Movement is the Medium celebrates the spirit and range of this program, honoring our long-time, dedicated students who so enrich D.C.’s cultural life. Our 2,000+ adult students come from all over the DMV, represent countries around the world, and come from every walk of life. What unites them is a shared passion for dance, and a deep commitment to this community. The 80+ dancers in this performance have dedicated themselves to technique classes and rehearsals over several months. I am excited that we have the opportunity to experience and commend their hard work.
Thank you to our adult program faculty and tonight’s choreographers whose mentorship, artistry and vision shaped this program. Thank you to our volunteers and staff whose efforts and contributions make this program possible. Most of all thank you, our audience, for joining us for Movement is the Medium! Your support is vital to the longevity of this programming. I hope you will continue to support the arts in your communities.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Jocelyn Cox
Interim Adult Program Head
Cerebral (Premiere)
Choreography: Jocelyn Cox
Music: Feeling Blue by Caleb Arredondo, Down by Kore
Dancers: Suzanne Alila, Caroline Cole, Sarah Ash Combs, Tyler Degen, Courtney Elledge, Erinn Heffes, Alicia Helfrich, Karen Huang, Isabel Perlin, Sarah Piepenbrink, Gail Nunez-Robinson, Zachary Scott Jr., Ayana Salone, Kate Steir, Juwon Song, Shuyuan Wang
Excerpts from Les Sylphides (1909)
Staged and Directed by: Rena Bernardini
Original Choreography: Michael Fokine
Music: Les Sylphides by Frederic Chopin and Alexander Glazunov
Dancers: Nicole Cullen, Raymund Flandez, Monica Fong, Kayla Forinash, Abigail Grigory, Eve Granatosky, Seungji Han, Catania James, Kimberly Martin, Abby McKenna, Paige Moncure, Akiko Motomura,Imani Muchiri, Meagan Murphy, Elizabeth Phelps, Alisa Tian, Akyla Tomlinson, Annice van der Sluis, Karin Tsumagari, Yi Xu
Excerpts from Forbidden Endearment (2020)
Choreography and Restaging: Tamás Krizsa
Music: Blake Neely
Dancers: Morgan Bailie, Madison Baker, Nina Basu, Claire Cody, Gwynevere Deterding, Kirsten Ferlazzo, Madison Ferris, Ellen Howes, Karen Qi, Priyanka Pathak, Kinari Sakamoto Pierce, Alice Shi, Elizabeth Smith, Simone Sparrow, Kristi Sturgill, Joanna Swirszcz, Natalie Tate, Diana X.R. Yin
INTERMISSION
Viñetas Españolas
Choreography: Andrei Yemelianov
Music: Malaguena and Gitanerias by Ernesto Lecuona, Spanish Dance (composer unknown)
Dancers: Jacob Alter, Alis Milla Ambrose, Winston Bischof, Marissa Maggio, Ilana Newman, Emily Qiao, Olivia Schieber, Anya Thacker, John Thacker, Karin Tsumagari, Patrick von Suskil, Alyssa Walter
Excerpts from Paquita (1881)
Staged and Directed by: Alvaro Palau
Original Choreography: Marius Petipa
Music: Paquita “Grand Pas Classique” by Ludwig Minkus
Dancers: Elizabeth Smith, Veronica Boutte, Brynna Frakes, Katie Hyder, Halina Kwan, Alice Lulich, Olivia Mundy, Helen Pewther, Karen Qi, Kinari Sakamoto Pierce, Aurélie Trignol, Diana X.R. Yin, Sissi Wang
I Don’t Want What I Haven’t Got (1991)*
Original Choreography: Lloyd E. Whitmore
Staged and Directed by: Miya Hisaka
Artistic Collaborator: Kevin Malone
Rehearsal Director: Rebecca Berlin
Music: Sinead O’Connor and Sharif Walters
Dancers: Suzanne Alila, Jacob Alter, Rebecca Berlin, Raymund Flandez, JP Flores, Erinn Heffes, Connie Jin, Sarah Hao Kearney, Anna Lipkin, Marissa Maggio, Ronderrick Mitchell, Madison Whatley, Nora Younkin
"In the journey of life, you have all that you need such as food, water, shelter, love and more. Life is fast-paced and full of challenges. But in the end, in your final moment, you will reach out to that one person to hold on to, and hope they know all that you have become…”
- Miya Hisaka-
*This dance has been made possible courtesy of the DC Contemporary Dance Theatre. It celebrates the brilliance and integrity of choreographer Lloyd E. Whitmore.
Edwaard Liang, Artistic Director
Jason Palmquist, Interim Executive Director
Zoica Tovar, School Director
Katie Sopoci Drake, Managing Director of the School
Jocelyn Cox, Interim Adult Program Head
Aliya Siegel, Operations Manager AP Program/Cathedral Commons
Choreographers:
Rena Bernardini, Jocelyn Cox, Miya Hisaka, Tamás Krisza, Alvaro Palau, Andrei Yemelianov
Production Team:
Tina Kaneen, Ashley Pennington, Erin Thomas
Special Thank You to Tamás Krisza, Miya Hisaka, and Ileana Arroyo!
DANCE FOR EVERY BODY.
EVERY LEVEL. EVERY DAY.
Whether you’re a lifelong dancer or just curious to try ballet, our Adult Open Classes offer a flexible, inspiring way to move, learn, and connect. Drop-in classes are offered year-round for every level, from first-timers to advanced students.
Why Adults Love Dancing With Us
Accessible Training: Every body and experience level welcome.
Flexible Schedule: Daily drop-in classes offered across our NW and SE Campuses.
A Variety of Offerings: Ballet, contemporary, conditioning, and more.
Expert Faculty: National and international teaching artists guide every class, including company dancers from The Washington Ballet.
Beyond the Studio: Invitations to masterclasses, seasonal workshops, and select performance opportunities.
No Audition Required: Just register for a class and show up.
Learn More:
www.washingtonballet.org/open-classes
or Call 202.362.3606
Learn More & Register:
www.washingtonballet.org/masterclasses
or Call 202.362.3606
CINDERELLA
A CLASSIC TALE WITH A MODERN HEART
Step into a world of wonder with Edwaard Liang’s Cinderella, a bold reimagining of a timeless tale. Feel Cinderella’s resilience and hope blossom through breathtaking choreography that blends classic grace with modern expression, all set to Prokofiev’s hauntingly beautiful score. Judanna Lynn’s exquisite costumes create a visually captivating world where elegance meets determination. This spectacular production showcases the full strength of your TWB, with our professional company alongside over 85 talented student dancers. Prepare for a lush, family-friendly experience, reminiscent of the magic you loved in The Nutcracker and ALICE (in wonderland). Bring your family and discover a Cinderella that will touch your heart and ignite your imagination.
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