Ballet22

presents

The Best of Ballet22

August 27, 2021

at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, California

About the Program

The Best of Ballet22 includes excerpts from Ramón Oller's dramatic and critically acclaimed story-ballet, Carmen, a mix of classic excerpts from Giselle and Le Corsaire, and contemporary works that have been included in past productions by choreographers Joshua Stayton, Jehbreal Jackson, and Myles Thatcher. Stayton's Juntos is a joyous, energetic celebration of being together. Jackson's I Will Follow You Too is a technical and poignant solo, balancing whimsical free movement with a feeling of sincerity and depth. In Thatcher's Heartbeats you will be transported to a club-like environment, where you will witness an array of emotions and interactions you may encounter on an especially memorable night out.

About Ballet22

Founded in 2020 by Roberto Vega Ortiz and Theresa Knudson, Ballet22 exists to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet while focusing on producing and presenting works, ranging from classical to contemporary ballet, that break gender normative traditions, specifically by presenting men, mxn, and non-binary artists "en pointe." Ballet22 is a member of Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Cast

Ballet22's cast includes dancers from all around the world, each chosen for their brilliant pointe work and performance abilities. These mxn are challenging gender stereotypes and rebuilding what it is to be a ballet dancer en pointe.

Evan Ambrose

Lucas Ataide

Daniel R. Durrett

Lorris Eichinger

Brian Gephart

Carlos Hopuy

Roberto Vega Ortiz

ACT I

Grand Pas de Deux from Giselle Act II

Music: Adolphe Adam

Staged by: Roberto Vega Ortiz after Jules Perrot

Dancers: Carlos Hopuy and Lucas Ataide

The Romantic-era ballet Giselle tells the tale of betrayal and forgiveness. The tragic story follows the journey of Giselle, a young peasant who is wronged by their lover and dies of a broken heart. The Grand Pas de Deux from Giselle Act II will transport you to the graveyard where Giselle's spirit reunites with Albrecht for one final dance.

Carmen (excerpt)

Music: Bizet and various artists

Choreography by: Ramón Oller

Staged by: Cristina Alejandra and Ramón Oller

Dancers: Evan Ambrose, Carlos Hopuy, Roberto Vega Ortiz

The Three Odalisques from Le Corsaire

Music: Adolphe Adam

Staged by: Roberto Vega Ortiz after Marius Petipa

Dancers: Lucas Ataide, Brian Gephart, Daniel R. Durrett

The Three Odalisques is an excerpt from a pirate ballet, Le Corsaire. Be dazzled by the athleticism and wittiness of the Three Odalisques. This trio showcases the defiance of oppression and the will to overcome.

INTERMISSION

Act II

Juntos

Music by: Antonio Vivaldi

Choreographed by: Joshua Stayton

Dancers: Daniel R. Durrett, Carlos Hopuy, Roberto Vega Ortiz, Lucas Ataide, Evan Ambrose, Brian Gephart, Lorris Eichinger

I Will Follow You Too

Music by: Johann Sebastian Bach

Choreographed by: Jehbreal Jackson

Dancer: Brian Gephart

Heartbeats

Original Music by: Davide Occhipinti

Choreographed by: Myles Thatcher

Dancers: Daniel R. Durrett, Carlos Hopuy, Roberto Vega Ortiz, Lucas Ataide, Evan Ambrose, Brian Gephart

Heartbeats made its world premiere by Ballet22 on June 18, 2021 in San Francisco.

Best of Ballet22 Crew

Ballet22 Artistic Director: Roberto Vega Ortiz

Ballet22 Executive Director: Theresa Knudson

Center Stage Theater Executive Director: Teri Ball

Center Stage Theater Marketing and Social Media: Jim Sirianni

Lighting Designer: Kaede Kogo

Stage Manager: Antonio Cruz Ventura

Production Support: Joanne Kim

Costumes: Ian Carlos Rojas, Alma del Valle, Elba, Alex Andino, Ramón Oller

Company Class Teachers & Coaches: Cristina Alejandra, Carlos Hopuy, Theresa Knudson, Roberto Vega Ortiz

Thank You

Patrons $250-and beyond

Scott Anderson

Alex & Melissa Bovee

Johnathon Cervelli

Cher Dubbink

Eveline Darroch

Lorris Eichinger

Catherine Engberg

Judy Flannery

Nikolay Grishko

Isaac Hall

Jacqueline Hartman

Chris Hilton

Yoshiaki In

David and Renee Kim

Joanne Kim

Doug and Jean Knudson

Christina Knudson & Cheonho Yoon

Nicole Liboiron & Shirley Poy

Keye Liu

Julia Lupton

Antonia Mancini

David Meders

Simone Miller

Jane Morales

Peter B Nye

Thomas Parke

Christine Pigott

Eva Price

Jose Rivera Lluberas

Paola Santana & Carlos Serrano

Megan Somogyi

Shelley Susman

Atul Teckchandani

Daisuke & Asako Usui

Paula Van der Zwaan

Roberto Vega

Howang Yoon & Jungja Park

Supporter $100-$249

Norman Abramson

Pyrra Alnot

Glenn Biggs

Val Caniparoli

Lee Ann Cragg

Matthew Ebert

Elizabeth Gimzewski

Ariana Gonzalez

Adrienne Harris

Jacquelyn Havner

Alex Ingersoll

Karen Jennings

Jennifer Johnson

Laura Jokela

Shaila Kotadia

Alvaro Montelongo

Joey Oliva

Ashley Orton

Megan Parkinson

Roberto Ruiz

Mayra Santa

Tracee Schultz

Steven Tierney

Donna Une

Victoria Vitalie

Dominque Washington

Renee Williams

Donations are tax deductible through our membership with Intersection for the Arts.

If you enjoyed this evenings performance, please consider making a donation to Ballet22. Your contributions help us pay artists equitably, cover theater rental, and provide budget for costumes.

Thank you for your support!