Santiago is a work inspired by themes of pilgrimage . . . journeying toward a goal born of faith, courage and perseverance. The metaphor there for our young artists is evident, and I am honored to have opportunities to contribute toward their development during the course of their studies. For me, Santiago is a celebration of our dancers; they are magnificent, and they inspire ME in my own journey as an educator, artist, and human being. Along the way, we have each encountered challenges, questions, and moments of doubt, but always, in the end, the sun rises to fill a new day with warmth, and at night the stars twinkle with a secure knowledge that our work tomorrow will bring us ever closer to realizing the future we create together.