2016 BESFI Journal

BALLET EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC.
~ ABOUT THIS EVENING ~
Benefit Performance
As prepress of the 2016 BESFI journal comes to a close, it is difficult to avoid ruminating on the arduous journey we embarked upon to
put this tome together. From the extensive efforts at ad solicitation with
the attendant endless follow-ups, to the ceaseless rehearsals, to the countless hours of costume preparation and the ongoing battle with a myriad of
details, our dauntless crews have labored on. The ballet production and
journal are concrete testaments to a concerted effort by all the folks who
volunteered their help this season.
A not-for-profit must serve its constituency who in turn must support the organization’s mission. The extensive number of volunteers this
year has been not only gratifying but a rewarding experience as new skills
and proficiencies have accompanied the newbies. Providing professionally
staged performances at the community level and offering opportunities in
dance not otherwise available to talented students are our dual primary
focuses. We are again proud to present three outstanding guest artists:
Nicholas Coppula, Oğulcan Borova and Nurlan Abougaliev. Their estimable professional talents will greatly expand the audience’s theatrical
experience and broaden the dance horizons of the BESFI dancers they
partner.
But BESFI’s performances are more than a glimpse into the professional world of dance for the participants. It is a time for challenging roles
and repertoire growth. For the audience, it is a time to enjoy the maturation
of dancers from season to season and the culmination of amateur careers as
some move on to dance companies and others depart for colleges. Some
dancers last season weren’t even a blip on the radar, and this season, they
are in full bloom. Our choreographic selections this season place emphasis
on both ensemble and individual roles. The exciting list of pas de deux
includes: La Esmeralda, Raymonda, Satanella, Giselle Peasant, and the
Flower Festival. There are several pas snippets in MASK and an awesome
pairing in A Night on Bald Mountain. The ensembles are centerstage in
Grand Waltz and A Night on Bald Mountain. The ever popular Kazachok
plus the second scene of MASK pay homage to character dance. Aptly
named, Made New adds a contemporary note to the playbill.
The six-week BESFI Summer Intensive Program provides the flexibility to take from a single class to the full six-week regimen. The funds
donated by contributors underwrite the Summer Program Scholarship Fund.
The Scholarship Competition is scheduled for June 5, 2016. Please join
us for these upcoming events and enjoy these performances.
BESFI PERFORMANCE 2015 ~ IN REVIEW
Under The Spotlight: BESFI Classics Reign Supreme
By Christina Pandolfi
Energy pulsated throughout Stony Brook University’s Staller C
​ enter
as the dancers of Seiskaya Ballet showcased their talents in a most vibrant
way. For the Ballet Education and Scholarship Fund, Inc.’s (BESFI) 36th
year, a spectrum of colors and music lit up the stage created by a skilled
dance company with excellent theatrical support. The performances prove
just how important ballet is to the dance world, and on a much larger scale,
to culture for culture’s sake. Where would we be without ballet? Thankfully, with top-notch classical ballet education still available, we may never
have to know.
The performance began in true Seiskaya Ballet fashion with a
spirited Character Dance Miniature, as an adorable junior corps adorned
in a rainbow of colors twirled with enthusiasm in Persian. The lovely
Ginamarie Carrero-Sagona followed, serving up Chopin’s dreamy score
in the whimsical Les Sylphides Pas de Deux. Paired with the strong and
statuesque Oğulcan Borova, she soared through the air like a wisp of lace
in a gentle breeze, providing stark contrast to Guest Dancer Jordan Lang
who showcased an edgy side in the contemporary selection - Unluck. Lang’s
dancing is powered by his striking extensions, acrobatic athleticism and
gravity-defying leaps. He is a force to be reckoned with, and I felt anything
but unlucky to witness him dance.
Principal Dancer Alexandra Palma was next, taking her post as the
mainstay ballerina as she danced confidently in the Don Quixote Act I Pas
de Deux. Partnered by the elegant Nicholas Coppula, Palma showcases a
remarkable combination of consistency and dynamism, treating the audience to explosive jetés and her legacy of precise fouettés to end the pas
with unmatched bravura. Act I concluded with a Seiskaya classic, Dance
of the Hours, which beautifully meshes music and movement in timeless
harmony. With a synchronous corps de ballet, Day (Jade-Alexis Donnelly),
Night (Kristina Diaz) and Time (Danielle Lovetro) bestow their respective
roles with the rhythmic qualities of a rich movement symphony. Donnelly’s
graceful arabesques were in counterpoint to Diaz’ dramatic staccato piques
and were both balanced by Lovetro’s poise and lyricism that wove a bridge
between the threesome, leaving the audience anticipating Act II.
1
BESFI prides itself on featuring highly stylized character pieces
among a sea of classical ballet to feature the company’s range. This year
proved no exception featuring the slick, fiery Carmen and the zesty Colombianas, which highlighted upcoming sensation Lara Caraiani. In keeping
with the flair for the exotic, the majestic Kristina Diaz and returning Guest
Artist Borova brought the La Bayadere Pas de Deux to life. A dancer with
lovely lines, Diaz has added additional noteworthy polish and finesse. The
coda gave her the opportunity to feature her rapid-fire pirouettes in a most
impressive fashion. The Minkus Pas de Trois followed, danced by promising youngsters Diana Atoian and Brianna Jimenez with Lang displaying
his classical prowess. At only 13 and 12-years-old respectively, Atoian and
Jimenez prove that ballet’s future is as bright as ever, thanks to Atoian’s
commanding grasp of classical technique and Jimenez’s sculpted legs and
beautifully arched feet.
The perfect picture of a ballerina, Principal Dancer Danielle Lovetro
graced the stage with sophistication in the Paquita Pas de Deux, suitably
partnered by Guest Artist Nicholas Coppula. Anchored by her flawless
technique, a subtlety of movement that exudes grace along with gorgeous
extensions and graceful port de bras, she was a sight to behold. Her maturity was in full bloom for all to see.
The final act concluded the show with a tried-and-true classic, Seasons, which the company first premiered in 1985. Danced against an unusual
backdrop and utilizing vibrant costumes, a wintry mix, a blooming spring,
a blazing summer and rapturous autumn were brought to life. Lissome
Diana Atoian spiritedly flew in and out of each scene as the Bluebird. With
charisma to spare, she danced with a characteristic exactitude that makes
her always exciting to behold. First Soloist Ashley Chenery emerged as
The Sun with undeniable radiance, sustaining flawless balances with each
elegant arabesque. Chenery and Jordan Lang, as Rain, made a delightful
pair, exuding a sweet chemistry that flowed throughout the entire ballet.
When you create the classics, there isn't anything you can’t do.
Seiskaya Ballet validates that legacy.
Christina Pandolfi is a professional copywriter and editor who has written
for several esteemed publications, like SELF. She is also an accomplished
dancer who attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
ABOUT BESFI
The Ballet Education and Scholarship Fund is a not-for-profit
organization incorporated in the State of New York with the primary
purpose of promoting ballet education in Suffolk County. By providing
grants and scholarships and offering workshops to local dancers, BESFI
2 enables young artists to participate in ballet programs that are not readily
available to them or which are beyond their financial resources. By
providing professionally staged dance performances, BESFI is able to
promote the arts by catering to the need for young artists to perform and
the community's desire for quality entertainment. To everyone's benefit,
BESFI has had unparalleled success in bringing noted guest artists and
teachers to Long Island.
This year BESFI owes a great debt to several volunteers who
gave selflessly of their time. In particular, we are proud to recognize
Pat Adamo, Karin Engel, Phil Ferro, Pam Donnelly, Lisa Lee, Lorna
Jaramillo, Jen Rubino, Linda Pandolfi and the journal cover designer
Francine Moshe.
BESFI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dimitri Papadakos, Chairman
Joann Blechman-Hertzman • Michael Grundfast
Ted Kastrinos • Lesli Lyon Theobold
Andrew Nittoli • Valentini D. Papadakos
Susan Tuccillo
BESFI SUMMER PROGRAM
Returning instructors for 2016 include Eleanor D'Antuono,
Marianna Tcherkassky, Mary Carpenter, Rhodie Jorgenson, Elizabeth
McGrath, Yann Irlinger, Alexandra Bergman, Boyko Dossev and Vaso
Kikna. Joining us this season for the first time are Laura Feig, Ian
Poulis and Darren McIntyre. The 2016 program will continue the three
division format introduced four years ago. In addition to three divisions,
a hybrid fourth category allows Intermediate students "en pointe" to take
an additional class with the Advanced Intermediate group. The Summer
Program will run from July 18th to August 26th. The 2016 brochure is
available online at www.besfi.com. For information telephone: (631)
584-0192.
BESFI SCHOLARSHIPS
BESFI awarded $5,000 in summer program scholarships in 2015,
pushing total cumulative scholarships and stipends past the $265,000
mark. BESFI’s goal this season is to surpass that amount and restore
support to the $6,000 level. As in previous years, a jury of prominent
ballet adjudicators will determine the winners of the annual scholarship
competition. The competition date is set for June 5, 2016. Specific checkin times for advanced and intermediate candidates will be announced in
local papers. For information, contact: BESFI SCHOLARSHIPS, P.O.
Box 2146, St. James, NY 11780, call (631) 584-0192, or email us at info@
besfi.com.
Katie Amella
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3
VALIA SEISKAYA
Russian-born Valia Seiskaya took her first
ballet lessons in Greece at the age of six. Her
teacher was Adam Morianoff, also a Russian
émigré. (Valia was experiencing difficulty
learning Greek; thus, it was natural for her
mother to seek out a fellow countryman.) At
nine she became a scholarship student, showing
prodigious technique—for example, entrechat
huit, eight beats, in centre—by age ten. Pointe
work also started at ten, character ballet at twelve.
Thereafter, Mme. Seiskaya rapidly developed
the combination of strong technique and high
elevation which would become her hallmark as a
professional.
At fifteen, Valia continued her training under Sonia Morianova, the
niece of Adam Morianoff, who had recently retired from the National Opera of
Greece. She became a member of the National Opera at seventeen, soon attaining
the rank of featured soloist, and touring Europe and Russia with the company.
At the National Theater her preparation continued under resident ballet masters
and choreographers, including the Bolshoi’s Asaf Messerer, Boris Kniazev,
Nina Kyrsanova and Olympia Yelodari (former judge at the International Ballet
Competitions held in Varna, Bulgaria and Moscow).
In Greece, as in most European countries, ballet students wishing to
become professionals must pass comprehensive national level examinations and
obtain a license. Mme. Seiskaya fulfilled all of her requirements and was granted
both a diploma and a license.
The Seiskaya Ballet School was founded in 1974, one year after Mme.
Seiskaya retired from the National Opera of Greece. At that time she taught all
fifteen class sections. In 1976 Studio A was doubled in size to its present 2,500
square feet, and in 1981 Studio B was opened, adding another 1,500 square feet
to the dance facility. That year also saw the establishment of the Seiskaya Ballet
Academy.
The Academy was designed as a professional training program for serious
dancers who display the determination, physical attributes and musicality of the
career-oriented dancer. Admission to the Academy is by audition only. Since the
inception of the Seiskaya Ballet programs, over seventy students have opted for
professional careers. The OPEN program was developed in 2006 to compliment
the Academy and accommodate requests for more scheduling flexibility.
All Academy students are encouraged to participate in the guest teacher
seminars and summer workshop programs offered by the Ballet Education
and Scholarship Fund, Inc. (BESFI). As part of their professional preparation,
Academy students’ participation in auditions for company schools, summer
workshops, internships and major dance companies is routinely encouraged.
Seiskaya students have compiled an outstanding record of achievement.
4 Through the years, full scholarships have been awarded by every major institution
for which they have auditioned, including schools affiliated with American Ballet
Theatre (ABT), New York City Ballet, and the San Francisco, Houston, Joffrey,
Pacific Northwest, Pittsburgh, Eliot Feld, and Boston Ballets. Some of the many
dance companies Seiskaya students have joined: ABT (5), Atlanta Ballet (2),
Boston (2), Ballet West, Fort Worth, Hartford, Pacific Northwest, Pittsburgh,
Royal Swedish, State Ballet of Missouri, Ballet Arizona, Tennessee, Milwaukee
(3), New Jersey, Alabama, Washington, Louisville, Austin, Tulsa Ballets and
Momix.
In 1994 Seiskaya student Michael Cusumano captured a bronze medal
and Special Commendation at the International Ballet Competition (IBC) in
Varna, Bulgaria and a coveted Jury Award (a gold medal-level award) at the Prix
de Danse, Paris, France. Valia Seiskaya was nominated that year as the Best
Teacher and Coach at Varna, one of the few Americans ever to be so honored.
In 1996 Kirov student Rasta Thomas, coached by Valia Seiskaya, reached
the pinnacle: a gold medal in the Men’s Junior Division at the 17th IBC, Varna,
Bulgaria. Incredibly, he was the first American male dancer ever to win a Junior
Division gold and the youngest male dancer ever to do so. In addition, his triumph
ended a sixteen-year stretch in which no gold medal was awarded in the Junior
Men’s Division.
In 1998 Seiskaya student Elizabeth McGrath represented the U.S. in the
18th IBC in Varna, Bulgaria. In late‘98 she was a top finalist in the 8th Concours
International de Danse de Paris, France. Among the numerous awards earned
during the current decade: Anna Craddock earned 2nd prize in the 2008 American
Ballet Competition, Miami, Fl. and in 2009, the grand prize in the 9th International
Dance Competition - Hellas (Greece). Seiskaya alum Cory Stearns (ABT principal)
won the vaunted 2008 Erik Bruhn Prize in Toronto, Canada. In 2012, Danielle
Lovetro earned 2nd place in the regional Youth American Grand Prix while Anna
Craddock swept to a 1st place finish at the American Ballet Competition in Houston,
Texas and a 1st place finish in the senior division at the 2013 YAGP regional.
Seiskaya students have captured more than twenty national/regional awards,
including those from the National Arts and Letters Competition; National Arts
Recognition and Talent Competition (Presidential Scholar in the Arts); Saraband,
Ltd; and the Amilita Hoffman Memorial Ballet Competition.
During her seventeen-year professional career with the National Opera
of Greece, Mme. Seiskaya gained an affinity for the grand sweep of story-line
ballets and operas staged by the company. Her own choreographic works, such
as Street People, Las Damiselas, Forest, MASK, and the Nutcracker, reflect
that interest. Fresh interpretations of classical favorites La Boutique Fantasque,
Walpurgis Night and A Night on Bald Mountain complement her signature
ensemble works Grand Waltz, Seasons and Dance of the Hours.
Valia Seiskaya is listed in Who’s Who Among Outstanding Americans and
was The Village Times 1985 Woman of the Year in the Arts. Thrice, she has been
awarded Teacher of the Year by YAGP. She has received commendations from,
among others, President Reagan, Governor Pataki and Congressman Forbes. In
2011, Mme. Seiskaya was elected to the Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame for
her work nurturing young talented dancers. Valia Seiskaya is Long Island's grande
dame of ballet.
VALIA SEISKAYA, LFB
Artistic Director
Johanna Hsu
Alexandra Palma
Nicole DiFiore
Kerry Ann Dennehy
Alyse Melillo
Karissa Kralik
Anna Craddock
Jenna Lee
SEISKAYA BALLET
7 Flowerfield, Suite 16
St. James, NY 11780
(631) 862-6925
seiskaya@aol.com
www.seiskaya.com
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5
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6
Guest Artist
Our best wishes to
VALIA AND
THE ENTIRE BESFI CAST
Harry Boutis, D.D.S.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
285 Middle Country Road, Suite 108
Smithtown, N.Y. 11787
631-265-0030
OĞULCAN BOROVA
Oğulcan Borova was born in Turkey, and recognized
there in 1996 as the First Prize Winner at the 3rd
National Rotary Clubs Dance Competition. Since
then, he has established an international career. His
awards include a Bronze Medal at the 18th Varna
International Ballet Competition (Bulgaria) and
“Star Dancer of Turkey,” from the Dokuz Eylül
University of Izmir, where he trained with Shavkat
Tursunov. Borova has also garnered prestigious
Gold Medals at the 7th New York International
Ballet Competition and the 2nd Seoul International
Dance Competition (Korea). He has made guest
appearances with the Korea World Ballet Stars
Gala (Seoul), the Stars of the Kirov Ballet Gala
(Germany) and Russian National Ballet, among
others. Cincinnati Ballet welcomed Borova as a
principal dancer in 2008. Previously, he danced
with Ballet Internationale Indianapolis (19992005), which he joined in 1999 and was promoted
to principal in 2001. He has danced leading roles
in: Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake,
Esmeralda, Cinderella, Copéllia, Napoli, Romeo
and Juliet, Paquita and La Bayadère, just to name
a few. Dance Magazine calls Oğulcan a “feisty,
brilliant dancer.” Pointe Magazine described him
as an “International star.” Typical accolades include
those from The New York Times “[a] powerful
performance.” Currently, Mr. Borova is company
Ballet Master with the Cincinnati Ballet.
7
Congratulations to the entire BESFI cast!
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Guest Artist
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NICHOLAS COPPULA
Come in and enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal, friendly
service, relaxed and casual dining perhaps over a glass of
wine or a mug of cold beer.
Your host,
Loucas Pericli
127-16 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset Plaza
(631) 979-0924
Starting dance in North Pittsburgh, Nicholas
Coppula’s talent was quickly recognized, and he
was accepted into the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
School. Upon graduation, he joined the company
where his bio raved: “Just mention Nicholas
Coppula’s name around Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
and the word ‘genius’ repeatedly crops up.” It is his
sheer brilliance that makes him a stellar performer.
Nicholas’ “sharp intelligence, strong work ethic
and creative imagination” are the very qualities
that he is most heralded for at PBT. During his
tenure at Pittsburgh Ballet, he performed a plethora
of roles, however the “pièce de résistance,” was the
performance in 2012 of the Giselle Peasant Pas de
Deux. Nicholas’ pathos can be appreciated in the
breadth of performances which include his roles as
soloist and principal in George Balanchine’s Agon
and as Elegy in Seranade, Balanchine’s Allegro
Brillante and Who Cares, and Mark Morris’ Drink
to Me Only With Thine Eyes and Maelstrom. In
2010 and again in 2013, Nicholas showcased his
range as a dancer performing in Twyla Tharp’s
Upper Room and Nine Sinatra Songs. He now
dances with Twyla Tharp Dance where he recently
was part of the Twyla Tharp 50th Anniversary Tour.
Mr. Coppula appears this evening opposite first
soloists Jamie Bergold and Amber Donnelly in the
Flower Festival Pas de Deux, along with Natalie
Butkevich in Peasant Pas de Deux.
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P.O. Box 362, Holtsville, NY 11742
Phone: 631-447-5216
Fax: 631-447-6571
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Guest Artist
NURLAN ABOUGALIEV
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631-585-5736
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Supplying topsoil, mulch, gravel &
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for over 20 years
Mr. Abougaliev, a native of Kazakhstan (former
Russia), began his ballet training at the AlmaAta Ballet Academy in his homeland. In 1997, he
moved to Moscow and began his tenure with the
Russian National Ballet and would later become
a soloist with the company dancing the works
of Swan Lake, Giselle and Sleeping Beauty. In
2001 Abougaliev transitioned to The Moscow
City Ballet, and danced the leading roles of Prince
Siegfried in Swan Lake and The Nutcracker’s
Grand Pas de Deux. Abougaliev also performed
in Internationale Dance Festivals in Vail and
Montreal. He toured extensively in the United
States, England, China, South Africa, Japan and
South Korea. He came to the United States in 2003
to join Ballet Internationale, where he worked
with renowned teachers and artists, including Irina
Kolpakova and Vladilen Semenov. He danced with
Bolshoi Ballet’s stars Nadezhda Pavlova and Maria
Bylova. His repertoire includes principal roles in
Cinderella, Balanchine’s Theme & Variations,
Jiri Kylian’s Petite Mort and many other classical
and contemporary works. In 2006, he joined the
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre where he performed as a
Principal Dancer. Abougaliev’s teaching experience
includes the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School,
Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, Ohio Ballet Conservatory,
Tennessee Allegro Ballet, Champaign Urbana
Ballet and Russian Ballet Academy of Maryland.
11
- Bravo Seiskaya Ballet
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Phillip L. Sciarillo, Publisher
Salvatori DiPeri, Publisher
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Ronkonkoma Review
Brookhaven Review
Patchogue Medford News
1 West Main Street Suite 200
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265-3500
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Anna Craddock appears as a guest artist performing
Made New choreographed by Sasha Janes and
herself. Anna has graced the Staller Center in the
past as Kitri in Don Quixote Pas de Deux with
Oğulcan Borova, the White Swan and Black Swan
Pas partnered by Boston Ballet’s Boyco Dossev,
and the Sugar Plum Fairy Pas opposite ABT’s
Cory Stearns in the Nutcracker. In 2013, she
was chosen by Mikhail Baryshnikov to perform
for the Young Arts Gala at the Baryshnikov Arts
Center. Among her other honors are 1st Place
in the YAGP Semifinal in Hartford in 2013, 1st
place in American Ballet Competition in 2012 and
the Grand Prize in the 2009 Hellas International
Ballet Competition. Anna attended Indiana
University’s Jacobs School of Music in the fall
of 2013 and guested with the Indianapolis School
of Ballet performing Balanchine’s Sugar Plum
and Rodham’s Snow Queen. In 2014, she studied
at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow under
pedagogue Irina Syrova dancing a Paquita variation
in the academy’s Spring Gala. In August 2014,
Anna became a professional dancer with Tulsa
Ballet under the direction of Marcello Angelini and
Alfonso Martin. Her repertoire consisted of Napoli,
Fourth Wall by Norbert De La Cruz, In Formation
and Carmina Burana by Ma Cong and Angelini’s
the Nutcracker. She is currently pursuing a degree
in Health Science.
13
14
Raymonda Pas de Deux
A Petipa ballet set to the music of
Glazounov, Raymonda has become
a classical yardstick for ballerinas.
Raymonda dreams that her lover, who is
away at war, descends from his portrait
and leads her into the garden to dance a
pas de deux. But the vision is dispelled and
in her lover's place she finds the sinister
Saracen who renews his advances.
Character Dance Miniatures
Valia Seiskaya began choreographing a
collection of character dances in the late
70's. Over the years, the collection has
grown with major contributions from Kira
Guzikova including Kazachok which
premiered in 2003. These dances are a
testament to the energy and ingenuity of
Seiskaya and Guzikova.
A NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN
Although completed and presented
by his friend Rimsky-Korsakov after
Moussorgsky’s death, A Night on Bald
Mountain remains Moussorgsky’s
signature composition. Valia Seiskaya
has seen in this work a different libretto
than originally commissioned and has
brought it to life in her ballet. Terence
Netter has created a setting which
evokes a vision of eternity. Set against
a surrealistic backdrop that opens the
doors which limit us to a finite world,
the embodiment of untested virtue,
Innocence, stands before Eternity.
Never tempted by Satan as others
should have been, nor judged by the
Lord, Innocence is claimed by neither
good nor evil and is finally engulfed in
Eternity.
Flower Festival in Genzano
Bournonville's Flower Festival is
a fantasy contrasted with everyday
BALLET EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC.
õ
2016 Benefit
Friday, May 13th, 7PM & Saturday, May 14th, 2PM
Staller Center for the Arts
õ
Composer/ChoreographerPerformers
RAYMONDA PAS DE DEUX
Glazunov/Petipa
Jenna Lee, Nurlan Abougaliev
KAZACHOK – CHARACTER DANCE MINIATURE
Folk Music/Guzikova
Corps
Soloists: Sarah Moshe (Fri.), Maya Butkevich (Sat.)
MADE NEW
Arnalds/Janes, Craddock
Anna Craddock
A NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN
Premiered May 14, 1982
Choreographer
Valia Seiskaya
Composer
Modest Moussorgsky
Set Design
D. Terrence Netter
Lighting Design
Liz Silver
CostumesSue DiFioreRehearsal Mistress Karissa Kralik
Satan
Max Lippman
Eternity
Oğulcan Borova
Innocence
Diana Atoian
Souls
Ava Aubé (soloist), Eva Pyrros, Sarah Santarsiero (demi-soloists),
Jamie Bergold, Natalie Butkevich, Graciela Carrero-Sagona,
Sophia Cipriano (Sat.), Francesca Dennehy (Sat.), Amber Donnelly,
Angelina Franqueiro (Fri.), Sarah Moshe (Sat.), Daniella Pino (Sat.),
Amelya Rivera (Fri.), Julia Rubino (Fri.), Julia Virnelli, Brooke Volpicella (Fri.)
Young Souls Kyra Allgaier, Rachel Bland, Maya Butkevich, Lara Caraiani,
Jordan Jaramillo, Madison Valenta
The Lord
Max Lippman
FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERMISSION
ØØØØØ
ØØØØØ
FLOWER FESTIVAL IN GENZANO PAS DE DEUX
Helsted/Bournonville
Amber Donnelly (Fri.), Jamie Bergold (Sat.)
Nicholas Coppula
LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE PAS DE DEUX
Hertel/Nijinska
Brianna Jimenez, Oğulcan Borova
GRAND WALTZ
Premiered 1980
Tchaikovsky/Seiskaya
Rehearsal Mistress
Kerry Ann Dennehy
Soloist: Lara Caraiani
Corps de Ballet
Ava Aubé, Emily Bishop, Sophia Cipriano (Fri.),
Francesca Dennehy (Sat.), Angelina Franqueiro (Sat.),
Jordan Jaramillo (Fri.), Jenna Jarrah, Grace Jeffrey,
Alyson Miller, Sarah Moshe (Fri.), Liana Pirraglia,
Daniella Pino (Fri.), Julia Rubino (Sat.), Amelya Rivera,
Sarah Santarsiero, Julia Virnelli, Brooke Volpicella (Sat.)
(Graciela Carrero-Sagona, Eva Pyrros)
SATANELLA PAS DE DEUX
Pugni/Petipa
Madison Mursch, Nurlan Abougaliev
GISELLE PEASANT PAS DE DEUX
Adam/Coralli, Perrot
ØØØØØ
Natalie Butkevich, Nicholas Coppula
FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERMISSION
(Continued on Page 113)
ØØØØØ
characters and incidents. The great pas
de deux was inserted by H. Lander in
his one-act version of Napoli for the
London Festival Ballet in 1954, and has
since been a popular number for star
dancers.
La Fille Mal Gardée
Variously
presented
as
The
Unchaperoned Daughter, Useless
Precautions, or Naughty Lisette, La
Fille Mal Gardée is a comic ballet.
The excerpted pas de deux portrays the
lovers, Lisette and Colin, attempting
to deal with her arranged betrothal to
another man.
Satanella Pas de Deux
A ballet created for the legendary
ballerina Marie Taglioni, Satanella
premiered as Le Diable Amoureux
in Paris in 1840, with Petipa's
rechoreographed version premiering in
St. Petersburg in October of 1866. The
ballet opens with Count Fabio asking
the devil for help in overcoming his
financial woes. Satanella, a devil sent
to earth to act as the Count's page, falls
in love with her new master. She tries
in vain to win his affections, until, in
an act of unselfish love, she sacrifices
herself in order that his soul may be
saved.
Giselle Peasant Pas de Deux
First presented in 1841 with Italian
ballerina Carlotta Grisi as Giselle, the
story is based on a libretto by Theophile
Gautier. Village peasants dance in
celebration of the harvest. Giselle, a
lovely village maiden, brings out two
peasants to entertain the hunting party
of nobles from the nearby feudal castle.
She presents them to the Countess and
the Pas De Deux commences.
15
Dear Jenna,
We wish all the best to you as you take
the stage this weekend. Sweetheart, you make
us so proud when you dance. We are excited to
see you shine.
Love,
Poppy and Grandma Mary
Dear Jenna,
Congratulations on becoming a Principal Dancer this year. It’s hard to believe that 4 years have
gone by since you joined Seiskaya. To us you are still the little girl who sat in the audience of
your first Seiskaya Nutcracker with the look of wonder in your eyes asking us “How do I get to
do that?” Now you know, you answered the question yourself. Hard work, perseverance, and a
love of dance! Best wishes this weekend to you and all of the Seiskaya dancers.
All our love, your very proud Grandparents,
Grammy and Papa
16
Principal
Dear Jenna,
Your endless enthusiasm, boundless energy and passion to dance are an inspiration
to both of us. It is hard to believe that only a few short years ago you put a pair of pointe shoes
on for the first time, and we watched as this single event changed your life so magically! We are
so very proud and excited to see you once again dance with your heart and amazing spirit. With
your diligence and positive outlook on life you are sure to make your dreams a reality.
All our love,
Mom and Dad
Dear Valia and Dimitiri,
I want to thank you both so very
much for all of the opportunities you
have afforded me this year. I continue
to cherish your kindness, guidance and
support.
With so much love,
Jenna
Dear Nicole,
Thank you for all that you
have taught me!
Love, Jenna
Thank you to all of my
teachers at Seiskaya!
JENNA NICOLE LEE – Age 15
St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
Ninth Grade
Mrs. DiFiore,
Thank you for the
beautiful costumes,
pep talks and leg
cramp removals!
Love you!!
Prepare to be dazzled when Jenna takes to the stage
this evening in the Raymonda Pas de Deux opposite
former Pittsburgh Ballet Principal Dancer Nurlan
Abougaliev. She will also be dancing the role of
Maiden Fair in Mask. Showcasing her elegant
athleticism in the Corps de Ballet of Dance of the
Hours in BESFI 2015, she delivered a charismatic
performance as Frost in Seasons. Jenna made her
debut in the role of Sugar Plum during Seiskaya’s
2015 Nutcracker season, transporting audiences
to the Kingdom of Sweets with every graceful
arabesque, poised pirouette, and dynamic jump.
An incandescent presence on the stage, she once
again shimmered as Dew Drop and was lauded by
The Smithtown Messenger’s Christina Pandolfi for
her “dramatic gestures and raw emotion” in her
portrayal of the “precocious” Clara. A veteran of
the BESFI summer program and a 2015 BESFI 1st
place scholarship recipient, Jenna has a background
in competitive dance as well as ballet. Passionate
about this art form and the expressive opportunities
that it affords the dancer, Jenna dreams of a future
in professional dance. A dedicated student both
inside the studio and out, Jenna has received Cum
Laude honors in her studies at St. John the Baptist
High School.
17
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Principal
DIANA ATOIAN – Age 14
Sachem High School East
Ninth Grade
Dear Valia, Dimitri and all of my teachers,
Thank you for providing me with all the
knowledge and moral support I need to be
able to move forward, and enjoy what I
love doing most.
Diana
Tonight, Diana will charm the audience with
her elegant artistry as Narcissist in MASK and
Innocence in Night on Bald Mountain. Acclaimed
by The Smithtown Messenger’s Christina Pandolfi
for her “commanding grasp of classical technique”
in the Minkus Pas de Trois in last year’s BESFI
performance, Diana also performed in Corps of
Dance of the Hours, and as Bluebird in Seasons,
she “spiritedly flew in and out of each scene,”
stealing the audience’s heart in the process. Diana
dazzled in Seiskaya’s Nutcracker 2015, dancing
a bevy of roles which exhibited her range as
a performer. From her sweet and gentle stage
presence as Clara to the dynamism of her jumps
and turns as Chocolate Soldier, Diana continuously
displays great versatility. With her exquisite
extensions and precise pirouettes, she sparkled as
Dew Drop, lending her characteristic grace and
sophistication. A veteran of the BESFI Summer
Intensive, Diana achieved first place honors in 2014
and 2015. A Student of the Year Award recipient,
Diana was commended by her school district for
her organization of the Hopeful Hearts project,
which brought over 500 donations of toys to the
children of Mather and Good Samaritan Hospitals.
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First Soloist
“A dream doesn’t become reality
through magic; it takes sweat,
determination, and hard work.”
—Colin Powell
Than
Valia k you
& All , Dimit
My Tea ri
Love chers
,
Jami
e
Jamie,
We are so proud of you!
Love,
Mom, Dad & Robbie
JAMIE BERGOLD – Age 17
Suffolk Community College
Freshman
In this evening’s performance, Jamie will be
showcasing her exquisite extensions and elongated
lines in the Flower Festival Pas. Her unique
whimsical style and fearless stage presence made
her the perfect fit for the role of Tipsy in Mask,
as well as taking the stage in the Quartet as a
courageous Soul in Night on Bald Mountain. A
versatile dancer, she was cast in numerous roles
in Seiskaya’s 2015 Nutcracker including playful
Boy at Party, Arabian Soloist, and Flower Soloist.
It was her charming performances of Doll and
Snow Queen that truly demonstrated her trademark
energetic and precise turns and crisp technique
which left the audiences enthralled. A diligent
college freshman, Jamie works hard and focuses
her attention on maintaining high academic
standards in hopes of one day becoming a
successful entrepreneur. This multi-faceted young
lady has a zest for life and will always find time to
enjoy her numerous interests; which include paint
ball, traveling, watersports, and boating. Jamie will
be returning to the BESFI Summer Program as she
plans to keep ballet a focal point in her life.
21
"You’re off to Great
Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is
waiting, so... get on
your way!"
Mama, Papa
and Dr. Seuss
22
First Soloist
“All the ills of mankind, all the tragic misfortunes that fill the
history books, all the political blunders, all the failures of
the great leaders have arisen merely from a lack of skill at
dancing.”
—Moliere
NATALIE BUTKEVICH – Age 17
Ward Melville High School
Twelfth Grade
With stylish execution, Natalie will perform this
evening in the delightful Giselle Peasant Pas de
Deux, as Moody in MASK, and in the Quartet in
Night in Bald Mountain. Her elegant lines and
conscientious turns were admired by audiences
during Seiskaya’s 2015 Nutcracker as a beautiful
Snow Queen, in addition to her roles as a delicate
Bo-Peep, Girl at Party, Flower Soloist, and Snow
Corps. Natalie was captivating as she danced in
Minkus Pas de Trois in BESFI 2015, as Spring
in Seasons and Corps in Dance of the Hours. A
veteran to the BESFI Summer Intensive Program,
Natalie attended BESFI in 2014 as a second place
scholarship recipient as well as the Burklyn Ballet
Summer Program. A highly accomplished and
intellectual young lady, Natalie is the Engineering
Notebook Editor for Islandbots, the FIRST Tech
Challenge Team and a Counselor at Sigma Camp
(science sleepaway camp). She has also served as a
research assistant at Stony Brook University. She
plans to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Biological
Sciences or Bioengineering at Cornell University
in the fall and eventually complete her Doctorate
as a Microbiologist or Molecular biologist, or a
Bioengineer.
23
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First Soloist
Girie:
“You can start late, look different, be uncertain and still succeed.”
—Misty Copeland
GIRIE CARRERO-SAGONA – Age 20
Adelphi University
Sophomore
Thank You Valia and Dimitri for
your endless support and encouragement. I am truly grateful and proud to be a
part of Seiskaya’s family.
xo Girie
Girie is sure to captivate audiences this BESFI
season as the beguiling Gypsy in MASK. With her
ethereal grace and poised stage presence, Girie gave
an enchanting performance of the Les Sylphides Pas
de Deux in BESFI 2015, partnered by guest artist
Oğulcan Borova. The Smithtown Messenger’s
Christina Pandolfi raved that Girie “soared through
the air like a wisp of lace in a gentle breeze.” A
perennial favorite with audiences as Clara in
Seiskaya’s Nutcracker, Girie once again took to
the stage in the 2015 production, showcasing the
sophisticated nuances of her acting ability as well
as her elegant epaulement. Remembered for her
charismatic rendition of her former Nutcracker
role as Dew Drop, Girie showcased her versitility
and impeccable technique. A veteran of the BESFI
Summer Intensive and former BESFI scholarship
recipient, Girie has also attended summer programs
at American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, and The
Rock School of Dance. Enjoying the college life
as a dance major and Talent Scholarship recipient
at Adelphi University, Girie is happiest when
she’s dancing and aspires toward a career in the
performing arts.
25
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First Soloist
AMBER FAITH DONNELLY – Age 16
William Floyd High School
Tenth Grade
Amber, We thank God for the magnificent gift
of you. We are so proud of you and get great joy
from watching you light up as you dance. This
lovely light is one of God’s gifts to the world and to
you. Never, ever hold back your light....Shine!!
Love Mom, Dad and Jade
A heartfelt thank you to
Dimitri and Vlalia
Amber’s sweet and delicate stage presence will
delight us this evening in her first Pas de Deux, the
classic Bournonville Flower Festival in Genzano,
partnered by Nick Coppula. She will also dance
as a member of the Soul Quartet in Night on
Bald Mountain, and as Snob in Mask. Amber
danced in the Corps de Ballet of Dance of the
Hours and was featured in Seasons as Spring
in BESFI 2015, the very personification of the
season itself with her willowy gracefulness and
quietly playful demeanor. In Nutcracker 2015,
Amber sparkled as Doll, executing her pirouettes
with precision and aplomb, and lent her luxurious
extensions to the roles of Snowflake, Bo Peep,
Flower Soloist, and Friend of Clara, in addition
to her fiery performance as Spanish. Amber is an
annual participant in the BESFI Summer Intensive
Program and was previously accepted into summer
intensive programs with Joffrey Ballet and Gelsey
Kirkland Academy. A member of her school’s choir
and kickline team, Amber is passionate about music
and has performed in multiple musical theatre
productions at school as well as with her church.
She loves the storytelling aspect of dance and
dreams of someday joining a repertoire company.
27
28
First Soloist
“Let them praise
His name with dance”
Psalm 149
BRIANNA LYNN JIMENEZ – Age 13
R.C. Murphy Junior High School
Seventh Grade
Congratulations Brianna Jimenez
and all the Seiskaya Ballet dancers
on your 2016 BESFI performance.
Brianna is a talented young dancer that will be sure
to captivate the audience during her pas de deux, La
Fille Mal Gardée and as Shy in Mask. Embodying
the essence of strength and grace Brianna has
been blessed with sculpturesquely arched feet and
buoyant leaps. During Nutcracker 2015, Brianna
displayed her mastery of such demanding roles as
Dew Drop, Chocolate Soldier, Chinese, Flower,
Snowflake and she portrayed a brassy Fritz which
showed her range as an artist. Brianna’s gift for
dance has bought joy and entertainment to many
theater goers from her Minkus Pas de Trois, to her
role as Autumn in Seasons, to her appearance in
the Corps de Ballet of Dance of the Hours during
BESFI 2015. A BESFI scholarship recipient for
three consecutive years Brianna has found her
niche. A practiced singer and actor Brianna plans
to perform professionally and become an avid
contributor to the entertainment industry. Whether
personal or professional, Brianna believes ballet
has laid an important part of the foundation for
her life. It has led her to be successful within the
ballet arena as well as academically allowing her to
maintain her status as an honor student.
29
Thank you to the entire staff
at Seiskaya for creating a
home away from home
for our children .
They are truly blessed
to be a part of such an
amazing group of people .
Autumn and Max,
We could not be more proud of
both of you. Your dedication and
perserverance are to be admired .
May you both continue to shine
like the stars you are!
Love , Your Family
30
First Soloist
“What is art? It is not just nature, it is nurtured
nature. It is intelligence applied to what
physical ability you have.”
~Rudolf Nureyev
MAX LIPPMAN – Age 16
Smithtown High School East
Tenth Grade
Valia & Dimitri,
My life is forever changed,
owing to the fact that you both believed in me.
Because of ballet, my future is more in focus than ever.
With love, respect, and admiration. ~Max
Max’s commanding stage presence will be
showcased tonight in the lead roles of Prince in
Mask, and Satan and The Lord in this evening’s
vignette of Night on Bald Mountain. In his
stunning stage debut with Seiskaya’s Nutcracker
2015 as the Nutcracker, Max dazzled audiences
with his towering jumps and leaps. As a former
nationally recognized lacrosse player, Max’s strong
and steadfast athleticism made for impressive
partnering skills. He further honed his dance
technique in BESFI’s 2015 Summer Intensive, and
will return for the 2016 summer season. A natural
performer and musician with classical training on
the Baritone Sax, Max is a 3-time SCMEA All
County Band member. Recently, he performed
with Smithtown HS East’s Symphonic Band and
Concert Choir at Carnegie Hall. A devoted student
of ballet, Max enjoys learning about ballet history
and choreography by studying performances of his
favorite male dancers, such as Mikhail Baryshnikov,
Tetsuya Kumakawa, and Ivan Vasiliev. Max’s
career goal is to become a dancer with a ballet
company. Asked about the role ballet has played
in his life, Max states, “I have found my passion. I
cannot imagine my life without ballet.”
31
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32
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First Soloist
ALYSON ROSE MILLER – Age 18
Stony Brook University
Freshman
Her elegance and alluring charm will captivate
audiences in today’s performance of Gypsy in
Mask and in Grand Waltz. A veteran to the
stage, Alyson was featured in Seiskaya’s 2014
Nutcracker as Snow Queen, where her majestic
jumps and meticulous pirouettes stole the hearts of
audience members. Her graceful port de bras in the
role of Arabian Soloist, Flower Soloist, and Girl
at the Party, continued to warm the crowd. With
an innate ability to commit to memory extensive
choreography, her numerous performances in
musical theater productions and her love of aerial
arts and belly dancing, Aly is a culmination of
visual artistry. A steadfast student of the BESFI
Summer Program, she has also attended the Joffrey
Ballet’s Summer Intensive and was a participant
in the 25th Annual Tilles Dance Conference at LIU
Post. In her pursuit of a career in the health sciences, her numerous accolades as a collegiate freshman
include Dean’s List, induction into the Sigma Beta
Honor Society, member of the SBU Chapter of the
National Society of Collegiate Scholars, winner
of the Creative Expressions Contest, and Fellow
of Undergraduate College of Arts, Culture and
Humanities.
33
Congratulations to all the performers.
34
First Soloist
To Madison,
So proud of you!
Love,
Mom, Dad and Cassidy
MADISON KAY MURSCH – Age 13
Accompsett Middle School
Eighth Grade
Valia, Dimitri, and all of my teachers,
Thank you for your support and
guidance and for all the opportunities
you have given to me this year!
With Love,
Madison
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A gifted dancer, Madison will showcase her
lovely lines and dazzling pirouettes tonight in the
Santanella Pas de Deux and in the role of Coquette
in Mask. Madison enchanted the audience with
her elegant performances in Minkus Pas de Trois,
as Spring in Seasons and in Dance of the Hours
in BESFI 2015. More recently, she has taken on
the diverse roles of Snow Queen, Doll, Chinese,
Friend of Clara and Fritz and a Flower Soloist in
the Seiskaya’s 2015 Nutcracker. In addition to
receiving her primary dance training at Seiskaya
Ballet, Madison has trained with Bolshoi Ballet,
Sarasota Ballet and BESFI’s Summer Intensives.
She has been a BESFI Scholarship winner for four
consecutive years. A stellar student, Madison is a
member of the National Junior Honor Society and
has received the Student of Distinction, Highest
Honors Award from Accompsett Middle School in
Smithtown. She aspires to a career as a professional
dancer in a prestigious ballet company. When
queried about how she sees ballet fitting into her
future, Madison simply states, “Ballet has helped
me to grow as a person, make friendships that will
last forever, and I hope I can continue this skill
throughout the rest of my life.”
35
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Congratulations
to our beautiful
granddaughter Ava!!!
Keep Dancing!
Keep Dreaming!
Keep Believing!
All our Love,
Nana & Poppop
36
Featured Soloist
Ava,
We are so proud of your love and
dedication to ballet. Anything
is possible if you believe! Keep
following your dreams!
We love you,
Mom, Dad, Samantha,
Daniel & Josh
AVA MARIA AUBÉ – Age 13
Hampton Bays Middle School
Eighth Grade
Thank you - Valia & Dimitri,
Seiskaya Ballet teachers and staff
for all of your support, guidance and
opportunities!
Love Ava XOXO
Ava will delight audiences with her grace and poise
in one of tonight’s solo performances as a demure
Soul in Night On Bald Mountain and as part of
the Corps of the Grand Waltz. Ava’s patience,
dedication and perseverance were exemplified
during Seiskaya’s 2015 Nutcracker. Her dynamic
jumps, precise turns, and lengthy extensions were
showcased in her roles of Friend of Clara, Flower,
and Snow. In the 2015 BESFI performance of
Seasons, Ava was radiant in Summer Quartet and
Dance of the Hours in Corps. A three year BESFI
scholarship recipient, Ava will return for six weeks
to Bolshoi Ballet this summer and to BESFI’s
Summer Intensive. Ava is a dedicated student,
with High Honors, a member of the National
Junior Honor Society and Student Council. Ava
hopes to share her love for ballet with others and
passionately expressed, “The feeling of dancing
on stage is a feeling like none else! I can express
myself through movement. When I’m dancing I
forget about all my worries and feel free!”
37
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Best of Luck
~
Congratulations
The Grundfast Family
and
Law Office Staff
38
Featured Soloist
“First comes the sweat,
then comes the beauty if
you’re very lucky and
have said your prayers.”
- George Balanchine
EMILY CHRISTINE BISHOP – Age 15
The Stony Brook School
Ninth Grade
Dear Valia and Dimitri,
Thank you for all of the wonderful
opportunities this year.
Love, Emily
“I praise you, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully
made.”
–Psalm 139:14
Blessed! Love you,
Mom, Dad and David
With precision and grace, Emily will portray the
role of The Sleepy Daughter in MASK and perform in the Corps de Ballet of Grand Waltz. Emily
excels both in grasping technique and in learning
choreography. In Nutcracker 2015 she portrayed
numerous roles including Friend of Fritz, Snow,
Bo Peep, Flower and Arabian Soloist. In BESFI
2015, Emily charmed us with her long elegant lines
in Carmen, as a willowy Cornflower in Seasons,
and with beautiful feet in Dance of the Hours. A
veteran of the BESFI Summer program since 2009,
Emily also studied with The Princeton Ballet and
has been accepted by The Atlanta Ballet. Emily’s
studious nature has earned her placement on the
Headmasters Honor Roll, and Honors by the Cum
Laude Society (2015) in recognition of notable
scholastic achievement. Emily holds several leadership positions at school including Admissions
Council, Academic Council, Chapel Committee,
Orientation Staff, Barnabas Ministry and Lunch
Maitre’D. Emily enjoys English and History which
she believes will be an asset to her pursuit of writing and television journalism.
39
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Featured Soloist
Love always,
Anya, Mommy and Daddy
LARA SOPHIE CARAIANI – Age 12
Nesaquake Middle School
Sixth Grade
This weekend Lara will delight audiences as she
dances as a Soloist in Grand Waltz, in Night on
Bald Mountain, and in Mask as a Field Hand.
With her ethereal grace and elegant leaps and turns
Lara is blossoming into an exceptional dancer. During Nutcracker 2015, she portrayed a sparkling
Snowflake, a delicate Flower, a charming Sheep,
and fierce Soldier. Lara has proven her proficiency
as a character dancer in Colombianas and en pointe
as a Gnome in Seasons during BESFI 2015. She
dreams of one day dancing a Pas de Deux at Seiskaya Ballet and is well on her way to reaching that
goal. Lara is a past recipient of the BESFI Scholarship Award. Lara enjoys the keen discipline and
stellar work ethic provided in ballet class and has
performed outside of Seiskaya in her school’s rendition of The Nutcracker. A regular BESFI Summer Program participant Lara was awarded the
BESFI Scholarship in 2015. Beyond the barre she
enjoys baking. Lara’s long term goal is to follow
in her parents footsteps by becoming a physician.
41
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Contact: Roy Zeidman
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Featured Soloist
Graciela:
“Success
isn’t handed to us. We earn it.”
—Misty Copeland
GRACI CARRERO-SAGONA – Age 11
Old Field Middle School
Eighth Grade
I am so very grateful for the support and encouragement I get from my teachers at
Seiskaya. Thank you Valia and Dimitri for giving me the opportunity to be able to
do what I love best. xo Graciela
Graci’s blazing performance of Fritz, Friend of
Clara, Snow, Flower, and Sheep, was savored by
audiences in Seiskaya’s Nutcracker 2015. Her
turns, jumps, leaps, and beautiful extensions will
be showcased tonight as The Princess in Mask, and
Corps in Night on Bald Mountain. With an exuberant personality that radiates through her smile,
Graci lights up the stage whenever she performs.
She attended BESFI 2015 Summer Intensive Program with a second place scholarship, and she has
also been the recipient of a first place gold medal
from the Long Island Ballet Competition. Graci
will return to BESFI this summer in addition to
American Ballet Theater Summer Intensives which
aligns with her desire to continually challenge herself as a dancer and performer. An honor roll student, Graci realizes the importance of dedication
and diligence in every area of her life. She aspires
to one day become a professional ballerina because
aside from spending time with her family and pets,
ballet is what truly makes her happy.
43
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Featured Soloist
Dear Valia, Dimitri, and all of my teachers,
Thank you for all your guidance and support.
Love,
Jenna
JENNA ROSE JARRAH – Age 15
Oyster Bay High School
Tenth Grade
Dear Jenna,
It has been so wonderful to watch you grow into the
beautiful person and dancer you are today. Always
reach out for your dreams! We love you!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Andrew, Alex, and Eli
In tonight’s BESFI production, Jenna performs
the role of Voluptuous in Mask and dances in the
Grand Waltz ensemble, both of which are particularly suited to display her signature high extensions and jumps. Jenna danced in the 2015 BESFI
production as Cornflower in Seasons and Dance
of the Hours. Her versatility was evident in Seiskaya’s Nutcracker 2015, dancing the solo role
of Arabian, as well as Snow, Flower and Friend
of Clara. In 2015, Jenna received training with
the Rock School of Dance and BESFI’s Summer
Intensive Programs. She plans to return to BESFI
and has also has received acceptance from Sarasota Ballet. An accomplished pianist, Jenna has
received a score of Outstanding in the New York
State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for
piano solo performance. Jenna plans to major in
dance in college, and as a long-term goal, would
like to study law. Dancing has provided her with
the discipline to succeed. “Ballet teaches me the
importance of detail and precision. Finally, being
in the studio provides a place for me where I can
forget about everything going on outside of class,
and it is a place where I can express myself.”
45
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631.686.6626
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46
Phone: 631-686-6599
Fax: 631-686-6598
www.thelunchboxdeli.com
Featured Soloist
GRACE JEFFREY – Age 16
Home-schooled
Tenth Grade
www.compositionmouldings.com
Tonight would have marked Grace’s debut
performance in BESFI with her expressive
interpretations of the roles of Snob in Mask, Soul
in Night on Bald Mountain and Grand Waltz. Due
to a recent injury she will not be able to perform
and has graciously coached her understudy to take
on her roles. In her most recent performance in
Nutcracker 2015, Grace demonstrated her artful
Grand Allegro in roles such as Snow and Flower,
along with her jubilant leaps and turns in the roles
of Chinese and Friend of Clara and Fritz. Grace
will continue her training in the BESFI Summer
Intensive Program and she has also recently gained
acceptance into the prestigious American Ballet
Theatre Texas Program. This gifted dancer has also
danced in performances of A Midsummer Night’s
Dream and Swan Lake. A well-rounded student,
Grace has received the Triple C Award, as well as a
nomination in becoming a member of the Congress
of Future Science and Technology Leaders. One of
her many goals include becoming a professional
ballerina with The Boston Ballet. When she is not
dancing, Grace enjoys baking, helping others with
babysitting, and reading in her spare time.
47
Congratulations to Eva !
We wish you continued success!
With Love,
The Vergos Family
48
Featured Soloist
Congratulations Eva on another
great performance. Never stop
your beautiful dancing. Your dad
would be proud.
Love,
Mom
EVA MARIE PYRROS – Age 14
Port Jefferson Middle School
Eighth Grade
Tonight, Eva will delight the audience with her
superb acting ability as Ditzy in Mask. She will
also be seen in her whimsical roles of Soul in
Night on Bald Mountain, and the Grand Waltz. In
Nutcracker 2015, Eva’s passion for dance shined
through when she danced as Friend of Clara and
Fritz, along with Snow and Flower. This versatile
young dancer took on the dynamic role of Summer
in BESFI 2015's showcase of Seasons, as well
as Dance of the Hours. Praised for her beautiful
feet and lissome extensions, Eva enjoys perfecting
her technique through countless variations of
only the most well known ballets. Eva plans to
continue her training in BESFI 2016 Summer
Intensive, and she has also gained acceptance to
American Ballet Theater in North Carolina, as well
as scholarships from the prestigious Bolshoi and
Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensives. Along with her
hopes of becoming better and better in her abilities,
Eva remains determined in pursuing her dream of
becoming a professional ballerina. When she’s not
dancing, Eva enjoys swimming in her free time and
spending time with her friends.
49
Dear Valia and Dimitri,
Thank you for all of the
wonderful opportunities you
have given me this year. I
appreciate how much you have
challenged me.
Love,
Sarah
50
Featured Soloist
SARAH SANTARSIERO – Age 16
Kings Park High School
Eleventh Grade
To Our Beautiful Sarah,
Your unwavering commitment,
dedication, and passion for ballet
cannot be contained. It keeps
shining through in all that you do.
This has been a remarkable year
of growth and opportunity. We
are so proud of you!
All our love,
Mom, Dad, and Kate
A dancer with long, elegant limbs who imbues
her roles with musicality and expressiveness,
Sarah will perform tonight in the Souls Duet in
Night on Bald Mountain and as a Corps member
in Grand Waltz. Sarah’s recent credits include
roles in Cornflower, Dance of the Hours and
Carmen in BESFI 2015 and as Spanish, Chinese,
Snowflake, and Boy at the Party in Seiskaya’s
2015 Nutcracker production. A recipient of the
BESFI Scholarship Award, Sarah has received her
primary ballet training at Seiskaya Ballet Academy.
She has also received training at Alvin Ailey and
Gelsey Kirkland Summer Intensives, and garnered
acceptances from BESFI, The Rock School of
Dance, The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet,
Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Dance,
and The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, which
she plans on attending this summer. Sarah aspires
to become a ballerina in a ballet company or to
become a physical therapist specializing in dance
injury prevention and rehabilitation. When asked
why she has chosen to pursue ballet as a career,
Sarah’s response is that she has a “passion for the
strict discipline and art of ballet.”
51
52
Soloist
MAGGIE KIRSTEN TONNS – Age 15
Home-schooled and Palm Beach State College
Ninth Grade
I’ll be back!
Dedicated - that is defined as commuting from
Florida not Long Island’s East End. Growth
is defined as gaining technical confidence,
poise, maturity and presence - Maggie has
evolved into a veteran dancer performing
in a number of ballets with the Palm Beach
Atlantic University Program at the tender
age of 15. She has trained with Seiskaya
Ballet and has attended the BESFI Summer
Intensive for three years. Maggie’s energetic
persona made her a corps standout in both
Flower and Snow in Seiskaya’s Nutcracker
2015. She recently continued ballet at Palm
Beach Atlantic University under the tutelage
of Eileen Houghton where she became the
youngest student to be placed in the Ballet
Honors class. Choreographing her own ballet
piece, she received a year-end grade of 100%.
Currently splitting academic studies between
home schooling and part-time enrollment at
Palm Beach State, this active teen is looking
forward to the 2016 BESFI Summer Program.
53
(Continued from page 15)
MASK
Choreography: Valia Seiskaya
Lighting Design: Liz Silver
Costume Mistress: Sue DiFiore
Premiered April 30, 1988
Composer: Dvorak, Brahms
Rehearsal Mistress: Nicole DiFiore
Stage Manager: Liz Silver
King:
Prince:
Princess:
General:
Snobbish Daughter:
Earl:
Voluptuous Dau.:
The Viscount:
Sleepy Daughter:
Phil Sagona
Queen:
Max Lippman
Graciela Carrero-Sagona (Lara Caraiani)
Andrew Nittoli
General’s Page:
Amber Donnelly (Ava Aubé)
Mark Gonzalez
Earl’s Page:
Jenna Jarrah (Amelya Rivera)
Scott Giles
Viscount’s Page:
Emily Bishop (Julia Virnelli)
The Marquis:
Tom Fitzgerald
Tipsy Daughter:
The Duke:
Ditzy Daughter:
Gypsy:
Washer Women:
Jamie Bergold (Amber Donnelly)
Sergey Butkevich
Duke’s Page:
Victoria Ye
Eva Pyrros (Sarah Santarsiero)
Girie Carrero-Sagona (Alyson Miller)
Francesca Dennehy, Liana Pirraglia, Julia Rubino
(Sophia Cipriano, Brooke Volpicella)
Liv Hoglo, Madeline Immerman, Sarah Moshe, Daniella Pino,
Rebecca Sama, Marina Story, Alexandra Vlase, Brooke Volpicella
(Rachel Bland)
Drew Baranowski, Brielle Borch, Maya Butkevich (Fri.), Sophia Creedon,
Taylor Davies, Shannon DePeter, Sophia Ferro (Sat.), Zoe Gonzalez,
Ashley Liu (Madison Valenta)
Lara Caraiani, Sophia Cipriano, Angelina Franqueiro, Jordan Jaramillo
(Daniella Pino, Brooke Volpicella)
Villagers:
Young Villagers:
Field Hands:
Masked Damsels:
Shy:
Moody:
Coquette:
Narcissist:
Maiden Fair:
Marquis’ Page:
Brianna Jimenez (Ava Aubé )
Natalie Butkevich (Amber Donnelly)
Madison Mursch (Jamie Bergold)
Diana Atoian (Graciela Carrero-Sagona)
Jenna Lee (Diana Atoian)
Hayley Carrero-Sagona
Makay Volpicella
Wenlan Qui
Clara Muller
Alexis Tramontana (Fri.)
Zalea Drechsler (Sat.)
MASK
A light-hearted tale of the search for the perfect wife, the ballet opens on a heated debate
among the Royal Family over the Prince’s
apparent lack of interest in finding a mate.
All is well, he assures everyone.Given time,
he will surely find the girl of his dreams.(In
reality, after a brief encounter, he has already
fallen hopelessly in love with a maiden he is
desperate to locate.) Over their son’s strenuous objections, the Prince’s anxious parents
determine to narrow the field by having members of the court present their daughters at a
special audience. The Princess, appalled that
an arranged marriage may await her as well,
commiserates with her brother. The Prince
reviews each candidate. The first seems aloof
and snobbish, the second too buxom, and the
third, while pretty and affectionate, proves
lifeless as a doll. In her nervousness, a fourth
prospect has over-imbibed, and a fifth proves
too whimsical and flighty for the Prince’s liking. As the King and Queen despair over their
son’s disinterest, the Princess introduces her
Gypsy handmaiden, who has had a vision and
promises to help unite the Prince with the girl
of his dreams. They persuade the King and
Queen that the Prince should choose his bride
from among the five candidates, each wearing
a mask, on the basis of character alone. To the
Prince they say that he will have to prove his
love is real by selecting her from among five
candidates. The Prince eagerly accepts the
challenge, and all set out for the village. To
the delight and amazement of the Villagers,
they are told that one of them will marry the
Prince. The Princess and the Gypsy select five
of the most beautiful damsels, who will have
to win the Prince by purity of heart alone.
The first is too shy and withdrawn, the second
moody and inconsistent, the third coquettish
and worldly. Undaunted, the Prince dances
sensually and passionately with the fourth,
but ends disturbed at her self-absorption. All
doubt is dispelled, however, as the fifth and
final candidate begins to dance an exuberant
dance, confirming that the Prince has, at
last, found his Maiden Fair. All rejoice at
the happy ending.
113
Behind the Scenes
Costume Mistress: S. DiFiore
Costume Design: B. Bergeman, R. Camhi,
S. DiFiore, K. Kralik
Costume Helpers: C. Adamo, N. DiFiore
Head Rehearsal Mistress: N. DiFiore
Rehearsal Mistresses: K. Dennehy, K. Kralik
Rehearsal Assistant: J. Lee
Office Manager: K. Engel
Office Assistant: L. Jaramillo
Front Cover by: F. Moshe
Ad Composition: P. Adamo, D. Papadakos
Biographies: P. Donnelly, L. Lee,
K. Amella, K. Borch, C. Chandler, T. Davies,
K. Dennehy, M. Gonzalez, M. Martufi, K. Nagle,
L. Petrossian, J. Rubino, L. Samara, T. Santasiero
Proof Readers: C. Bishop, C. Chandler, R. Dressler,
D & M. Gonzalez, L. Jaramillo, M. Jeffrey, L. Lee,
L. Pandolfi, J. Rubino, T. Santarsiero, D. Volpicella
Electronic Imaging: P. Adamo, P. Ferro,
C. Chandler, C. Cunniffe, D. Pirraglia, M. Pirraglia
Photographers: S. Butkevich, D. Papadakos
Ad Tracking: K. Engel, L. Jaramillo
Ad Accounting: K. Engel
Ticket Purveyor: M. Jeffrey, J. Rubino
Bulk Mailing: H. Valenta, P. Sagona
Audio Consultant: A. Nittoli
Webmaster: K. Engel
Lighting Design/ Tech Director: L. Silver
Stage Manager: L. Silver
Thank you to all our friends and supporters
not listed here who have helped to make these
114 performances and program journal possible.
SPONSORS OF THE ARTS
• In Memoriam Dimitri C. Pyrros
• Warren & Ronni Camhi
• The Adamo Family
• The Butkevich Family
• The Family of Zoe Gonzalez
• Erica & Scott Kraft
• Karen & Ron Kralik
PATRONS OF THE ARTS
• The Engel Family • William & Maria Museler
• Susan Tuccill0 • Madalina and Horia Vlase
• Northrop Grumman Corp.
BENEFACTORS
• The Atoian Family • Locals 28, 66, 290 & 580
• Carol & James Cassel • The Sama Family
SPONSORS
• Mr. Paul Sullivan
• Annette and Michael Bedell • Eileen Creutz and Family
PATRONS
• Kirk & Robin Roth • The Pereca Family • Brett Raynor
BOOSTERS
• Sara Bedell-Spataro • Blooms by Design
• Carole Cardon • Frantz Girault • The Jurlando Family
• James Lee • Nanci Posner • Howard Snyder • Madeline Svoboda
FRIENDS
• Matilda & Worth Austin • Mr. James Conner • Ellen Driscoll
• Geraldine & John Guinessey• Kathleen "2 left feet" Lindbom
• Joan Monko • Lucy Oliva • Vincent Onorato • Iris R. Pappalardo
• Diana Schilling • Judith & Roger Williams • Joanne Messina
• Joseph & Antoinette Link • Kathleen LeRoy • Joan Riddering