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Smuin Ballet: The Barre Report
It's a Wrap!
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In this Issue:
The Spring Program
ARTIST'S CORNER
- Brooke Reynolds
ACROSS THE BOARD
- Lee Baxter
DIRECTIONS
-Celia Fushille
"Smuin Ballet resurgent, alive with talent."
(San Francisco Examiner)
Smuin Ballet's powerfully diverse Spring Program showed the company in
shining colors with Michael Smuin's Bouquet and St. Louis Woman: A Blues Ballet
alongside Trey McIntyre's The Naughty Boy!
Jumping for Joy!!
Jessica Touchet, in the title role of The Naughty Boy, wowed audiences with not only her technical mastery, but sprite mischievousness and cunning grin. The ballet was set on the Smuin Dancers by Dawn Fay, who originated the lead role. All were inspired by her positive and highly energetic nature. Then, to add the finishing touches, Mr. McIntyre himself came to ingrain his signature style to the movement.
Bouquet, originally choreographed on San Francisco Ballet in 1981 by Michael Smuin, showed a softer and more classical side of the company where Erin Yarbrough-Stewart (in the first cast) glided amidst Darren Anderson, Ryan Camou and Shannon Hurlburt with ethereal grace and meticulous technical purity. In the second half of Bouquet, Brooke Reynolds and Aaron Thayer danced a sensual pas de deux, which highlighted Mr. Thayer's masterful partnering and Ms. Reynolds' seemingly limitless extension and luminous quality..
The program concluded with Smuin's St. Louis Woman, where every night, after a brief overture, the curtain rose to thunderous applause. Broadway's Tony Walton recreated Dance Theater of Harlem's original set (where Smuin first choreographed the ballet) in a magnificent backdrop, which perfectly complemented the eye-catching costumes and radiant energy of the dancers. Matthew Linzer showcased his artistic versatility as the intimidating Biglow Brown, while Susan Roemer tugged at our heartstrings with her portrayal of his girlfriend Lila. Robin Cornwell was perfectly cast as the beautiful and sultry Della Green, and Ryan Camou, playing Little Augie, wowed audiences with his multiple pirouettes and playful charisma.
15th Anniversary Gala
Smuin Ballet's 15th Anniversary Gala on April 30th was a lively affair, highlighted by the preview of a suite from Michael Smuin's last narrative ballet, St. Louis Woman: A Blues Ballet. The Kentucky Derby theme, inspired by the 1940's racetrack setting of St. Louis Woman, had friends and fans of Smuin Ballet turned out in their best hats and sipping mint juleps while they bid on wonderful Silent Auction items. Before enjoying a delicious Southern-influenced dinner, guests helped Smuin Ballet honor Founding Board President Patti Hume for her 15 years of service and leadership. Along with music from the Black Market Jazz Orchestra, Gala attendees were treated to a spectacular performance from the Company of Smuin Ballet, right in the ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel.
Our special thanks to our emcee and Live Auctioneer Jan Wahl, Gala Chair Sue Steinberg and the staff of the Four Seasons San Francisco Hotel for their contributions to this year's Gala! We also thank Wells Fargo Private Bank for their sponsorship and the following in-kind donors: Crystal Cruises, Fossil Inc., Scot Goodman, Grgich Hills Estates and Winemonger.com.
If you missed this year's Gala, be sure not to miss the next one: mark your calendars for April 23, 2010!
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Secure your seat for Smuin Ballet's exciting 16th Season today! Save up to 30% off single ticket prices and enjoy the highly anticipated world premieres and beloved favorites that make Smuin Ballet legendary! Visit our website at www.smuinballet.org or contact Manager of Patron Services Kelli Jew at kelli@smuinballet.org or 415.495.2234 x5 for more information.
Smuin's New Face
We are excited to announce a new dancer coming to Team Smuin for the 2009-2010 season, John Speed Orr! John trained at Dance Theatre Seven in Fairfax, CA under the direction of David Roxander. Following his training, he was invited to become a trainee with Ballet Memphis for their 06-07 season. While there, Mr. Orr was awarded the Emerging Artist Award by the Greater Memphis Arts Council. Most recently, John spent the last two seasons with the Sacramento Ballet, where his highlights included various soloist and principal roles in works such as The Sleeping Beauty (The Bluebird), George Balanchine's Donizetti Variations, Ron Cunningham's Alice in Wonderland (The White Rabbit), John Clifford's Mozart Divertimento and Septime Webre's Fluctuating Hemlines.
ARTIST'S CORNER
Spotlight on Brooke Reynolds
The past season at Smuin Ballet has made me the happiest in my career. Having danced in two large companies, San Francisco Ballet and Boston Ballet, I have found Smuin Ballet to be the most artistically challenging and satisfying of my 11 year professional career.
After Michael passed away, no one better could have been chosen to take over the Company but Celia Fushille. She was one of my main reasons to join the Company. Even though the past season was still somewhat transitional, Celia knew what the Company needed to go forward. Not only did she hire the right people to keep things running smoothly, but the Company continues to grow and to artistically challenge the dancers and our audience. All of the dancers, new and returning members, artistic staff, and staff all believe in the artistic vision of our Company and we have pulled together as a team, on stage and off. It is a genuine pleasure to work with my fellow "Smuinees!" I have enjoyed every day, even though it was challenging - every performance, every reception, and every opportunity to be trusted to contribute to my new home!
ACROSS THE BOARD
By Lee Baxter
From my point of view, this past season of the Smuin Ballet, our 15th Anniversary Season, has been one of exciting new beginnings. This season we saw the vision of our new Director, Celia Fushille, taking shape with a jazzy new look, seven beautiful and talented new dancers (who joined our equally talented and beautiful eight remaining dancers) and dazzling new choreography, all signaling a new era and new direction for our company. All the while, she has continued to keep the spirit and work of Michael present and alive.
At our very successful 15th Anniversary Gala, we all took our derby hats off to honor our Board President, Patti Hume, who has guided the company with strength and grace over the past fifteen years.
I believe that this past year has showcased the new direction our patrons can look forward to as Smuin Ballet prepares for its new season. I am very proud to be a member of the Smuin Board of Directors and a family member of this extraordinary dance company.
Lee Baxter
Smuin Ballet Board Member
In Development
By Kathleen Dederian, Develoment Associate
Smuin Ballet Meets the Challenge! This Spring, Smuin Ballet received an offer from a generous donor to match any new or increased donations received through June 30 up to a total of $50,000; this is also known as a Challenge Grant. We are thrilled to announce that we not only met this Challenge - we exceeded it by $8,000!
The outpouring of support came from our subscribers, donors, e-list recipients, family, friends, volunteers and audience members both new and long-term. It was a real demonstration of what Smuin Ballet means to Northern California communities. You are all a vital part of Team Smuin, and your support helps us to bring the best in live dance performance to YOUR community.
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, and to the incredible Smuin Ballet champion whose offer made it possible.
Kathleen Dederian
Development Associate
DIRECTIONS
By Celia Fushille
Summer Greetings!
We're still on a high after the successful conclusion of our 2008-2009 season! Representing a year of fresh programming, the spring series demonstrated clearly the artistic strengths of Smuin Ballet.
With a nostalgic nod to Michael, we were delighted to present a suite from his St. Louis Woman: A Blues Ballet. The dancers excelled with the challenge presented them in Trey McIntyre's The Naughty Boy! and delighted audiences with the lush romanticism of Michael's Bouquet.
What we heard throughout the season is that Smuin Ballet is better than ever!!
From all of us at Smuin Ballet, thank you for making our 15th Anniversary Season such a success!
-Celia Fushille
Director
Contact Us: info@smuinballet.org
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