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2 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
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THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Lauren Hernandez
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dear Friends of The Tallahassee Ballet,
As I step into the role of CEO of The Tallahassee Ballet, I am filled with a deep sense of honor and excitement. Over the last 12 years, I’ve transitioned from Company Dancer to Artistic Associate to Chief Operating Officer to CEO — and I carry with me my love, knowledge and dedication for The Tallahassee Ballet. This institution has been a cornerstone of the cultural fabric of our community for more than five decades. It is truly a dream come true to now lead this remarkable organization.
The Nutcracker is a special performance for all of us, a tradition that encompasses the spirit of the holiday season and brings together audiences from all walks of life. For me, it’s not just about the beautiful production, but also the enthusiasm of community and the shared joy that fills the theater during every performance. With its magical story, timeless music, intricate costumes, and remarkable sets, this production reflects the heart and soul of
The Tallahassee Ballet and the incredible talent that calls this company home.
I’ve been privileged to witness the dedication and passion our artists, volunteers and staff pour into each performance. I want to congratulate our new Artistic Director, Meagan Helman, for stepping into this leadership role with ease, unwavering commitment and an exciting artistic vision. This production, set by Meagan and her artistic staff, is not only a gift of beautiful choreography and dance, but also a gift of love, creativity and artistry that unites us all.
As we embark on this new chapter together, I am excited about the future of The Tallahassee Ballet. I invite you to join me and the artists of The Tallahassee Ballet at our inaugural Fundraising Gala “BEVS, BITES, AND BALLET” on March 27, 2025. This elegant evening will take place at Maclay Gardens, where we will celebrate the many successes of previous CEO Janet Pichard and Artistic Director Tyrone Brooks. Your presence and support of this fundraiser will help off-set the significant impact to our budget, due to the arts funding cut in the state of Florida. Keep an eye out for more details to follow in early 2025.
Thank you for being part of our family and for supporting The Tallahassee Ballet. I am committed to ensuring that TTB continues to be a place where artists can grow and our community can connect through the power of dance. I look forward to the many years ahead of inspiring, sharing and building on the legacy of this incredible organization. Your presence and passion make all the difference. Enjoy this year’s production of The Nutcracker. Revel in the joy, magic, and holiday spirit it will surely bring you and your loved ones.
Warmly,
Lauren Hernandez
CEO, The Tallahassee Ballet
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 5
CELEBRATING
FIVE DoEfCADES DANCE
Capital City Bank proudly supports The Tallahassee Ballet!
Our bankers celebrate the legacy of Helen Salter, who founded the ballet company in 1972, and congratulate the many directors, choreographers, dancers, costume designers and more who have staged spectacular performances throughout more than five decades of dance in our hometown. Thank you for making Tallahassee an even better place to live, work and play.
850.402.7500
www.ccbg.com
6 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Meagan Helman
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Meagan Helman has been with The Tallahassee Ballet since
2015, first serving as a faculty member and later as School
Director, Company Teacher, Ballet Mistress, and now as
Artistic Director. She has a diverse array of professional
experiences as a dancer and educator. Helman is an adjunct
faculty member at Florida State University’s School of
Dance, where she has taught all levels of Ballet and Dance
Technology courses, choreographed, and served as a
rehearsal director. She performed professionally for over ten
years as a principal dancer with Ballet Theatre of Maryland
(BTM), where her repertoire included Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Coppélia, Cinderella, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Firebird, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Nutcracker, Carmen, and The Scarlet Letter, among other classaical and contemporary works.
Helman served as the Ballet Mistress for BTM from 2009-2014, where she also choreographed and taught for the company and school. Her choreography has been performed by Ballet Theatre of Maryland, The Tallahassee Ballet, Florida State University, Delaware Dance Company, Goucher College, and the American College Dance Association. Helman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Goucher College and a Master of
Arts degree in Dance from Florida State University. She also serves as the photographer for FSU’s School of Dance and the performance photographer for The Tallahassee Ballet. Her photographs have been published in Dance Magazine, Dance Studio Life, and Dance Teacher Magazine. She has served on the FSU Friends of Dance Leadership Council since 2017.
Helman is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Lauren Hernandez
Chief Executive Officer
Meagan Helman
Artistic Director/Photography
Kara Griffin
Education Director
Sam Sole
Administrative Assistant & Social Media Manager
Kiersten Boyett
Katy E. Cashin
Choreographer & Répétiteur
Jenny Leavitt
Ticketing Manager
Sarah Krazit
Ballet Mistress
Lori D. Roberts
Media & Marketing Specialist
Resident Costume Designer
Janet Pichard
Boo Hartsell & Michelle Wheeler
Costume Mistresses
Tyrone Brooks
CEO Emerita
Artistic Advisor
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 7
8 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
PHOTO: MEAGAN HELMAN
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 9
Dr. Alexander Jiménez
ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR
A conductor and pedagogue, Dr. Alexander Jiménez serves as professor of conducting and director of orchestral studies at the Florida State University College of Music, one of the leading music programs in the United States. Under his direction, the University Orchestras have become recognized among the most important orchestral training programs in the United States.
A dynamic and versatile podium presence, Dr. Jiménez has
appeared with orchestras throughout the United States, Europe,
and the Middle East, including engagements in Belgium, Austria,
the Czech Republic, Israel, and Italy. Under his direction, the FSU
Orchestras have continued their long tradition of excellence.
Both the University Philharmonia and the University Symphony
Orchestra (USO) have championed new music under Dr. Jiménez and collaborated with such composers as Krzysztof Penderecki, Georg Friedrich Haas, John Harbison, Martin Bresnick, Jeff Beal, Anthony Iannaconne, Christopher Theofanidis, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Chen Yi, Zhou Long, Tomas Svoboda, and Ladislav Kubik. In 2007, the USO was featured in the PBS special Peanuts Gallery®, which was awarded Best Performance of 2007 by the National Educational Telecommunications Association. Dr. Jiménez has premiered new works with the University Orchestras, including world premieres of The General by Emmy Award-winning composer Jeff Beal, the Piano Concerto No. 3 by Ladislav Kubik (Dr. Jiménez led the world-premiere recording of this work with the Brno Philharmonic), Trumpeting the Stone by Brent Michael Davids, and Alma by Harold Schiffman. Dr. Jiménez has recorded with the Mark, CBC/ Ovation, Col Legno, Neos, and Naxos labels. Of the USO’s 2010 recording on Naxos of Zwilich’s works for piano and orchestra, Lynn René Bayley of Fanfare stated that “Alexander Jiménez and the Florida State Symphony, who premiered the Peanuts Gallery, perform all three works here with tremendous sympathy, love, and excitement.” David Hurwitz, writing for ClassicsToday.com, exclaimed, “...the Florida State University Symphony Orchestra
under Alexander Jiménez leaves absolutely nothing to be desired.” In 2014, Naxos released the USO’s recording of the Dohnányi Symphony No. 2 and the world-premiere recording of Dohnányi’s Two Songs for Baritone and Orchestra. Dr. Jiménez has accompanied many of the world’s leading artists covering a wide variety of genres, including Joshua Bell, Lynn Harrell, Denyce Graves, Christopher O’Reily, jazz great Marcus Roberts, the Canadian Brass, Scotty Barnhart, and many others. Since 2015, he has conducted the faculty-led Festival Orchestra of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan.
A highly respected educator, Dr. Jiménez is in demand as a guest conductor, teacher, and adjudicator with youth orchestras and adjudication panels throughout the United States and Europe. Since 2009, he has served on the international jury panel of the European Festival of Music for Young People in Neerpelt, Belgium, and in 2013 was named International Festival Ambassador. From 2010-2012 he served as president of the College Orchestra Directors Association and served as music director of the Tallahassee Youth Orchestras from 2000- 2017. Dr. Jiménez is the recipient of numerous Florida State University teaching awards and has been nominated for the Distinguished Teaching Award.
10 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra
Violin 1 ......................... Frank Trem, Concertmaster Ken Davis, Edward Charity, Kristina Nilsson, Masayoshi Arakawa, Maria Mendez
Violin 2............................................. Petra Bubanja Thomas Roggio, Stacey Sharpe, Nicole Vega
Viola ...................................... Lee Taylor, Principal Melissa Brewer, Allyson Royal, Lambert Hsieh
Cello..................................... Greg Sauer, Principal Kim Jones, Evan Jones
Bass ................................. George Speed, Principal Melanie Punter
Flute..............................Mary Matthews, Principal Pamela Bereuter, piccolo
Oboe...................................Eric Ohlsson, Principal Margaret Cracchiolo, English Horn
Clarinet ............................Deborah Bish, Principal Sam Peliska
Bassoon.............................. Kelsey Short, Principal Robert Alexander
Horn..........................Theodore Branson, Principal Thomas Langston
Trumpet ........................ Brandon Norton, Principal Bryan Goff
Trombone ...................... Hana Beloglavec, Principal Brent Creekmore, Bass
Timpani ....................... Nicholas Montoya, Principal
Percussion............................Kylan Bigby, Principal
Harp.................................Isabelle Scott, Principal
Celesta.............................Deloise Lima, Principal
Singers....................... Anna Marie Friars, Soprano Becky Thompson, Alto
Personnel Manager .......................... Melissa Brewer
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 11
PHOTO: BRANDON SMITH
12 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Dr. Kathryn Karrh (KK) Cashin (1957-2023) CHOREOGRAPHER
Kathryn Karrh Cashin (KK) was a beloved former dancer of The Tallahassee Ballet (TTB) and long-time Resident Choreographer, best known for the brilliant choreography of our production of The Nutcracker.
In addition to The Nutcracker, Cashin is known for numerous chamber works, most notably Boléro. Her full-length ballets include Beauty and the Beast, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coppélia, Cinderella, and The Sleeping Beauty. She also choreographed several children’s ballets and shared her artistry with Florida State Opera, choreographing over 20 works, including The Mikado, Eugene Onegin, Orpheus in the Underworld, and Romeo and Juliet.
The Tallahassee Ballet will always be indebted to her countless hours, creative passion, high standards, and unwavering suppor. Her commitment to TTB was beyond reproach and her kindness had no bounds. Her choreography and influence will be seen in our performances and in our hearts for as long as TTB exists.
See page 11 to learn about the Kathryn Karrh Cashin Performance Excellence Fund.
STAGED BY
Katy E. Cashin
CHOREOGRAPHER & RÉPÉTITEUR
Katy E. Cashin is a freelance choreographer in New York City,
creating works for White Horse Theater Company (WHTC) and
The Tallahassee Ballet (TTB). Cashin’s WHTC productions include
Tennessee William’s A Cavalier for Milady, Sam Shepard’s Eyes
for Consuela, and WHTC Artistic Director Cyndy Marion’s world
premiere, You Are Perfect, which was selected for the 2017 Toronto
Fringe Festival and restaged in Los Angeles, CA in 2018. Cashin has
created ten original works for TTB, including Rhapsody, Retour,
Focus, Mainframe, and Rebonds B. She created works for First Look
presented by Brooklyn Ballet and South Georgia Ballet’s FUSE:
Boots & Ballet. Cashin received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance performance and Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Southern Methodist University, where she performed soloist roles in masterworks by George Balanchine, Maurice Béjart, Arthur Mitchell, and Gerald Arpino. She trained with The Tallahassee Ballet (TTB) under the direction of Joyce Fausone as well as under Christina Paolucci (New York Theatre Ballet), Sheila Humphreys (Royal Ballet), and Richard Sias (National Ballet of Canada). At TTB, Cashin performed several principal and soloist roles in full-length ballets, such as The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Cinderella, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Beauty and the Beast. Cashin received her Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University’s School of International and
Public Affairs in New York City. Cashin is an ABT® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 13
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Synovus is proud to support The Tallahassee Ballet.
Start your journey at
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Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.
14 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 15
Lookingfortheperfect Post-BalletBanquet?
We’re glad you found us.
16 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
SPRING BREAK AND SUMMER
DANCE CAMPS
HALF- AND FULL-DAY
DANCE CAMPS FOR AGES 4-9
✤ Cinderella Spring Break Dance Camp (March 10-14) Online Registration opens January 6, 2025
✤ Summer Dance Camps (June 16 - July 25)
Online Registration Opens February 3, 2025
Themes include:
– Cinderella
– Ballerina Barbie
– Moana
– In My Ballerina Era
– Dance Camp through
the Decades
– The Nutcracker
Instructors with The Tallahassee Ballet School follow the ABT® National Training Curriculum with select instructors certified through Level 7.
Plus ✤ Summer Evening Classes (Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz,
Contemporary, and more) for ages 18mo.-Adult!
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 17
18 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Guests
HARLEQUIN, RAT KING, COFFEE
George Loheac began dancing competitively in New Jersey at the age of seven and spent his summers training at ballet summer intensives. This grew his interest in ballet and eventually led him to pursue ballet studies at Interlochen Arts Academy, a boarding school in northern Michigan. There, he performed principal roles in Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty, among others.
He decided to take his training further at Florida State University to improve his skills in a wide range of dance styles and learn how to build a career as a dance professional. Concurrently, George joined The Tallahassee Ballet to continue his experience in professional ballet.
FATHER
Howard Hardison
AFJROTC Aerospace Science Instructor (ASI) Godby High School
ADULT PARTY GUESTS
Rory Grassman Hugo Grassman Charlotte Heath
Sarah McSoley Seohyeok Wi
Mireyah Davis Anne Harris Jenkins Ella McCrea
Mila Phares
Lilly Shank Harper Thai Charlotte Whalen Taylor Williams
PARTY BOYS
ANGELS
Kevin Clark
Relocation Director & REALTOR® at Coldwell Banker Hartung
Reid Kirkland
Financial Analyst Department of Financial Services
FRITZ . . . . . . . . . . . LoreleiWatkins
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 19
THE NUTCRACKER PROGRAM
OPENING NIGHT SUNDAY MATINEE
SPONSOR
SPONSOR ACT I, SCENE I
The Party
It is Christmas Eve and Clara and her family are celebrating the evening with friends. Suddenly, the party is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious man and his handsome young assistant. He reveals himself to be Clara’s Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, who has brought his nephew to the party. Drosselmeyer entertains the party with magic tricks, automatons, and mechanical dolls. He gives Clara a marvelous Nutcracker doll. The party ends, the guests take their leave, and the family retires. Clara is sad to leave her Nutcracker doll behind and returns to retrieve it, falling asleep under the Christmas tree.
20 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
FIRST COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday 10:30am abbreviated children’s performances
SECOND COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday performances with live orchestra
(*) Guest
Father ............................ Mother............................ Maid.............................. Clara ............................. Fritz.............................. Drosselmeyer....................... Drosselmeyer’sNephew.............. ChestnutVendor.................... AdultPartyGuests ..................
Clara’sFriends......................
YoungLadies.......................
PartyGirls......................... PartyBoys.........................
Harlequin.......................... Columbine......................... Automaton ........................
Howard Hardison* Kara Griffin Sophia Lutinski Logan Click Lorelei Watkins* Christopher Miller Anthony Cefalu Lily Strickland
Marabelle Coggins Sophia Schepers Bailey Corrigan Morgan Manrique Natalie Montoya Rodrigo Pardo Reid Kirkland* Kevin Clark*
Eva Falcon Madeline Luzarraga Miranda Martinez Mabel Prichard Caroline Rowe Alexandra Willlis
Mackenzie Ashburn Julia Perkins
Olivia Harris
Molly Cate Newell
Marianne McSoley Jordyn Hill
Aubrey Hurst
Rory Grassman* Hugo Grassman* Charlotte Heath* Sarah McSoley* Seohyeok Wi*
George Loheac* Sarah Eschrich Elizabeth Mineau
Howard Hardison* Kara Griffin Eleanor Stewart Abigail Bevill Lorelei Watkins* Christopher Miller Anthony Cefalu Ellis Palmer
Marabelle Coggins Sarah Eschrich
Amber Malmstadt-Stasik Morgan Manrique Natalie Montoya Rodrigo Pardo
Reid Kirkland* Kevin Clark*
Eva Falcon Madeline Luzarraga Miranda Martinez Mabel Prichard Caroline Rowe Alexandra Willis
Mackenzie Ashburn Lily Boulo
Olivia Harris
Olivia Standley
Eleanor Nelson Emmy Matthews Adelaide Watkins
Rory Grassman* Hugo Grassman* Charlotte Heath* Sarah McSoley* Seohyeok Wi*
George Loheac* Abigail Centers Malia Morton
Photos: Meagan Helman
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 21
ATTENTION
The Battle Scene includes flashing lights, loud bangs, and use of pyrotechnics.
The Battle
A magical spell falls over the room and the Christmas tree begins to grow to an enormous size. Drosselmeyer uses his magic to make Clara’s beloved Nutcracker doll grow to the size of a man so that he can lead his toy soldiers in battle against the gigantic rats swarming the room. The Rat King appears and challenges the Nutcracker to fight in a duel. The Nutcracker seems to be failing, and Clara, unable to stand it any longer, attacks the Rat King. The Rat King is distracted, allowing the Nutcracker to strike a fatal blow, ending the battle. The Nutcracker, exhausted by the battle, falls motionless to the ground. At Clara’s desperate request, Drosselmeyer revives the Nutcracker.
He has now returned to his true form – that of a handsome young prince.
NutcrackerPrince................... RatKing........................... Mice..............................
Soldiers............................
Cavalry............................
Anthony Cefalu
George Loheac*
Kadesh Camejo Jordyn Hill
Emmy Matthews Marianne McSoley Eleanor Nelson Molly Oaks
Hazel Schroeder Adelaide Watkins
Aubrey Hurst Molly Cate Newell Chloe Nolen
Ellis Palmer
Lily Strickland Olivia Standley
Mackenzie Ashburn Lily Boulo
Sophia Papuchis Julia Perkins
Anthony Cefalu
Rodrigo Pardo
Kadesh Camejo Jordyn Hill
Emmy Matthews Marianne McSoley Eleanor Nelson Molly Oaks
Hazel Schroeder Adelaide Watkins
Aubrey Hurst Molly Cate Newell Chloe Nolen
Ellis Palmer
Lily Strickland Olivia Standley
Mackenzie Ashburn Lily Boulo
Sophia Papuchis Julia Perkins
22 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
ACT I, SCENE II
FIRST COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday 10:30am abbreviated children’s performances
SECOND COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday performances with live orchestra
(*) Guest
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 23
24 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
FIRST COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday 10:30am abbreviated children’s performances
SECOND COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday performances with live orchestra
(*) Guest
ACT I, SCENE III
Kingdom of Snow
The Nutcracker Prince thanks Clara for saving his life and invites her to visit his kingdom, the Kingdom of Sweets. Clara eagerly accepts and joins him on his journey. On the way, Clara and the Prince pass through a beautiful snow-covered forest, the Kingdom of Snow. They are met by the Snow Queen and her court who dance a waltz for them, ending in a wild blizzard.
SnowQueen ....................... SnowPrincesses....................
IcePrincesses ...................... SnowflakesQuartet .................
Snowflakes.........................
Angels.............................
Paige Centers
Kara Griffin Sarah Eschrich Sophia Lutinski Jessica Skinker
Sarah Genzer Miranda Martinez
Elizabeth Mineau Marabelle Coggins Sophia Schepers Cecilia Schmidt
Madeline Luzarraga Faith Rathmann
Amber Malmstadt-Stasik Lauretta Prichard Loralai Michels
Malia Morton Eva Falcon Alexandra Willis
Mireyah Davis* Anne Harris Jenkins* Ella McCrea*
Mila Phares*
Lilly Shank*
Harper Thai* Charlotte Whalen* Taylor Williams*
Carri Britt
Abigail Centers Sarah Eschrich Sophia Lutinski Jessica Skinker
Sarah Genzer Miranda Martinez
Elizabeth Mineau Natalie Montoya Sophia Schepers Cecilia Schmidt
Logan Click
Bailey Corrigan
Amber Malmstadt-Stasik Morgan Manrique Loralai Michels
Malia Morton
Eleanor Stewart Alexandra Willis
Mireyah Davis* Anne Harris Jenkins* Ella McCrea*
Mila Phares*
Lilly Shank*
Harper Thai* Charlotte Whalen* Taylor Williams*
INTERMISSION
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 25
ACT II
Kingdom of Sweets
As the winds calm, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince are led in a magical sleigh to the Kingdom of Sweets by a delegation of Angels. The Dew Drop Fairy assembles the fantastical court at the Sugar Plum Fairy’s palace, eagerly awaiting Clara and the Prince. Upon their arrival, there is much rejoicing in the court. The Nutcracker Prince recounts how Clara saved his life from the Rat King, and they bow to her gratitude. The Nutcracker Prince places a beautiful crown on Clara and presents her as his Princess.
The Dew Drop Fairy leads the young couple to the throne and commands a banquet
of Sweets in Clara’s honor. Clara and her Prince enjoy dances of jumping peppermint, sweet marzipan, swirling chocolate, and more. The Dew Drop Fairy gathers her court of flowers in a festive waltz to celebrate the Nutcracker Prince’s safe return and their new Princess Clara. At the end of the waltz, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier arrive to honor Clara with a grand pas de deux. The entire court rejoices in a sweeping waltz, when suddenly the dancing is interrupted. Sugar Plum Fairy’s palace and her court become distant as the magical spell begins to fade. Clara awakens to find herself at home under the Christmas tree with her beloved Nutcracker doll.
DewDropFairy..................... Abigail Centers
OpeningRoses ..................... Sierra Lowell Lauretta Prichard
Faith Rathmann Caroline Rowe
Lilacs............................. Lily Boulo Olivia Harris Julia Perkins
Mabel Prichard
Garlands........................... Mackenzie Ashburn Chloe Nolen
Ellis Palmer Sophia Papuchis Olivia Standley Lily Strickland
CONTINUED
Paige Centers
Sierra Lowell Lauretta Prichard Faith Rathmann Caroline Rowe
Lily Boulo Olivia Harris Julia Perkins Mabel Prichard
Mackenzie Ashburn Chloe Nolen
Ellis Palmer
Sophia Papuchis Olivia Standley
Lily Strickland
26 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
FIRST COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday 10:30am abbreviated children’s performances
SECOND COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday performances with live orchestra
(*) Guest
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 27
Chocolate .........................
Coffee§........................... Tea............................... Peppermint........................
Marzipan§.........................
MotherGinger...................... ChocolatePolichinelles ..............
MintPolichinelles...................
CONTINUED
Sophia Lutinski Christopher Miller Marabelle Coggins Eleanor Stewart
Amber Malmstadt-Stasik Loralai Michels
Carri Britt Sophia Lutinski George Loheac*
Sarah Genzer
Miranda Martinez Abigail Bevill
Sarah Eschrich Anthony Cefalu
Eva Falcon Madeline Luzarraga
Elizabeth Mineau
Natalie Montoya Cecilia Schmidt Jessica Skinker Sophia Schepers
Rodrigo Pardo
Eleanor Nelson Aubrey Hurst Molly Cate Newell Adelaide Watkins
Kadesh Camejo Jordyn Hill
Emmy Matthews Marianne McSoley Molly Oaks
Hazel Schroeder
Abigail Centers Christopher Miller Marabelle Coggins Bailey Corrigan Morgan Manrique Loralai Michels
Carri Britt Sophia Lutinski George Loheac*
Sarah Genzer
Miranda Martinez Alexandra Willis
Kara Griffin Anthony Cefalu
Eva Falcon Madeline Luzarraga
Elizabeth Mineau
Natalie Montoya Cecilia Schmidt Jessica Skinker Sophia Schepers
Rodrigo Pardo
Eleanor Nelson Aubrey Hurst Molly Cate Newell Adelaide Watkins
Kadesh Camejo Jordyn Hill
Emmy Matthews Marianne McSoley Molly Oaks
Hazel Schroeder
( § ) Not performed at Abbreviated Children’s Performance
28 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
FIRST COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday 10:30am abbreviated children’s performances
SECOND COLUMN: Saturday and Sunday performances with live orchestra
(*) Guest
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 29
DewDropFairy... .. TigerLilies....... ..
PinkRoses....... .. Violets .......... ..
Paige Centers
Kara Griffin Abigail Centers
Sarah Eschrich Sophia Lutinski Elizabeth Mineau Cecilia Schmidt
Morgan Manrique Natalie Montoya Sophia Schepers Jessica Skinker
Garlands. . . . . . . . . . .
Roses .............
MackenzieAshburn Chloe Nolen
Ellis Palmer
Sophia Papuchis Olivia Standley
Lily Strickland
LoganClick
Marabelle Coggins Bailey Corrigan
Eva Falcon
Sarah Genzer
Sierra Lowell
Madeline Luzarraga Amber Malmstadt-Stasik Miranda Martinez Loralai Michels
Malia Morton
Lauretta Prichard
Faith Rathmann Alexandra Willis
Waltz of the Flowers §
( § ) The Waltz of the Flowers is not performed for the Abbreviated Children’s Performance
30 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Grand Pas de Deux
Cavalier
Jorge Arceo
Sugar Plum Fairy
Tomoko Takahashi
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 31
32 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Sarah Krazit
BALLET MISTRESS
Sarah Krazit is in her second season with The Tallahassee Ballet
and most recently moved from Sarasota, where she held the role as
the Principal of the Sarasota Ballet School. During her time there,
she had the opportunity to teach all ages and abilities within the
ballet’s education department, ranging from introductory ballet
to pre-professional trainees. In addition to organizing and leading
school performances and directing a team of teachers in the ballet school, Krazit helped spearhead a new outreach program using ballet within the Parkinson’s community. Krazit was featured in a WEDU PBS episode, The Joy of Movement, which highlighted Sarasota Ballet and NeuroChallenge’s partnership in offering dance as a form of therapy to those living with Parkinson’s.
During her time with Sarasota Ballet, her special roles included dancing professionally in John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker as well as teaching and directing the choreography to students, and playing the role of “the mother” under the direction of Sir Peter Wright in his adaptation of Giselle. Prior to Krazit’s time in Sarasota, she danced professionally and toured for 6 years with Ballet Magnificat, based in Jackson, Mississippi. Krazit toured as a dancer and teacher both nationally and internationally and taught for Ballet Magnificat’s annual Summer Intensive.
Krazit’s teaching certifications include the ABT® National Training Curriculum in Pre-Primary through Level 3, RAD’s Silver Swans, and Dance for Parkinson’s.
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 33
34 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Kiersten Boyett
RESIDENT COSTUME DESIGNER
KIERSTEN BOYETT is a native of Mobile, Alabama, where
she began her dance training at age six. She also began
learning to sew from her grandmother at the young age of
five. Boyett trained at the Mobile Ballet School from 13 until
17 when she chose to focus on teaching dance at her own
small studio and sewing professionally. For nearly a decade,
she taught at her school and created several children’s ballets, for which she also designed and constructed all of the costumes. In 2019, she was offered the position of Wardrobe Coordinator at Mobile Ballet, where she worked alongside Director Katia Garza for four seasons. Boyett has created costumes for minor roles in Garza’s Giselle, Beauty and the Beast, The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, Princess and the Frog, Don Quixote, and Swan Lake. In 2021, Boyett attended several classes at Tutu.com’s tutu school, including Bodices, Classical Tutus, Men’s Tunics, and Basic Leotards. Boyett loves combining her passion for ballet with that for sewing to create beautiful costumes for the many wonderful dancers she has had the pleasure of working with.
ANN TODD, COSTUME DESIGNER EMERITUS,
became involved with The Tallahassee Ballet in 1988, and recently retired after a lifetime of dedication to her craft. Her original costumes continue to be featured in The Nutcracker. She also created works of art for Boléro, Malachite, The Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Beauty and the Beast, Alice In Wonderland, Peter Pan, Snow White, Rapunzel, Carnival of Animals, Swan Lake, Firebird, La Bayadère, and many more.
Seamstresses
BOO HARTSELL has been a valued member of the costume team for more than 30 years. She first got involved when her three daughters danced with the company. Now, her granddaughter is a member of the Company, dancing the role of Clara in the Children’s performance.
MICHELLE WHEELER is the Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives at
North Florida College, in Madison, FL. She is working to attain an MBA
from LSU and a Spanish for Professionals Graduate Certificate from
MNSU. Costume design for community theatre in her hometown has
been a labor of love for the past six years for productions of The Lion
King, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Something Wicked This Way
Sings, Frozen, and Something’s Afoot. Her nine-year-old daughter loves
the stage, and Michelle loves to help the cast shine. She joined The
Tallahassee Ballet as a Seamstress in March of 2023 and is thrilled to
put her creativity and skill to work for the company. “I am so happy that I found my tribe and I am looking forward to all that we can accomplish together.”
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 35
MACLAY SCHOOL SUPPORTS THE PERFORMING ARTS
Tallahassee’s only Prek-12 Independent School
www.maclayadmissions.com
36 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
SCOTT M. FREESE
STAGE MANAGER
Scott Freese is pleased to be serving as stage manager for another season with the Tallahassee Ballet. Previously he has stage managed for FSU Opera and Palm Beach Opera and is also currently stage manager for Pas de Vie Ballet. A former software developer, Scott now primarily works as a stage technician at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall and the FSU School of Dance, and as
a scenic carpenter for the FSU Opera. He still occasionally does sound, lighting, and projection design for local community theatres. When not doing things in the dark, Scott enjoys photography, drone flying, rocket launches, Virginia mountains, and Hawaii volcanoes and beaches.
JEFF SAMMARCO
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Jeff Sammarco got his Bachelor of Arts degree in Lighting and Theatrical Design
at University of North Carolina Asheville in 2014. He began his professional career at the Asolo as Assistant Master Electrician before going on tour with both Ringling Brothers Circus and RENT. He held a position as Lighting Director and Interim Designer at Florida Rep before the Covid shut down.
He now lives with his wife in Tallahassee where he works to design lights within the local community.
IAN PLOUFFE
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Ian Plouffe has been working in theatre since he was fourteen years old. He started as a carpenter in his high school theatre program and now has worked in every theatre within 50 miles of Tallahassee. When he was fifteen, he was offered an internship at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, which eventually led to him being the Lighting Engineer for the FSU School of Music.
He now works as the Production Technician for the FSU School of Dance. In his free time, you can find Ian teaching yoga, reading books, or chasing a dog.
Technical Staff
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 37
38 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
ANNOUNCING THE 2024-2025 JOYCE STRAUB FAUSONE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
BAILEY CORRIGAN
Bailey’s love for dance began in 2011 at the age of four with her very first pre-ballet class at The Tallahassee Ballet. With the guidance and encouragement of her amazing instructors, Bailey has flourished into the passionate and beautiful dancer she is today. Throughout her years of studying at The Tallahassee Ballet, she has been enrolled in countless classes and has grown to appreciate many styles of dance including ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary and character.
She has assisted with the Dance Chance Program, as well as with ballet and jazz
classes for the younger levels. Bailey has attended many dance workshops and summer intensives including The Suzanne Farrell Workshop for Young Dancers at Florida State University, DanceFest in Atlanta, Georgia, The Tallahassee Ballet’s Turning Pointe Summer Intensive, The Orlando Ballet Summer Intensive, and the South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory.
Bailey is currently an honors student in her
junior year at Leon High School. While she is
not yet sure of what major she will pursue or
where she will attend college, Bailey knows that dance will always be a vital part of her life.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Created in August 2004, this scholarship is presented by the The
Tallahassee Ballet Board of Directors in honor of Ms. Fausone’s 20 years
of dedicated service. Among her many accomplishments for the Ballet,
Fausone oversaw the original production of The Nutcracker in 1986 and
initiated the DanceChance program in 1997. The scholarship is awarded
annually to a dancer to help support costs associated with ballet, such as
pointe shoes, and includes a tuition waiver. The recipient must have been
a member of the Ballet for at least two years, have helped with the Ballet’s
DanceChance programs and/or volunteered extensively to assist the Ballet, and be a positive role model for other dancers.
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 39
40 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
MORE THAN YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
ABOUT THE COMPANY
MEAGAN HELMAN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Over the last 50+ years, The Tallahassee Ballet has evolved alongside our city, becoming an integral part of the Tallahassee community. The ballet has enhanced Tallahassee’s cultural offerings with a repertoire of both classical and contemporary works presented with live music, original hand-crafted costumes, and innovative choreography that make every production a complete sensory experience.
TTB was originally formed to provide a venue for young dancers from the community to perform. Through the years, renowned professional dancers performed as guest artists with the company, allowing our dancers to share the stage with elite professionals from companies such as New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and National Ballet of Canada. Today’s TTB company is comprised of both professional and emerging professional dancers selected annually through auditions. Critically acclaimed guest artists representing major dance companies from across North America are brought in annually to dance, teach, and choreograph. Over the years, our dancers have had the opportunity to study and perform with more than 500 guest choreographers, artists, teachers, and musicians.
The Tallahassee Ballet strives to present quality ballet productions that stimulate the community’s appreciation of dance and cultural arts. Our productions truly have something to offer everyone, from first-time attendees to veteran ballet patrons.
Learn more about the 2024-25 TTB Company members on the following pages.
Company photos by Anthony Ivory.
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 41
Principal Dancers
Jorge Arceo’s dance career began in the city of Havana, Cuba. At the age of nine, he was already honing his skills under the guidance of the esteemed Cuban dancer Narciso Medina. His early promise saw him through rigorous training at Escuela Provincial de Ballet, culminating in advanced studies at The National Ballet School.
By 18, Arceo earned a coveted spot with the
National Contemporary Dance Company
of Cuba, and he quickly rose to the position
of first soloist, allowing him to perform for
audiences in Cuba and around the world. His performances
were not just limited to stages; he had the rare privilege of
performing in a private studio setting for the legendary
Mikhail Baryshnikov. He also had the privilege of working with renowned choreographers such as Mats Ek, Samir Akika, Rafael Bonachela, Cathy Marston, George Céspedes, and Jan Linkens. In addition, he shared the stage with world-acclaimed dancers such as Carlos Acosta, Ana Laguna, Herman Cornejo, Rasta Thomas, and Miguel Altunaga, among others.
Arceo’s move to the USA in 2009 marked a new chapter in his career. He performed with the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami and Rio Hotel’s Las Vegas show, ND’S FUEGO. His journey took him next to Los Angeles, where he became a principal dancer for several renowned companies, including Pasadena Dance Theater, City of Angels Ballet, California Riverside Ballet, and the notable production Silent Roar choreographed by Zina Bethune.
In 2014, Arceo joined the Tallahassee Ballet, where his role as a principal dancer has
allowed him to collaborate with distinguished choreographers like Kathryn Karrh Cashin, Christopher Huggins, Sarah Harkness, Trent D. Williams, and Anjali Austin. He has performed both contemporary works and classical ballets such as Paquita, Swan Lake, La Bayadère, The Firebird, and The Nutcracker, where he danced principal and soloist roles. Arceo’s time with the Tallahassee Ballet has been one of the most rewarding and joyful experiences of his professional career and he is excited for the future of the company.
42 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Principal Dancers
This year is Carri Britt’s twelfth season with The Tallahassee Ballet; eighth as a principal artist. Here, she has danced soloist and lead roles in classical works including The Sleeping Beauty (the Lilac Fairy, the White Cat, Gold Fairy variation), The Nutcracker (Dew Drop, Snow Queen, Sugarplum, Coffee, Automaton), La Bayadère (third variation), Swan Lake (Big Swan); and Paquita (first variation). Britt performed in original neoclassical and con- temporary works by Kathryn Karrh Cashin, Ilana Goldman, Christopher Huggins, Katy Cashin, Anjali Austin, Jennifer Medina, Trent D. Williams Jr., Sarah Harkness, and Gabriel Williams, among others.
Britt trained in the Vagonava method at the Academy of Ballet
Internationale in Indianapolis, where she toured The Nutcracker and
The Sleeping Beauty with the professional company in residence. She later graduated from the Louisville Ballet School, after expanding her experience in modern dance. During her years of training, Britt attended summer intensives at Joffrey Midwest, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Met, Austin Ballet, and the Harid Conservatory. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Florida State University.
THE NUTCRACKER 2024 43
Principal Dancers
Paige Centers joined The Tallahassee Ballet in 2009, became a Soloist in 2013, and a Principal in 2017. She has received the
Joyce Straub Fausone Scholarship and the Ken
Cashin Scholarship awarded by The Tallahassee
Ballet Board of Directors. Centers has performed in productions of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, An Evening of Music and Dance, Excerpts from
La Bayadere, The Nutcracker, Paquita and
Other Works, Rapunzel, Swan Lake and
Other Works, Bernstein and Gershwin,
The Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White and
the Seven Dwarfs. Her lead and feature
roles include Arabian, Mirliton, Spanish,
Dew Drop, Snow Queen, and Sugar Plum
Fairy from The Nutcracker; Variation II
from Paquita; Princess Florine and Aurora
from The Sleeping Beauty; Joyce Fausone’s
Tango; Tango Pas de Deux from Kathryn
Karrh Cashin’s Three Dances; and Dance of
the Big Swans from Swan Lake. Centers has trained at summer intensives including Orlando Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Florida State University School of Dance, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and for two consecutive summers she was privileged
to attend Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell—a three-week
intensive at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. She has worked as a resident assistant for the Orlando Ballet School, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York City.
Instructors with The Tallahassee Ballet School follow the ABT® National Training Curriculum with select instructors certified through Level 7.
Register ONLINE at
TallahasseeBallet.org/Education
44 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Principal Dancers
Tomoko Takahashi began dancing at the age of eight in Nagano, Japan. At age 15, she was awarded the Special Judge Prize and Chacott Scholarship from the NBA All Japan Ballet Competition, and went to The Hungarian Dance Art Academy Budapest as a scholarship student.
Upon graduation in 2007, Tomoko started her professional career at companies including Columbia Classical Ballet in South
Carolina (2007-2008), Singapore Dance Theatre (2011-2014), and the Israel Ballet (2014-2017). At the Israel ballet, she joined as a
principal dancer.
Tomoko has danced principal roles of Madame Butterfly, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Raymonda, The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, La Sylphide, and Robin Hood. She also performed in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Concerto Barocco, and Divertimento No.15; Val Caniparoli’s Lambarena and Chant; Edwaard Liang’s Age of Innocence and The Winds of Zephyrus; Natalie Weir’s 4 Seasons; and Nils Christe’s Organ Concerto.
Tomoko won 3rd place in All Japan Ballet Union
competition (2002), 1st place in The Tokyo Paper All Japan Ballet Competition (2003), and 2nd place in Educational Ballet
competition, Japan (2008). Tomoko is also a mom of two young daughters. Tomoko joined The Tallahassee Ballet in 2019 as a Principal Dancer.
The 29th Annual
NUTCRACKER GOLF CLASSIC
Lisa C. Graganella
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TallahasseeBallet.org/GolfTournament
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NUTCRACKER GOLF CLASSIC T H E N U T C R A C K E R 2 0 2 4 4 5
Soloists
Anthony Cefalu began studying ballet in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Norwalk, Ohio. In 2015, while in Ohio, he was given the opportunity to perform Let’s Say It with Firecrackers from Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn as a Guest Artist for the Bellevue Society for the Arts.
He moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 2017 to train at Saint
Louis Ballet School, then to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2019
to train at the Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy’s Pre- Professional Training Program. In 2020, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to join the Louisville Ballet Studio Company. During his two seasons with the Louisville Ballet Studio Company, he performed in company productions of Kentucky! Volume One, Robert Curran’s Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty, and Louisville Ballet School’s Spring Dance Festival.
In 2022, he moved to Duluth to join the Minnesota Ballet as an apprentice, and during his two seasons there he performed in The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale as the Magician Drosselmeyer, Forward, The Sleeping Beauty, The Pit and the Pendulum as the Lead Judge, Rise, and Snow White. He was given the opportunity to coordinate and manage Minnesota Ballet’s participation in the Duluth/Superior Pride Festival 2023, choreographing a piece ti- tled Nuance. In April 2024, Anthony participated in the Lake Arts Project: Revival of the HeART, organized by Karl von Rabenau and Jennifer Miller. He had the opportunity to perform in Pulling at the Threads, Resilience, To Hell and Back, and Constellations. He moved to Tallahassee, Florida, in 2024 to join The Tallahassee Ballet as a soloist.
46 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Soloists
Sophia Lutinski is originally from Stafford, Virgina. She began training in classical ballet at a young age and began attending intensives across the country when she was twelve. She has completed her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree at Florida State University (FSU) and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Dance at the same institution.
While at FSU, she performed in George
Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15 and
Serenade, set by Suzanne Farrell. She has
also been in an original solo by Anjali Austin and various other works by Meagan Helman and Tim Glenn.
Sophia joined The Tallahassee Ballet in 2021 and was promoted to Soloist in 2023. In her time at TTB, she has danced both soloist and lead roles in The Nutcracker,
as well as original works by Kathryn Karrh Cashin, Christopher Huggins, Meagan Helman, Sarah Harkness, and Katy Cashin.
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THE NUTCRACKER 2024 47
Soloists
Christopher Miller began dancing at the age of ten in Eustis, Florida. He quickly fell in love with the art and studied multiple styles of dance as well as musical theater. In 2010, he was accepted into a six-week summer intensive at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. He also attended intensives at The Georgia Ballet and Atlanta Festival Ballet. Miller received a full scholarship to Santa
Fe College’s dance program in 2013.
During his two years there he joined a Hip-
Hop dance crew called The Levitations and
performed at various events around the area.
In 2015, Miller was accepted by Florida State
University’s dance program and spent the next
two years there, joining The Tallahassee Ballet in 2016.
Throughout the years, Miller has also done freelance guest appearances in Tampa, Gainesville, and Tallahassee. He has per- formed in shows such as Swan Lake, Coppélia, Peter Pan, and The Sleeping Beauty. One of his favorite performances was with critically acclaimed director Evan Pappas while playing Riff in West Side Story. Other theatrical productions he has appeared in include, The Ritz, Spamalot, Oklahoma, and Oliver!.
Miller has always loved dancing for The Tallahassee Ballet and hopes to continue dancing for as long as possible.
48 THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
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For the perfect end to a perfect night.
Tallahassee’s favoite Italian Restaurant and
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THE NUTCRACKER 2024 49
50
THE TALLAHASSEE BALLET
Abigail Bevill
Abigail Centers
Marabelle Coggins
Sarah Eschrich
Sarah Genzer
Kara Griffin
Madeline Luzarraga
Sierra Lowell
Amber Malmstadt-Stasik
Miranda Martinez
Loralai Michels
Elizabeth Mineau
Corps de Ballet