Author: malapides

Categories
2008-2009

Staff and Crew

Student Staff Positions

Dana Christy — Assistant to the VRDT Director
David Bridgman-Packer — Publicity Director/ House Manager
Noah Fowler — Photographer
Marion Spencer — Wardrobe Manager
Hannah McDermott — Wardrobe Assistant
Amelia Bell — Technical Director, Lighting Designer
Natalie Chomet — Stage Manager
Lucy Weaver — Assistant Stage Manager
Lia Dykstra — Assistant Stage Manager
Akil Noel & Gabriel Kelly-Ramirez — Theatre Technicians

VRDT Technical Director and Lighting Designer

David Ferri

Categories
2009-2010

Headshots

Sophie Alpern (’10) Sophie is a senior sociology major from New York City, where she attended The Brearley School. She’s been dancing for over 15 years, and has studied at the School of American Ballet, Steps on Broadway, North Carolina School of the Arts, Houston Ballet Academy, and the Royal Ballet School. She would like to thank the Dance Department for giving her the opportunity to continue doing what she loves, and for making her past four years at Vassar so rewarding. She will miss everyone in VRDT tremendously, and will always remember her wonderful experiences dancing with the company
Joey Army (’10) Joey Army is a senior Drama/Political Science double major. Any of Joey’s time that VRDT does not eat up is spent rehearsing for various theater productions and Flypeople, Vassar’s student run dance company. Joey would like to make a quick thank you to Jeanne Czula for all her care, support, and teaching throughout his Vassar career.
Katie Aspell (’10) Katie was born and raised in Illinois, which accounts for her wholesome Midwestern vibe. She was dragged through Eastern European folk dances at a young age before becoming a competitive Irish Dancer. Katie began modern dance at Vassar, where she learned to move her arms, relax her neck, and—occasionally—breathe. Katie is a senior Political Science major, and plans to be a Diplomat whose contractions are so devastating they engender world peace. Failing that, she plans to be successful in many diverse, as yet unknown, ways.
Molly Brenner (’11) Molly is a junior from San Mateo, California, and this is her second year in VRDT. Before discovering modern dance, she also trained in jazz, tap, and “lyrical” at various points in her life. Outside of dance, Molly is a Media Studies major and plans on making tons of money analyzing representations of women in the media. She feels honored to dance with the faculty and students in VRDT.
Dana Cass (’11) Dana Cass is a junior English major from fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada who started dancing at age 12. She is psyched to be back with her VRDT mishpacha for another amazing year of dance! When not in dance class, Dana can generally be found rehearsing for VRDT, FlyPeople (Vassar’s student-run dance company), or whatever musical theatre production she’s involved in that semester. Love to family and friends from every coast, without whom nothing would be possible.
Dana Christy (’11) Dana is a junior from Chicago (oh haaaaay Chi Town!) with a double major in American Culture and Fierceness. She has been a modern dancer since high school and a lover of movement all her life. She has had the pleasure of working with such artists as Robert Battle, Doug Varone, Anna Czajun, Shirley Mordine and Joel Hall. Dana loves VRDT with all her heart and is grateful to dance with so many creative spirits.
Elly Dembo (’13) Elly is a freshman from New York City. She began her studies at Studio Maestro, and at age nine, went on to study at the School of American Ballet. While there, she performed in the Nutcracker, as well as numerous other Balanchine ballets including: Midsummer, Coppelia, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Circus Polka, Harlequinade and Mozartiana. In 2006, she went on to study at the JKO School at American Ballet Theatre, where she had a chance to perform in American Ballet Theater’s Le Corsaire, Sylvia, and in their 2009 Metropolitan Opera Gala. Elly has attended summer programs in this country and abroad: the Kirov Academy of Ballet, the National Ballet School of Canada, the Royal Ballet School, Chautauqua, Miami City Ballet, and the ABT New York Summer Intensive.
Kelli Devitte-McKee (’12) Kelli is thrilled to be a part of the VRDT family this year and is grateful to all of her many, many amazing dance teachers throughout the years. She also doesn’t really like long walks on the beach, but does enjoy velociraptors, brightly colored duct tape, and, of course, dancing. A probable neuroscience major, she can’t wait to see what coming the year holds. :D
Emily Dunuwila (’12) Emily is a sophomore urban studies major with a correlate in Arabic Language and Culture. She was born and raised in Syracuse, NY where she studied jazz and tap and traveled with her studio’s competition team. When not rehearsing, Emily enjoys reading Augusten Burroughs novels, watching Top Chef, and working with her two INCREDIBLE House Fellows as an HFI in Davison. She is so thankful to VRDT for introducing her to modern dance and is honored to be working with such inspired and dedicated choreographers.
Mallory Easton (’11) Mallory is a junior Urban Studies major, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee. Besides dancing, she also likes Full House, making bracelets, and mashed potatoes. Mallory is so glad to be a part of VRDT and for the opportunity to dance and spend time with so many talented, exciting people.
Sara Gabrielson (’12) Sara is a sophomore Environmental Studies major from Hillsborough, North Carolina. She fell in love with modern dance at Carolina Friends School and has been pursuing it in many styles ever since. She has danced at Bates Dance Festival, American Dance Festival, and NC Governor’s School. When she is not dancing and choreographing, she is studying environmental science, reading poetry, playing ultimate frisbee, or lying in the grass with her friends. Sara is happy to be in VRDT for her second year. She would like to thank her parents, Annie Dwyer, and her dear friends for all of their support!
Katharine Gripp (’13) Katharine Gripp hails from the bustling metropolis of Fairhope, Alabama. She is a freshman and plans to major in English. She is excited to be a part of VRDT, which gives her an excuse to dance as much as she could possibly want.
John Hayden (’13) John is a freshman from Boston Massachusetts and has been dancing for six years. After taking a brief break from dance to pursue other interests in high school, John is tremendously excited to be a member of VRDT this season.
Max Hershenow (’10) Maxalicious Hershenow is a senior Urban Studies major from McCall, Idaho. This is his third year in VRDT and oh, how the time has just flown by! But really, Max didn’t start dancing until coming to Vassar and VRDT has been truly life-changing, paradigm shifting, and universe altering. In fact, he now dreams of starting his own dance theater company some day! Maybe someday soon. He would like to thank the incredible Vassar faculty and the BEAUTIFUL dancers in this company for giving him the support and encouragement to have this dream. He doesn’t like to think of having to leave them. BUT THE WORLD AWAITS!
Thomas Hochla (’13) is a freshman from Oklahoma potentially majoring in Music. Seen onstage since the age of nine, Thomas began taking dance “full time” his freshman year of high school. Dance, piano, choir, and musical theatre are his passions. These have culminated with in a 9 year performance association with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma both professionally and volunteer. Much love goes out to all his teachers here and back home and his friends and family for their undying love and support.
Myles Jarrett (’12)
Camilla Kelsoe (’10) Camilla Kelsoe is a senior hailing from what many Vassar students consider The Deep South: North Cackalacky. She is a double Anthropology and Italian major with a VRDT triple minor. She enjoys candle-lit dinners, dancing while cooking, romantic walks on the beach, dancing on the beach, anthropology theory books that are at least 400 pages long, dancing while reading theory, gardening, owls, and writing about coffee. Camilla would like to take this time to thank all of the little people for getting her where she is today. Thank you, little people.
Nicole Krenitsky (’11) Nicole is a junior from Syracuse, New York who began dancing at the age of three and just can’t seem to stop. On the rare occasions when she gets to leave Kenyon, Nicole studies Science, Technology & Society and Italian while pursuing an avid interest in global health. Nicole would like to thank all of the choreographers for this wonderful opportunity, her amazing cast for working with her crazy ideas, her family and friends for their ongoing support and her fellow VRDT members for their inspiration and love.
Jenna Kronenberg (’13) Jenna is a freshman from New Jersey and is honored to be working with such incredible people this year. She has previously trained in ballet, jazz and tap, but this is her first experience with modern dance. She would like to thank everyone from the dance department for giving her this amazing experience to learn, and her family and friends for always supporting her dancing. Much love to Lexi, one of the best dance partners ever.
Caitlyn Lamdin (’11) Caitlyn Lamdin is a Junior Religion major and Arabic Language and Culture correlate. She is thrilled to be dancing and co-choreographing in VRDT for the second year, as well as participating in FlyPeople (Vassar’s student-run dance group) and choreographing the Drama Department’s production of RENT. She sincerely thanks her family, Vassar’s unbelievably talented faculty and student choreographers, and last but not least the Teaghlach (Mishpacha).
Tobi Lawson (’10) Tobi is celebrating her third year with the fabulously talented VRDT while attempting to graduate with a degree in Biochemistry. She has been pointing, flexing and picking flowers from the prima Donna age of five. She enjoys talking about Jamaica and aspires to one day be the “girl with the crazy side bend” at a Carnival near you. She would like to thank all her lovely choreographers and fellow VRDTers for seeing the inner lioness/creeper/Irish/shaker and techno spreader in her.
Simone Levine (’13) Simone is so excited about joining the VRDT family this year! Before Vassar, she spent zillions of hours studying at Ballet Memphis School and many weeks at the Boston Ballet and Joffrey Ballet School’s summer programs. As of now, she’s contemplating a Math major with a philosophy correlate. Aside from thinking deeply and dancing intensely, Simone likes to eat lots of desert, watch trashy 80’s movies, and chase adventures in New York City.
Mickey Mahar (’12) VRDT entered Mickey’s life at just the right time: after his second divorce but before his hips begin to give way.
Caroline Mills (’12) Caroline Mills is a sophomore Media Studies major with a possible correlate in Sociology. She is from the city streets of New York, where she received her ballet training from Studio Maestro (now Manhattan Youth Ballet.) Over her 15 years of dance she has attended The Joffery School, School of American Ballet, NYSSSA, Houston Ballet Academy, Boston Ballet and Bartholin Ballet Seminar in Copenhagen. This is her first year in VRDT and she is delighted to be dancing at Vassar.
Dan Ming (’10) Dan is a senior from Victoria, British Columbia majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies. Don’t ask him what it entails, he’s still figuring that out. He was randomly chosen as the “pity pick” for the company his freshman year and three years later they can’t get rid of him. He would like to thank his three comrades in VRDT for keeping it strange, Steve Rooks for keeping him in shape, and Kathy Wildberger for keeping him sane.
Caroline Moran (’10) Caroline Moran is a senior majoring in psychology, and this is her first year in VRDT. She’s from Yonkers, New York and trained at The School of American Ballet and Ballet Academy East. She’s really excited to have the opportunity to dance with VRDT this year.
Katrina Newman (’13) A freshman from Orlando, Fl. Dancing since the age of 5, she entered the Orlando Ballet School in 1999 and continued her training there under scholarship till she graduated in ’09. She has attended summer programs at the Milwaukee Ballet School and at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in Manhattan. She will most likely be an anthropology major at Vassar. She feels privileged to be able to be both a college student and a member of a dance company at the same time!
Chelsea Peterson-Salahuddin (’13) Chelsea Peterson-Salahuddin is a freshman from New York City. Chelsea began dancing at Ballet Hispanico at the age of five because it meant she got to wear a tutu, and has been in love with dance ever since. Chelsea danced in Ballet Hispanico’s intensive dance program for eight years, training in Classical Ballet, Horton, Limon, Flamenco, and Jazz, and then continued her dance training at her boarding school, The Grier School, where she was a member of the school’s Competition Dance Team. Chelsea has also taken classes throughout the years at New York’s City’s Broadway Dance Center, where she had the opportunity to be an intern for two months this past summer.
Kiara Segal (’13) Kiara is a freshman from Brookline, Massachusetts who tentatively admits to an interest in political science. Her time apart from the studio is spent climbing trees, fiddling with rubik’s cubes and eating dark chocolate almond granola bars. She is very excited to boogie with everyone in VRDT, on and off the stage.
Amanda Sugino (’11) Amanda is a junior Psychology major from New York City who has been dancing since the age of three. She has studied ballet and modern at Ballet Academy East and LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, and she has an intense love for Graham technique, Aureole runs, and apfelkuchen. This is Amanda’s third year of VRDT, and she would like to thank all of her choreographers and the fabulous dance faculty for always pushing her to new heights.
Isabel Vondermuhll (’10) Isabel hails from New York City, and will be graduating this year with a degree in Art History. Before coming to Vassar, Isabel trained at the School of American Ballet and performed with New York City Ballet for 10 years, in roles such as Marie in Balanchine’s Nutcracker, the original principal dancer in Christopher Wheeldon’s Scènes de Ballet, and principal dancer in Peter Martins’ Harmonielehre and in Balanchine’s Serenade and Western Symphony. She is excited to return to the dance world after graduation, and thankful that John Meehan and Merrill Ashley are here to whip her back into shape after having experienced the crazy world of collegiate academia and its various extra-curriculars.
Devon Wambold (’10) Devon is a senior and has been dancing for 15 years, mostly in his hometown of Albuquerque, NM, prior to joining VRDT as a freshmen. He is a film and Hispanic studies double major and the plan after graduation is still in the works. Devon would like to thank all of his choreographers and directors from this year and the past few years. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their continued support, and his fellow company members-past and current-for the great time he has had these last few years. (Finally, he would like to point out that the headband was not his idea.)
Anna Wilen (’13) Anna Wilen is a freshman this year at Vassar College. She was born and raised in Davis, California and has been dancing since age eight. Life at Vassar has been everything she could have hoped for and VRDT has played a key role in making it so. Besides dancing Anna loves traveling, meeting new people, and eating peanut butter and jelly.
Stephen Xue (’11) Stephen Xue is a junior Media Studies major from Shanghai, China. He has a penchant for scarves (neutrals only) and spends his days and nights on Cuteoverload.com (its the new perezhilton). Favorite movies include 28 Weeks Later, Army of the Dead, Bloodsucking Nazi Zombies, Burial Ground: The Night of Terror, and Boy Eats Girl. One of his dreams is to go spelunking in Deer Cave, Borneo. This is Stephen’s second year in VRDT.
Categories
2007-2008

Bardavon 2008

26th Annual Gala at the Bardavon

All photos by Ari Neiditz ’08

Correlazione (excerpts) 1994

Choreographer: Miriam Mahdaviani
Composer: Arcangelo Corelli

Pas de deux #1
March 1st: Isabel Vondermuhll and David Rodriguez
March 2nd: Miriam Greenstein and Devon Wambold

Variations
March 1st: Sophie Alpern, Kristina Duffy, and Rebecca Ain with David Rodriguez
March 2nd: Miranda Robertson, Amanda Sugino, and Nicole Krenitsky with Devon Wambold

Pas de deux #2
Alex Spyropoulos and Naquan Earp

Coda
March 1st Dancers with Amanda Sugino
March 2nd Dancers with Kristina Duffy

Collective Apathy

Choreographer: Suzanne Gerdes
Music: History Repeating by Propellerheads & Miss Shirley Bassey

Dancers: Claire Grandison, Catlin Henderson, Max Hershenow, Tobi Lawson, Martha Leonard, Cameron Lussier, David Rodriguez, Alix Schrager

Based on the Kitty Genovese murder, 1964

Twilight Falling in Your Eyes (excerpts) 1995

Choreographer: Paul Mosley
Music: Johnny Mercer, sung by Ella Fitzgerald

Skylark
March 1st: Catlin Henderson
March 2nd: Claire Grandison

Travelin’ Light
March 1st: Katie Aspell and Dana Christy, Ivana Milic-Strkalj amd Rebecca Rozin
March 2nd: Lindsay Kozlowski and Mallory Easton, Martha Leonard and Alix Schrager

Too Marvelous for Words
March 1st: Nicole Krenitsky, Marianne Kies, Catlin Henderson
March 2nd: Marianne Kies, Nicole Krenitsky, Claire Grandison

Black Thai Party

Choreographer: Sam Petersson
Music: Bamboo Banga by M.I.A.

Dancers: Joey Army, Naquan Earp, Mallory Easton, Suzanne Gerdes, Christina Guhl, Max Hershenow, Camilla Kelsoe, Tobi Lawson, Martha Leonard, Dan Ming, Adin Nelson, Alex Rodabaugh, David Rodriguez, Alex Spyropoulos, Analiese Umana

Babel

Choreographer: Steve Rooks
Music: Howard Kilik

Section I “Exiles” (first journey)
Section II “Zelophehad’s Daughters”
Section III ” Exiles” (second journey)
Section IV “Pillar of Salt” – Marion Spencer (soloist, March 1st),
Amanda Sugino (soloist, March 2nd)
Section V “Babel”

Dancers: Sophie Alpern, Miriam Greenstein, Amanda Sugino, Suzanne Gerdes, Marion Spencer, Brittany Ouyang, Kaia Ross-Duggan, David Rodriguez, Max Hershenow, Cameron Lussier
(Understudies: Tobi Lawson and Joey Army)

The Edge

Choreographers: Dan Ming and Katie Aspell
Music: Björk

Dancers: Rebecca Ain, Naquan Earp, Mallory Easton, Camilla Kelsoe, Ivana Milic-Strkalj, Alix Schrager, Dan Ming, Katie Aspell

“Battle not with monsters lest ye become one; for when you look into the Abyss, the Abyss looks into you.” — Nietzsche

Grand Duo

Choreographer: Mark Morris
Music: Lou Harrison (Grand Duo for Violin and Piano)
Prelude
Stampede
A Round
Polka
Pianist: Daniel Pressler
Violinist: Sebastian Weinberg ‘09

Staging: Megan Williams
Costume Design: Susan Ruddie
Lighting: Michael Chybowski (recreated by David Ferri)

Dancers March 1st
Rebecca Ain, Katie Aspell, Suzanne Gerdes, Claire Grandison, Miriam Greenstein, Christina Guhl, Catlin Henderson, Nicole Krenitsky, Cameron Lussier, Daniel Ming, Miranda Robertson, David Rodriguez, Amanda Sugino, Devon Wambold

Dancers March 2nd
Suzanne Gerdes, Claire Grandison, Miriam Greenstein, Catlin Henderson, Camilla Kelsoe, Lindsay Kozlowski, Martha Leonard,
Cameron Lussier, David Rodriguez, Alix Schrager, Marion Spencer, Amanda Sugino, Analiese Umana, Devon Wambold

Premiere: February 16, 1993
Fine Arts Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Grand Duo’s production at Vassar was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment and New England Foundation for the Arts through the American Masterpieces Dance College Component Series. Costumes courtesy of SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance.

Dark Matter (2001)

Sunday’s performance of Dark Matter is dedicated to the memory of Judith Bernier

Choreographer: Jeanne Periolat Czula
Music: Selections from Po Zarostlém Chodníčku by Leoš Janáček
Pianist: Daniel Pressler
Costume Execution: Lydia Harmon of Tutu Etoile and Arianna Morales ‘08

Saturday, March 1st
Denial: Miranda Robertson, Kristina Duffy, Nicole Krenitsky, and Brittany Ouyang
Anger: Sophie Alpern, Amanda Sugino and Naquan Earp (Understudy, Joseph Army)
Mourning and Acceptance: Miriam Greenstein and Devon Wambold (Understudy: Marianne Kies)

Sunday, March 2nd
Denial: Amanda Sugino, Rebecca Ain, Nicole Krenitsky and Analiese Umana
Anger: Alexandra Spyropoulos, Marianne Kies and Adin Nelson (Understudy: Brittany Ouyang)
Mourning and Acceptance: Sophie Alpern and Joseph Army

Danceslang

Choreographer: Kaia Ross-Duggan
Composer: Idlewild Blue (Don’t Chu Worry ‘Bout Me) and PJ Rooster by Andre 3000

Dancers: Suzanne Gerdes, Naquan Earp, Claire Grandison, Marion Spencer, Tobi Lawson, Dana Christy

This piece is about passion, communication, and downright goodness.

Phallus in Wonderland

Choreographer: David Rodriguez
Music: Jacques Lu Cont, Ciara, Dannii Minogue, The Ones,
Daft Punk, Madonna, Paris is Burning

Phallus — Max Hershenow
White Rabbit — Isabel Vondermuhll
Tweedledee — Dana Christy
Tweedledum — Mim Greenstein
Mad Hatter — Claire Grandison
March Hare — Joey Army
Flowers — Marion Spencer, Kaia Ross-Duggan, Suzanne Gerdes
Caterpillar — Cam Lussier
Queen of Hearts — Rebecca Ain
King of Hearts — Alex Rodabaugh
Cheshire Cat — David Rodriguez

5’s/Flurry

Choreographers: Abby Saxon and Martha Tobias
Music: Andy Monroe

Dancers: Suzanne Gerdes, Claire Grandison, Christina Guhl, Nicole Krenitsky, Kaia Ross-Duggan, Joey Army,
Cameron Lussier, Adin Nelson, Alex Rodabaugh, David Rodriguez

Neamhchiontach

Pronounced “nav-HEEN-tahh”, this title means “Innocence” in Irish Gaelic.

Choreographer: Marianne Kies
Composer: “The Violet Flame” by Jeff Victor

Dancers: Miriam Greenstein, Nicole Krenitsky, Rebecca Ain, Sophie Alpern, Isabel Vondermuhll

This piece was inspired by Cristin Chabot, and is dedicated to Antonietta Elaine and Charlotte Hope.
Many thanks to Colleen and Larry Robertson for providing the costumes.

Presente

Choreographer: Marion Spencer
Music: The Books, Matmos

Dancers: Catlin Henderson, Camilla Kelsoe, Martha Leonard, Cameron Lussier, David Rodriguez

Skirts

Choreographer: Kathy Wildberger
Costume Design: Kathy Wildberger
Music: The Walker Family: Jeff – guitar, Kathy – fiddle, Peter – accordion, Scottish small pipes, Laurel – fiddle, step dance, Mary Claire – acoustic bass, guitar, step dance, Patrick – penny whistle, Scottish small pipes, Forrest – jaw harp, djembe, Rachel – percussion, Hannah – percussion

Dancers: The Company

Categories
2007-2008

Staff

Student Staff Positions

Barbara Bownds — Technical Director, Lighting Designer
Amelia Bell — Assistant Technical Director
Chris Digennaro — Sound Technician
Marion Spencer — Wardrobe Manager
Rebecca Rozin — Wardrobe Manager
Camilla Kelsoe — Wardrobe Assistant
Arielle Danziger — Publicity Director/ House Manager
Ari Neiditz — Photographer
Miriam Greenstein — Assistant to the Director

VRDT Technical Director and Lighting Designer

David Ferri

Categories
2007-2008

Early Showings

Photos by Ari Neiditz ’08

Categories
2007-2008

Photoshoot

Photos by Ari Neiditz ’08

Categories
2008-2009

Candid and Rehearsal Photos

Photos by Noah Fowler ’09

Categories
2008-2009

Bardavon 2009

27th Annual Gala at the Bardavon

All photos by Noah Fowler ’09 and Jacques Luiggi

Aureole

(First performed by the Paul Taylor Dance Company in 1962)
Choreography: Paul Taylor
Music: George Friederic Handel, excerpts from Concerti Grossi in C, F and Jephtha
Costumes: George Tacet
Lighting: Thomas Skelton, recreated for this performance by David Ferri
Reconstructionist: Maureen Mansfield Kaddar

Section 1. (2/28): Dana Christy, Naquan Earp, Nicole Krenitsky, Mickey Mahar, Marion Spencer
(3/1): Joey Army, Marina Hitosugi-Levesque, Cameron Lussier, Danielle Patterson, Amanda Sugino
Section 2. (2/28 & 3/1): Naquan Earp
Section 3. (2/28): Nicole Krenitsky, Mickey Mahar, Marion Spencer, Dana Christy
(3/1): Amanda Sugino, Joey Army, Marina Hitosugi-Levesque, Danielle Patterson
Section 4. (2/28): Marion Spencer, Naquan Earp
(3/1): Marina Hitosugi-Levesque, Cameron Lussier
Section 5. (2/28): full cast
(3/1): Joey Army, Naquan Earp, Marina Hitosugi-Levesque, Danielle Patterson, Amanda Sugino
Understudies: Molly Brenner, Dana Cass, Max Hershenow, Greg Shapiro

Proxemics

Choreography: Robin Cherof
Music: Aaron Cherof

Dancers: Nick DiCarlo, Naquan Earp, Mallory Easton, Mickey Mahar, Brittany Ouyang, Danielle Patterson, Marion Spencer

History Rising

Choreography: Max Hershenow
Music: Carl Orff, Carmina Burana (Remixed)

Dancers: Robin Cherof, Leah Wilks with Molly Brenner, Emily Dunuwila, Caitlyn Lamdin, Tobi Lawson, Elise Presser, Marion Spencer

shine

Choreography: Peter Pucci
Music: Dumisani Maraire, Mai Nozipo, performed by the Kronos Quartet
Sound Editing: Nana Simopolous 

Dancers:  Nicole Krenitsky with Rebecca Ain, Sophie Alpern, Brianna Clark, Marina Hitosugi-Levesque, Brittany Ouyang, Amanda Sugino

Shabon

Choreography:  Takehiro Ueyama
Music: Steve Reich, You Are Wherever Your Thoughts Are (2004), 1st movement
Répétiteur: Jill Echo

Dancers: Rebecca Ain, Joey Army, Dana Cass, Robin Cherof, Emily Dunuwila, Mallory Easton, Max Hershenow, Marina Hitosugi-Levesque, Michaela Kleber, Nicole Krenitsky, Cameron Lussier, Elise Presser, Greg Shapiro, Marion Spencer, Isabel Vondermuhll, Leah Wilks

Understudy: Molly Brenner

Elemental

Choreography: Tom Gold
Music: Alexandre Desplat
Men’s Tights by Ray Dragon

SATURDAY, 2/28
Dancers: Rebecca Ain, Sophie Alpern, Joey Army, Dana Cass, Brianna Clark, Naquan Earp, Nicole Krenitsky, Brittany Ouyang, Alex Spyropoulos, Amanda Sugino

1. Earth: Full Cast
2. Fire: Sophie Alpern and Naquan Earp with Dana Cass, Brianna Clark, Brittany Ouyang, Amanda Sugino
3. Air: Rebecca Ain, Nicole Krenitsky, Brittany Ouyang
4. Water: Amanda Sugino and Cast

SUNDAY, 3/1
Dancers: Rebecca Ain, Joey Army, Dana Cass, Brianna Clark, Naquan Earp, Nicole Krenitsky, Brittany Ouyang, Alex Spyropoulos, Amanda Sugino

1. Earth: Full Cast
2. Fire: Alex Spyropoulos and Naquan Earp with Dana Cass, Brianna Clark, Brittany Ouyang, Amanda Sugino
3. Air: Brianna Clark, Nicole Krenitsky, Amanda Sugino
4. Water: Amanda Sugino and Cast

Homecoming

Choreography:  Marina Hitosugi-Levesque
Music:  Claude Johner, The War Machine in Operation, Prayers for Peace; Christian Marclay, Groove 

Dancers:  Dana Christy, Lilli Cooper, Nick DiCarlo, Emily Dunuwila, Max Hershenow, Cameron Lussier, Mickey Mahar, Amanda Sugino, Stephen Xue

Gold Diamond Rings

Choreography: Joey Army and Caitlyn Lamdin
Music: Shirley Bassey, Get the Party Started

Dancers: Joey Army, Molly Brenner, Dana Cass, Lilli Cooper, Emily Dunuwila, Michaela Kleber, Caitlyn Lamdin, Tobi Lawson, Greg Shapiro

The Clearing

Choreography: Kathy Wildberger
Music: Martin Luther King on Rosa Parks, Precious Lord Take My Hand; Steve Reich, It’s Gonna Rain, Part I (1965)
Video Design: Matthew Slaats

Dancers:
Danielle Patterson
Dana Christy, Amanda Sugino
Naquan Earp, Mickey Mahar, Stephen Xue
Sophie Alpern, Brianna Clark, Brittany Ouyang, Alex Spryropoulos
Caitlyn Lamdin, Tobi Lawson, Sara Gabrielson, Lilli Cooper, Shuchorita Bose

Unearth the Bog Willows

Choreography: Cameron Lussier
Music: String Quartet Tribute, Aenema

Dancers:  Sophie Alpern, Robin Cherof, Dana Christy, Nick DiCarlo, Naquan Earp, Mickey Mahar, Marion Spencer, Alex Spyropoulos, Isabel Vondermuhll, Leah Wilk

Mishpacha

Choreography:  Miriam Mahdaviani
Music: The Catskill Klezmorim, Romanian, Harold’s Piece
Musicians:
Clarinet:  Robin Seletsky
Violin: Julie Signitzer
Piano: Kim Paterson
Bass: John Davey
Drums: Julie Licata

Dancers:  The Company

Categories
2008-2009

Early Showings

Categories
2010-2011

Headshots

Charlie Biers (’13) Charlie Biers is a sophomore and a political science major with a possible correlate in Italian and Korean. Before VRDT Charlie was a dedicated student of the prestigious website know as youtube where he studied religiously the dance styles of Beyonce and Ciara. He enjoys food, sleep, food, Beyonce, food, and is thrilled that dance now consumes his enitre life…..literally.
Emma Burke (’14) Emma is a freshman and has been dancing for fourteen years. She is a native Rhode Islander and is wholly undecided in what she would like to major in. She is completely thrilled to be a part of VRDT this year!
Jeremy Busch (’14) Jeremy is honored to be a member of VRDT’s 2010-2011 season. He is a freshman who has danced for 10 years and has studied ballet, tap, jazz and modern. His mentors include Ginger Cox, Dawn Hillen, and Claudia Rahardjanoto, all of whom inspired him when he was a student at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Jeremy would like to thank the VRDT faculty for this amazing opportunity.
Dana Cass (’11) Dana is a senior from fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada who is endlessly grateful to have spent the past three years in VRDT learning about Shaker religious traditions, Irish step dance, bubbles, and the latest in leather legwear. Thanks to the faculty, especially John and Jeanne, for taking me to the next level, and to my family and friends for their love (and audience membership).
Dana Christy (’11) Dana Christy was raised by the most incredible family in the universe in the most beautiful city on the planet, which accounts for her unshakable conviction that life is, and always will be, awesome. She would like to thank the dance department, her family, her fellow seniors, and Michael Jackson for their boundless love and encouragement. She is so very grateful for every moment she is given to dance.
Brianna Clark (’11) Brianna is a senior double major in Women’s studies and Psychology participating in her third year with VRDT. She received her formal training from Eastern Connecticut Ballet and The Walnut Hill School for the Arts. When she is not in the studio or holed up in the library thesising, you can find her “liking” Dana Cass’ facebook statuses, playing with Dana Christy, and quoting the dance faculty. After graduation, she vaguely plans on bouncing to Europe and participating in a myriad of diverse, if yet unknown, life-enriching activities.
Elly Dembo (’13) Elly is a sophomore from New York City who is still working on picking a major. She began her studies at Studio Maestro, and at age nine, went on to study at the School of American Ballet. In 2006, she left to study at the JKO School at American Ballet Theatre. Elly is so glad to have the opportunity to be a part of VRDT again, and is looking forward to working with all the wonderfully talented people involved!
Mallory Easton (’11) Mallory is a senior Urban Studies major from Nashville, Tennessee. She enjoys writing witty poems, listening to Harry and the Potters, and getting into the occasional swinging accident in Vermont.
Mike Graceffa (’13) Mike is a sophomore from Waltham Massachusetts and is super excited to be joining VRDT this year. A musical theatre boy at heart, he is very excited to be studying other dance disciplines like modern and ballet. Michael has been dancing since the age of three and would like to give his love to his extremely supportive Mom and Dad, his Aunt Joanne for bringing the love of dance into his life, and his fellow VRDT and Fly People dancers who bring the aspect of friendship and love into his passion.
Katharine Gripp (’13) Katharine Gripp is a sophomore from the quaint little town of Fairhope, Alabama (although, NO, she doesn’t have a southern accent). She plans to major in English, and spends most of the small amount of time she’s not dancing or writing papers making costumes for Shakespearian performances, and (surprisingly) engaging in other dance-related activities. She loves everything about VRDT and is so happy to be part of the company for another year!
Kelly Harrington (’14) Kelly Harrington is a freshman from Syracuse, NY where she studied at the Center of Ballet and Dance Arts for 13 years taking ballet, jazz, and modern classes. When she’s not dancing, you will find her playing horn in the orchestra, studying various sciences, eating lots of vegetables, and occasionally playing piano. This is her first year in VRDT and she can’t wait to start dancing with everyone!
John Hayden (’13) John is a sophomore Biology major from the North Shore of Massachusetts. After 5 years of classical training, John took a break from ballet during high school and explored interests in both choreography and modern dance. Arriving at Vassar last fall, John rediscovered his passion for ballet and contemporary dance through the extraordinary guidance of the VRDT faculty. He is tremendously exciting to be entering his 7th year of dance and his second year of performing with VRDT.
Brian Heil (’14) Brian is a freshman from San Diego, CA. He is excited to be a part of the amazing VRDT community, and is loving every minute of it so far. Brian trained for nine years at the San Diego Academy of Ballet studying Russian classical ballet with Maxim Tchernychev. He couldn’t be happier with the program at Vassar, and would like to especially thank John Meehan for his incredible direction and instruction.
Thomas Hochla (’13) is a sophomore Music Major from Oklahoma. Seen onstage since the age of nine, Thomas began taking dance “full time” since his freshman year of high school. Dance and Music are his passions, and he would like to thank all his teachers, friends, and family here and back home for their undying love and support in these artistic endeavors.
Michaela Kleber (’11) Michaela Kleber is a senior History, French, and English major from Massachusetts who has been dancing since she was 2 years old. Her favorite ride at Disney World is Expedition Everest, her favorite Harry Potter book is Chamber of Secrets, and her favorite day of the week is Thursday. She is extremely grateful to the dance faculty and her fellow members of VRDT (and FlyPeople!) for enabling her addiction to dance. Special thanks to the Army for making her seem comparatively sane.
Isabella Kosmacher (’14) Isabella Kosmacher hails from the small city of Keene, NH. She has studied, performed, and choreographed dance since she was a toddler. Now that she has joined the VRDT, the rest of Bella’s dreams include peacefully solving the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict and single-handedly consuming an entire Ben and Jerry’s “Vermonster”. She would like to express her deepest love and gratitude to her family and fellow group.
Nicole Krenitsky (’11) Nicole is a senior from Syracuse, New York who began dancing at the age of three and just can’t seem to stop. On the rare occasions when she leaves Kenyon, Nicole studies Science, Technology & Society and Italian while pursuing an avid interest in global health. Nicole would like to thank all of the choreographers for this wonderful opportunity, her family and friends for their ongoing support and her fellow VRDT members for their inspiration and love.
Jenna Kronenberg (’13) Jenna is a sophomore from New Jersey and is thrilled to be dancing with VRDT for a second year. When not dancing you can find her Student-Fellowing in Davison or eating some type of sandwich. She undeniably loves her fellow CARES counselors, and hopefully by the time you read this she will have proposed her independent major in Psycholinguistics. Jenna sends all of her love to her wonderfully supportive family and friends, especially to her sister Lexi (BFAB!) who always keeps her smiling.
Caitlyn Lamdin (’11) Caitlyn Lamdin is a Senior Religion and Africana Studies major and French/Arabic correlate from Barre, VT. This is her third and final wonderful year in VRDT, and after co-crafting two sassy jazz pieces with the other half of Dame Shirley Bassey, she is now very excited to choreograph independently for the company. When she is not rehearsing for VRDT, she can generally be found in OTHER rehearsals, namely of the FlyPeople variety, working on the occasional musical production, teaching Hip Hop Aerobics, or whipping her hair back and forth. To the dance faculty – who have never stopped challenging her – and to her cast – who has never stopped to challenge her crazy ideas – she sends a sincere THANK YOU, and to all the company – her undying love.
Max Lapides (’14) Max is a freshman from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He originally started dancing throughout middle school because someone told him he should be able to dance if he ever wants to do musical theater. Over time, though, dance became an independent passion and now, here he is! And when he isn’t being a theater geek, he spends his time being an avid computer geek.
Simone Levine (’13) Simone is a sophomore philosophy major from Memphis, TN. She has danced her entire life and will probably never stop
Desiree Melendez (’13) Des is currently a sophomore and traveled all the way from Queens to get here. After a summer spent honing her skills at Dance New Amsterdam she feels truly blessed to be able to continue dancing this year with VRDT. She aspires to one day start a mass dance party in a field somewhere, hopefully as great as this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8z7f7a2Pk
Katrina Newman (’13) A sophomore at Vassar, this is Katrina’s second year in VRDT. She trained for ten years at the Orlando Ballet School under scholarship and has also studied at the Milwaukee Ballet School and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. In the Youth America Grand Prix she made it twice to the New York City finals and has performed at New York City Center.
Niya Nicholson (’14) Niya hails from the Fabulous New York City!! Since the tender age of three, Niya has developed an immense passion for the art of dance. She has been trained in various dance techniques such as: modern, ballet, jazz, african, and tap at the Harbor Conservatory for the Arts as well as Fiorello H. LaGuardia H.S. Niya is ecstatic about being a part of the VRDT this year and cannot wait to showcase her talent!!!
Matt Ortile (’14) Matt is a freshman from Las Vegas, Nevada and is super stoked to carve the space with VRDT. Many thanks to the brilliant dance department for the opportunity to be part of the company. A potential Media Studies major at Vassar, Matt enjoys romantic comedies, contemporary jazz (dance and music), and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Brittany Ouyang (’11) Brittany is a Senior Psychology major and French and Mandarin minor from San Francisco, CA. She began training at the San Francisco Ballet School at the tender age of 7, and 11 years, 2 bunions and about a million Nutcrackers later, she joined the fabulous VRDT. A language enthusiast, sucker for pop culture and die-hard fashionista, Brittany plans to become the next Rachel Zoe. Many thanks to VRDT and the dance faculty for giving her the opportunity to continue doing what she loves.
Chelsea Peterson-Salahuddin (’13) Chelsea Peterson-Salahuddin is a Sophomore from the Upper West Side of Manhattan . She is (slowly but surely declaring) a Media Studies and Political Science double major, which is basically to say that she hasn‘t the slightest clue what she is going to do with her life. She began dancing at the tender age of four, primarily so her mom would buy her a tutu, and has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and flamenco. Aside from dance, Chelsea enjoys the great American past times of procrastinating, sleeping, watching gangster mob movies and romantic comedies (Which are basically one in the same, right? ), and singing in the shower. This is Chelsea’s second year in VRDT and she is super-duper-ooper excited to be back!
Juliana Rodzinski (’14) Juliana is a freshman from Fort Worth, Texas. She has been dancing since age 3, attending summer programs at San Francisco Ballet School, Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center, Texas Ballet Theater, The Kirov Academy of Ballet, and the Jillana School. At 16, she took a year off of school to dance as a trainee with Texas Ballet Theater under the direction of Ben Stevenson. Juliana then decided to go back and finish high school and take to time off from dance. She would like to thank the VRDT family for creating the most wonderful place to get back into dancing shape.
Alex Spyropoulos (’11) Of course all children’s Neverlands vary a great deal. Alex’s, for instance, had a great floor on which you could dance all day, or at least for a couple hours until you got tired and decided to make snacks or embark on a terrific adventure.
Amanda Sugino (’11) Amanda is a senior Psychology major from New York City currently steeling herself to become a starving artist and pursue her dream of becoming a professional modern dancer. Emotional as she may be over her fourth and final year with VRDT coming to a close, she is ever so thankful to the dance faculty for inspiring her to pursue the dream. Amanda would like to send extra thanks to John, for showing her how to grow up, and to Jeanne Czula, for acting as her Vassar mom. She would also like to thank this wonderful company for making her years at Vassar so utterly fabulous
Anna Wilen (’13) Anna Wilen is a sophomore this year at Vassar College. She was born and raised in Davis, California and has been dancing since age eight. Besides dancing Anna loves traveling, cooking, good books, and sunshine.
Stephen Xue (’11) Stephen Xue is a fourth year student majoring in lichenology. Hailing from Shanghai, China, Stephen is a connoisseur of Brie, an Oscar nominee, and an avid spelunker. He was recently awarded the Caldecott Medal for his book, Just Shut Up And Go To School. Also certified for childcare services, he hopes to one day raise his very own twin Kune Kune piglets. Stephen loves to dance and would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the Vassar Dance Department for potentially introducing him to a life of poverty. This is Stephen’s third year in VRDT.