Ballet22

presents

tōtum

June 18-20, 2021

at the Great Star Theater in San Francisco, California

About the Program

Tōtum, Latin for “all, whole”, celebrates the ability for us to reunite with all the people, places, and practices we have all missed so much this past year. Ballet22 is thrilled to present our first live performance in a theater!

The program will include excerpts from beloved classic ballets, Le Corsaire, Giselle, Carmen, and Paquita. You will also experience contemporary ballets by Nicholas Rose and Myles Thatcher.

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

Serafín Castro

Daniel R. Durrett

Carlos Hopuy

Roberto Vega Ortiz

tōtum

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.

Grand Pas de Deux from Paquita

Music: Ludwig Minkus

Staged by Roberto Vega Ortiz after Marius Petipa

Dancers: Roberto Vega Ortiz and Evan Ambrose

Celebrate love with the Grand Pas de Deux from Paquita. This joyous excerpt tells the story of Paquita, a Spanish gypsy who saves the life of French officer, Lucien. When it is discovered that Paquita is of noble birth, they marry in a big celebration.

The Three Odalisques from Le Corsaire

Music: Adolphe Adam

Staged by: Roberto Vega Ortiz after Marius Petipa

Dancers: Lucas Ataide, Serafín Castro, 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

Ballet du Funk

Music: Various Artists

Choreographed by: Nicolas Rose

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

Ballet22 is proud to bring Ballet du Funk to the Bay Area. Choreographed by Nicholas Rose, "...this ballet is a celebratory ballet, plain and simple. This is a celebration for me and my ancestors Blackness, queerness, and all that I am...HUMAN! I want the audience to get swept away in the artists' energy and the vibe they bring to the stage. I encourage everyone to really listen to the lyrics and jump into the fun of it all!"

Carmen

Music: Georges Bizet

Staged by: Roberto Vega Ortiz after Alberto Alonso

Dancer: Daniel R. Durrett

In this opening solo from Carmen you will experience flashes of freedom and passion, an exhibition of the strength of the independent spirit.

PAUSE

Heartbeats

Original Music by: Davide Occhipinti

Choreographed by: Myles Thatcher

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

A world premiere choreographed by Myles Thatcher with original music by Davide Occhipinti.

Tōtum Crew

Ballet22 Artistic Director: Roberto Vega Ortiz

Ballet22 Executive Director: Theresa Knudson

The Great Star Theater Executive Director: Roger Pincombe

The Great Star Theater Managing Director: Paul Nathan

The Great Star Theater Director of Community Relations: Alice Chu

Lighting Designer: Daniel Weiermann

Stage Manager: Abigail Armendaris

Sound: Lish Powell

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

Filmmakers: Concept o4 (Natasha Adorlee, Max Sachar, Rob Suguitan), Alexander Irwin, and Lázaro González

Company Class Teachers & Coaches: Lorris Eichinger, Carlos Hopuy, Christina Johnson, Theresa Knudson, Christopher Lam, Donghoon Lee, Luis Martínez, and Roberto Vega Ortiz

Thank You

Scott Anderson

Alexander & Melissa Bovee

Cher Dubbink

Catherine Engberg

Nickolay Grishko

Jacqueline Hartman

David and Renee Kim

Rose Kirshner of SF Dance Gear

Doug and Jean Knudson

Nicole Liboiron & Shirley Poy of Contra Costa Dancewear

Julia Lupton

Michelle Tara Lynch

Antonia Mancini

David Meders

Simone Miller

Chris Ouellette

Thomas Parke

Eva Price

Megan Somogyi

Shelley Susman

Myles Thatcher

Intersection for the Arts

Ballet22 is sponsored by