Artistic Director | Christopher Stuart

Executive Director | Jenny Mann

Choreography | Gorge Balanchine, Christopher Stuart, Katie Drozd, Michael Matthews

Rehearsal Director | Jon Upleger

Production Manager | David Page

Company & Production Stage Manager | Joelle Tucker

Costume Director | Wendy Gamble

Technical Stage Manager | Liam McElroy

"Heirloom"

Using a blend contemporary and folk dancing, both of which have been passed down generationally like an heirloom, this piece highlights joys and tenderness of human connection.

Choreography by | Katie Drozd

Music by | The Hops of Guldenberg by Punch Brothers

Costumes by | The Pennsylvania School of Performing Arts and Wendy Gamble

"Trust Fall"

Trust Fall is a piece inspired by the sacrifices these young dancers have made in the pursuit of their art form. Many have left their homes in the pursuit of their passion and I wanted to create a piece dedicated to the friendships and connections these dancers have made with one another during this uncertain stage of life. 

Choreography by | Michael Matthews

Music by | Alfonzo Peduto

Costumes by | Wendy Gamble

"New Beginnings"

With New Beginnings, I wanted to create a ballet danced only by women on pointe, one that puts the strength, precision, and artistry of these dancers front and center. Pointe work asks so much of a dancer, and these women make it look effortless while bringing something personal to every step. This piece celebrates them: their individuality, their unity as an ensemble, and the new energy they bring to the stage.

Choreography by | Christopher Stuart

Music by | Alex Baranowski

Costumes by | Wendy Gamble & Christopher Stuart

"To Heal"

To Heal was created through a collaboration I had with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and is inspired by the power of their music and the profound history behind their voices.

Rooted in the traditions of the spirituals they carry, the ballet explores the human capacity to endure, to remember, and ultimately, to heal. Through movement, music, and the connection between past and present. 

Choreography by | Christopher Stuart

Music by | the Fisk Jubilee Singers

Costumes by | Billy Ditty

"Dispersal"

Like dandelion seeds carried by the wind, a group of people are continually brought together and scattered apart, discovering that connection, adaptation, and resilience allow them to survive and take root wherever life carries them.

Choreography by | Christopher Stuart

Music by | Cristina Spinei

"Stars and Stripes" Pas De Deux

For all its exuberant patriotic touches, Stars and Stripes contains as much pure dancing as many full-length classical ballets. The work is divided into five “campaigns,” each of which uses different themes from John Philip Sousa’s marches. When asked why he chose to choreograph a ballet to Sousa, Balanchine replied, “Because I like his music.” Stars and Stripes has been performed for many memorable occasions, including Nelson Rockefeller’s inauguration as governor of New York, tributes for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, and the opening ceremonies for the New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center. The ballet is dedicated to the memory of Fiorello H. LaGuardia, mayor of New York City from 1934 to 1945 and founder of the City Center of Music and Drama.

Choreography by | George Balanchine, ©The George Balanchine Trust

Music by | John Philip Sousa, orchestrated by Hershy Kay

Costume Design | Karinska

Alabama Ballet extends heartfelt thanks to our friends at Vulcan Park and Museum for their partnership in bringing this first-ever performance to life. We are thrilled to share this historic evening with you beneath Birmingham's most iconic landmark.

PERFORMANCE SPONSORS:

Jenny Mann

Executive Director

Dr. Jenny Mann, Executive Director, joined the Alabama Ballet in November of 2024. Before joining AB, she served as President and Executive Director of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Executive Director of Tuscaloosa Symphony, and enjoyed a 15-year career with The University of Alabama as Associate Professor of Bassoon, Chamber Music, and Arts Administration. A passionate educator and administrator, Jenny has over 30 years of experience in teaching and developing education/outreach programs. She specializes in fundraising, organizational capacity building, and collaborative engagement. In addition to her career in leadership, Jenny also published the text, "Teaching Woodwinds: Bassoon" with Mountain Peak Music and three recordings with the renowned Cavell Trio. Jenny holds a BMA from Baylor with a PK-12 Teaching Certification, MM and DMA degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. 

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