24-25 Season
PBT Artists’ Favorite Moments of 1st Flash
PBT Artists’ Favorite Moments of 1st Flash
Why They’re Are Excited to Dance It Again in Spring Mix: 5 for 55
Jorma Elo’s exhilarating 1st Flash will return to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s stage April 4-6 in PBT’s Spring Mix: 5 for 5. Jorma was inspired by the feeling of anticipation just before a rock concert, which is reflected in both the lighting and music of the piece. Having been a hockey player as well as a dancer, his choreography in this piece mirrors the excitement, rhythm and speed of a hockey match. His passion for creating magic and movement perfectly designed to the music created by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, results in a piece that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, enthralled from beginning to end.
1st Flash was initially created with six young professional dancers just beginning their career. The original performances were accompanied by a projection of their parents’ reaction to them dancing. This piece continues to live on as a showcase of the dancers’ state of mind, their determination to prove themselves, and the nervous energy that comes with starting something new.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre had the privilege of performing this work in the spring of 2023. We asked some of the artists who performed it then and will perform it again this year what they want the audience to know about this ballet:
Corey Bourbonniere– PBT Soloist
This ballet was so much fun to learn and perform! Christophe Dozzi who staged the work on us was incredibly detail-oriented, and I love working that way. It makes every detail feel super important, and even if the audience doesn’t recognize all of them, our intentional and specific approach to the piece makes it that much more powerful, and hopefully enjoyable. This ballet is super quirky and groovy, but incredibly hard technically as well. The Jean Sibelius score married with Jorma’s choreography is so satisfying, both for the dancer and as a viewer! I loved performing it the first time, and I’m excited to find even more length and enjoyment this time.
As far as a favorite moment, it’d probably be my last solo, where I run downstage kick my leg up and stomp my foot down as if I’m saying, “my turn!” The choreography for that last solo is a flurry of arms and legs, whirling down onto the floor and flipping back up, culminating in a group of us almost conducting our mind’s version of the score. It’s epic! Coming back to a ballet allows you to dig that much deeper, and I can’t wait to dig into this incredible work again!
Erin Casale– PBT Corps de Ballet
I think 1st Flash is by far the most physically fulfilling piece I’ve ever performed. I was able to do it with such an amazing group of people, and I’m excited to take it on again with a new group. I also get to dance a lot with Jacob Miller, who I always adore dancing with. In this piece, you see every note of the music through movement and it truly brings the music to life. Jorma is such a breath of fresh air to work with and I hope we get to do more of his work in the future!
Tommie Lin Kesten– PBT Principal Artist
It is so exciting to be revisiting this ballet! Working with Jorma Elo was such an incredible experience the first time. It’s always special to bring back a role I’ve done in the past, because I really think it helps me see how much I’ve grown! I love the physicality of 1st Flash, it is so gratifying when you finish the ballet.
I am lucky enough to end the ballet onstage doing a pas de deux in silence and I remember how special that felt the first time we performed this. The music goes out and you can just hear our breath and our feet hitting the stage. You could hear a pin drop in the audience, it gives me goosebumps every time!
I’m also really looking forward to performing this in a more intimate setting! I always love being on the Benedum Center stage, but I think the audience will appreciate being closer to this action packed piece. Jorma’s choreography really brings the music to life, it makes me feel like I AM the music. I really encourage audiences to come see it again and definitely to come see it if you missed it the first time around!
Jacob Miller– PBT Corps de Ballet
I’d have to say my favorite part of dancing 1st Flash is the music that the piece is set to. Sibelius’ Violin Concerto is as complex as it is beautiful, with choreography that perfectly complements its crescendos and decrescendos.
I’d love to give a shout out to the dancers that I have the privilege to share the stage with in this program. 1st Flash has a cast of six dancers, and we have become so tight-knit with each other through our rehearsals. I don’t just see them as coworkers, but as good friends who I’ve bonded with over this work.
Performing this piece again, I feel that I have had time to mature into my dancing and partnering skills, which will allow me to take bigger risks on stage while keeping true to the detail and nuance of the choreography. I’m so excited for Pittsburgh to enjoy the marvel of 1st Flash again!
Joanna Schmidt– PBT Soloist
I am so excited to be working on this piece again because it is a true work of art, one that transports you somewhere else. Everyone is hyper-focused on what they’re doing, and the music is so beautiful. It starts off sort of calm and serene, then builds up to be very energetic and exuberant. It makes me feel so alive, whether I’m dancing it or enjoying it as a viewer. You won’t want to miss it!
Join us for Jorma Elo’s 1st Flash to watch music come to life, and enjoy four other compelling pieces in PBT’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55 running April 4-6 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Caili Quan’s Falling Forward
Acclaimed choreographer Caili Quan will premiere her newest work, Falling Forward, at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55 mixed repertory program taking place April 4-6, 2025 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Quan, a former dancer with BalletX of Philadelphia and renowned choreographer, is known for incorporating her Guamanian roots into her work. Quan describes her newest work as heavily inspired by the music she selected for the piece. She says, ”Julius Eastman’s ‘Stay On It’ is an incredible score full of joy, gut punches, and the push to keep putting one foot in front of the other.” We sat down with her and asked her about the creative process she uses when choreographing new works.
Please tell me a bit about your creative process.
Music is the main motivation for my work. I usually start with a piece of music that I love and then listen to it on repeat for months leading up to the creative process. I listen to it until I understand every nuance.
I understand that you do not title your works until they are finished, is that true?
I’ve always titled pieces after they’re made. I start with an idea, but the dancers inform the work. I never want to jump the gun on a title before the work is finished because my original idea evolves the moment I start creating on the dancers in front of me.
How do you select the music for your works?
I pick music that I personally want to move to. It’s usually music that has a groove, emotional waves, and a natural drive to it.
What do you draw inspiration from?
I pull inspiration from everything. It could be from a movie, a piece of beautiful writing, or a current event. My upbringing is also a big one. I always want to insert a piece of the culture that I grew up in so the work always feels like a part of home.
What is your favorite part of choreographing?
I love the creative process with the dancers. It’s inspiring to have these different bodies and personalities influence the work. And it’s always more interesting to watch my movement on someone else to see how the impetus and pathways can change. I also love working with collaborators. Lighting and costume design drastically enhance and create a world that’s beyond what I could imagine on my own.
What do you look for when you select dancers for your works?
I like dancers who move differently and commit wholeheartedly. I also love dancers where I can see their personalities come through the movement.
What type of choreographers did you prefer to work with when you were a dancer? Do you think your choreographic style reflects this?
I loved working with choreographers that had a clear vision, but was also inspired by the dancers in the room. I loved work where I felt that a part of me was integrated into the world. All my favorite processes were the ones where a choreographer would make something that pulled from every individual in the studio. I think about that often when I choreograph and try to create a similar environment. It’s the most inspiring way to work.
Falling Forward is part of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55, running at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center from April 4th to 6th.
Dwight Rhoden’s Ave Maria with Diana Yohe
As a retrospective of its 55-year history, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) will perform five stunning classical and contemporary works in Spring Mix: 5 for 55 – including Dwight Rhoden’s intense and passionate Ave Maria. This Pas de Deux was originally created in 1995 as part of his ballet The Grapes of Wrath but was met with such acclaim that it has become one of Rhoden’s signature works and is regularly performed on its own. Set to Giulio Caccini’s beloved classical music of the same name, Ave Maria is innovative and athletic, characterized by deceptively complex lifts, jumps, slides and falls.
I was honored to perform this challenging work onstage in 2017. I’m delighted to share what it was like to dance this captivating piece.
The dance begins with the dancer standing upstage of their partner, close enough that when the first light shows a small circle over the center, you cannot be seen behind them. After the first few notes of the music play, I remember taking one deep breath together with my partner to start the performance because you have to be incredibly connected from beginning to end. Suddenly, you step out quickly from behind your partner and do three consecutive turns to développé a la seconde in what never feels like enough music but somehow always is… the rush becomes part of the musicality. From that moment on, you continue through a whirlwind of 4 minutes of movement and complex partnering, the only pause being a long, difficult balance.
Ave Maria, choreographed by Dwight Rhoden, has been performed on its own for years but is actually an excerpt from his ballet Grapes of Wrath, which premiered in 1995. I’ve done a few Dwight Rhoden pieces at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and his choreography always pushes the dancer into extreme positions while challenging you with fine details throughout. This pas de deux is a perfect example of stretching a position as far as you can while staying dynamic and true to the music. I was lucky to be coached by Dwight as well as stager Christina Johnson, who was in the original cast.
The partnering in Ave Maria is finely woven, and you are constantly speaking to your partner through touch and distance. I was in the absolute best hands dancing with Corey Bourbonniere, and while they made all the lifting and maneuvering look easy, it took coordination of movement and lots of fine-tuning to bring the beauty of this pas de deux to the stage. We were also fortunate to be very familiar partners when we learned this ballet together, and I think that kind of chemistry is essential for a piece where trust and awareness of one another is so integral.
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments in Ave Maria is the long balance done en pointe in a second position grand plié. There’s a moment before you arrive in the position where you guide your hands along the floor, and I was told to imagine I was preparing the ground. One of the most vital parts of that moment was finding a calm state of mind, which personally was like putting myself in a meditative state or a prayer. I would focus my gaze on a spot of the floor in front of me so that even when we got to the stage, the darkness and the lights wouldn’t throw off my balance. Visualizing myself floating in water or imagining that the air felt thick enough to support me from all sides would often help. Right when I thought I could not no longer hold the balance, Corey would come and sweep me off my feet for the final section of the piece.
One of my favorite attributes of certain ballets and pas de deuxs I’ve done in my ballet career is when they feel like a singular experience each time you dance it. Some ballets require so much awareness of what is going on throughout the entire run, that when you get to the end it feels like a pristine moment in time. This can even happen in rehearsal with certain special pieces. It usually comes at a point in the learning process where you’ve built the stamina to embody the movement completely, but it’s really the choreography itself that provides this feeling of absolute presence. In these particular ballets, there is no time to overthink what you are doing. You simply have to dance and afterwards think back to what could be improved. Ave Maria is definitely on the list of pas de deuxs that have felt this way for me. When performing, it feels like you and your partner are the only two people in the world.
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center provides the perfect venue for this pas de deux. The theater is intimate and the audience can really see the physicality of the dancers along with the intricate choreography that might get lost on a larger stage. I hope everyone who comes to the performance will experience what I felt when I danced Ave Maria, something deeper and bigger than themselves. The beauty of the movement and the music takes your breath away. When it’s over, I think Pittsburgh audiences will find that witnessing this touching pas de deux becomes a pristine moment in time they won’t likely forget.
Ave Maria is part of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55, running at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center from April 4th to 6th.
Spring Mix: 5 for 55 Casting Announceed
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has announced casting for its upcoming performances of Spring Mix: 5 for 55, a retrospective of its 55-year history. The program pays homage to PBT’s commitment to giving life to the classical tradition, nurturing new ideas and inspiring Pittsburgh’s communities throughout the decades. The mixed repertory program features three PBT favorite works from the past and two new world premieres. Spring Mix: 5 for 55 will take place at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center April 4-6, 2025.
The program includes George Balanchine’s sumptuous Emeralds, the return of Jorma Elo’s fast-paced 1st Flash, Dwight Rhoden’s passionate Ave Maria, and two newly choreographed world premieres: the primal The Rite of Spring by PBT choreographer-in-residence and former soloist William Moore and the joyful Falling Forward by acclaimed choreographer Caili Quan.
William Moore’s World Premiere of The Rite of Spring
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will present The Rite of Spring as part of its Spring Mix: 5 for 55 mixed repertory performance on April 4-6 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. The Rite of Spring made an explosive entrance into the ballet world when it originated in 1913. It started a new era in music and dance with many choreographers since its first, Vaslav Nijinsky, inspired by composer Igor Stravinsky’s dynamic score. William Moore, PBT’s choreographer-in-residence for the 2024-25 season, will present the world premiere of his version of The Rite of Spring at a very appropriate time, as the music celebrates the advent of spring, its creative power and the forces of nature that humans cannot escape. With the long winter Pittsburgh is currently experiencing, watching a piece about the inevitability of spring will be a welcome experience!
William Moore has choreographed throughout his professional ballet dance career of over 14 years, 11 of them spent here at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. In rehearsals, he puts himself into the precarious positions he asks of his dancers when partnering or being partnered. The mood in the studio is light, but when it is time to run the piece, all focus is centered on the task at hand. The Rite of Spring’s usual primal and instinctual themes are present, along with a very strong sense of human connection. We asked him a few questions about The Rite of Spring, his choreography and his future ventures.
What are you drawing inspiration from for your version of The Rite of Spring?
I wouldn’t say I’m drawing inspiration from other versions of the The Rite of Spring. Each work has been so original and its own I didn’t feel the need to pay homage to a particular piece. The storyline has such a strong basis between its themes of spring and sacrifice and I wanted to continue the tradition of creating a very original work following those themes. Like all versions, though, I am finding most of my inspiration in its powerful score.
How would you describe your creative process?
My creative process involves taking everything from ideas on set to the lighting of the piece, but especially through movement and the people I am creating on. All these elements influence each other and help to contribute to the overall piece.
What are the challenges and advantages of Stravinsky’s score?
I started by exploring the time signatures and musicality and realized fairly quickly the complexity of the score would make choreographing precise musicality very difficult. While it can be difficult, the music itself offers so much expression. There is a lot of discord as well, so the options for choreography are pretty unlimited.
What has the transition from full-time dancer to choreographer been like?
As a full-time dancer, you are very driven and focused towards one goal. There’s a lot of structure in that you rehearse, there’s a show and then you are on to the next production. As a post-professional dancer but still being involved in the arts, I teach, create and choreograph so I get to play around with a lot more of the creative process. This gives me more freedom, so it’s more of finding a balancing act of a level of structure within that freedom. I’ve definitely been enjoying it!
What is it like to work with a company and dancers that you are so familiar with?
Nothing but good. When you’re dancing and choreographing along with interacting with dancers, that can be difficult. But being so familiar with the dancers and having a bit more separation now is ideal. I have a huge amount of respect for the company and having been there first hand, I understand what their day entails. I also know the dancers well enough that I have the knowledge of what suits them choreographically, along with what movement they generally would or wouldn’t prefer to do.
What is your new non-profit Cre8dance and what is its mission?
Cre8dance is an annual choreographic competition that will take place in Pittsburgh. It invites 8-10 choreographers each year to perform a work that will be assessed by judges. They will also be provided with resources to develop and succeed in their choreographic endeavors. The mission is essentially to help and progress choreographic talent and provide opportunities. Hopefully, the Pittsburgh audience will reap the rewards of seeing lots of brand-new work! The inaugural performance will be May 24, 2025.
With The Rite of Spring’s history of provoking a strong reaction from its audience, what are you hoping this version will inspire in Pittsburgh’s audiences?
I definitely didn’t hold back in my choices and really went for it. I hope it thrills the audience, but most of all, I hope it inspires the audience to come back to see more, especially mixed repertoire and new works. I think this is essentially the future and the most important thing to keep dance moving forward.
Photos by Aviana Adams
Join the PBT dancers to celebrate the inevitability of spring at PBT’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55 mixed repertoire performances April 4-6.
All About George Balanchine’s Sumptuous Emeralds
In celebration of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s 55th Emerald Anniversary season, we are thrilled to bring emerald-themed ballets to the stage, including Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. What else could be more appropriate for our season than George Balanchine’s lavish production of Emeralds?
Keep reading to learn more about the history of Emeralds, and come see it in PBT’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55 April 4 – 6 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
The Jewels Trilogy
Emeralds premiered in 1967 at the New York City Ballet as part of a three-act piece titled Jewels. The works were choreographed by George Balanchine, who is often referred to as “the father of American ballet.” In each of the three acts, Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds, artists are costumed in each gem’s respective colors. Jewels is considered the first three-act storyless ballet, with the jeweled costume motif being the only consistent theme between the three. The three acts are often performed together but are also frequently performed separately as single ballets. According to Balanchine, these gemstone-themed ballets were inspired by his introduction to famed jeweler Claude Arpels.
Each act is accompanied by music from a different composer that reflects the varied dance styles and music of each work, thus giving them each an individual “personality.” Emeralds is French and romantic, set to Gabriel Fauré’s Pelléas et Mélisande and Shylock; Rubies, set to Igor Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, is American and fiery; and Diamonds, set to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3 in D Major, is Russian and classical.
Emeralds
Emeralds, the French piece set to music by Gabriel Fauré, is fluid and softly passionate, with elegant, graceful dances that seem the peak of lyrical romanticism. It is danced by two leading couples, three soloists, and a corps of ten women. The costumes incorporate soft green, calf-length romantic tutus, a rarity for Balanchine, who rarely used longer tutus.
PBT has had the pleasure of performing Emeralds as a part of Jewels two other times in its 55-year history, in 1997 and 2000. Interested in reading about all the fabulous places this ballet has been performed? The George Balanchine Foundation has kept a record!
About George Balanchine
George Balanchine (1904 – 1983) was one of the preeminent choreographers of the 20th century. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Balanchine studied both music and dance at a young age, graduating from the Imperial Ballet School and studying at the Conservatory of Music in St. Petersburg. He danced and choreographed for a number of companies across Europe before coming to America, where he co-founded the School of American Ballet in 1934 and later the New York City Ballet (NYCB) in 1948. From 1948 until his death 35 years later, Balanchine served as NYCB artistic director, choreographing (either wholly or in part) a catalog of 465 works.
Balanchine developed a signature ballet style that became known as neoclassical, combining traditional ballet with modern and abstract movements. His works often de-emphasized plot (as can be seen in Jewels), played with speed and syncopation, and prioritized technique and athleticism. In addition to his extensive catalog of ballets, Balanchine created works for Broadway, Hollywood, television and vaudeville, becoming an industry-shaping force in America and the world.
Looking for more Balanchine facts? Read our “Balanchine | 15 Facts & Beyond” blog post!
Stay tuned to learn about the other pieces in our Emerald Season’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55!
Spring Mix: 5 for 55 will perform at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center from April 4-6, 2025.
10 Things to Know About PBT’s Romeo and Juliet
10 Things to Know About PBT’s Romeo and Juliet
Premiering This Valentine’s Day Weekend
This Valentine’s Day, join Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet. Jean-Christophe Maillot’s stunning choreography evokes all the romance and heartbreak we’ve come to love about Romeo and Juliet. While this production follows the traditional tale, there are a few differences. Keep reading to learn:
10 Things to Know About PBT’s Romeo and Juliet.
- Maillot choreographed this version assuming that everyone in the audience already knew the classic story. If it’s been a while, here’s a brief refresher!
- This ballet offers a fresh recounting of the tragic love story from Friar Laurence’s perspective. Tortured by his hand in the tragedy, the friar recounts the story’s events through a series of flashbacks.
Alexandra Kochis and Christopher Budzynski in PBT’s 2009 production | Photo: Rich Sofranko - While Shakespeare’s play focuses largely on the two feuding families, this ballet focuses on the follies of youth and the ramifications of young love spiraling out of control.
- Described as a cross between classical and contemporary ballet, this production focuses on capturing the performers’ emotions.
- The simple, elegant costumes were designed by famous Parisian costume designer Jerôme Kaplan. View some of his original design sketches and other works on his website.
- This is not the first time PBT has performed this version of Romeo and Juliet. In its 55-year history, PBT has performed various versions of the ballet eleven times with six different variations. PBT last brought Maillot’s version to the Benedum Center in 2009.
- The music was composed in 1935 by renowned Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev, known for many famous scores like Peter and the Wolf.
Jean-Christophe Maillot | Photo: Alice Blangero - These performances will be accompanied by the exceptionally talented PBT Orchestra! Read a bit about our skilled orchestra here.
- Choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot has had an extremely accomplished career, having served as the Choreographer-Director of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo since 1993 and having developed over 40 professional works, including ballet adaptations of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and The Taming of the Shrew. Notable awards and distinctions include the Nijinsky Award for Best Choreography for the production of La Belle, the Golden Mask for Best Performance for La Mégère Apprivoisée, Knighthood in the Légion d’honneur and the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and the Prix de Lausanne Lifetime Achievement Award, among many others.
- Maillot’s version premiered in 1996 at the Salle Garnier Opéra de Monte-Carlo with Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Nearly thirty years later, we’re proud to continue bringing this visionary masterpiece to the stage.
Interested in hearing some fun facts about the original Shakespearian play? Look no further than:
10 fun facts about Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
- Since its premiere about 430 years ago, Romeo and Juliet has been adapted hundreds of times, with about 50 direct film adaptations, over 100 more indirect film adaptations like West Side Story and dozens of ballets, operas and musicals.
Juliet’s Balcony in Verona - Even though Shakespeare set 13 of his plays in Italy, scholars find it unlikely that he ever visited Italy. However, between 1585 and 1592, Shakespeare disappeared from public record, a period widely known as his “lost years.” With no idea where he went or what he was doing, it’s certainly possible he got to see the country he wrote about so often.
- The Montagues and Capulets were real 13th-century Italian families so notorious for their feud that they were even referenced in Dante’s 14th-century poem The Divine Comedy.
- Although there’s no record that Romeo and Juliet themselves were real, the city of Verona, Italy (where the play takes place, has deemed two sites within the city as Juliet’s balcony and Juliet’s tomb. Juliet may have been fictional, but hundreds of tourists pay to view her balcony and tomb every day.
- Every year since the 1970s, letters about love have been sent to Juliet in Verona. Consequently, an organization was founded, the Club di Giulietta, where volunteers respond to these letters and award a prize for the most beautiful letter every year. This tradition inspired the 2010 Amanda Seyfried movie “Letters to Juliet”.
1657 Script- The Excellent and Lamentable Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet - Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet between 1594 and 1596. It was first published in 1597 in an unauthorized quarto and then again in 1599 in an authorized quarto.
- The play was originally titled The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet.
- The events of the play take place over just four days. Talk about a whirlwind romance!
- ‘Romeo’ and ‘Juliet’ are the words that represent the letters ‘R’ and ‘J’ in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet, famously used by the military.
- Since Shakespeare died well over 70 years ago, Romeo and Juliet is in the public domain. This means that anyone can use, perform, or adapt the play without seeking permission or paying for its use. Consequently, there’s no way to know how often the play has been performed over the past 400 years. At this point, at least tens of thousands of audiences have seen this iconic play.
In the R&J Rehearsal Studio
PBT Artists | Photos: Aviana Adams
Join us for Romeo and Juliet from February 14 – 16, 2025, at the Benedum Center. Purchase tickets here!
Romeo & Juliet with the PBT Orchestra Casting
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will present the world’s most famous and romantic love story, Romeo & Juliet, over Valentine’s Day weekend at the Benedum Center. Five performances, including a student matinee, will be staged from February 14-16.
Choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot provides a refreshing and captivating update of William Shakespeare’s beloved tale, telling the classic story of young love blooming, growing, and ultimately spiraling out of control.
Maillot’s style unifies classical and contemporary ballet. The minimalistic sets amplify the dancers’ emotions and allow audience members to truly experience the turmoil and passion of the characters onstage. Emotional performances from PBT artists and Prokofiev’s unforgettable score, masterfully performed by the PBT Orchestra, underscore the beauty of this stunning ballet.
Artists: Colin McCaslin, Grace Rookstool, Tommie Lin Kesten, Lucius Kirst | Photography: Aviana Adams | Videography: Dustin Wickett
Artists Favorite Past Roles
PBT Artist’s Favorite Past Roles from The Nutcracker
Every holiday season, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) brings the magic of The Nutcracker to life, enchanting audiences with its timeless story, dazzling choreography, and beautiful music. For many PBT artists, The Nutcracker holds a special place in their hearts. From the whimsical roles of childhood to the more complex characters they portray as professionals, each dancer has cherished memories and favorite roles that have shaped their careers and love for the art form.
Abigail Huang – PBT Apprentice
Snowflake
Ariana Chernyshev – Corps de Ballet
Snow Queen
Erin Casale – Corps de Ballet
Harmony & Aunt Hortense
Hannah Carter – Principal
Snow Queen and Sugar Plum
Jack Hawn – Corps de Ballet
Drosselmeyer
Jacob Miller – Corps de Ballet
Rat King
Josiah Kauffman – Soloist
Nephew
Lucius Kirst – Principal
Sugar Cavalier
Amanda Morgan – Corps de Ballet
Marie 
Tommie Lin Kesten – Principal
Elegance
Magnoly Batista – Corps de Ballet
Elegance
Sam DerGregorian – Corps de Ballet
Joy
The Nutcracker Casting Has Arrived
The most magical time of the year is arriving soon with PBT’s The Nutcracker! Performances will take place Dec. 6-27 at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. Join Marie, her Nutcracker prince and hundreds of colorful characters for an unforgettable adventure through the Land of Enchantment.
Create a new tradition with your family and friends while enjoying the stunning scenes, spectacular costumes, sparkling snowflakes and famous Tchaikovsky score. All of the roles are performed by the talented artists of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School.
Student Matinee Casting on December 6 at 11 am
Performance Dates: Dec. 6 at 7 pm | Dec. 7 at 7 pm | Dec. 14 at 2 pm | Dec. 21 at 2 pm | Dec. 26 at 2 pm
Performance Dates: Dec. 7 at 2 pm | Dec. 8 at 12 pm | Dec. 15 at 12 pm | Dec. 21 at 7 pm | Dec. 27 at 2 pm
Performance Date: Dec. 8 at 4:30 pm
Performance Date: Dec. 13 at 7 pm
Performance Date: Dec. 14 at 7 pm
Sensory-Friendly Casting on Dec. 15 at 4:30 pm
Performance Dates: Dec. 19 at 7 pm | Dec. 22 at 4:30 pm
Performance Date: Dec. 20 at 7 pm
Performance Date: Dec. 22 at 12 pm
Performance Dates: Dec. 23 at 7 pm
Performance Date: Dec. 26 at 7 pm
Pittsburgh Celebrity Guest Stars in PBT’s 2024 Nutcracker
Pittsburgh Celebrity Guest Stars Shine in PBT’s The Nutcracker: A Holiday Tradition with a Local Twist!
This year, PBT’s beloved production of The Nutcracker will feature 14 special celebrity guest appearances of Pittsburgh celebrities across 12 performances. Each celebrity will make a guest appearance in a walk-on role during the opening prologue and in the entirety of the “Party Scene” during Act l of the classic holiday production.
PBT’s current version of The Nutcracker, choreographed and created by former PBT artistic director Terrence S. Orr, is the perfect fit for local celebrity appearances because of its unique Pittsburgh twist to the classic tale. The Nutcracker includes more than 13 Pittsburgh connections – from Kennywood, the Kaufmann’s Clock and Shadyside to the Pirates, Penguins, Mount Washington and more.
The distinctive Pittsburgh feel of this ballet makes it great fun to include local celebrity guest stars in walk-on roles – adding to the Pittsburgh flair! Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with local stars who bring their own flair and charm to the stage. From news anchors and musicians to Dance Moms stars and Miss Pennsylvania, these guest performers will make this year’s The Nutcracker an unforgettable experience.
PBT will present this holiday classic at the Benedum Center from December 6 to 27.
.The Pittsburgh celebrities participating in cameos in The Nutcracker this year include:
*Please note that guest star appearances may be subject to change
Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers & Founder of Best of the Batch Foundation
Saturday, December 7, 7:00 pm
Charlie Batch is an NFL quarterback, community advocate, author, media personality, entrepreneur, and professional speaker who takes his “Expect Your Best” message to audiences across the country. Charlie’s NFL career spanned 15 years, and in 2002, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as the backup quarterback and was instrumental in critical game wins that led the team to Super Bowl XL and XLIII. After his retirement, he has continued to be a respected strategist in the NFL, providing game commentary for national sports outlets, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, SiriusXM NFL Radio, and Yahoo! Sports.
In 1999, Charlie created the Best of the Batch Foundation, which gives Pittsburgh city kids a safe place to learn and grow. The Foundation offers numerous programs that teach kids life skills and help them succeed. He also serves on multiple non-profit boards to help improve the lives of others. A graduate of Steel Valley High School and a native of Homestead, PA, he has become widely known as a service leader who gives back to his hometown. Charlie resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Latasha, and their five dogs.
Latasha Wilson-Batch, Executive Director of Best of the Batch Foundation
Saturday, December 7, 7:00 pm
Latasha Wilson-Batch serves as the Executive Director of the Best of the Batch Foundation. Her leadership has helped spearhead the growth of the Batch Foundation, which reaches more than 3,300 boys and girls from financially challenged communities annually. She has also developed special programs for young girls and women with emphasis on education, sports, and fun. Latasha is a community advocate and motivational speaker. Honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Engagement and Inclusion, Ms. Wilson-Batch serves on several boards, in the Pittsburgh area and is currently Vice President in the Off The Field Players Wives Association, which raises funds for local and national charitable organizations with a focus on supporting children’s health and charities that strengthen families.
Latasha and her husband, Charlie Batch, have five four-legged kids: Roxie, Bunz, Snoop, Nate, and Aysia. They reside in the Pittsburgh area. Ms. Wilson-Batch recently completed her MS degree in Professional Counseling at Carlow University and is now pursuing her doctorate in psychology.
Page Weinstein, Miss Pennsylvania 2024
Friday, December 13th, 7:00 pm
Page Weinstein is a proud Pittsburgh native and the current Miss Pennsylvania 2024. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from The University of Alabama with degrees in Dance and Telecommunication & Film.
Page has a diverse background in media, having worked as a News Producer, On-air Personality, and Content Creator for CBS4 News. She is deeply committed to her 501©3 corporation, Confident Heart, Courageous Soul, Inc., and serves as the chairwoman of the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Pittsburgh, advocating for a more inclusive society.
An accomplished dancer and baton twirler, Page has performed internationally and was a featured member of the University of Alabama Crimsonettes.
Lindsay Ward, KDKA-TV News Anchor
Saturday, December 14th, 2:00 pm
Lindsay Ward is an award-winning journalist who co-anchors the KDKA-TV Morning News from 4:30 am to 7 am. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Tony, and their two children, Sebastian and Aurora.
When she’s not busy at work or chasing after her kids, Lindsay enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and breweries, and reading.
Kym Gable, KDKA-TV News Anchor
Saturday, December 14th, 7:00 pm
Kym Gable is an Emmy and Telly award-winning journalist and a lead anchor at KDKA-TV. She hosts the weekly segment ‘On A Positive Note,’ which highlights unsung heroes and uplifting stories in the community.
Kym has a background in dance and theater and enjoys returning to the stage for special appearances. Kym is also an accomplished voice actress, speaker, and confidence coach. Her company, Vision and Voice, helps individuals and businesses elevate their communication skills.
Kym serves on the advisory board for Astyr Wealth Management and is the director of the South chapter of ‘Inspired Women Paying it Forward,’ a charity organization that has donated over $750,000 to non-profits supporting women and girls in need. Her motto is, “You can’t live an extraordinary life if you keep doing ordinary things.
Kristine Sorensen, KDKA-TV News Reporter
Saturday, December 15th, 12:00 pm
Kristine Sorensen anchors KDKA News at 5 p.m. and produces special reports and Kidsburgh stories in partnership with Kidsburgh.org. Kristine also hosted “Pittsburgh Today Live” for 11 years.
She has won awards including a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Features reporting, an Edward R. Murrow journalism award, and an AP Award for hosting Pittsburgh Today Live, which won best news talk show. In 2022, she was among only five people to win the “Paramount Impact Award” for her community service. She served on the Board of Trustees for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for 10 years and has written about dance for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Kristine holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a Bachelor’s Degree in Government with a minor in dance from the College of William and Mary. She also earned a graduate marketing certificate from Southern Methodist University and has taught as an adjunct professor at Point Park University.
Savannah Saccucci, Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty
Thursday, December 19th, 7:00 pm
Savannah Saccucci graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Special Education. She worked with children facing psychological and behavioral challenges before finding her true calling in real estate. Previously, she served as an admin/assistant to the CEO of another real estate brokerage, gaining valuable experience in transactions, construction analysis, and remodeling.
Pittsburgh holds a special place in Savannah’s heart. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, she moved to Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and has lived in various cities surrounding Pittsburgh. The city’s architecture, the vibrant city-life feeling, and the diverse communities filled with design elements all contribute to her love for Pittsburgh. Joining the Fraser Team has been a game-changer, with its collaborative spirit and dedication to client success.
Chandi Chapman, WTAE-TV Anchor & Reporter
Thursday, December 19th, 7:00 pm
Chandi Chapman anchors Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 weekend evening newscasts and reports during the week. She is a New Castle native and University of Pittsburgh graduate who joined the WTAE team in 2017. Chandi has won several awards for her work, including multiple regional Emmys and two Edward R. Murrow awards. She has also been honored with two National Association of Black Journalist Salute to Excellence Awards and numerous Associated Press and state broadcast association awards, including Best TV Personality.
Chandi held positions in the industry that include anchoring, producing, editing, shooting, web producing and assignment desk duties. Chandi started her career at WTAE and has worked in various positions at stations in Ohio, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia before returning to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys cooking, traveling, volunteering in the community, watching mystery and comedy movies and having new adventures. She is active in the Junior Miss Program to help young girls shape their futures and loves practicing martial arts whenever she gets a chance. She resides in the Pittsburgh area with her family.
Daisy Jade, KDKA-TV “Pittsburgh Today Live” Reporter
Friday, December 20, 7:00 pm
Pittsburgh native Daisy Jade is a Film/TV Actress, TV Host, and Producer. She is the Host and Co-Producer of Fan N’ATion, an award-winning and Emmy-nominated show on KDKA-TV/CBS Pittsburgh, highlighting Pittsburgh sports fans from all over the world. Daisy also reports for the city’s lifestyle and entertainment show, Pittsburgh Today Live. Additionally, Daisy is the on-air talent for Pittsburgh’s CW (WPCW-TV), representing the station at live events and producing content for their website and social media accounts. She hosts and produces the web show The CW Buzz. Fan N’ation won a Keystone Media Award for Best Regularly Scheduled News or Sports Talk Program in 2022, and has been nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy.
She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, appearing in numerous national and regional shows, commercials, and industrials since 1999. She is also involved with various film organizations in Pittsburgh, including Women in Film and Media Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Film Industry Association (PAFIA). Daisy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts and a Film Studies Certificate.
Frzy, Musician/Rapper
Saturday, December 21st, 7:00 pm
Harvey “Frzy” Daniels is a 2018 regional Emmy Award winner for his collaboration with WQED on a hip-hop version of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” Frzy is a member of the Recording Academy and serves as a Governor of the Board for its Philadelphia Chapter. The City of Pittsburgh declared January 11, 2018, as “Frzy Day” in his honor.
Frzy has raised over one million dollars for charities and increased diversity and inclusion awareness through the “Books to Bars” campaign with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. In November 2023, he collaborated with the Pittsburgh Symphony for a historic concert at Heinz Hall, premiering his new album, Success.
Boaz Frankel, KDKA/Yinzer Backstage Pass
Sunday, December 22nd, 12:00 pm
Boaz Frankel is a TV reporter, writer, and gardener based in Pittsburgh, PA. He hosts and produces NEXTpittsburgh’s “Yinzer Backstage Pass” series and is a correspondent on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live and TALK Pittsburgh.
Boaz lives in Squirrel Hill with his wife Brooke, their son Aviv, and their very cute terrier mutt, Kip.
Jill Szwed, WTAE-TV Meteorologist
Sunday, December 22nd, 4:30 pm
Jill Szwed forecasts Pittsburgh weather every weekend on Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. A Butler native, she graduated with a degree in meteorology from Saint Louis University and began her career in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Certified by the American Meteorological Society, her passion for weather began in middle school, inspired by local snowstorms and a tornado in downtown Pittsburgh. She has covered severe storms, and heavy snow, and broadcasted live from events like the Kentucky Derby and PGA tour.
When she’s not forecasting, Jill enjoys cooking, baking, ballet, pilates, and exploring the great outdoors. She’s a lifelong fan of everything black and gold.
Chloe Lukasiak, Dance Moms
Monday, December 23rd, 7:00 pm
Chloe Lukasiak was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and was an original cast member of the reality dance show “Dance Moms,” appearing in seasons 1-4 and the “Dance Moms Reunion Series” in 2024. Chloe is an award-winning dancer, actor, author, and activist who has inspired generations with her grace and charisma.
She is a best-selling author of “Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World” and has a strong social media following, with over 8.3 million followers on Instagram and 3.8 million on TikTok. She has also served as a ‘Messenger of Peace’ for the United Nations. Chloe graduated from Pepperdine University last year and recently moved to New York City.
Clara Lukasiak, Dance Moms
Monday, December 23rd, 7:00 pm
Clara Lukasiak, best known as the younger sister of Chloe Lukasiak from Dance Moms, is making a name for herself with her talent and determination. A sophomore at Sewickley Academy, Clara is an accomplished tennis player on the school team and a dedicated student with aspirations of becoming an astrophysicist.
In addition to her studies, Clara shares her love of learning as a physics and math tutor, helping her peers excel in these challenging subjects. She also gives back to her community by volunteering at the local food bank and pet shelter.
Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Dance Moms
Friday, December 27th, 2:00 pm
Dr. Holly Hatcher-Frazier is best known as the “voice of reason” from the popular docuseries, Dance Moms. She holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and has over 20 years of experience in education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and principal.
An avid traveler and adventurer, she serves on the boards of City Theater and the Pittsburgh Film Office. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and values service, leadership, and scholarship. Her most fulfilling roles are being a wife and mother to three fabulous children.
A Tale of Two Peter Pans
The timeless tale of Peter Pan has captivated audiences for over a century. This week, audiences can experience a bold new ballet adaptation by renowned choreographer Trey McIntyre. The Pittsburgh Premiere of his 2024 production reimagines the classic story with punk-inspired costumes, contemporary choreography, and a dynamic musical score. It varies greatly from the Peter Pan ballets PBT has previously performed, including Jorden Morris’ version in 2016.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artist Kurtis Sprowls, who plays James Hook, the son of Captain Hook, says the audience will love McIntyre’s Peter Pan because “…[it puts its own] spin on the classic tale and introduce new characters for the audience to fall in love with.”
Discover the differences between these two productions and why McIntyre’s Peter Pan is a must-see event that brings Neverland to life like never before.
Costumes and Set Design
Jorden Morris’ 2016 Peter Pan
Jorden Morris’ design elements are traditional, aiming to create a Neverland that stays true to the classic story. The costumes stay true as well, with Peter Pan in his iconic green outfit, Wendy and her brothers in nightgowns, and Captain Hook in a traditional pirate costume. The set design includes backdrops and props that bring Neverland’s lush forests and pirate ships to life.
Trey McIntyre’s 2024 Peter Pan
McIntyre’s adaptation features punk-inspired costumes and bold set designs. Peter Pan sports a rebellious look, while Captain Hook’s striking costume has edgy pirate elements with a modern misshapen bony hook. The use of giant puppets and vibrant colors creates an immersive, fantastical Neverland. This fresh aesthetic makes McIntyre’s production visually captivating and unique.
Choreography
Jorden Morris’ 2016 Peter Pan
Jorden Morris’ choreography focuses on storytelling through dance. Morris uses traditional ballet techniques, blending them with theatrical elements to bring the characters and their adventures to life. Key scenes, such as Peter Pan’s flight, the Lost Boys’ playful antics, and the dramatic confrontations with Captain Hook, are choreographed to highlight the magical and adventurous spirit of the story.
Trey McIntyre’s 2024 Peter Pan
McIntyre’s updated choreography incorporates elements of physical theater, creating a whimsical and adventurous performance. His innovative movement sequences, including elaborate flying and acrobatic scenes, add a thrilling dimension to the story. This dynamic choreography ensures an engaging and emotional experience for the audience.
Music
Jorden Morris’ 2016 Peter Pan
The musical score for Jorden Morris’ 2016 Peter Pan, arranged by Sir Benjamin Britten, Eric Coates, Sir Edward Elgar, Ron Goodwin, and Montague Phillips, is full of rich classical and cinematic compositions. This music helps to create a whimsical and adventurous atmosphere. The music plays a crucial role in driving the narrative forward and enhancing the overall experience for the audience.
Trey McIntyre’s 2024 Peter Pan
The musical score, composed by Edward Elgar, and arranged by Niel DePonte, uses classical influences. This use of music complements McIntyre’s adventurous vision, enhancing the performance’s playful and thrilling atmosphere. The music’s dynamic range captivates the audience from start to finish.
Listen to The Wand of Youth Suite Nos. 1&2, by Edward Elgar.
Trey McIntyre’s 2024 Peter Pan is a family-friendly performance that showcases an innovative take on the classic tale. With modern aesthetics, bold costumes, and dynamic choreography, this daring adaptation promises a unique and exciting journey to Neverland. Don’t miss Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s presentation from October 25-27, 2024, at the Benedum Center. Get your tickets below and experience the magic of the Pittsburgh premiere of McIntyre’s fresh take on Peter Pan! You won’t want to miss this unforgettable adventure!
Peter Pan Casting
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) will present the Pittsburgh premiere of Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan from October 25 to 27 at the Benedum Center as the opening production of its 2024-25 Emerald season.
This new version is a fresh interpretation of the classic tale told, through the eyes of a child. The family-friendly ballet includes spectacular flying sequences, swashbuckling sword fights, amusing theatrics, entertaining dancing and imaginative costumes. Peter Pan closely follows the classic book by J.M. Barrie, and includes most of its beloved characters. This enchanting ballet is a breathtaking experience for audiences of all ages.
Step Inside Rehearsals
Photos: Aviana Adams | Artists of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Costumes Play a Significant Role in PBT’s Upcoming Peter Pan
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will perform the Pittsburgh premiere of Peter Pan for its season opener this October. This new version, choreographed by Trey Mcintyre, is a fresh, new interpretation of the classic tale told through the eyes of a child. The family-friendly ballet includes a hefty dose of theatrics, spectacular flying, swashbuckling sword fights and imaginative costumes inspired by punk fashion.
Acclaimed Broadway costume designer Jeanne Button created the costumes in McIntyre’s version of Peter Pan. These intriguing costumes become a crucial element of the production as they assist in reinterpreting the classic story, defining the characters and illustrating McIntyre’s wittier, darker vision based on the J.M. Barrie book. Overall, the costumes are colorful, fun and highly creative – perfect to help set the stage for a world of make-believe. To complete the costumes, most characters wear unexpected wigs and colorful makeup. Below, we look at the different costumes for some of the core characters.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will present Peter Pan from October 25-27, 2024, at the Benedum Center. Tickets and show information can be found at pbt.org.
Peter Pan
In this version, Peter Pan’s costume is unconventional and not what audiences may expect from the Disney version. He wears a green loincloth with belts accentuated by dirty skin and bright red, unkempt hair. The outfit illustrates Peter as a true, untamed wild child who grew up in Neverland.
Tinkerbell and the Fairies
Tinkerbell and the fairies all have similar sassy costumes – bronzy-gold leotards with feathery insect-like backs in different colors ranging from blue/green to purple. Topping off the costumes are an array of green wigs, all styled with fun, youthful pigtails.
Captain Hook
Captain Hook’s costume is exceptionally theatrical, from the purple velvet coat with skeletons on the shoulders to the white stage makeup and horn-like wig. Instead of the traditional hook on his hand, McIntyre turned the metal appendage into a claw-like, misshapen bony finger.
Wendy
Wendy wears the most classical ensemble, a delicate, flowy nightgown. This costume perfectly accentuates her classical ballet movements by illustrating their fluidity and weightlessness.
Lost Boys
The Lost Boys look like ragged misfits in mismatched clothes with a rock-n-roll vibe. They’re a bit edgy and cool while also being messy and a bit grimy. They portray the boys’ charismatic personalities that have been uninhibited by adult supervision. Each Lost Boy has a different costume and wig to identify them and show their personalities.
Pirates
Like the Lost Boys, the pirates have punk-style outfits that include colorful tops, pants, jackets and vests that illustrate the wild rawness of the characters. They all have purple skin with a distinctive set of tattoos that are painted on lavender bodysuits.
Mermaids
The mermaids wear beautiful blue and white velvet unitards with sequin sewn wave patterns. They are ideal for their light and fluid classical ballet movements during the production.
Adults
All the adults, including Mr. and Mrs. Darling and the nursemaids, wear black and white outfits and stiff masks. With these costumes, McIntyre is illustrating the coldness and emotional distance of the adults to the children.
Artists in costume: Josiah Kauffman, Grace Rookstool, Amanda Morgan | Photos: Michael Henninger
Ballet Under the Stars Casting Announced
The casting for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s annual Ballet Under the Stars performance at Hartwood Acres has been announced! PBT will be performing at Hartwood Acres on Sunday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m. as part of Allegheny County’s 2024 Summer Concert Series. The outdoor performance is free to attend and open to the community. Register for free before attending for a chance to win a 5-ballet subscription to the 2024-2025 season.
Attendees are invited to arrive early to enjoy picnics, food trucks and free kids’ stations, including grab-and-go crafts, face painting, balloon art and a dance class led by PBT team members.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., PBT will host a pre-show Picnic in the Park. Join fellow ballet enthusiasts and PBT’s artistic director, Adam W. McKinney under the tent for drinks, dinner and the opportunity to meet PBT artists. Tickets are $100 for adults and $25 for children. Register online or call Associate Director of Development Aziza El Feil at 412-454-9127 for more information.
As the sun sets, PBT will present a mixed repertory performance featuring classical and contemporary works.
“Ballet Under the Stars” at Hartwood Acres
Sunday, August 25, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Please note: casting is subject to change
Allegro Brillante | Choreography by George Balanchine | © The George Balanchine Trust
– Leads: Tommie Lin Kesten and Colin McCaslin
– Artists: Erin Casale, Rylan Doty, Madeline Gradle, Abigail Huang, Caitlyn Mendicino, Jacob Miller, David O’Matz and Nathan Smith
Violin Pas de Deux | Choreography by Yoshiaki Nakano
– Artists: Grace Rookstool and Corey Bourbonniere
The Wizard of Oz Excerpt | Choreography by Adam W. McKinney
– Dorothy: Amanda Morgan
– The Wicked Witch: Madeline Gradle
The Nutcracker Suite | Choreography by Terrence S. Orr and PBT’s Artistic Team
“Jubilation”
– Artists: Magnoly Batista, Sam DerGregorian, Matthew Griffin, Abigail Huang, Jacob Miller and Madison Russo
“Exuberance”
– Artists: Emry Amoky, Rylan Doty and Nathan Smith
“Sugar Plum Fairy Pas de Deux ”
– Artists: Marisa Grywalski and Jack Hawn
“Elegance”
– Artists: Diana Yohe and David O’Matz
The Rite of Spring Excerpt | Choreography by William Moore
– Artists: Ariana Chernyshev and Emry Amoky
Peter Pan Excerpt | Choreography by Adam W. McKinney and Raymond Rodriguez
– Peter Pan: Jonathan Breight
– Captain Hook: Jack Hawn
– Tinkerbell: Grace Rookstool
Cinderella Pas de Deux | Choreography by Jayne Smeulders
– Artists: Hannah Carter and Lucius Kirst
Bolero | Choreography by Susan Jaffe
– Soloists: Grace Rookstool and Kurtis Sprowls
– Artists: Jonathan Breight, Erin Casale, Sam DerGregorian, Christian García Campos, Matthew Griffin, Marisa Grywalski, Jack Hawn, Josiah Kauffman, Caitlyn Mendicino, Jacob Miller, Amanda Morgan and Diana Yohe
Photos: Aviana Adams and Michael Henninger