Talking Pointes

Company Member Katelyn Prominski’s thoughts mid-Nutcracker 2010…

Two weeks in and ten performances from being finished, we are truly in the “heart” of Nutcracker. Each show is dabbled with a little more craziness than the last, yet never taking away from the spirited dancing we produce. Now that we have gotten into the steady rhythm of eat-dance-sleep, this is the time when we all push the limits on our roles.

My current favorite moment of Nutcracker would have to be Pennsylvania Ballet II dancer Eric Trope’s rendition of Mother Ginger. This is Eric’s first year performing the role, but he perfectly embodies it and continues to push the borders of his character. Mother Ginger is a role where the dancer wears tall stilts, a huge dress, and has eight children hiding under their skirt. While the children are dancing, M.G. is behind them making lavish gestures and comedic faces which, if spotted, the audience loves. Whenever I am dancing in the Waltz of the Flowers, I watch this divertissement from the wings to rev myself up. Whatever type of mood I am in, M.G. openly makes me giggle and automatically readies me for the stage with a big smile and open heart. I’d like to thank Eric, for his non-stop generous soul that he delivers for every show!

Pennsylvania Ballet II dancer Eric Trope as Mother Ginger. Photo: Harry Paris.

In order to fully embrace the holiday season, Pennsylvania Ballet's female dancers have a couple of tricks up our tutus:

1. Hats, gloves, scarves, and sunglasses are a must. We can look pretty scary as we leave the theater, plus it’s FREEZING out.


2. Gingerbread men can make everything better for the moment.
   
3. Vitamins are essential. We have “Three-show Saturdays” and cannot get sick!


4. Many of us write funny sayings/song titles/memories on the bottoms of our pointe shoes.


5. Avoid continued Nutcracker soundtrack by holiday shopping online.
   

Company Members Lauren Fadeley, Katelyn Prominski, and Caralin Curcio with Alyson Pray. Courtesy: Katelyn Prominski.

Talking Pointes

To give our blog readers an inside view of Pennsylvania Ballet, Company Member Katelyn Prominski and her fellow dancers will be sharing their thoughts from behind-the-scenes in their very own blog entries, Talking Pointes. Check out Katelyn’s first post!

Company Member Katelyn Prominski’s Opening Night Diary

Like clockwork, every year, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ begins right before our very eyes. Rehearsals sneak up on us just like the cold weather does, and all of a sudden, after a bunch of jumbled stage rehearsals we realize Opening Night has arrived! One of my favorite observations about Nutcracker is watching the dancers reminisce and work together. Often, a dancer will take on a new role and a “veteran” performer will offer guidance and suggestions for a tricky part. Since we have so many shows, precision and ease comes with experience. Each holiday season starts with its own set of surprises and wonderful traditions, especially around the theater, and this Opening Night performance was not to be excluded.

Soloist Ian Hussey has a heart-warming story that can bring good cheer to even the scroogiest of Scrooges. When 12-year-old Ian was asked to play the Little Prince in Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker, little did he know that his then Sugar Plum Fairy, Principal Dancer Arantxa Ochoa, would be the Opening Night partner to his Cavalier 13 years later! Ian and Arantxa danced beautifully on Opening Night, a fresh glimpse to their connection years prior. Together they withstood effortless balances and never-ending turns. I surely cannot wait to see their partnership develop over the rest of the run. Watch Ian talk about his Nutcracker memories in this video produced by Principal Dancer Alexander Iziliaev.

Soloist Barette Vance has also kicked off a Nutcracker season to remember! After the curtain came down on her inspirational Dew Drop performance, her boyfriend Chris was waiting backstage to present her with a special gift, a diamond engagement ring!

Top 12 Reasons to See George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker ™

As Pennsylvania Ballet's dancers take the stage for their second weekend of Nutcracker performances, here are a few of the many reasons to come see this holiday classic (if you haven't already!):



1. Forty professional dancers share the stage with dozens of local dance students.
2. A magnificent Christmas tree grows almost as tall as William Penn’s hat (almost).
3. You can travel to the Land of Sweets without spending a dime on airfare.
4. Hear the iconic Tschaikovsky score performed live by the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra.
5. Lavish sets and costumes bring the heartwarming story of Marie and her Prince to life.
6. Enjoy marzipan, hot chocolate, and candy canes: all calorie-free.
7. Listen to the angelic sounds of the Philadelphia Boys Choir.
8. You’ll get caught in a snowstorm but won’t have to shovel.
9. It’s housed in America’s oldest opera house, the spectacular Academy of Music.
10. It’s just as fresh as when it first began 42 years ago.
11. There’s no greater holiday production in town.
12. It’s Philadelphia’s most beloved holiday tradition!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit paballet.org.

Black Swan Hits Theaters Next Month, Featuring Pennsylvania Ballet Dancers

Fourteen Pennsylvania Ballet dancers are stepping from stage to screen with their appearance in the upcoming ballet-themed thriller Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman. After opening the Philadelphia film festival last month, Black Swan will hit theaters in just a few weeks!

To uphold the integrity of the ballet world they were crafting on film, Black Swan’s creators searched for a troupe of dancers that could tell their story with the grace and fervor that Pennsylvania Ballet embodies. The dancers traveled to SUNY Purchase this past January to film various dance studio and performance scenes for Black Swan, directed by Darren Aronofsky. The Pennsylvania Ballet dancers featured in Black Swan are: Laura Bowman, Adrianna de Svastich, Lillian Di Piazza, Megan Dickinson, Lauren Fadeley, Holly Lynn Fusco, Ian Hussey, Rachel Jambois, Abigail Mentzer, Ryoko Sadoshima, Kaia Annika Tack, Sergio Torrado, Barette Vance, and André Vytoptov. Black Swan played at the Venice, Telluride, Toronto and Philadelphia Film Festivals and is scheduled to be released nationwide on December 3.

Flip through this album to see a photo of Lauren Fadeley and Sergio Torrado of Pennsylvania Ballet with Darren Aronofsky, the film's director at the Philadelphia Film Festival's screening of Black Swan.

Philadelphia Cultural Passport

Pennsylvania Ballet is proud to participate in the Philadelphia Cultural Passport programs of Temple University, Drexel University, and new for this year, LaSalle University. These programs give freshman the opportunity to receive free or discounted tickets to over 60 Greater Philadelphia area museums, galleries, theater companies, concert venues, dance studios, film festivals, historic homes and more, including Pennsylvania Ballet. This year, Temple University is also offering these coupon booklets to a select number of upperclassmen. Pennsylvania Ballet is proud to partner with these Universities for the 2010-2011 season.

Get to know one of Pennsylvania Ballet’s Company Members Laura Bowman

Q: How old were you when you began dancing?

A: 3

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a dancer?

A: From the time I tried on my first pointe shoe…I was 10.

Q: What’s your pre-performance ritual?

A: I do my hair, my makeup, and then I usually fix the hair again. Then I lay on the floor with my feet on a chair for about ten minutes, put on my shoes and costume and head down to the stage to warm up.

Q: What’s your favorite role to perform?

A: It’s a tie between Matthew Neenan’s Penumbra and Peter Martin’s Barber Violin Concerto.

Q: What dancer were you inspired by growing up?
A: I always loved watching Darcey Bussell and the principles of ABT.

Q: If you weren’t a dancer, what do you think you would you be?

A: I was originally going to college for and engineering degree...but probably would have ended up in PR or as a physical therapist.

Q: What is the best thing about dancing for Pennsylvania Ballet?

A: I love that they give the corps dancers the opportunity to do soloist and principle roles…and that the repertory is very diverse.

Q: What is your favorite costume you wore?
A: I would have to say the costumes from Chris Wheeldon’s Swan Lake. The first act reminds me of a Degas painting, and the swan costumes are beautiful and unique.

Q: What advice would you give to all the aspiring dancers out there?

A: Work hard, take care of your body, and dance with confidence. Most importantly though, enjoy dancing!

Q: What’s your most memorable moment dancing at Pennsylvania Ballet?

A: My most memorable moment was when the company performed in Edinburgh, Scotland. I had the opportunity to perform both the first act pas de trios and the cygnets from Swan Lake. The combination of dancing with such hard working and beautiful dancers, the beautiful orchestra, and the receptive and appreciative audience will always be one of my favorite memories.

Get to know Pennsylvania Ballet Apprentice Nicholas Sipes

Q: How old were you when you began dancing?

A: I began dancing at an early age in Baltimore, Maryland at a local studio. I didn't become serious about dance until I attended The Baltimore School for the Arts for high school. But all together I've been dancing for almost 20 years.

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a dancer?

A: I knew I wanted to be a dancer when I started attending The Baltimore School for the Arts. I was accepted to the dance department at the school and that's where I fell in love with dance and art in general. At BSA I received a tremendous amount of training physically/mentally and was taught what it takes to be a dancer. Ever since I graduated and moved on from BSA I decided that being a dancer was going to be a challenge and it was something I really wanted to accomplish in life.

Q: What’s your pre-performance ritual?

A: I don't really have a set pre-preformace ritual that I do every performance. The only thing that I can think of that might be considered a "ritual" is that I listen to music on my Ipod while I'm putting on my make-up and costume for the show. I mostly listen to up tempo songs that get me excited and pumped up to perform.

Q: What’s your favorite role to perform?

A: My favorite role to perform would have to be "Waltz Boy" in George Balanchine's Serenade. While I was at the Baltimore School for the Arts I had the opportunity to dance the role of "Waltz Boy" in our spring performance. The role was so demanding and really challenged me as a dancer. The movement of the role is beautiful and very musical. It's a role that I would love to perform again and again and again.

Q: What dancer were you inspired by growing up?

A: When I was growing up I wasn't exposed to many famous dancers until I attended the School of American Ballet's year round program. While I was at SAB I had some of the best teachers and inspirations anyone could ask for. I became inspired by Peter Boal, Jock Soto, and Sean Lavery. The three of them have taught me so much and I would not be where I am today without them.

Q: If you weren’t a dancer, what do you think you would you be?

A: If I wasn't a dancer I think I would either be a baker or something in the field of fashion.

Q: What is the best thing about dancing for Pennsylvania Ballet?

A: The best thing about dancing for Pennsylvania Ballet is the repertoire that we perform. Every season we get the opportunity to perform a diverse amount of ballets and not too many companies get that opportunity. We're always being challenged and having to explore new ways of dancing which is something I love.

Q: What is your favorite costume you wore?

A: My favorite costume I've worn would have to be the "Angel" costume in Matthew Neenan's Carmina Burana. The costume is a tan unitard with a wing on one side of my back. The coolest part of the costume is that when I stand next to my partner in one of the sections of the ballet both of the wings on our costumes make a set of wings. I think it's really clever.

Q:What advice would you give to all the aspiring dancers out there?

A: I would tell someone who was aspiring to be a dancer to never give up. I know its cliche to tell someone to never give up, but it's true. Also I think that it's extremely important to stay positive and not let the little things get you down.

Q: What’s your most memorable moment dancing at Pennsylvania Ballet?

A: My most memorable moment at Pennsylvania Ballet so far would have to be dancing in Shut Up & Dance with other dancers from the company. Shut Up & Dance is the one thing I look forward to doing every year and every year is better than the last. The show is one way we as dancers can give back to the community of Philadelphia because all the proceeds from the event go to MANNA. Being able to use my talent to help out a local organization is a great feeling and something I will always remember.

Get to know Pennsylvania Ballet Company member Katelyn Prominksi

Q: How old were you when you began dancing?

A: I started movement classes when I was 5 years old.

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a dancer?

A: When I was 10 years old. I switched to a more "serious" ballet school and had the opportunity to perform with The Joffrey Ballet while they were on tour in Washington, DC.

Q: What’s your pre-performance ritual?

A: Dragonfruit Vitamin Water, liquid B12 for energy, and some Rescue Remedy sprays to keep me relaxed! I also always kiss my ribbons and knock on the stage 5 times.

Q: What’s your favorite role to perform?

A: So far, my favorite role to perform has been the Striptease Girl in "Slaughter on 10th Avenue".

Q: What dancer were you inspired by growing up?

A: Suzanne Farrell, Barbara Walczak, and Gelsey Kirkland.

Q: If you weren’t a dancer, what do you think you would you be?

A: I have a lot of "second life" desires... a CIA or FBI agent, a lawyer, or somehow involved in real estate. I also love the environment, foundation, and community work. Anything to help others!

Q: What is the best thing about dancing for Pennsylvania Ballet?

A: I really enjoy how PA Ballet is like a family. It's so nice working with former dancers from the same company because they know exactly how you feel. Everyone is incredibly encouraging!

Q: What is your favorite costume you wore?

A: I haven't worn any yet, but I love everything Martha Chamberlain designs for Matthew Neenan's works. They are elegant costumes, yet still show off your body's lines fabulously!

Q: What advice would you give to all the aspiring dancers out there?

A: You can never work hard enough! Always dance with energy, passion, and grace!

Q: What’s your most memorable moment dancing at Pennsylvania Ballet?

A: Last year during one of our mixed rep programs, I was in the second cast for "Octet". During the first stage rehearsal, the day before the show opened, my first cast got injured and I had to go in at the last minute. The next day I only had a dress rehearsal to work with the cast to prepare me for the show that night. "Octet" had very difficult partnering, but thankfully Ian Hussey, my new partner, was super skilled and talented and we had a blast together.

Get to know one of Pennsylvania Ballet's Apprentices Edward Barnes

Q: How old were you when you began dancing?

A: I began dancing when I was 5… I’ve been dancing a long time!

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a dancer?

A: As soon as I took my first class I knew I wanted to be a dancer. Then I saw Balanchine’s Nutcracker with Macaulay Culkin and Darci Kistler, and that sealed the deal.

Q: What’s your pre-performance ritual?

A: My pre-performance ritual is pretty much the same always; I get a big cup of coffee from Starbucks, and get to the theatre about two and a half hours before curtain. I do my hair, and then I start my makeup. I like to get my makeup done in my own time and in the quiet of an empty dressing room. I then take warm up and after that, I come back to the dressing room and relax a little before the show. I usually try to get dressed at the fifteen-minute call so I don’t feel to stressed, and then on with the show!

Q: What’s your favorite role to perform?

A: Thus far my favorite role I’ve performed is El Capitan in George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes. However, I love anything Balanchine so those ballets will always be fun for me to dance.

Q: What dancer were you inspired by growing up?

A: Growing up, I adored Gelsey Kirkland. She was one of the greatest dancers of all time. When I saw Darci Kistler a few years later on The Nutcracker video, she became my favorite ballerina, and to this day she still is. Only later on did I find videos of Peter Martins and Sean Lavery and all those wonderful New York City Ballet men, and became inspired by them.

Q: If you weren’t a dancer, what do you think you would you be?

A: If I weren’t a dancer, I would either be an interior designer, or an architect. Or perhaps a model… you know I really have no idea! I love ballet too much!

Q: What is the best thing about dancing for Pennsylvania Ballet?

A: All the Balanchine we get to do here!

Q: What is your favorite costume you wore?

A: My favorite costume ever would probably be the Cavalier tunic when I did Cavalier at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

Q: What advice would you give to all the aspiring dancers out there?

A: Always give 150%. You are only young once, and if you work hard and work properly from an early age you will be set for the rest of your career.

Q: What’s your most memorable moment dancing at Pennsylvania Ballet?

A: Coming on for the finale of Theme and Variations. There is so much energy and it’s such a wonderful end to a beautiful ballet.