RODNEY GUSTAFSON & WILLIAM SOLEAU, ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
State Street Ballet blends the best of New York’s international dance scene with Southern California’s innovative style. We reimagine the classics and create original works inspired by creative thought leaders and stories, as we explore our multifaceted humanity. Telling stories through dance, we turn music into motion, sharing the joy and inspiration of the arts. Touring productions include The Jungle Book; Carmen; Ballroom; Chaplin; and The Nutcracker.
statestreetballet.com
ROSE EICHENBAUM About the Company State Street Ballet, founded in 1994, is an internationally acclaimed dance company based in Santa Barbara, California, under the bi-coastal artistic direction of Rodney Gustafson and William Soleau. It is a pioneering collaborative that employs dancers from around the world, consistently striving for new and innovative artistic opportunities that serve a broad audience. Each season is dedicated to bringing the high- est standards of artistry to tried and true classical favorites, plus original works that reflect the contemporary nature and talent of the ensemble. The company is comprised of 20 dancers representing six countries. Community engagement programs, arts education, and residencies are available with all touring productions. In-theatre lecture demonstrations, study guides for the classroom, and master classes are options in conjunction with public perfor- mances. Most productions can also include local dance students from your community. Livestreams, pre-recorded events, arts education programs, and interactive Q&A sessions are all available options for virtual engagements. Booking Information Leila Drake, Associate Director State Street Ballet “bright, virtuosic, [email protected] people pleasing ballets” +1 831 239 0623 Artist Representative – Los Angeles Times Rachel Cohen, Executive Director Cadence Arts Network, Inc. [email protected] +1 310 701 9191 more information >
DAVID BAZEMORE The Jungle Book Water, air, earth, and fire intertwine in this dazzling adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic collec- tion of stories. The complexities of the jungle and the personalities of its creatures come alive in this highly entertaining ballet. The Jungle Book premiered to enthusiastic audiences, instantly being called a “crowd-pleaser” and “a joy to behold.” Drama, humor, and daringly athletic choreography have made this a consistently successful touring production. Choreography Rodney Gustafson Additional Choreography Marina Fliagina Kassandra Taylor Newberry Megan Philipp William Soleau Music Milan Svoboda Outreach This production can include local dance students. In-theatre student matinees and study guides for the classroom are the also available for community engagement. Virtual Engagements Jungle Livestreams, pre-recorded events, arts education programs, and interactive Q&A sessions are Book all available options. Booking Information Leila Drake, Associate Director “looking beyond Balanchine State Street Ballet [email protected] and European ‘du jour’ choreography +1 831 239 0623 and building a repertory that is Artist Representative entirely their own” Rachel Cohen, Executive Director Cadence Arts Network, Inc. – SeeDance.com [email protected] +1 310 701 9191 more information > ROSE EICHENBAUM Chaplin This groundbreaking full-length program is based on one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. The story begins at a Charlie Chaplin film festival, where a young girl is mesmerized by the images flickering on the screen. She is pulled into Chaplin’s world, taking on his mannerisms and persona. Chaplin’s story unfolds through her eyes, capturing the comedy, pathos, and surreal life of the genius filmmaker. Choreography Kevin Jenkins William Soleau Edgar Zendejas Music Original compositions, classical, ragtime, and New Age Outreach Educational opportunities are available, including study guides and in-theatre lecture demonstra- tions, for elementary through high school level students. Virtual Engagements Livestreams, pre-recorded events, arts education programs, and interactive Q&A sessions are all available options. Booking Information Leila Drake, Associate Director State Street Ballet [email protected] +1 831 239 0623 Artist Representative Rachel Cohen, Executive Director Cadence Arts Network, Inc. Chaplin [email protected] +1 310 701 9191 “full-throttle modern choreography in more information > the service of narrative art” – Santa Barbara Independent
1000 WORDS BY RYAN ORION Carmen Inspired by Georges Bizet’s blazingly popular score, this original production has dazzled audiences from coast to coast. Artistic Director William Soleau retells the tale of the beautiful gypsy and her desperate lover in a contemporary ballet style that weaves together both classical and modern influences. Intricate storytelling, enigmatic choreogra- phy, and Bizet’s passionate, immortal music make this Carmen a tour-de-force of theatrical drama. Choreography William Soleau Music Georges Bizet Virtual Engagements Livestreams, pre-recorded events, arts education programs, and interactive Q&A sessions are all available options. Booking Information Leila Drake, Associate Director State Street Ballet [email protected] +1 831 239 0623 Artist Representative Rachel Cohen, Executive Director Cadence Arts Network, Inc. [email protected] +1 310 701 9191 more information > Carmen
“blending classical ballet with highly original choreography and contemporary themes” – Los Angeles Times
ROSE EICHENBAUM Ballroom Get in the groove to the sounds of the jazz, swing, and big band greats. Enjoy the smooth moves of diverse ballroom styling, rang- ing from the passion of the tango to the luxurious beauty of the waltz, in this eclectic program that has delighted both music and dance lovers alike. The uplifting and enthusiastic vibe of the mixed repertory appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Choreography Laurie Eisenhower Kassandra Taylor Newberry William Soleau Robert Sund Music A mix of big band, swing, and jazz greats including: Duke Ellingtom George Gershwin Ella Fitzgerald The Andrews Sisters Bing Crosby Frank Sinatra Lawrence Welk Otis Redding Astor Piazzolla and more... Virtual Engagements Livestreams, pre-recorded events, arts education programs, and interactive Q&A sessions are all available options. Booking Information Leila Drake, Associate Director State Street Ballet Ballroom [email protected] +1 831 239 0623 Artist Representative “one of the country’s most Rachel Cohen, Executive Director productive and original contemporary Cadence Arts Network, Inc. [email protected] ballet companies” +1 310 701 9191 – Santa Barbara Independent more information >
1000 WORDS BY RYAN ORION The Nutcracker This holiday family favorite is a tale of adventure, fantasy, and the triumph of good over evil. E.T.A. Hoffman’s classic story of young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince has delighted audiences of all ages for over 175 years. Set to the unforgettable music of Tchaikovsky, with stunning costumes staged against mag- nificent sets, this magical holiday journey enchants like never before.. Choreography Rodney Gustafson Additional Choreography Gary McKenzie Marina Fliagina Megan Philipp Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Outreach This production can include local dance students. Virtual Engagements Livestreams, pre-recorded events, arts education programs, and interactive Q&A sessions are all available options. Booking Information Leila Drake, Associate Director State Street Ballet [email protected] +1 831 239 0623 Artist Representative Rachel Cohen, Executive Director Cadence Arts Network, Inc. the [email protected] +1 310 701 9191 Nutcracker more information >
“a rich, beautiful experience” – Spokane Review
ROSE EICHENBAUM Outreach State Street Ballet offers innova- tive arts outreach programs that complement our touring productions. These opportunities have deep and lasting impacts on both children and adults and break down barriers to inclusion and arts accessibility. Invest in your community by supporting arts education. What We Offer • In-theater matinee performances for students, ranging from 25-45 minutes with interactive Q&A sessions • Curriculum based study guides • Master classes for local dance schools • Community classes for all levels • The chance for 20 - 40 local dancers from your community to be included in our productions Additional Information Cecily MacDougall Director of Education State Street Ballet [email protected] +1 805 252 1324 Booking Information Leila Drake, Associate Director State Street Ballet [email protected] +1 831 239 0623 Artist Representative Rachel Cohen, Executive Director Outreach Cadence Arts Network, Inc. [email protected] +1 310 701 9191 “thank you for your dedication more information > to bringing dance to those of us who cannot normally see it. Bravo!!” – Clovis Community College Clovis, New Mexico Leadership
Rodney Gustafson, William Soleau, Artistic Executive and Artistic Director and Resident Director, founded State Choreographer, has Street Ballet in 1994, after created over 100 ballets a successful performing on companies around career with American the world. As a principal Ballet Theatre. His ballet training, com- dancer and choreographer, he performed bined with Bachelor’s and Master’s in over 30 countries while personally work- degrees in Business Administration and ing with such notable choreographers as Organizational Management, form an ideal Alvin Ailey, John Butler, Toer van Schayk, skill set for building a successful ballet Antony Tudor, Joyce Trisler, Gray Veredon, company. Mr. Gustafson’s mastery of the and Norman Walker. Mr. Soleau’s works art form and innovative management have are part of the repertories of national and made State Street Ballet an internationally international ballet companies, and film, acclaimed company, respected for both theatre, and opera productions. In his artistic excellence and business savvy. two-decade residency with State Street During his dance career, he worked with Ballet, he has produced many of the world-renowned artists, including George company’s signature ballets. Balanchine, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alvin Mr. Soleau was the recipient of the Choo Ailey, Rudolph Nureyev, Jerome Robbins, San-Goh Award for Choreography in 2006. and Antony Tudor. Mr. Gustafson’s credits He serves as Executive Director for the include numerous stage and film perfor- John Butler Foundation, and webmaster mances, as well as choreography, includ- and film editor for the Antony Tudor Ballet ing several full-length works created during Trust. He was named a State Street Ballet his tenure with State Street Ballet. Artistic Director in 2018.
Staff Leila Drake, Associate Director Tim Mikel, Managing Director Marina Fliagina, Repertory Director Megan Philipp, Repertory Director, Denise Grimm, Company Manager Professional Track Coordinator Sammy Jelinek, Production Manager Nicole Thompson, Wardrobe Director Cecily MacDougall, Director of Education Bios > Dancers
Tanner Blee Oscar Bravo Ly Anna Carnes Sergei Domrachev James Folsom Grand Junction CO Santiago, Chile Santa Clarita CA Moscow, Russia San Marino CA
Amara Galloway Arianna Hartanov Amber Hirschfield Chloe Kelley Marika Kobayashi Fairfax VA Denver CO Southbury CT Newark DE Kumagaya, Japan
Ahna Lipchik Francois Llorente Emma Matthews Deise Mendonça John Christopher Piel Milwaukee WI Havana, Cuba Vernon NJ Santa Catarina, Brazil Pittsburgh PA
Apprentices Julia Kamilos Sacramento CA Emily McKinney Los Altos Hills CA
Jack Stewart Noam Tsivkin Saori Yamashita Albuquerque NM Boston MA Sapporo, Japan Bios >