2024 Spring Gala Virtual Program

Dear Audience...

30 Years!

Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining us tonight for a very special day – the 30th Anniversary Gala of ballet tech® of ohio.

As we gather here at the Murphy Theatre, my heart overflows with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. Thirty years ago, ballet tech® of ohio began with a simple dream – to nurture a love for dance in young people and provide them with a strong foundation in this beautiful art form. Looking back on the countless performances we’ve staged over the years, the thousands of hours spent in the studio, and the endless number of talented dancers who’ve graced our stage, it’s truly humbling.

Today’s program will showcase a breathtaking array of dance styles, from the playful energy of tap to the expressive power of modern dance, and of course, the timeless elegance of classical ballet. On this stage, you’ll see some of our very own ballet tech students, aged 3 to 17, showcasing the skills they’ve honed with dedication and passion. But it doesn’t stop there. We’ll also be welcoming back some of our incredible alumni, dancers who’ve gone on to prestigious schools and companies, their journeys a testament to the strong foundation they received here at bto.

Their presence tonight is a beautiful reminder of the legacy we’ve built together. Each dancer who steps onto this stage – past, present, and future – represents the culmination of countless hours of practice, unwavering support from families and loved ones, and the unwavering dedication of our phenomenal instructors.

So today, let us celebrate not just 30 years, but the many dreams ignited, the boundless creativity fostered, and the sheer joy of dance that has filled our community for three decades.  Thank you for being a part of this joyous occasion, and for your support throughout the years.

Cast

ACT I

I HAVE A MAGIC WAND
Choreography: Jani Drake   

Acadia Bateman, Dawson Beadle, Renn Brockhuis, Rosalie Downing, Sierra Franz, Theodore Heisler, Maverick Knox, Vivian Knox, Eloise Lamb, Lucy McShane and Ruby Pattman

LOVE TO TAP!
Choreography: C.R. Barrett

Aliviya Bulla, Lilly Cunningham, Rose Cunningham and Katie McShane

OUT WEST
Choreography: C.R. Barrett

Emily Gubanicn, John Paul Heisler, Ulysses Janson and  Iris Stanley

SUNRISE
Choreography: C.R. Barrett

Nailya Asylbekova, Charlotte Drake, Carolyn Lamb, Madelyn Lau, Ronnie McShane, Anna Mukimova and  Ella Schuler

LITTLE SWANS
Choreography: Nikki Tayidi

Addison Bothell, Elle Daignault, Victoria Garcia, Cecilia Heisler, Quinn Hartle, Hannah Kovacs, Claudia Smith and Cora West

ANNENPOLKA
Choreography: C.R. Barrett 

Alivya Bulla, Lily Cunninghham, Rose Cunningham, Riley  Elam, Katie McShane, Niyantha Neelakanten, Onyou Park,  Julia Shafraniuk,  Olivia Tarasova and Mariann  Zurita

 PAQUITA VARIATION
Choreography: M. Petipa

John Paul Heisler 

LES SYLPHIDES
Choreography: Mikhail Fokine  

Amelia Clements, Maren Heisler, Homer Janson, Maria Kanski and McKenzie Thomas

 CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS
Choreography: C.R. Barrett

Oliver:
John Paul Heisler

Professor Mc Byrd:
Homer Janson

Hyenas:
Nailya Asylbekova, Charlie Drake, Carolyn Lamb, Madelyn Lau,, Ronnie McShane, Anna Mukimova and Ella Schuler

 

Chickens & Cocks:
 Ainsley Bothell, Natalie Chelidze, Faryn Glago, Emily Gubanich, Ulysses Janson, Estelle Lapina and Emily Pappas.

 

Rodents:
Addison Bothell, Elle Daignault, Victoria Garcia, Quinn Hartle, Cecilia Heisler, Hannah Kovacs, Claudia Smith and Cora West

Tortoises:
Natali Chelidze & Faryn Glago

Mabel Buntz:
Sergey Pakharev*

Small Elephants:
Estelle Lapina & Ulysses Janson, Sophia Tarasova and John Paul Heisler

Waitress:
Emily Pappas

Birds:
Alivya Bulla, Lily Cunningham, Rose Cunningham, Riley Elam, Katie McShane, Niyantha Neelakanten, Onyou Park, Julia Shafraniuk,  Olivia Tarasova and Mariann Zurita

Maid Marion:
Iris Stanley

Mermaid:
Ainsley Bothell

Fish:
Nina Batt, Asila Bekmukhamedova, Victoria Chulsky, Analise Conrad, Audrey Egan, Alexandra Kovacs, Malaya Moffett and Natalie Reyes

Jack Asses:
Homer Janson and Ulysses Janson

The Cuckoo:
McKenzie Thomas

Brontosaurus:
Ainsley Bothell, Faryn Glago, Emily Gubanich, Estelle Lapina, Ulysses Janson, Emily Pappas and Sophia Tarasova, and John Paul Heisler

Boy feeding Brontosaurus:
Andre Sushansky

Dying Swan:
Jennifer Clements

Night Watchman:
Jeff Janson

Finale:
Entire Cast

INTERMISSION

ACT II  

 

LE CORSAIR  “Odalisques” 
Choreography… Petipa

Jennifer Clements, Maren Heisler and Micah VanPatten

 

LA BAYADERE, Nikiya’s Variation,  Act II
Choreographer: M. Petipa

Ella Addison*

 

LA BAYADERE, Drum Dance
Choreographer: M. Petipa

Maren Heisler, Homer Janson and Ulysses Janson with
John Paul Heisler, Emil Heisler, Arlo Janson and Atlas Janson

 

LE CORSAIR, Grand pas de deux
Choreography: M. Petipa  

 Medora: Micah VanPatten
Conrad: Fulton Heisler*

 

HARLEQUINADE VARIATION
Choreography: M. Petipa

Ulysees Janson

 

LE CORSAIR, “Jardin Anime”
Choreography: M. Petipa

 

1st Movement , in order of appearance:
Amelia Clement, Jennifer Clements, Maren Heisler, Maria Kanski
McKenzie Thomas and Micah VanPatten
Ainsley Bothell, Natali Chelidze, Faryn Glago, Emily Gubanich, Estelle Lapina, Emily Pappas, Iris Stanley and Sophia Tarasova
 John Paul Heisler and Ulysees Janson with
Emil Heisler, Arlo Janson and Atlas Janson
Nina Batt, Asila Bekmukhamedova, Victoria Chulsky, Analise Conrad, Audrey Egan, Alexandra Kovacs, Ailin Kubanychbekova,  Malaya Moffett and Natalie Reyes. 

 

 Seyd Pasha: Homer Janson

Gulnara: Jennifer Clements

Medora: Amelia Clement

Finale:
Entire Cast

ACT I

SUNRISE
Choreography: C.R. Barrett

Layla Cronin, Adelynn Franks, Cecilia Heisler, Payton Hitchens, Mia Puiu, Marley Simpson and Chloe Tilford.

 

PAS DE HUIT
Choreography: C.R.Barrett

   Alina Karpova, Ellyse Meyer, Victoria Vnukova, Mimi Wang with
Emil Heisler, Arlo Jason, Atlas Janson and Andre Sushansky

 

ANNENPOLKA
Choreography: C.R.Barrett

Alivya Bulla, Lily Cunninghham, Rose Cunningham, Riley  Elam, Katie McShane, Niyantha Neelakanten, Onyou Park, Julia Shafraniuk, Olivia Tarasova and Mariann  Zurita

 LES SYLPHIDES
Choreography: Mikhail Fokine  

Amelia Clement, Jennifer Clement, Maren Heisler, Homer Janson and Maria Kanski

 

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS
Choreography: C.R. Barrett

 

Oliver:
Ulysses Janson

 

Professor Mc Byrd:
Homer Janson

Hyenas:
Layla Cronin, Adelyn Franks, Cecilia Heisler, Payton Hitchens, Mia Puiu, Marley Simpson and Chloe Tilford.

 

Chickens & Cocks:
Ainsley Bothell, Natali Chelidze, Faryn Glago, John Paul Heisler, Estelle Lapina, Iris Stanley and Sophia Tarasova

 

Rodents:
Emil Heisler, Arlo Jason, Atlas Janson, Alina Karpova, Ellyse Meyer, Andre Sushansky, Victoria Vnukova and Mimi Wang.

 

Tortoises:
Natali Chelidze & Faryn Glago

 

 

Mabel Buntz:
Sergey Pakharev*

Small Elephants:
 Ainsley Bothell  & Ulysses Janson, Sophia Tarasova & John Paul Heisler

Waitress:
Emily Pappas

 

Birds:
Alivya Bulla, Lily Cunningham, Rose Cunningham, Riley Elam, Katie McShane, Niyantha Neelakanten, Onyou Park, Julia Shafraniuk,
Olivia Tarasova and Mariann Zurita

 Maid Marion:
Emily Gubanich

Mermaid:
Maria Kanski

 

Fishes:
Nina Batt, Asila Bekmukhamedova, Victoria Chulsky, Analise Conrad, Audrey Egan, Alexandra Kovacs, Malaya Moffett and Natalie Reyes 

 

Jack Asses:
Homer Janson and John Paul Heisler

 

The Cuckoo:
McKenzie Thomas

 

Brontosaurus:
Ainsley Bothell, Natali Chelidze, Emily Gubanich, John Paul Heisler, Ulysses Janson, Estelle Lapina, Emily Pappas and Sophia Tarasova.

Boy feeding Brontosaurus:
Homer Janson

 

Dying Swan:
Amelia  Clement

 

Oliver’s Father:
Jeff Janson

 

Finale:
Entire Cast

 

 

 INTERMISSION

 

 

ACT II

 

FANTASY
Choreography: C.R. Barrett

Homer Janson,  Ulysses Janson and Micah VanPatten

 

La Vision
Choreography: Fulton Heisler

Maren Heisler

 

 

LION CIRCUS
Choreography: Rodrigo Almarales

 Micah VanPatten

 

 

JOURNEY
Choreography: Cynthia Riesterer

     John Paul Heisler, Maren Heisler. Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Ching Stanley and Iris Stanley.   

 

COIL
Choreography: Julia Gundzik

  Amelia Clement, Jennifer Clements, Maren Heisler, Homer Janson, Maria Kanski and Micah VanPatten

 

 SLEEPING BEAUTY, Bluebird Variation
Choreography: M. Petipa

  Ulysses Janson 

 

NIGHTSCAPE
Choreography: Karen Kurelis

  Homer Janson

LE CORSAIR  “Odalisques”
Choreography: M. Petipa

  Amelia Clement, Maren Heisler & Micah VanPatten

 

PAQUITA VARIATION

Choreography: Petipa

  Maria Kanski

 

LA BAYADERE, Nikiya’s Variation
Choreographer: M. Petipa

Ella Addison*

 

RAYMONDA  Variation
Choreography: M. Petipa

 Micah VanPatten

 

LE CORSAIRE Grand pas de deux  

Choreography: M. Petipa 

Medora: Maren Heisler
Conrad…Fulton Heisler* 

 

DRUM DANCE 
Julia Gundzik*, Homer Janson and John Paul Heisler, with
John Paul Heisler, Emil Heisler, Arlo Janson and Atlas Janson

LE CORSAIR: “Jardin Anime”
Choreography: M. Petipa 

1st Movement, in order of appearance:
Amelia Clement, Jennifer Clements, Maren Heisler, Maria Kanski
McKenzie Thomas and Micah VanPatten
Ainsley Bothell, Natali Chelidze, Faryn Glago, Emily Gubanich, Estelle Lapina, Emily Pappas, Iris Stanley and Sophia Tarasova
John Paul Heisler and Ulysees Janson with Emil Heisler, Arlo Janson
and Atlas Janson
Nina Batt, Asila Bekmukhamedova, Victoria Chulsky, Analise Conrad, Audrey Egan, Alexandra Kovacs, Ailin Kubanychbekova
Malaya Moffett and Natalie Reyes.

 

Seyd Pasha: Homer Janson

Gulnara: Micah VanPatten

Medora: Maren Heisler

Finale: Entire Cast

About Our Founder

CLAUDIA RUDOLF BARRETT
Founder and Director, Master Teacher, Choreographer, Artistic Director, Producer
 
Ms. Barrett, the recipient of the Post-Corbett 2001 Award for Individual Achievement in the Arts, received her initial training at the College Conservatory of Music (CCM) under Oleg Sabline and David McLain. Subsequently, she earned her BAS and MFA from CCM under Corbett Scholarships, studying with McLain, Dame Alicia Markova, P.W. Manchester, Frederic Franklin, and James Truitte, as well as many guest artists.
 
As an original dancer, soloist, and ballet mistress of the Cincinnati Ballet Company from 1963 until 1990, Ms. Barrett worked under fiver artistic directors and with teachers and choreographers from major companies around the world. In 1993, Claudia opened her school, ballet tech of ohio, bringing many instructors of world renown to inspire her students. In 1997, after staging a full-length “Sleeping Beauty” to the orchestral accompaniment of the Lebanon Symphony Orchestra, Ms. Barrett created a performing outlet for her pre-professional dancers, the ballet tech of ohio performing arts association.
 
Ms. Barrett has choreographed many ballets for pre-professionals, including “My Many Colored Days” to the music of Richard Einhorn, played by the Lebanon Symphony Orchestra, “Appalachian Spring” and “A Soldier’s Tale” with the Clermont Philharmonic Orchestra, “Peter and the Wolf,” Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nacht Musik,” and “Carmina Burana” to the accompanimentof the Blue Ash Symphony Orchestra, among many others.
 
In September of 2006, Ms. Barrett left her non-profit organization to refocus upon her vision and the core values of the school, which continue to promote primarily the art of classical ballet through professional guest artists and performances. A number of Barrett’s students have been awarded professional contracts or scholarships to prestigious schools throughout the United States. In August of 2010, Ms. Barrett was invited to teach at the Korea 2010 International Ballet Competition in Seoul. In March of 2011, Barrett and three of her students were invited to the Dance Open in St. Petersburg, hosted by the quintessential ballerina of the 21st century, Natalia Makarova.
 
Many of Ms. Barrett’s students have gone on to perform professionally, including roles with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Grand Ballet Montreal, Polish National Ballet, and the Cincinnati Ballet.
 
In private life, Ms. Barrett is the proud grandmother of Rowan Alexander Barrett and Sienna Dylan Barrett.

Guest Artists

SERGEY PAKHAREV

A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Sergey Pakharev trained at the Academy of Russian Ballet and The School of the Kirov Ballet. Upon graduation, he danced as a Soloist at the Maryinsky Theater. Since coming to the United States, Mr. Pakharev danced as a Soloist with the Fort Worth/Dallas Ballet. Mr. Pakharev was with Cincinnati Ballet in 2003-2008 and has performed lead roles in Coppelia, Swan Lake, Balanchine’s  “Who Cares?” and “Prodigal Son and the Tchaikovsky pas de deux. Sergey has taught and performed with BTO for many years.

JULIA GUNDZIK

Julia Gundzik, originally from Oxford, OH, began her early ballet training at Claudia Rudolf Barrett’s Ballet Tech of Ohio and continued her pre-professional training at the Washington School of Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet Academy. From 2021 to 2023, she danced with Cincinnati Ballet II, In 2023, Julia was promoted to New Dancer at Cincinnati Ballet, skipping a rank in the company. She danced soloist roles in David Morse’s world premiere More Room to Play and Don Quixote by Anna-Marie Holmes. Julia is also a passionate dance educator, teaching and choreographing at the Cincinnati Ballet Academy and Ballet Tech of Ohio. She took on the role of the Young Performer’s Rehearsal Director, running many of the children’s rehearsals for Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Julia is thrilled to continue her dance career at Smuin Contemporary Ballet for the upcoming season.

ELLA ADDISON

Growing up in Loveland, OH, Ella Addison studied with Claudia Rudolf Barrett at bto throughout her childhood and pre-professional years. Later, she went on to study at America’s Ballet School while performing as an Apprentice with Tampa City Ballet. While in Tampa, Ella performed in works such as Paula Nunez’s “Interstices” and “Carmen.” More recently she has performed as a member of Dayton Ballet II, performing Corp de Ballet roles in “The Nutcracker,” “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “Dracula,” and “Swan Lake.” Ella is currently a BFA Dance Major (’26) at Wright State University,

FULTON HEISLER

Fulton Heisler began his dance training at Ballet Tech of Ohio at the age of 10 where he danced from 2017 to 2022 under the direction of Claudia Rudolf Barrett. After competing in the Youth American Grand Prix in 2022 he was invited by Peter Stark to join the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. He will complete his third and final year of study at the Rock School for his senior year of high school 2024/25 after which he plans to pursue a professional career in dance.

Acknowledgements

Claudia Rudolf Barrett would like to give a big “Thank You” to all the people who have been so generous with their time and assistance in our Spring Gala production:

  • Anjanette Kovacs, Kate Batt, and McKenzie Moffatt for assistance with communication and reception planning and support
  • Jacob Addison for website development, communication, ticketing, and video support
  • Mariana Torres for poster design
  • Karey Williams for costuming
  • Karey Williams, Jeff Johnson, Jonathan Clement, Richard Egan, David Hunter and Louis Heisler for backstage support
  • All parent volunteers who are assisting backstage and in numerous ways
  • Rebecca Rodriguez-Hodory, Sergey Pakharev, Jani Drake for instruction and rehearsal
  • The wonderful staff at The Murphy Theatre