2016 - 2017 SEASON PASSION. DISCIPLINE. GRACE. Attributes that both dancers and our expert group of medical professionals possess. At Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, each member of our team plays an important part in serving our patients with the highest quality care.

We are proud to support the ballet in its mission to share the beauty and artistry of dance with our community.

Exceptional People. Exceptional Care.

23666 Ballet 5.5 x 8.5.indd 1 8/26/2016 3:47:56 PM

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends: Thank you for joining us for our 47th season of the Northwest Florida Ballet. This year will be the most exciting yet, as we debut the Northwest Florida Ballet Symphony Orchestra led by renowned conductor and composer, David Ott.

As a non-pro t 501(c)(3) organization, NFB is highly regarded for providing world-class ballet performances, training students in the art of dance, and reaching out into our community through our educational endeavors. The introduction of the NFB Symphony Orchestra only further enriches our productions and programming, adding an unparalleled level of depth that Todd Eric Allen, NFB Artistic Director & CEO no other in our area can claim.

In many ways, this depth showcases NFB as a cultural mosaic arranged to represent the best of the Emerald Coast. From the facility in downtown Fort Walton Beach where we train our students to the local family attending a ballet performance for the rst time, we recognize that every facet of who we are as an organization is part of this mosaic. Through the people, the places and their stories the NFB mosaic takes shape and provides an incomparable cultural experience.

Our 2016-2017 season features four productions at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College including Lightwire Theater’s Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey, Stars of featuring Ballet Principal Dancers, and From Russia With Love: A Celebration of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Both The Nutcracker and From Russia With Love will feature live musical accompaniment by our newly formed orchestra.

To learn more about Northwest Florida Ballet or order tickets online, please visit us at NFBallet.org. As always, I invite you to reach out to me directly if you have any questions or I can be of any assistance. Thank you again for your support!

Cordially,

NFB is supported, in part, by the Todd Eric Allen Florida Division of Cultural A airs.

NFBallet.org · 850.664.7787 · · PERFORMANCES 2016 - 2017 SEASON

Lightwire Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey Friday, September 23 @ 7:30 pm

Stars of American Ballet Thursday, October 27 @ 7:30 pm

The Nutcracker Friday, November 18 @ 7:30pm Saturday, November 19 @ 7:30pm Sunday, November 20 @ 2:30pm

From Russia With Love Saturday, April 1 @ 7:30pm Sunday, April 2 @ 2:30pm

STAFF & ORCHESTRA

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/CEO Todd Eric Allen

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Sharon Allen

FOUNDER Bernadette Clements Sims

BALLET MISTRESS This season we are pleased to announce the creation of Dorothy Daniels Lister the Northwest Florida Ballet Symphony Orchestra led by renowned conductor and composer, David Ott. MUSIC DIRECTOR David Ott Join us at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center as the NFB Symphony Orchestra provides live musical accompaniment for ADDITIONAL STAFF The Nutcracker and From Russia With Love: A Celebration Jess Kosch, Oce Manager of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Gena Cole, Bookkeeper Sabrina McLaughlin, Marketing & PR To learn more about the NFB Symphony Orchestra visit Shelby-Lynne Sword, Oce Assistant NFBallet.org/Orchestra. BOARD OF DIRECTORS & PAST PRESIDENTS

2016-2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAST PRESIDENTS, cont. Robert Saxer President Brenda Hutchison 1984-86 Ken Borick Past President JoAnne Connell 1986-87 Barbara Speni Vice President Barbara Larnce 1987-88 Todd Eric Allen CEO Helen Deibler 1988-89 Nia Kellogg Secretary Ralph McGuire 1989-90 Paul Scarpulla Treasurer Jan Timothy 1990-91 Bernadette Sims Founder Linda Carr 1991-92 Denise Greene Board Member Penny Eubanks 1992-93 Kevin Greene Board Member Valerie Lukes 1993-94 Linda Watson Board Member Sherry Bowles 1994-95 Je Prescott Board Member Lynda Davila 1995-96 Anna-Lisa Daniel 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 Ruth Crane 1977-78 Je Hooton 2009-10 Susan Johnson 1978-79 Denise Greene 2010-11 Ginny Mitchell 1979-80 Je Prescott 2011-12 Tasia Davis 1980-81 Kevin Greene 2012-13 Anne Pettigrew 1981-82 Kevin Greene 2013-14 Patty Jenkins 1982-83 Ken Borick 2014-15 Ginger Hewitt 1983-84 Ken Borick 2015-16 SYBIL LEBHERZ CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

KEYSTONES Destin Bank Prescott Architects, Inc. Florida Department of State: Div. of Cultural Aairs The Sybil H. Smith Charitable Trust Mary C. Ogletree Clark West CORNERSTONES William W. Abbott Jr., Bill and Joe Garvie Barbara and Perry Lord Sprint Abbott Resorts Mr. and Mrs. Preston Hood Patricia McIlroy Michele W. Steiner Anthony S. Bradley Family Laura P. Howard Northwest Florida Daily News Tasia Davis Les Amis du Ballet Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort PILLARS Steve Abbott Claudia DeMartini Shawn G. and Scott G. Metzger, Kaye Holland Roberts Jane Adair EDSA, Inc SGM Custom Tile and Stone John and Sandra Rushing Installation Aluma-Form, Inc. Michael Flasco Russ and Kim Sailors E. S. Mitchell & Associates W.O. and Patricia Balanzategui Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and G&L Marble Destin Susan Myers Steve Bennett and Hanna Joensuu, Twin Cities Hospital William and Bernadette Sims Gulf Playa Christianne Gibson Tommy Nick, Paul and Jackie Storey Destin Tile and Marble Robert Blythe Engineering Phillip Humber-Garack Consulting Joe and Gloria Thompson Engineers Northwest Florida Improvement Ray and Marion Buckley-Shoultz Foundation John and Patricia Tringas Je Cain Walter Humphrey, Abe and Linda Watson Humphrey & Smith, L.C. Jay and Haley Odom, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLP Crystal Beach Development John and Denise Watts, Linda Jones Choctaw Plaza, LTD Okaloosa Gas Edwin Watts Golf KMS Business Products Corp Charles W. and Carolyn Clary Old Bay Steamer James and Renee Wellborn, James Marks Foundation Wellborn Adventures Roger J. Clary Estate Myra T. Parson James and Sheila Kelley Wendco Group/Wendy’s Helen Clements Richard & Janet Petermann Catherine P. Kirksey Whitrock Associates, Inc. Robert P. Coletta Jerey and Mabel Prescott Robert Lopp William H. Smith and Associates Fred and Pamela Cochran Terry Prewitt and Karen Haworth Richard and Cindy Lundquist Regions Bank BUILDERS Jay and Kathleen Aronson Dixon Lumber Tim and Marlene Kruger South Walton Rotary Club Cheryl and Willie Baumgartner First National Bank and Trust Marian McBryde Sugar Beach Sertoma Beta Sigma Phi, Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Fleischer Sheryl McCowen John Sullivan and Susan Guentzel Laureate Gamma Phi Chapter Mary Louise Gallagher Merrill Lynch The Totten Family George and Beryl Brenner Louise Gardnier Michelle Nicholson Vanguard Bank & Trust Anthony and Tracey Brocato, Gatlin Lumber William D. Nobles III Edmond Waters, Accent Tile and Stone, Inc. Max and Fran Gerstman Paine Webber A.G. Edwards & Sons Dr. and Mrs. Ben Carr Robert Herbert, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Palcic Norma R. Webb Choctaw Engineering Professional Moving Services Prudential Securities Jane Whelan Carolyn Crotzer Amy Jameson Joyce Shanahan Penelope Wright CSR Zarco Arthur Johanson Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund Lyle and Carrie Wurdeman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davis, Frank and Julie Kovach, Resort Annette Seda Seaside Community Development Interiors Corporation EBRATI N EL G C

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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 reect 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 oers 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, oering 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. NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET ARTISTIC STAFF

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 at the age of 14 with Bernadette Clements. One year later he received a scholarship to attend the Jorey Ballet School in New York City, where he studied for ve 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 Bill Clinton. Allen has an extensive background in the classics and Balanchine ballets, and has performed featured roles in ballets by Elisa Monte, Twyla Tharp, 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 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 Aairs 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 Certi cate 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-Radclie Dance Department, the Jeanette Neill Dance Studio in Boston, the Fort Wayne Ballet, and the University of West Florida. She is a certi ed 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 signi cant 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 “Miss Dorothy” to all her students received her early training at the Elvie DeMarko School in Pensacola, continued her studies in New York at the Swoboda School (later the Ballet Russe School). She joined the Ballet Russe and danced with such renowned stars as , Maria Tallchief, Nina Novak, Alexandria Danilova, Igor Yousevitch, , Leon Danelian and Leonide Massine.

After leaving the Ballet Russe, she danced at Radio City in their ballet, made guest appearances in Civic Ballets and Opera Companies. She later performed in Sumer Stock and on Broadway with such stars as Bernadette Peters, Mickey Rooney, Elaine Stritch, and Joel Grey. Her nal Broadway endeavor was in Michael Bennett’s “Ballroom.”

Miss Dorothy began her teaching career and joined the American Ballet Center, the ocial school of the Robert Jorey Ballet Company. For 25 years, she was Head of the Children’s Department. She was responsible for rehearsing 65 children for the New York performances of the Jorey Ballet’s “Nutcracker”. Her credits include co-authoring the book “Conversations with Choreographers” in 1996, interviewing all the well-known choreographers on stage and screen. In 1997, she moved back to the Pensacola area and is now the Ballet Mistress for the NFB, dance coach for Tate High School’s Colorguard, and choreographer for Tate High’s musicals. She is very proud of the students and teachers performing and teaching in all mediums of dance from Classical Ballet Companies to Broadway and television. Her motto is “dance for those who try.”

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 American Ballet 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 Jorey 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. 2016-2017 PRINCIPAL ARTISTS & SOLOISTS

Raul Peinado, Principal Guest Artist Raul Peinado was born and raised in , Spain. There he began his dance training on full scholarship with ballet master Victor Ullate of the Victor Ullate Ballet School, and Cristina Alvarez at Catedra Alicia Alonso. While in Spain, Raul danced as a soloist with Ballet Clasico de Madrid for 3 years where he performed most classical ballet repertoire. He also performed as a guest dancer with the National Ballet of in Don Quixote and .

In 2000, Raul came to the United States and was oered a full scholarship at the Jorey Ballet School in New York. He then joined the Jorey Ballet Ensemble, where he danced for 5 years. While in New York, he has been a company member of the following dance companies: Rebecca Kelly Ballet, Dances Patrelle, Peridance Ensemble, Con guration Dance, and Faune Dance Troupe. In 2006 he joined the Connecticut Ballet and performed as a principal dancer there for 3 seasons. Raul participated in the 2008 Bualo Dance Festival with partner and renowned ballerina Misty Copeland in a duet choreographed by ’s Susan Jae. Mr. Peinado participated a guest dancer for two years at the Fukuoka International Dance Festival in Fukuoka, Japan. There he was awarded the City Honors Award for outstanding performance by the city mayor. Raul has performed as a guest artist for many regional ballet companies in the United States, including Ruth Mitchell Dance Theater, Gwinnett Ballet Theater, Alabama Dance Theater, North Atlanta Dance Theater, Atlanta Dance Theater, Andalusia Ballet, South West Virginia Ballet, Mobile Ballet and Eglevsky Ballet. Mr. Peinado also danced for 3 seasons with the Georgia Ballet, where he was selected to perform leading roles in George Balanchine’s Dance Fantasy, Apollo, and Serenade.

Joseph Michael Gatti, Principal Guest Artist Gatti is a former and Corella Ballet principal dancer and former rst 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 . 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 rst 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 rst 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. continued on next page... Joseph Michael Gatti, cont. 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 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, , NBA Ballet in Japan, The Open Dance Festival in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Stars of the 21st century Gala in , 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, Cuba, 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 Alicia Alonso. 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 . She was also the rst Cuban female dancer to be a nalist at the USA International Ballet competition in 2006.

Almeida is a former Cincinnati Ballet and Corella Ballet Principal Dancer and First Soloist with Boston Ballet. Born and raised in Matanzas, Cuba, Almeida’s professional training includes classes at the vocational art school “Alfonso Perez Isaac” in Matanzas and the National Ballet School in Havana. 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 Alicia Alonso. 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 rst Cuban female dancer to be a nalist 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 Don Quixote, Medora in Le Corsaire, 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. continued on next page... 2016-2017 PRINCIPAL ARTISTS & SOLOISTS, cont.

Adiarys Almeida, cont. 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. Je rey Senior, Jr., Demi-Soloist Jerey 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. Jerey 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, Jerey also danced with Suzanne Farrell in George Balanchine’s “Swan Lake” and Jerome Robinson’s “The Concert”. In addition to an extensive repertoire, Jerey has also received the Estelle Dennis Dance Award and Scholarship. Some of his other scholarships included Valentina Kozlova Dance Conservatory, The Jorey Ballet, and . This is Jerey’s second season with Northwest Florida Ballet and he is very excited to be preforming and teaching.

Andres Estevez, Principal Guest Artist Andres Estevez began his training in Havana, Cuba, and later joined Ballet Nacional de Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso. He was a principal dancer with Ballet Clasico de la Havana under the direction of Laura Alonso. His career includes international tours and guest appearances as well as gold, silver and bronze medals in competitions in Cuba and Brazil. In 1996, Mr. Estevez traveled to the U.S. and joined where he performed many works from George Balanchine. In 1998, he joined Orlando Ballet as a principal dancer under the direction of Fernando Bujones and danced roles including Albretch in Giselle, Franz in Coppelia, Basilo in Don Quixote, solo in Bayadere and many works from Twyla Tharp and Bruce Marck. In 2010, Mr. Estevez recieved the Violetta Boft Award and performed the roles of Oberon in Mid Summer Night Dream, Don Jose and Escamillo in Carmen and many others. Caitlin Valentine-Ellis, Principal Guest Artist Caitlin Valentine-Ellis began her training in New Jersey before joining Orlando Ballet, led by Fernando Bujones, at age 16. She later danced at as a soloist. Throughout her career, Ms. Valentine-Ellis has performed numerous principal roles including Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella in Cinderella, Daisy in The Great Gatsby, The Survivor in Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project, Lise in La Fille mal Gardee, Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Guinevere in Camelot and many other soloist roles. She has been featured in contemporary works by Val Caniparoli, Edwaard Liang, Matthew Neenan, Dwight Rhoden and Amy Siewert, and she has enjoyed performing Balanchine’s Serenade, Who Cares?, Allegro Brillante, Theme and Variations and Jerome Robbin’s Fancy Free. Her awards and honors include a Bronze Medal at the New York International Ballet Competition in 2003, Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2005, and a nalist and the Jury Award recipient at the USA International Ballet Competition in 2006. She has also enjoyed performing in national and international galas.

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 COMPANY DANCERS, APPRENTICES & TRAINEES

CORPS DE BALLET

Payton Beason Brooklyn Burbidge Makell Burbidge Savannah Crabtree

Jolin Crabtree Victoria Garofalo Lily Greene Camille Loftis

Alex Trum Josephine Wellborn Sadie Wheeless Ash Willman

APPRENTICES

Luciana Ato Amber Holmes Larissa Kaewrasamee Kayleigh Logan TRAINEE 3

Lillie Arthur Makayla Dowling Ainsley Hayek Savanah Jordan

Madeline Larkin Keegan Lloyd Thomas Tona Wyatt Mier

Mia Grith Alyssa Silva

NOT PICTURED: WHITNEY WILES

TRAINEE 2 Madison Brice, Madelyn Blanchard, Weston Burbidge, Sterling Howard, Katherine Johnson, Liam Jones John Mackin, Isabella Paone, Samantha West, Liberty White, Ethan Walker

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MOON MOUSE: A SPACE ODYSSEY A cosmic adventure about celebrating differences Marvin the mouse wants to be popular. Constantly bullied and picked on by the "cool" rats, he is labeled as a looser and a geek. As respite from the continuous badgering, he retreats into his science books and a world of fantasy. He longs to have adventures and to be the hero.

Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime. On a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket, he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures and learns of infinite peril and awesome beauty. Will Marvin make his dreams come true and bring him the glory and acceptance he craves?

CREATED BY: Ian Carney & Corbin Popp

DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER: Ian Carney

COMPANY MANAGER: Eleanor Carney

TOUR MANAGER & ENSEMBLE: Stephen Charles Nicholson

MARVIN THE MOUSE: Eleanor Carney

ENSEMBLE: Taylor McClellan, Michael Bagne, April Dayok

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Barry Mendelson

Lightwire Theater has been featured as the winner of Tru TV’s Fake Off (Season One), semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent (Season 7) and as finalist on My TF1’s, The Best Le Meilleur Artiste in Paris.

Internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry and poignant storytelling, Lightwire Theater is based in New Orleans and continues to create and deliver innovative theatrical experiences to audiences worldwide including: Hong Kong, Taipei, Estonia, Canada, Russia, Europe, Belarus, China and Abu Dhabi.

Mendelson Entertainment Group proudly manages and represents Lightwire Theater. MOON MOUSE CAST IAN CARNEY (Creator, Director and Choreographer) Ian is best known for his long run in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s musical, Movin’ Out on Broadway. Born in New Hampshire and raised in New Orleans, he started dancing as a child, studying ballet in New Orleans and in New York City. He danced lead roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and many other ballets. He has been a guest dancer, teacher and choreographer in companies across the United States. While still performing, Ian earned a degree in English Literature from Tulane University. He is the co-creator of the family shows that continue to delight audiences around the world - Dino-Light, The Ugly Duckling, Lightwire the Show and A Very Electric Christmas. Ian has appeared on television with Lightwire Theater on America’s Got Talent, TF1’s The Best show in France and as the winner of Tru TV’s season one of Fake Off.

ELEANOR B. CARNEY (Company Manager) Originally from New Orleans, Eleanor began her dance training with Harvey Hysell and Joseph Giaccobbe. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Anthropology. She has danced professionally with Indianapolis Ballet Theater as well as the Lexington, Northwest Florida , Delta Festival and Montgomery Ballets. Career highlights include dancing Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Desdemona in The Moor’s Pavane, the title roles in Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Giselle and Coppelia and, of course, the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Mrs. Carney is delighted to have appeared with Lightwire Theater on America’s Got Talent, France’s new hit show The Best on TF1 and most recently as the proud winner of Tru Tv’s first season of Fake Off.

CORBIN POPP (Co-Creator) Corbin is from Lincoln, Nebraska. He earned a degree in biochemistry at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, while also studying math, physics and dance. Opting for dance, Corbin performed in The Phantom of the Opera, Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out on Broadway. He has toured throughout the United States with many shows and all over Europe with Tharp’s dance company. Corbin speaks German, studied in Germany on a Fulbright scholarship and recently graduated from dental school; yet, he still continues to perform and collaborate with Lightwire Theater.

STEPHEN CHARLES NICHOLSON (Tour Manager, Ensemble) Stephen has appeared in many off-Broadway stage productions as well as independent films and is pleased to be joining the cast of Moon Mouse. He earned a BA from Colgate University in Religion with an Asian Studies minor and a MFA in Acting from The Actors Studio Drama School at The New School. He also has many graduate hours in Elementary Education, acquired during his two years teaching grades 2 and 3 with Teach for America in the Louisiana public schools. MOON MOUSE CAST TAYLOR MCLELLAN (Ensemble) Taylor is a New Orleans native, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from Louisiana State University. He has been a working professional in the performing arts and entertainment industries for many years. Television credits include principle roles in commercials for the International Hotel Group (Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo), National Bank Small Business Promo, BBC Channel One, and Marriot Hotels. Theatrically, he has had the opportunity to perform across South Louisiana with companies such as the Swine Palace Theatre Company, American Theatre Project, Southern Rep, and the Neutral Ground Ensemble. He has also performed in numerous theatre festivals including the Frontera Theatre Festival (Austin, TX), New Orleans Fringe Festival, Orlando Fringe Festival, and also internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Other international credits include modeling with 62 Models and Talent (New Zealand) and also modeling for Conleys, The Fashion Store (Germany). He has served as the Artistic Director of Louisiana Center for Theatrical Arts, and is the co-creator of the Hammond Horror Festival.

MICHAEL BAGNE (Ensemble) Michael is a graduate of Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. He has had the opportunity to perform works by Kiesha Lalama, Daniel Ezralow, David Parsons, Nathan Trice, Sidra Bell, Kyle Abraham, Kim Bears-Bailey, Camille A. Brown and Darrell Grand Moultrie among others. He has danced with the Martha Graham Two Ensemble, Amy Marshall Dance Company, Spectrum Dance Theater, August Wilson Dance Ensemble and Jessica Gaynor Dance. He has performed throughout the Seattle area in Nick Cave’s Sound Suits and has been a guest performer with the Seattle Men’s Choir and Olympic Ballet Theater. After performing throughout the Mediterranean with Norwegian Cruise Lines, Michael joined Lightwire Theater in 2013.

APRIL DAYOK (Ensemble) April grew up dancing in Southwestern Pennsylvania and earned a BA in Jazz Dance from Point Park University. While living in Pittsburgh, she performed with Pittsburgh- based companies H20 Contemporary Dance and The Pillow Project and taught youth Jazz and Ballet in the surrounding area. Now based in New York City, she has performed with Beings Dance, Project Agent Orange, Anahata Dance, and Mark Dendy Dance and Theatre Projects. She worked as an intern in Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for Parkinson's Disease program and recently choreographed a piece that premiered at The Byrdcliffe Theater in Woodstock, NY. She is thrilled to be returning to Lightwire Theater for her third season! 2016-2016 SEASON MEMBERSHIPS With great appreciation we salute those who have contributed to the success of our 2016-2017 season.

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