Ballet22

presents

SUMMER SEASON

August 9, 10, 11, 2024

ODC Theater | San Francisco, CA

About Ballet22

Founded in 2020, Ballet22 exists to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet by focusing on producing and presenting works that break gender normative traditions, specifically by presenting men, mxn, and non-binary artists “en pointe.” The company is also dedicated to commissioning works that bring LGBTQIA+ representation to the art form.

Since its founding, Ballet22 has commissioned twelve new ballets that contribute to representation in the ballet world. The company was name by Dance Magazine as “25 to Watch” in 2021 and received an Isadora Dunan Dance Award Nomination for the 2021-22 season for Outstanding Achievement in Performance – Company. 

Under the leadership of Executive Director & Co-Founder Theresa Knudson, and Co-Directors Lorris Eichinger and Daniel R. Durrett, the company continues to expand its relationships with queer artists and creatives, and prioritizes commissioning works that bring inclusion to the LGBTQIA+ community and experience in ballet.

Summer Season 2024 is Co-Directed by Lorris Eichinger, Daniel R. Durrett, and Theresa Knudson. This production was made possible by critical funding from Isaac Hall, Megan Somogyi, David Meders, and the many donors that have worked together to ensure the artists of Ballet22 are compensated. Thank you to Nikolay for providing pointe shoes, and Oscar Perez of Performa Physical Therapy & Pilates for providing physical therapy and care for the dancers during this process.

Note from the Directors

Thank you for joining us for Ballet22’s Summer Season 2024. This is our second production working together as a leadership team of three, and we are so proud to present this program.

Choreographer Christian Denice has been on our radar for some time and everything fell into place to have him join us this season. He has crafted a world premiere in just a week, and we are thrilled to share this work with you. Houston Thomas is a rising star choreographer in the ballet world and it is with great honor that we present two of his works on this program. We are so grateful to William Forsythe for continuing to allow us to re-stage his works on the fabulous Ballet22 dancers. His support and allyship are incredibly meaningful, as he is perhaps the most influential ballet choreographers of our time.

Giselle is a timeless, and even controversial, classic. Is Giselle the most feminist ballet of its time, or is it another tale of female supplication, furthering the trope of damsel in distress? Debated widely, we removed the context of the tale and showed only the core of the ballet: incredible strength and skill, sensitive musicality, and two people fighting for their existence both as a couple and as individuals.

This program is radically brave and groundbreaking. The dancers have never looked so strong and as fearless. The dancers have been diving deep into the iconic traditionalism of Giselle and are tackling the newer contemporary repertoire with incredible virtuosity and joy. Every year, Ballet22 pushes the limit of what is possible for men and non-binary people on pointe, for queer artistry, and voices. This year is nothing short of that, and we are excited to see how far we can keep pushing. Thank you for being here to witness history in the making.

We want you to enjoy this experience fully. Please clap and cheer for the dancers as they take a bow, enjoy a beverage, and follow us on social media to stay up to date on our upcoming projects.

Thank you all for being here this evening at the beautiful ODC Theater to support the work and mission of Ballet22! Enjoy the show!

With gratitude,

Theresa, Lorris, & Daniel

ACT 1

Giselle Suite

Choreography by: Jules Perrot and Jean Coralli

Music by: Adolphe Adam

Program Notes: Giselle, a two-act Romantic era ballet, premiered at the Paris Opera Ballet on June 28, 1841 starring famed Italian ballerina Carlotta Grisi in the title role. The ballet was an immediate hit and was restaged throughout Europe and Russia. The story of Giselle begins on a beautiful day with Giselle and friends dancing in the town square. Giselle and Albrecht (a nobleman in disguise) are in love. Hirlarion, Albrecht’s nemesis, reveals the truth about Albrecht, and his secret engagement to another person of nobility. Giselle suffers am episode of grief and dies of heartbreak. Upon death, Giselle is summoned by a sisterhood of ghosts called Willis who share a commonality of being betrayed by their lovers. The Queen of the Willis, Myrtha, and the Willis take revenge by capturing men that pass by their graveyard in the night, and forcing them to dance to the death. Albrecht comes to mourn at Giselle’s grave and is met by the Myrtha and the Willis. They condemn Albrecht to dance to the death. Giselle forgives Albrecht, and dances and encourages Albrecht until the sun comes up. Albrecht survives the night due to Giselles compassion and love. Giselle, finding closure, is then able to return to the grave and rest in peace.

Excerpts From Giselle Act I

Giselle Act 1 Variation: Trevor Williams

Variation 2: Maxfield Haynes

Variation 3: Zsilas Michael Hughes

Variation 4: Kobe Courtney

Coda: Kobe Courtney & Trevor Williams

Excerpts From Giselle Act 2

(In order of appearance)

Myrtha: Daniel R. Durrett

Monya: Maxfield Haynes

Zulme: Zsilas Michael Hughes

Giselle: Ashton Edwards

Albrecht: Victor Maguad

Intermission

ACT 2

Approximate Sonata

Choreography by: William Forsythe

Music by: Thom Willems

Staged by: Daniel R. Durrett

Dancers: Ashton Edwards & Daniel R. Durrett

Program Notes: Approximate Sonata is a suite of contrasting duets originally choreographed in 1996, and revised in 2016. The ballet highlights a sculpted, yet minimalist reinterpretation of classical ballet. Moody and suspenseful, the specific pas de deux excerpted in this program highlights loose limbs and twisted shapes. Despite Forsythe’s enduring influence on the ballet world, his works continues to challenge what is possible in ballet.

Solo02: KANA

Choreography by: Houston Thomas

Music by: Johannes Goldbach

Staged by: Daniel R. Durrett

Dancer: Kobe Courtney

Program Notes:

"Solo 02: Kana" was crafted for Kanako Fujimoto, principal dancer with the Dresden Semperoper Ballet, and debuted at the Ballet Ensemble Gala in Osaka, Japan, in August 2022. This piece marks the second entry in Houston Thomas's Solo series, following "Solo 01: 3 Parts Ligeti," which was created for Marcelo Gomes.

Love Me Tender (World Premiere)

Choreography by: Christian Denice

Music by: Perfume Genius

Dancers:

Ashton Edwards, Maxfield Haynes, Trevor Williams

Program Notes:

“I really wanted to challenge myself to explore my queer identity and the struggles with fear, guilt, and shame that coincide with my journey of acceptance as a gay man in this world; these struggles that often can feel like they unite in my body in some twisted dance. The work, “Love Me Tender” seeks to question my own beliefs and relationship with the ideas of love and belonging and at times, the desperate feeling to be seen, held, and loved. I want to treat it like a love letter to myself and to anyone questioning their worthiness.”- Christian Denice

Bass Am Wasser

Choreography by: Houston Thomas

Music by: Johannes Goldbach

Staged by: Thomas Bieszka

Dancers:

Kobe Courtney, Daniel R. Durrett, Zsilas Michael Hughes, Victor Maguad

Sponsored by: Lena Chang

Program Notes:

"Bass am Wasser" was created for the Hamptons Dance Project in 2022, featuring an original score by Johannes Goldbach. Set against the stunning backdrop of Gardiners Bay in East Hampton, the ballet explores the dynamic relationship between nature and dance. Inspired by the surrounding natural beauty, the performance seeks to integrate these elements to enhance the artistic expression.

Houston Thomas aimed to infuse the ballet with the essence of its environment, using the views of Gardiners Bay as a central influence. He experimented with how the vast expanse of water could be portrayed to shift the audience’s perception and deepen their engagement with the work.

In this ballet, the music transcends its role as mere accompaniment, becoming the heartbeat of the performance. It begins with the rhythmic metronome and the soothing sound of waves gently lapping the shore, establishing a connection between the land and the water. This musical foundation not only anchors the ballet but also subtly guides the audience's perception, blending the natural world with the art of dance.
Ultimately, "Bass am Wasser" is a celebration of the natural world and its seamless integration into the realm of dance, inviting viewers to experience a unique dialogue between nature and movement.

The Directors

  • Theresa Knudson

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER, TREASURER

  • Lorris Eichinger

    CO-DIRECTOR, VICE PRESIDENT

  • Daniel R. Durrett

    CO-DIRECTOR, DANCER, BOARD

Leadership Biographies

The Artists

  • Kobe Courtney

    DANCER| Freelance, NYC

  • Daniel R. Durrett | Sponsored by Megan Somogyi

    CO-DIRECTOR & DANCER | Soloist, Boston Ballet

  • Ashton Edwards | Sponsored by Mary Lawrence Hicks & Rhodes L. Bruns

    DANCER | Corps de Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet

  • Maxfield Haynes

    DANCER | Freelance, NYC

  • Zsilas Michael Hughes

    DANCER | Corps de Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet

  • Victor Maguad | Sponsored by Downey Brand, LLP

    DANCER | Sacramento Ballet

    Courtesy of Sacramento Ballet

  • Trevor Williams

    DANCER | Ballet Pensacola

Artist Biographies

The Choreographers

  • Christian Denice

    LOS ANGELES, CA

  • William Forsythe

    NEW YORK, NY

  • Houston Thomas | Sponsored by Lena Chang

    CHICAGO, IL

Choreographer Biographies

Stagers, Coaches, & Teachers

  • Thomas Bieszka

    Stager for Houston Thomas’ “Bass Am Wasser”

  • Meredith Webster

    Rehearsal Coach for Giselle

  • Kaori Ogasawara

    Company Class Teacher & Rehearsal Coach for Giselle

  • Christopher Lam

    Company Class Tacher & Rehearsal Coach for Giselle

  • Coral Martin

    Company Class Teacher

  • Sandra Chinn

    Company Class Teacher

Biographies

The Team

Artistic Co-Directors for Summer Season 2024:

Lorris Eichinger, Daniel R. Durrett, Theresa Knudson

Executive Director & Co-Founder: Theresa Knudson

Board of Directors:

Megan Somogyi, President, Lorris Eichinger, Vice President, Joanne Kim, Secretary, Theresa Knudson, Treasurer, Daniel R. Durrett

Artistic Advisory Committee: Lorris Eichinger, Daniel R. Durrett, Natasha Adorlee

Business Advisory Committee: Megan Somogyi and Isaac Hall

Social Media Manger: Daniel R. Durrett

Public Relations: Kimberly Giannelli

Lighting Designer: Daniel Weiermann

Costumes: Ballet22

Videography: Alexander Irwin

Photography: Maximillian Tortoriello

Physical Therapy: Oscar Perez, Performa Physical Therapy & Pilates

Production Support: Byron Roman II & Ryan Rouland Smith

Company Teachers and Coaches: Thomas Bieszka, Christopher Lam, Kaori Ogasawara, Meredith Webster, Sandra Chinn, Coral Martin, Daniel R. Durrett, Lorris Eichinger, Theresa Knudson

Stage Manager: Theresa Knudson

Backstage Manager: Mary

Sound Technician: Shy Baniani

Studio space provided by: BlackBox Studios, Oakland

Opening Night After Party hosted by: Curio, Katie Conrad, & Lorris Eichinger

ODC Theater Team: Katya Ponomarenko, Audience Services Manager & Chris Chamberlin-Miner, Production Coordinator

Supporters & Sponsors

Patrons & Artist Supporters

Lena Chang, Artist Sponsor of Houston Thomas

Isaac Hall

The Hesita Fund

Mary Lawrence Hicks & Rhodes L. Bruns

David Meders

Megan Somogyi, Artist Sponsor of Daniel R. Durrett

Downey Brand LLP: California Law Firm, Artist Sponsor of Victor Maguad

Supporters

Adobe Inc.

Judy Flannery

Contributors

Larry Baker

Sarah and Alfredo Cahuas

Lorris Eichinger

Catherine Engberg

Sandy Gooen

Ellen Little

Peter Nye

Oscar Perez

Christine Pigott

Karen Rosenberg

Selina Shek

Lisa Stevens

Atul Teckchandani

Donna Une

Suzy Hong & Anthony Wan

In Kind Support

Pointe Shoes custom made and provided by Nikolay for Daniel R. Durrett, Victor Maguad, Trevor Williams, and Maxfield Haynes.

Downey Brand LLP: California Law Firm provides legal support for Ballet22 and is the Artist Sponsor of dancer Victor Maguad

Oscar Perez, Performa Physical Therapy & Pilates

SF Dance Gear

BlackBox Studios, Oakland

Support Ballet22

If you were moved by this evenings program, please consider making a tax deductible donation. Your donation makes a direct impact to creating new works and compensating LGBTQIA+ artists.

Donations to Ballet22 are tax deductible through our 501(c)(3) non-profit status.

Ballet22’s 501(c)(3) non-profit tax Id is

88-1045747

To donate by check please make checks payable to Ballet22 and mail to:

Ballet22, 3498 School St., Oakland, CA 94602

To wire a donation please contact Theresa at info@ballet22.com