Performance Opportunities
Loyola University’s Ballet Program encourages its dancers to experience the performance process, from rehearsal to the stage. The following outlines the Ballet Program’s current and ever-expanding list of performance opportunities:
For the University and Preparatory Programs:
The Loyola Ballet presents a full-length concert, biannually. The Fall
Concert typically is a presentation of the Repertory students from the
University Program, in conjunction with Levels 3 and 4 of the Preparatory
Program. The Spring Concert builds from the Fall Concert to include the
dancers of the Repertory class, as well as all levels of the Preparatory
Program.
Casting is posted approximately six weeks prior to each concert, followed
by level-appropriate studio rehearsals, and concludes with a one-week
“in-theater” rehearsal. Performances are held Friday and Saturday
evenings, with an 8pm curtain time, in the Louis J. Roussel Performance
Hall at Loyola University, New Orleans.
For student choreographers:
The Ballet Program requires all of the students involved in the Loyola
University Ballet Minor Program to create at least one original work of
choreography.
With the help of the Ballet Program Faculty, the student choreographers
choose their music and their cast. They are responsible for scheduling
and holding their rehearsals, as well as being responsible for creating
appropriate lighting and costume designs for their work. Through communication
with the Loyola Ballet staff, their dancers and the theater crew and technicians,
the student choreographies offer unique glimpses towards the future of
dance.
Megan Zuchowski, a student of the Loyola Ballet University Program, was awarded the 2002 Best Choreography of a New Work Award by the Tribute to the Classical Arts Award Panel of New Orleans for her student choreography, “Gold.”
For working with guest artists and choreographers:
The Loyola Ballet Program offers its students the unique opportunity to study with many gifted artists and choreographers, some of whom are also Loyola Ballet alum. The students enjoy time and receive direction from these artists through master classes, lecture demonstrations, setting of original choreographies and restaged classic works, and individual coaching sessions.
Most recently, the Loyola Ballet students have had the opportunity to
work with Konstantin Uralsky of Ballet New York, formerly of the Bolshoi
Ballet, Paul Vasterling (Director of the Nashville Ballet and alumnus
of the Loyola Ballet Program) and members of the Nashville Ballet, and
Carolyn Martin Santonicola of the Classic Ballet Ensemble of New Jersey,
formerly of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.
The Loyola Ballet has also had the privilege in the past few years to
work with Irina Vassileni-Uralsky (Ballet New York, formerly of the Bolshoi
Ballet), Gilbert Rome (Artistic Director of the Margo Marshall-Gilbert
Rome studio of dance and Houston Repertoire Ballet), Calvin Kitten (principal
dancer of the Joffrey Ballet) and Patricia Wilde (Artistic Advisor of
the Pittsburgh Ballet, formerly of the New York City Ballet).
For working within the community:
The Loyola Ballet Program encourages its students to study the various folk cultures related to dance by actively participating with the Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble. This local company established in 1979, is a 30-member ensemble formed from dancers and musicians established in the New Orleans community. The Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble often contributes their time and efforts to the Loyola Ballet productions.
Works presented in recent seasons:
*** re-staged work by guest artist
** new work by guest artist
* original student choreography
2003-2004 Season:
LES PATINEURS (with guest artist Robert Gosnell, courtesy of Nashville
Ballet)
KHOROVODNAIA (performed by members of the Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music
Ensemble)
NEW YEAR’S IN VIENNA
TRADITION OF LIGHTS*
excerpts from THE NUTCRACKER (with guest artist Christopher Mohnani, courtesy
of Nashville Ballet)
scenes from CINDERELLA
scene from MORE THAN TWO TO TANGO (performed by members of Ballet New
York)
DICHOTOMY OF PASSIONS*
RUSSIAN CITY QUADRILLE (performed by members of the Komenka Ethnic Dance
and Music Ensemble)
A BAGATELLE
variations from GRADUATION BALL
excerpts from DON QUIXOTE, ACT III
duet from WALTZ OF WHITE ORCHIDS (performed by members of Ballet New York)
premiere of CONCERTO FOR HEELS AND TOES**
2002-2003 Season:
excerpts from RAYMONDA (with guest artist Kimberly Matulich)
INVITATION TO ALMACK’S (with guest artist Lyle Guidroz)
GOLD*
UZBEK “BUCHARA CHA” (performed by members of the Komenka Ethnic
Dance and Music Ensemble)
premiere of ROMANCE** (with guest artist Kimberly Matulich)
RUSSIAN POLKA
LES SYLPHIDES*** (with guest artists Kimberly Matulich and Benjamin Linn)
excerpts from COPPELIA
BAILERO (performed by guest artists Kimberly Matulich and Benjamin Linn)
WITH PLENTY OF MONEY AND YOU*
THE LOUISIANA STORY (performed by members of the Komenka Ethnic Dance
and Music Ensemble and members of the Loyola Ballet)
2001-2002 Season:
SWAN LAKE, ACT II (with guest artist Gregory Schramel)
excerpts from NAYADA AND THE FISHERMAN
MOLDAVIAN SUITE (performed by members of the Komenka Ethnic Dance and
Music Ensemble)
excerpts from GAITE PARISIENNE (with guest artist Lyle Guidroz)
THE UNION
THROUGH THE YEARS
ALLEGRO BRILLANTE (performed by the Nashville Ballet)
MOONDOG SUITE*** (with guest artist Brian Williamson, courtesy of Nashville
Ballet)
FIREBIRD (performed by the Nashville Ballet)
