Pennsylvania Ballet

Opening in Philadelphia!

2011-12-09T16:51:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

We're back in Philadelphia at the Academy of Music starting rehearsals for our performances starting this Saturday, December 10th. This season, Pennsylvania Ballet will perform in 30 shows of The Nutcracker, sometimes three shows a day! You may wonder how the dancers sustain the physical and mental energy to make it through. Well, I asked a handful of company members to contribute what necessary items they use throughout the Nutcracker season to make their performances a little easier:

James Ihde- My sparkly eyelashes from Mother Ginger really keep me going!

James Ihde being strapped into the large Mother Ginger dress backstage in Ottawa

Barette Vance- help and support from husband and a healthy diet

Amir Yogev- cookies and presents... Hint hint!

Tyler Savoie- coffee and thoughts of January 1st.

Zak Hench- I like to see the children's faces when I walk out of the theater when they ask me for autographs as if I am Obama!

Alex Ratcliffe-Lee - coffee, friends, and Jermel Johnson's happiness

Jermel Johnson and Zak Hench providing some entertainment between barre and center for our warm up class

Riolama Lorenzo- lots of liquids, chewing gum and warmers.

Lauren Fadeley- I use Sport's Legs, a lactic acid removing tablet to keep my legs energized!

Lauren Fadeley with her tablets

Daniel Cooper - I always have my iPod with all of my best/favorite music from the year.

Lily Dipiazza- Julie Green, the PA Ballet Physical Therapist, T-sphere ball (pictured below), foam roller, hot baths and flowers from her boyfriend.

Andrew Daly- My foam roller, Sweatbands, Julie Green, and large coffee from Cosi!

Lily Dipiazza, Daniel Cooper and Andrew Daly with their special therapy items

Brooke Moore - ice, jet glue, my back warmer, Advil, and holiday treats on occasion

The company's ice cooler used to treat minor injuries

Laura Bowman- The ladies in my dressing room, as they are supportive and calm individuals. Chocolate before each show is also nice and my calf ball!

Laura Bowman with her calf ball backstage at the Academy of Music

Lara Clemens- overtime money, coconut water, lambswool, family, friends, the opportunity to be on stage all the time (secretly in flowers.. Shh!)

Megan Dickinson- iPod, trail mix, bubble baths with Epsom salt, and my stick roller.

Evelyn Kocak- root beer, Aleeve and string cheese!

Rachel Jambois- jet glue, nuts, flat shoes and chocolate!

Lara Clemens, Rachel Jambois, Evelyn Kocak and Megan Dickinson with their necessary items!

I personally enjoy a small, sweet treat in between divertisments from our dancer box. Stocked with mints, Jolly Ranchers, and Werthers, it's the perfect bite sized sample to put a smile on someone's face.

Candy from the dancer's box

That is all for now. Come back tomorrow for some inside scoop about Mother Ginger and her Polichinelles!

-Holly

The End of Our Ottawa Tour

2011-12-06T18:51:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

Well, we have returned from Ottawa! Being back in Philadelphia is a little strange (especially since it is 60 degrees!), but it is definitely nice to have a few days off before opening night at the Academy of Music.

Performing at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa was such a wonderful experience. Pennsylvania Ballet was received with standing ovations every single show! Collaborating with a different orchestra and crew was thrilling and experiencing life in a different city out of the country was definitely memorable! I hope that we can return sometime soon to The National Arts Centre.

Here is a final cast and crew photo after our second to last show:

It is now time to brace ourselves for the performances in Philadelphia! The dancers are resting, icing, and receiving physical therapy as much as they can to prepare for the shows.

Pennsylvania Ballet's physical therapist, Julie Green, works with some of the dancers.

Megan Dickinson and Eric Trope backstage at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

Dancers from the Party Scene in Act One backstage.

There is so much more to come this Nutcracker season as our shows in Philadelphia run from December 10th until the 31st! Stay tuned for more inside info regarding the dancers, shows and other fun tidbits!

See you soon!
-Holly

Meet Our Ottawa Crew!

2011-12-03T14:05:00.001-05:00

Today we had two more performances at The National Arts Center!

It is really astounding how many people are a part of making a Nutcracker performance happen.

One of the most important departments is wardrobe. Headed by Wendy and Marie, the wardrobe department creates, fits, mends, adjusts and alters all of the costumes the dancers wear. Their work is tireless and never ending.

Wendy Levin working in the wardrobe room in Ottawa.

In conjunction with the wardrobe department, we also have 'dressers'. These are the individuals that make our quick changes happen, as well as any other costume changes.

Two of the dressers in Ottawa help Megan Dickinson get ready

for Colombine.

As you can imagine, pointe shoes are another pertinent aspect to any performance. Jon Martin is the individual who organizes, paints, and orders all of the dancers shoes, and not even just pointe shoes, but also character shoes, jazz shoes, and sometimes even tap shoes!

Jon Martin with the dancers' shoe boxes.

Finally, Pennsylvania Ballet's crew is a huge facet to performances. They are the people behind the scenes that make the magic happen! They prepare all of the props and sets before each act, and sometimes even build them. They are also responsible for pulling the curtain, for lighting the show, mopping the stage, making it snow in the snow scene, and any other 'catch-all' duties you can think of. The guys in the Pennsylvania Ballet crew are really jacks of all trades, and it is safe to say that the show wouldn't go on without them!

Pennsylvania Ballet's Stage Manager Tony Costandino

giving cues to the crew in Act One.

Daniel Amadie and the NAC's lead electrician.

We only have four more shows left in Ottawa! The time is really flying by! We are all pretty tired, but this awesome experience makes it all worthwhile! More tomorrow!

-Holly

Ottawa Tour - Opening Night

2011-12-02T10:35:00.001-05:00

Last night was opening night!

After quickly warming up, we took class and had our dress rehearsal with the orchestra for the first time.

Warming up before class.

Just like us, the orchestra was hard at work rehearsing Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score, led by Beatrice Affron, the conductor.

Rehearsal for the orchestra.

A lot of things come together for the first time during a dress rehearsal. Not only the dancing, but costumes, props, music, timing for set changes with the crew, and lighting.

Marie from our wardrobe department fixes the Mother Ginger costume during dress rehearsal.

Finally, it was time for the first show! It felt a little surreal getting ready in the same manner as I did only hours before, but it was comforting getting into a routine.

Here I am in the Marzipan costume for Act Two.

Everything came together and progressed smoothly during the show. Our production was received with a standing ovation! It was such a rewarding feeling after a months worth of hard work!

The company during opening night bows.
(Photo: Harrison Monaco)

Opening night was definitely memorable, and we now have six more shows before the end of our tour in Ottawa. There is sure to be a lot to look forward to!

Best regards,
Holly

Ottawa Tour - First Day of Rehearsals

2011-12-01T10:07:00.001-05:00

So today was the first dayof rehearsals at The National Arts Center!

We started our day withclass on stage. From here we were able to see the entire house in front of us.The theater is absolutely incredible!

DanielCooper and Amir Yogev

After our warmup, we had ashort break to change into our costumes while the children participating in ourproduction from Ottawacould rehearse Angels, the opening of Act 2.

Next, it was time to moveon to the rest of the Kingdom of Sweets!

Childrenfrom Ottawarehearse Candy Cane

Membersof Pennsylvania Ballet in Waltz of the Flowers

After we all perform our divertissements, its time to watch the Sugarplum and Cavalier...

Brooke Moore and Francis Veyette

At 5:00, we went on our dinner break. It gave us a little chance to explore a bit more of Ottawa, but only until 6:30, when we return to rehearse Act One.

Me(Harlequin) and Amir Yogev (Soldier) with Paul, our assistant stage manager

Tomorrow is a big day! Itsopening night, but before that, we have our first dress rehearsal with theorchestra. It's always such a wonderful experience dancing to the live music.It really brings out a different side of me as a dancer that is incomparablyenjoyable!

Until tomorrow....

-Holly

Ottawa Tour - Day 1 Recap

2011-11-30T10:58:00.001-05:00

The first day of Pennsylvania Ballet's Ottawa tour has arrived!

We all met at the Merriam Theater at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to board our bus and after a brief roll call we were off!

The beginning of the bus trip

While on the bus, some dancers sewed pointe shoes, others just enjoyed the visual entertainment of our movie picks for the trip, "Bridesmaids" and "Elf".

We finally made it to Ottawa at 7:30 p.m., ahead of schedule! We got our room keys, found our roommates, and settled in before dinner.

Evelyn Kocak, Edward Barnes, me, Daniel Cooper, and Ian Hussey

Next we headed to the Byward Market, or Marché By, grabbed a bite, and strolled around. This area is very quaint and has a ton of interesting restaurants and cafes. I definitely want to check it out on our breaks in between rehearsals!

Byward Market

After a long day, we headed back to the hotel to get into our nightly routines. After a communal ice session we all parted ways until tomorrow, our first day in the theater. Time to rest up!

Icing

-- Company Member Holly Lynn Fusco

Behind the Scenes at the Comcast Holiday Spectacular Shoot

2011-11-23T11:40:00.014-05:00

Company Member Holly Lynn Fusco writes about the experience.

It may have been 80 degrees outside on October 9th, but inside of the Hill Theater Studios in Paulsboro New Jersey, it was nothing short of Christmas, as I and eleven other Pennsylvania Ballet dancers participated in The Comcast Center's Holiday Spectacular video shoot for The Nutcracker!

Once settled and warmed up, our first step was to get our makeup done. The professional makeup artists used special cosmetics from France on us for the high-definition filming so our faces looked fresh and radiant in the bright lights. Next we got our costumes on and headed downstairs to the set.

A view of the set from above.

On set, we individually brought our Nutcracker characters to life; Snow, Spanish, Tea, Marzipan and Candy Cane. Filmed in slow motion with a very special camera situated on the floor, we each spent about half an hour tweaking our movements for the ultimate product. There was even a fan that was incorporated to have a wind effect! After executing our steps, we checked the slow motion playback monitor. Even the little nuances which you never would think to be visible to the audience were brought to our attention and adjusted so we looked the best we could!

I am eagerly anticipating the first time I see the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, as this type of shoot was a first for me! It is always a thrill to see the end product after a shoot of any sort, as there is always editing, and add-ons that can make the whole package come together! The show runs Thanksgiving Day through New Years Day 10 am- 8pm. I'll see you there!

Lauren Fadeley and I getting ready.

Talking Pointes

2011-05-20T14:05:00.011-04:00

Company Member Holly Lynn Fusco takes you behind-the-scenes of La Fille mal gardée, opening June 2!

Just two weeks until opening night of Pennsylvania Ballet's La Fille mal gardée, and here in our East Falls rehearsal studios, we’re hard at work! La Fille is a lighthearted, comedic ballet that dates back to 1789. It is a joy to watch, and even more fun to dance. Comprised of two acts featuring Sir Frederick Ashton’s choreography and Ferdinand Herold's playful score, La Fille has something for everyone!

Ballet Master Jeffrey Gribler and Soloist Ian Hussey. Photo: Holly Lynn Fusco.

As a first timer with this production, I have to say that I am thrilled to be going through the rehearsal process. There are so many different roles in the ballet that, at any given time, walking past a certain studio, I find myself smiling at my coworkers, as they cluck away as chickens, weave the enormous maypole in a flurry of skips, or haul their hay stacks and sickles across the room for their next entrance. One of the most exciting aspects of this production, however, is the addition of the Pennsylvania Ballet artistic staff into certain roles. Our Ballet Master Jeffrey Gribler will be performing the hysterically funny Widow Simone, and PBII Director William DeGregory will play Thomas, the father of another awkwardly humorous character, Alain. The Widow Simone and the friends of Lise, the main female character, get to do a dance in clog shoes, which is challenging, yet so fun! This has definitely been the highlight of my rehearsal process. We slip actual clogs over our pointe shoes! At first it was scary because of the weight of the clogs, but once you get used to it, everything is okay.

Company Member Andrew Daly and PBII dancers Ryoko Sadoshima and Lara Clemens rehearsing as the cockerel and hens. Photo: Holly Lynn Fusco.
This production also has a great deal of interesting props. In the harvest dance, the villagers dance with bales of hay and curved sickles. There is also a 'stick' dance for the men, and of course, the maypole, as I mentioned before, which is the largest of all the props. The production also will have a live pony, as well as a butter churner, and an intricate pas de deux between the two principals using ribbons.
Artists of Pennsylvania Ballet rehearsing the stick dance. Photo: Holly Lynn Fusco.
All in all, this is a production you won’t want to miss. And just in case you can't get enough of our dancing, you can hear all of our lovely voices singing in the finale of the ballet, as we exit the stage in a long, linked line, doing the grapevine!

Talking Pointes

2011-02-01T10:10:00.001-05:00

This Thursday, February 3, Pennsylvania Ballet opens its new mixed repertory program, Classic Innovations, at the Merriam Theater. This exciting triple-bill includes The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude by William Forsythe, Polyphonia by Christopher Wheeldon, and In the Upper Room by Twyla Tharp. Our fabulous soloist Brooke Moore has been involved with all three ballets, so I thought she would be the perfect dancer to share her perspective!

Katelyn Prominski: I understand you have been rehearsing all three ballets. Which is the most challenging and why?

Brooke Moore: Funny enough all three are hard and challenging in their own way. Typically in a triple bill like this, there is at least one ballet that isn’t as difficult, but I don’t believe this is the case this time around. Vertiginous is the most technically demanding. It is about 11 minutes of pure aerobic activity -- once you start you do not stop until the curtain goes down! The movement is classical ballet to the extreme, always pushing your body past the norm. The challenge for me in Polyphonia is the music. The opening section is called “Desordre” for a reason! There are some strenuous partnering sections in this ballet, but I find that the most challenging part is counting the music to be able to stay together. In the Upper Room is sort of a mix of both. The score by Philip Glass is beautiful, but it has its nebulous moments of being difficult to count. The piece is comprised of "ballet dancers" who dance in pointe shoes, and "stompers," who dance in sneakers. The stompers barely stop the entire 40 minutes by jogging, tapping, and literally stomping, while the ballet dancers perform crazy steps forwards and then backwards in every direction. I am the "cross-over girl" who does a little bit of both. I have a costume, hair, and shoe change in the middle of the ballet!

KP: Which ballet do you think will be the most fun to perform (and the audience will like best!) and why?

BM: This is a tough question, but if I was in the audience and had never seen these ballets before, I feel as though I would like Vertiginous the best. The girls wear lime green disc-like tutus, which are stunning in their own way, and the music and movements will keep the audience on the edge of their seat during the whole ballet. I believe this piece is visually capturing and may leave a curiosity of "How can they move that fast?!" I’m not sure which piece will be the most fun for me to perform, but I bet it’s between Vertiginous and In the Upper Room. Vertiginous is slightly daunting as it starts, but when it’s over it is extremely rewarding knowing that I have just worked as hard as I possibly could, exploring every movement to its fullest. The last section in Upper is extremely energetic and exciting. I get the chills when we rehearse it and feel a sense of community and strength as the ballet comes to an end. I have a feeling this will be enhanced even more when we are on stage!

KP: What has this rehearsal process taught you? In particular, has anything made this especially different?

BM: Noah Gelber, who set Vertiginous on us, has been wonderful to work with. He has not only taught us an incredible ballet, but he began to get me to change my perspective on my ballet technique. A few simple words from him enabled me to dance in a totally different way that I didn’t know was possible. Another piece of valuable information he has shared with us is not to perform this ballet for the audience, but to perform it for each other. He wants us to really connect with the other dancers -- there are only five of us onstage -- and to be a part of each others performance. I really like this idea, although it’s a brand new feeling for me. I look forward to seeing how I can initiate this intention onstage!

KP: Which costumes do you like the best?

BM: Polyphonia's simple purple leotards allow every single movement to be seen. The Vertiginous tutus add to the uniqueness of the choreography. But, there is nothing like performing in striped pajamas and sneakers in Upper! (Note from the author: In The Upper Room costumes are from famed fashion designer, Norma Kamali!)

KP: If you were an audience member, who would be the dancer(s) you would be most excited to see in this program?

BM: Evelyn Kocak, one of our new corps dancers this year, looks really great in Upper. I have not had a chance to see her perform a non-corps role so I’m excited to see her dance this. Also, Amir Yogev is getting two great opportunities in this program to dance in Vertiginous and Polyphonia. It is always interesting to see how the new dancers or “young up-and-comers” will do onstage in more featured roles. I also love when a senior corps member gets a role they deserve and look fantastic in, like Laura Bowman as Woman #2 in Vertiginous.

Talking Pointes

2010-12-21T16:13:00.009-05:00

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:

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

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

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

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

2010-12-10T13:35:00.008-05:00

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

2010-12-10T11:40:00.011-05:00

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

2010-11-12T13:02:00.008-05:00

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

2010-11-12T12:57:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-01T14:06:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-04T11:55:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

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.

Pennsylvania Ballet

Opening in Philadelphia!

The End of Our Ottawa Tour

Meet Our Ottawa Crew!

Ottawa Tour - Opening Night

Ottawa Tour - First Day of Rehearsals

Ottawa Tour - Day 1 Recap

Behind the Scenes at the Comcast Holiday Spectacular Shoot

Talking Pointes

Talking Pointes

Talking Pointes

Talking Pointes

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

Black Swan Hits Theaters Next Month, Featuring Pennsylvania Ballet Dancers

Philadelphia Cultural Passport

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

Get to know Pennsylvania Ballet Apprentice Nicholas Sipes

Get to know Pennsylvania Ballet Company member Katelyn Prominksi

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

Top 12 Reasons to See George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker