRAINEE 2 Luciana Ato, Weston Burbidge, Amaris Coley, Larissa Kaewrasamee, Kayleigh Logan, Isabella Paone, Ethan Walker, Sadie Wheeless

TRAINEE 1A Lillie Arther, Madison Brice, Makayla Dowling, Mia Griffith, Savanah Jordan, Madeline Larkin, Wyatt Mier, Ginnifer Oden, Alyssa Silva, Jera Trovato

TRAINEE 1B Aubrey Black, Madelyn Blanchard, Sterling Howard, Katherine Johnson, Liam Jones, Keilana Leibold, John Mackin, Samantha West, Liberty White

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NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET 2015-2016 MEMBERS With great appreciation Northwest Florida Ballet salutes those who have contributed to the success of its 2015-2016 season.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP PATRON MEMBERSHIP Kelly Beck Paul and Heather Arthur Heather Brice Melissa Mathis Christina Coley Bob and Elizabeth Sullivan Olin and Lisa Crabtree Amber DeJoie Anna Lisa Daniel Alvin and Stephanie Koposko Seleta Howard Cacy Paone Kira Jordan Bud and Zusette Willman Nampung Kaewrasamee Amy Koza BRONZE MEMBERSHIP Stephanie and Chris Larkin Denise and Don Borough Bryan Laws Marie and Bill Leibold Jennifer Leibold Rob and Teresa Mackin SILVER MEMBERSHIP Kathryn and Bill Madden Kevin and Denise Greene Heyward McKenzie Nia Kellogg Kaori Mier Oden Family CHOREOGRAPHER MEMBERSHIP Esther Shaneyfelt Clay Garden & Gifts Silva Family Tommie Trovato PRINCIPAL ARTIST MEMBERSHIP Linda Watson Destin Magazine Jennifer and Jimmie White PHILANTHROPIST MEMBERSHIP Emerald Coast Magazine St. Joe Community Foundation VIE Magazine

RUTH CRANE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP DONORS Bernadette Sims Ursel & Johann Behnken Wayne, Sun Choa, Suzie Simmons Irene and Howard Fisher Chun Chen and Julia Eng We have a spot just for you...

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Visit nfballet.org/advertise 30677 GA Hwy 129 S Metter, GA 30439 912.685.5090 Please bring items to the collection baskets at performances or the Northwest Florida Ballet studios.

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PROUD TO SPONSOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY

The St. Joe Community Foundation was created with the express purpose of making Northwest Florida a wonderful place to live, work and play. Over the past 16 years, the Foundation has contributed over $18 Million to enhance cultural arts, strengthen education, improve healthcare and protect the environment. The Foundation is honored to be a sponsor of Northwest Florida Ballet as they continue to bring exciting cultural events to our area.

How can we Help You? FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT JOEFOUNDATION.COM © The St. Joe Company 2015 All Rights Reserved. “St. Joe Community Foundation” is a service mark of The St. Joe Company or its affiliates. Keeping us on our toes...

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