BESFI 2015

SEISKAYA BALLET
Seasons
P R E S E N T S
BESFI
2015
Education as unique as your child
Harbor and Seiskaya Ballet celebrating the Arts together.
Preschool 3s through Grade 8
17 Three Sisters Road St. James, New York 11780
631.584.5555 (p) 631.862.7664 (f)
www.hcdsny.org
www.campharbor.org
CAMP
HARBOR
Explore. Discover. Create.
BALLET EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC.
Benefit Performance
~ ABOUT THIS EVENING ~
Every so often a large senior class departs opening up numerous
opportunities for younger students to vault into prominence. This season's
graduates include: Kristina Diaz, Jade Donnelly, Ashley Chenery, Julia Kharzeev,
Alyson Miller and Monique Abrams. Most are off to colleges far and wide,
however we hope some will remain on Long Island and continue to be part of the
BESFI family for years to come as have Alexandra Palma, Girie Carrero-Sagona
and Nicole DiFiore. Their talent and leadership create a strong paragon of what
accomplished dancers should be. They nurture younger dancers and foster growth
as well as a strong work ethic. There are several younger dancers already making
their mark. Jenna Lee was put to the ultimate challenge during Seiskaya Ballet's
Nutcracker with last minute calls to perform two major leading roles, that of Dew
Drop and then Clara. Laudable performances by up-and-comers were turned in
by Diana Atoian, Brianna Jimenez, Madison Mursch and Eva Pyrros. Veteran
dancers Jamie Bergold and Amber Donnelly showed they are poised for bigger
things this season. BESFI is delighted to have two guest artists returning to the
Staller stage who have wowed audiences with blazing technique and virtuosity.
Oğulcan Borova and Nicholas Cuppola will each perform two pas de deux
reprising pairings with former partners. We look forward to the same magic.
Making his classical ballet debut with BESFI is Jordan Lang a talented male
dancer with marvelous facilities. He will be featured in the Minkus Pas de
Trois and again in the Sun and Rain Pas de Deux in the one act ballet Seasons.
Jordan will also regal us with a contemporary selection called Unluck. As
always, a sprinkling of folk dances from Character Dance Miniatures will
round out the program. There should be something to tickle every fancy.
BESFI PERFORMANCE 2014 ~ IN REVIEW
35 Years Young: BESFI is Filled with Splendor & Panache
By Christina Pandolfi
"Kicking off its celebrated 35th Season of the Ballet Education and
Scholarship Fund, Inc. (BESFI) at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center,
the Seiskaya Ballet Company took center stage with confidence and bravura.
Under the careful tutelage of Mme Valia Seiskaya, aspiring dancers are given
the often-rare opportunity to perform classical ballet standards, sprinkled in
between with sassy character dance miniatures, for a theatrical treat you would
be sorry to have missed. BESFI proves that the ballet scene is certainly thriving and exciting on Long Island.
Starting the three-act program with a practiced poise and nuance was
First Soloist Jade-Alexis Donnelly in the exquisite Le Corsaire Pas de Deux.
Her long, slender limbs lent a fluid grace to each développé and jeté, punctuated by the sheer masculine strength of Guest Artist, Carlos Lopez. A spunky
Seiskaya Ballet classic, Syrtaki, followed and was perfected by the company’s
sizzling synchronization and a truly infectious beat, finessed with a surprise
appearance by Seiskaya herself. What fun!
Setting the stage on fire with her undeniable presence was First Soloist
Ginamarie Carrero-Sagona in the always-exciting La Esmeralda Pas de Deux.
With each shake of the tambourine, her eyes lit up with conviction, elevating
her lightning-fast pirouettes. Oğulcan Borova kept the fiery pace lit, complete
with explosive split leaps that made your jaw drop. Followed by pint-sized
little darlings in the vivacious Kazachok, Seiskaya’s petite crew smiled and
danced into our hearts, accompanied by lively folk music that made you want
to get up and dance right along with them.
Rising with a palpable dramatic tension, the curtain unveiled Guest
Artist and former Seiskaya Principal Dancer Anna Craddock, who is a vision
to behold. Having the privilege of seeing Anna grow from a petite, ebullient
dancer to a mature ballerina has been more than an honor. Her take on Nikiya’s Variation from La Bayadère was true melody in motion; each graceful
gesture of a hand, of a foot, of the deep yearning in her eyes, were all beautifully balanced by powerful leaps and gorgeous footwork. She is a true star in
the making.
Completely commanding the stage as Kitri in the Don Quixote Pas
de Deux, Principal Dancer Alexandra Palma finished off the first act, deftly
partnered by the statuesque Stephen Hanna. Gifted with an effortless ease of
movement, Palma has been a fixture on the Staller Center stage for many years,
treating us all to her impeccable extensions, grand jetés and a final dizzying
series of 32 fouettés, finished with an ease akin to a professional ballerina. Is
there anything she can’t do? The answer is no.
The second act allowed the audience to take delight in the polished
beauty of First Soloist Ashley Chenery. The Coppelia Wedding Pas de Deux
was the perfect piece to complement Chenery’s gorgeous feet and undeniable
grace. She and Lopez made a lovely pair, exuding a sweet chemistry throughout
the entire dance. The ideal counterpoint to the delicate Coppelia was the fast- 1
paced, lively Flames of Paris Pas de Deux, danced by First Soloist Kristina
Diaz and returning Guest Artist Borova. Fierce turns and jumps were the star of
this pas de deux, as Diaz challenged Borova to match her impassioned elevation. He returned the favor, delighting us with his raw power and his seeming
ability to defy gravity with each stunning leap. The spicy Gypsy Dance lent a
brief interlude between each pas de deux, giving the corps de ballet a chance
to let their hair down and show off a more sultry side.
Lissome First Soloist Lauren Kerr was up next, partnered by Matthew
Dibble in the joyful Giselle Peasant Pas de Deux. Fluid transitional steps and
a masterful control of each movement made the dance elegant and delicate,
a stunning interplay between musicality and charming joie de vivre. Closing
out the second act on a high note, Principal Dancer Danielle Lovetro made
waves with her impossibly long legs in the challenging Diana & Acteon Pas
de Deux, wonderfully matched with returning Guest Artist Hanna. Complemented by Hanna’s athletic, yet fluid lyricism, Lovetro is skilled far beyond
her young fourteen years and shows tremendous promise, gracing us with her
perfect arabesques, fluid extensions and a distinct grace of movement. Watch
out, world.
The program ended with the oh-so-charming ballet, La Boutique Fantasque, set to original choreography by Mme. Valia Seiskaya. Responsible to
tame their magical toyshop with a mind of its own, feisty shopkeeper Kristina
Diaz and her playful assistant, beautifully danced by Soloist Brianna Jimenez,
made a stunning partnership, keeping each other in check with Diaz’s spry
pirouettes and Jimenez’s exuberant leaps. Amongst a deck of the loveliest cards
you ever did see, four mechanical dolls enlivened the stage, moving with an
impressive synchronized precision. While a pesky thief joyfully strolled on
through, danced by the delightful Madison Mursch, two little poodles were
true standouts, brimming with self-assurance and facility far beyond their
years. Anya Caraiani moved with genuine speed and purpose, highlighting
Diana Atoian’s almost unbelievably controlled pirouettes that couldn’t help
but leave you smiling. The ballet concluded with a mischievous pair of CanCan Dancers, Carrero-Sagona and Dibble, escaping from their buyers while
flirting and flouncing their way into the finale.
It is with great pride that I wish Alexandra Palma a fond farewell, as
she heads to college later this year. We will certainly miss her mature, consistent performances each season on the Staller Center stage. But her remarkable
ability only further reminds us that Seiskaya Ballet turns out truly talented
stars, which I’m sure will continue for many years to come."
Christina Pandolfi is a professional copywriter, freelance writer and
an accomplished dancer who attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
2 ABOUT BESFI
The Ballet Education and Scholarship Fund is a not-for-profit orga-
nization incorporated in the State of New York with the primary purpose
of promoting ballet education in Suffolk County. By providing grants and
scholarships and offering workshops to local dancers, BESFI enables young
artists to participate in ballet programs that are not readily available to them
or which are beyond their financial resources. By providing professionally
staged dance performances, BESFI is able to promote the arts by catering to
the need for young artists to perform and the community's desire for quality
entertainment. To everyone's benefit, BESFI has had unparalleled success
in bringing noted guest artists and teachers to Long Island.
This year BESFI owes a great debt to several volunteers who gave
selflessly of their time. In particular, we are proud to recognize Karin Engel, Pat Adamo, Phil Ferro, Pam Donnelly, Lisa Lee, Tammy Davies, Lorna
Jaramillo, Jen Rubino and the journal cover designer Francine Moshe.
BESFI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dimitri Papadakos, Chairman
Joann Bleckman-Hertzman • Michael Grundfast
Ted Kastrinos • Lesli Lyon Theobold
Andrew Nittoli • Valentini D. Papadakos
Susan Tuccillo
BESFI SUMMER PROGRAM
Returning instructors for 2015 include Eileen Houghton, Eleanor
D'Antuono, Marianna Tcherkassky, Mary Carpenter, Rhodie Jorgenson,
Elizabeth McGrath, Yann Irlinger, Alexandra Bergman and Vaso Kikna.
Joining us this season for the first time are Boyko Dossev and Morgan
McEwen. The 2015 program will continue the three division format
introduced four years ago. In addition to three divisions, a hybrid fourth
category allows Intermediate students "en pointe" to take an additional class
with the Advanced Intermediate group. The Summer Program will run from
July 20th to August 28th. The 2015 brochure is available on-line at www.
besfi.com. For information telephone: (631) 584-0192.
BESFI SCHOLARSHIPS
BESFI awarded $5,000 in summer program scholarships in 2014,
pushing total cumulative scholarships and stipends past the $260,000 mark.
BESFI’s goal—given the challenging economic times—is to again provide
generous support. As in previous years, a jury of prominent ballet adjudicators will determine the winners of the annual scholarship competition.
The competition date is set for May 31, 2015. Specific check-in times for
advanced and intermediate candidates will be announced in local papers.
For information, contact: BESFI SCHOLARSHIPS, P.O. Box 2146, St.
James, NY 11780, or call (631) 584-0192 or e-mail us at [email protected].
Katie Amella
www.pbase.com/kathleenanna
www.zazzle.com/kamella
[email protected]
Matt Pumilia
Owner/President
[email protected]
Commerical/Residential
516-380-6590
Saint James, NY 11780
Custom designs available upon request.
Nature photography, cards, and prints
HAIRCOLORING AT ITS BEST...
KARIN LYNN
HAIRCOLOR STUDIO
• All phases of haircolor
• Organic haircoloring
• Men’s haircoloring
• Waves & Relaxers
• Cutting and hairstyling
(516) 496-8110
63 Berry Hill Rd.
Syosset
—hours—
Monday - closed
T,W, F 10-6
Th 10-8
Sa 9-5
Gift Certificates Available
Mon Tue Wed 10-6
Thur 10-7 Fri 10-6
Sat 11-4 Sunday- closed
Dance ‘N’ Things
79 East Main Street, Suite C
Smithtown, NY 11787
631-360-4339
Dancewear Activewear
Gymnastics & Skating Apparel
Team, theater and special orders welcome
Gift certificates available
www.dancenthings.com
Fidato Construction Corp.
Trustworthy / Honorable
fidatoconstructioncorp.com
Black Tie
43 Rte. 111
Smithtown, NY 11787
361-6111
Formal Wear
& Uniformals
29 W. Main St.
Patchogue, NY 11772
475-9799
...an important group of individuals, without whose efforts this
journal could not have been produced. Our inexhaustible fundraisers have, again, succeeded in
gathering an astonishing array of
advertising pages and gifts for our
annual raffle. Their success has
helped ensure continued funding
for our exciting dance programs
and competitions for the coming
year.
Bravo!!!
$16,000
Valia Papadakos
$1,200-1,400
Butkevich Family
Pyrros Family
Adamo Family
Essex Family
Rubino Family
$700-900
Bergold Family
Carrero-Sagona Family
Volpicella Family
Mursch Family
Jeffrey Family
Lovetro Family
Aubé Family
Donnelly Family
Reliance
Mortgage &
Real Estate
$500-600
359 Lake Avenue
St. James, NY 11780
Phone: (631) 862-9000
Fax: (631) 862-2881
Email: [email protected]
www.SearchingLongIslandNY.com
We Wish To
Acknowledge
William J. Garthe
Engel Family • Davies Family
Abrams Family • Caraiani Family
DeLorenzo Family • Diaz Family
Lee Family • Moshe Family
Palma Family • Cunniffe Family
Miller Family • Bishop Family
Cozzo Family • Schwalb Family
Chandler Family • Fetzer Family
Virnelli Family
3
VALIA SEISKAYA
Russian-born Valia Seiskaya took her first ballet
lessons in Greece at the age of six. Her teacher was
Adam Morianoff, also a Russian émigré. (Valia
was experiencing difficulty learning Greek; thus,
it was natural for her mother to seek out a fellow
countryman.) At nine she became a scholarship
student, showing prodigious technique—for example, entrechat huit, eight beats, in centre—by
age ten. Pointe work also started at ten, character
ballet at twelve. Thereafter, Mme. Seiskaya rapidly
developed the combination of strong technique and
high elevation which would become her hallmark
as a professional.
At fifteen, Valia continued her training under Sonia Morianova, the niece of Adam
Morianoff, who had recently retired from the National Opera of Greece. She became
a member of the National Opera at seventeen, soon attaining the rank of featured soloist, and touring Europe and Russia with the company. At the National Theater her
preparation continued under resident ballet masters and choreographers, including
the Bolshoi’s Asaf Messerer, Boris Kniazev, Nina Kyrsanova and Olympia Yelodari
(former judge at the International Ballet Competitions held in Varna, Bulgaria and
Moscow).
In Greece, as in most European countries, ballet students wishing to become professionals must pass comprehensive national level examinations and obtain a license.
Mme. Seiskaya fulfilled all of her requirements and was granted both a diploma and
a license.
The Seiskaya Ballet School was founded in 1974, one year after Mme. Seiskaya
retired from the National Opera of Greece. At that time she taught all fifteen class
sections. In 1976 Studio A was doubled in size to its present 2,500 square feet, and
in 1981 Studio B was opened, adding another 1,500 square feet to the dance facility.
That year also saw the establishment of the Seiskaya Ballet Academy.
The Academy was designed as a professional training program for serious dancers who
display the determination, physical attributes and musicality of the career-oriented
dancer. Admission to the Academy is by audition only. Since the inception of the
Seiskaya Ballet programs, over seventy students have opted for professional careers.
The OPEN program was developed in 2006 to compliment the Academy and accommodate requests for more scheduling flexibility.
All Academy students are encouraged to participate in the guest teacher seminars
and summer workshop programs offered by the Ballet Education and Scholarship
Fund, Inc. (BESFI). As part of their professional preparation, Academy students’
participation in auditions for company schools, summer workshops, internships and
4 major dance companies is routinely encouraged.
Seiskaya students have compiled an outstanding record of achievement. Through the
years, full scholarships have been awarded by every major institution for which they
have auditioned, including schools affiliated with American Ballet Theatre (ABT),
New York City Ballet, and the San Francisco, Houston, Joffrey, Pacific Northwest,
Pittsburgh, Eliot Feld, and Boston Ballets. Some of the many dance companies
Seiskaya students have joined: ABT (5), Atlanta Ballet (2), Boston (2), Ballet West,
Fort Worth, Hartford, Pacific Northwest, Pittsburgh, Royal Swedish, State Ballet of
Missouri, Ballet Arizona, Tennessee, Milwaukee (3), New Jersey, Alabama, Washington,
Louisville, Austin, Tulsa Ballets and Momix.
In 1994 Seiskaya student Michael Cusumano captured a bronze medal and Special
Commendation at the International Ballet Competition (IBC) in Varna, Bulgaria and
a coveted Jury Award (a gold medal-level award) at the Prix de Danse, Paris, France.
Valia Seiskaya was nominated that year as the Best Teacher and Coach at Varna, one
of the few Americans ever to be so honored.
In 1996 Kirov student Rasta Thomas, coached by Valia Seiskaya, reached the pinnacle:
a gold medal in the Men’s Junior Division at the 17th IBC, Varna, Bulgaria. Incredibly,
he was the first American male dancer ever to win a Junior Division gold and the
youngest male dancer ever to do so. In addition, his triumph ended a sixteen-year
stretch in which no gold medal was awarded in the Junior Men’s Division.
In 1998 Seiskaya student Elizabeth McGrath represented the U.S. in the 18th IBC in
Varna, Bulgaria. In late‘98 she was a top finalist in the 8th Concours International
de Danse de Paris, France. Among the numerous awards earned during the current
decade: Anna Craddock earned 2nd prize in the 2008 American Ballet Competition,
Miami, Fl. and in 2009, the grand prize in the 9th International Dance Competition Hellas (Greece). Seiskaya alum Cory Stearns (ABT principal) won the vaunted 2008
Erik Bruhn Prize in Toronto, Canada. In 2012, Danielle Lovetro earned 2nd place in
the regional Youth American Grand Prix while Anna Craddock swept to a 1st place
finish at the American Ballet Competition in Houston, Texas and a 1st place finish in the
senior division at the 2013 YAGP regional. Seiskaya students have captured more than
twenty national/regional awards, including those from the National Arts and Letters
Competition; National Arts Recognition and Talent Competition (Presidential Scholar
in the Arts); Saraband, Ltd; and the Amilita Hoffman Memorial Ballet Competition.
During her seventeen-year professional career with the National Opera of Greece,
Mme. Seiskaya gained an affinity for the grand sweep of story-line ballets and operas
staged by the company. Her own choreographic works, such as Street People, Las
Damiselas, Forest, MASK, and the Nutcracker, reflect that interest. Fresh interpretations
of classical favorites La Boutique Fantasque, Walpurgis Night and A
Night on Bald Mountain complement her signature ensemble works Grand Waltz,
Seasons and Dance of the Hours.
Valia Seiskaya is listed in Who’s Who Among Outstanding Americans and was The
Village Times 1985 Woman of the Year in the Arts. Thrice, she has been
awarded Teacher of the Year by YAGP. She has received commendations
from, among others, President Reagan, Governor Pataki and Congressman Forbes. In 2011, Mde. Seiskaya was elected to the Long Island
Volunteer Hall of Fame for her work nurturing young talented dancers.
VALIA SEISKAYA, LFB
Artistic Director
Johanna Hsu
Danielle Morano
Nicole DiFiore
Kerry Ann Dennehy
Kristina Diaz
Alexandra Palma
Alyse Melillo
Danielle Lovetro
SEISKAYA BALLET
7 Flowerfield, Suite 16
St. James, NY 11780
(631) 862-6925
[email protected]
www.seiskaya.com
S
E
I
S
K
A
Y
A
B
A
L
L
E
T
5
- Bravo Seiskaya Ballet
P & S Newspaper
Group, Ltd.
Phillip L. Sciarillo, Publisher
Salvatori DiPeri, Publisher
6
Smithtown Messenger
Ronkonkoma Review
Brookhaven Review
Patchogue Medford News
1 West Main Street Suite 200
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265-3500
Guest Artist
Harry L. Hackett III, CFM, CRPC®
First Vice President - Investments
Wealth Management Advisor
Global Wealth Management
57 Hampton Road Ste 1
Southampton, NY 11968
T 631 204 8663 Direct
T 800 234 3816 Toll Free
F 631 456 4901
[email protected]
OĞULCAN BOROVA
Merrill Lynch
Oğulcan Borova was born in Turkey, and recognized
there in 1996 as the First Prize Winner at the 3rd
National Rotary Clubs Dance Competition. Since
then, he has established an international career. His
awards include a Bronze Medal at the 18th Varna
International Ballet Competition (Bulgaria) and
“Star Dancer of Turkey,” from the Dokuz Eylül
University of Izmir, where he trained with Shavkat
Tursunov. Borova has also garnered prestigious
Gold Medals at the 7th New York International
Ballet Competition and the 2nd Seoul International
Dance Competition (Korea). He has made guest
appearances with the Korea World Ballet Stars
Gala (Seoul), the Stars of the Kirov Ballet Gala
(Germany), Russian National Ballet among
others. Cincinnati Ballet welcomed Borova as a
principal dancer in 2008. Previously, he danced
with Ballet Internationale Indianapolis (19992005), which he joined in 1999 and was promoted
to principal in 2001. He has danced leading roles
in: Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake,
Esmeralda, Cinderella, Coppélia, Napoli, Romeo
and Juliet, Paquita and La Bayadère, just to name
a few. Dance Magazine calls Oğulcan a “feisty,
brilliant dancer.” Pointe Magazine described him
as an “International star.” Typical accolades include
those from The New York Times “[a] powerful
performance.” Currently, Mr. Borova is with the
Joffrey Ballet in Chicago.
7
8
CHARIOT
COLLISION CENTER
Ask About Our
Environmentally
Friendly
Water-Based
Paint
NICHOLAS COPPULA
We NoW Do
Auto CustomiziNg
"We Make Dreams A Reality"
CHARIOT COLLISION CeNTeR, INC.
©120790
24 HR. TOWING 585-9530
91 Gnarled Hollow rd., east setauket
631–751–1515
www.chariotautocollision.com
Mike annino
chariot_120790.indd 1
Guest Artist
ATM
3/6/13 2:09 PM
Starting dance in North Pittsburgh, Nicholas
Coppula’s talent was quickly recognized, and he
was accepted into the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
School. Upon graduation, he joined the company
where his bio raved: “Just mention Nicholas
Coppula’s name around Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
and the word ‘genius’ repeatedly crops up.” It is his
sheer brilliance that makes him a stellar performer.
Nicholas’ “sharp intelligence, strong work ethic
and creative imagination” are the very qualities
that he is most heralded for at PBT. During his
tenure at Pittsburgh Ballet, he performed a plethora
of roles, however the pièce de résistance, was the
performance in 2012 of the Giselle Peasant Pas de
Deux. Nicholas’ pathos can be appreciated in the
breadth of performances which include his roles
as soloist and principal in George Balanchine’s
Agon and as Elegy in Seranade, Balanchine’s
Allegro Brillante and Who Cares, and Mark
Morris’ Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes and
Maelstrom among others. In 2010 and again in
2013, Nicholas showcased his range as a dancer
performing in Twyla Tharp’s Upper Room and
Nine Sinatra Songs. As the Cavalier in Seiskaya
Ballet’s 2014 Nutcracker, Mr. Coppula earned
accolades partnering all three Seiskaya Ballet
principal dancers. He rejoins two of them this
evening dancing pas de deux opposite Alexandra
Palma and Danielle Lovetro.
9
50 KEYLAND COURT • BOHEMIA, NY 11716
631.218.2200 • FAX 631.218.2111 • [email protected]
4-COLOR DIGITAL PRINTING ON DEMAND
POSTERS
FOAMCORE
BANNERS
DISPLAY GRAPHICS
TRADESHOW GRAPHICS
FLOOR GRAPHICS
WINDOW GRAPHICS
FINE ART REPRODUCTION
INDUSTRIAL GRAPHICS
10
epi-printing.com
BUSINESS CARDS
BROCHURES
PROGRAMS
POSTCARDS
BOOKS
BOOKLETS
SADDLE STITCH
PERFECT BOUND
DIE CUTTING
Dear Jordan,
Congratulations on your ballet debut!
We are so very proud of you!
Love Always,
Mom, Dad, Danielle & Ryan
Guest Arttist
JORDAN LANG – Age 17
West Babylon Senior High School
Twelfth Grade
Dear Valia, Dimitri and all of my teachers at
Seiskaya Ballet,
I am eternally grateful for all that
you have taught me in such a short period of
time this past year.
Love,
Jordan
Following in the footsteps of Rasta Thomas, BESFI
will host the debut of Jordan Lang in his first ballet
performance as Rain in Seasons and the male
lead in the Don Quixote Pas de Trois alternately
partnering Julia Kharzeev and Ashley Chenery.
A dedicated dancer, Jordon has participated in
numerous summer programs such as The Collective
Contemporary Dance Intensive in California 2014,
dance classes in various genres at Broadway Dance
Center and Steps as well as the NYCDA Summer
National Workshop in New York City. His leaps,
pirouettes, strength and flexibility have earned
him scholarships to NYCDA National Summer
Workshops, and College scholarship to Marymount
Manhattan College, NY, Point Park University, PA
and Pace University, NY. Recognized as one of
the nations top youth competitive contemporary
soloists, and a collector of numerous awards for
his talents as a dancer, as well as a choreographer,
Jordan was a featured dancer in Destiny Rising
with NYCDA in 2015, Joyce Theatre, NYC and
a featured dancer in Sing, Sing, Sing 2014. He
received Fred and Adele Awards in both 2012 and
2011 for tap performances, and a contemporary
solo performance at Disney World, FL. Jordan
plans to pursue a career in contemporary ballet.
11
12
Les Sylphides Pas de Deux
Les Sylphides (formerly Chopiniana) is a
composition in the manner of the Romantic
Ballet - a series of variations surrounding
a pas de deux. The Pas de Deux is a lovely
composition; the preparation for the first
movement is made offstage, so that the
danseuse makes her entrance as if soaring
into the air. Her partner supports her at the
waist in a manner which suggests that he
is lightly restraining her lest she should
vanish into the skies.
Don Quixote Pas de Deux Act I
Don Quixote premiered in Russia in 1869.
The Don is perpetually searching for his
idyllic mate, Dulcinea. In Act I, he finds
himself in a bustling market place. Basilio
the barber and his sweetheart, Kitri, are
among the crowd. Their lovers' tryst is
interrupted when Kitri's father sees them
together and sends Basilio away bringing
Kitri to tears. He wants Kitri to marry an
old, rich nobleman. Don Quixote, who
believes Kitri is his Dulcinea, intervenes
and helps the lovers to flee.
DANCE OF THE HOURS
A delightful score drawn from Ponchielli’s
opera La Gioconda, the ballet Dance of
the Hours features three principals with
a corps de ballet of twelve dancers. Set in
part as a White Ballet, the choreography
highlights the corps during slow passages
and allows the vibrant music to be
utilized for virtuoso solo performances.
The Seiskaya adaptation features three
demanding roles: Day, Night, and Time.
The ballet recounts the timelessness of
the struggle between Day and Night as
each claims its due. All three roles are
tests for the respective ballerinas. Day is
quite lyrical and poignant, Night requires
a bravura display, while Time, which is a
melding of both night and day, combines
elements of both. Numerous Seiskaya
dancers have distinguished themselves in
these roles that have, coincidentally, been
springboards to careers.
BALLET EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC.
õ
2015 Benefit Performance
õ
Friday, May 15th, 7PM & Saturday, May 16th, 2PM
Staller Center for the Arts
Composer/ChoreographerPerformers
PERSIAN – CHARACTER DANCE MINIATURE
Folk Music/Guzikova
LES SYLPHIDES PAS DE DEUX
Chopin/Folkine
Blake/Dowling
Corps
Ginamarie Carrero-Sagona, Oğulcan Borova
UNLUCK
Jordan Lang
DON QUIXOTE PAS DE DEUX ACT I
Minkus/Petipa
Alexandra Palma, Nicholas Coppula
DANCE OF THE HOURS
Premiered May 14, 1982
Composer: Amilcare Ponchielli
Lighting Design: Liz Silver
Stage Manager: Liz Silver
Night Day Time
Corps
ØØØØØ
Bizet/Guzikova
Drigo/Petipa
Choreographer: Valia Seiskaya
Rehearsal Mistress: Nicole DiFiore
Costumes: Sue DiFiore
Kristina Diaz
Jade Donnelly
Danielle Lovetro
Diana Atoian, Ava Aubé, Jamie Bergold, Emily Bishop, Natasha
Butkevich, Anya Caraiani, Graciela Carrero-Sagona, Ashley Chenery,
Francesca Dennehy, Amber Donnelly, Maren Hogden, Marthe
Hogden, Jenna Jarrah, Brianna Jimenez, Julia Kharzeev, Jenna Lee,
Madison Mursch, Liana Pirraglia, Eva Pyrros, Sarah Santarsiero
FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERMISSION
ØØØØØ
CARMEN – CHARACTER DANCE MINIATURE
LE CORSAIRE PAS DE DEUX
Corps
Kristina Diaz, Oğulcan Borova
Minkus/Seiskaya after Petipa
MINKUS PAS DE TROIS
Diana Atoian, Brianna Jimenez (Fri.), Jordan Lang
Natasha Butkevich, Madison Mursch (Sat.)
PAQUITA PAS DE DEUX
Minkus/Seiskaya after Makarova
COLOMBIANAS
Danielle Lovetro, Nicholas Coppula
Real/Marsh
SoloistLara Caraiani
Corps
M. Butkevich (Fri.), S. Cipriano, T. Davies, M. Essex (Sat.),
A. Fetzer, A. Franquiero, L. Hoglo, J. Jaramillo (Sat.),
S. Moshe, J. Rubino, J. Virnelli, B. Volpicella (Fri.)
Junior Corps
A. Chandler, M. Martufi, A. Samara, M. Volpicella, Vc. Ye, Vv. Ye
FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERMISSION
ØØØØØ
ØØØØØ
SEASONS
Premiered June 8, 1985
Composer: Alexander Glazounov
Set Design: Edgar Stroke Stage Manager: Liz Silver
Choreographer: Valia Seiskaya
Lighting Design: Liz Silver
Costumes: Sue DiFiore
BluebirdDiana Atoian
WeatherDanielle Lovetro
Frost Jenna Lee
IceKristina Diaz
Hail Jade Donnelly
Snow
Alexandra Palma
Sun Ashley Chenery (Fri.), Julia Kharzeev (Sat.)
Spring
Natasha Butkevich, Amber Donnelly, Madison Mursch
Gnomes Lara Caraiani, Katya Donetski, Jordan Jaramillo,
Rain Summer
Summer Breeze Autumn Cornflowers
Brooke Volpicella
Jordan Lang
Ava Aubé, Anya Caraiani, Eva Pyrros, Graciela Sagona
Jamie Bergold
Brianna Jimenez
Emily Bishop, Sophia Cipriano, Jaleena Cozzo, Francesca
Dennehy, Angelina Franquiero, Maren Hogden, Marthe
Hogden, Jenna Jarrah, Liana Pirraglia, Sarah Santarsiero
Le Corsaire Pas de Deux
Based on a poem by Byron, the ballet’s
plot involves a pirate (Corsaire) and a
beautiful girl, Medora, sold to a rich pasha
by her guardian. In this interlude, the slave,
Ali, pledges his devotion to Medora after
rescuing her from the evil pasha. After
many adventures, she is reunited with her
first love, the pirate. Margot Fontaine and
Rudolf Nureyev were the first to dance the
pas de deux with the Royal Ballet.
Minkus Pas de Trois
In a revived version of Paquita,
choreographed by Petipa, Minkus wrote
the music for an interpolated grand pas.
An excerpted Kirov restaging of this pas
was brought to the West by Balanchine and
then entered the repertory of the NYC ballet.
Paquita is the story of the noble girl stolen
by gypsies and then restored to her family. It
is danced in the form of a Spanish-flavored
classical ensemble calling for virtuosity and
a grand manner.
Paquita Grand Pas
Paquita, a Spanish gypsy, loves Lucien, a
French nobleman. Marriage is impossible
because of the difference in their social
situations. All turns out well when Paquita
discovers that she is the daughter of a
nobleman. The ballet was first produced April
1, 1846 at the Theatre de l'Academie Royale.
Seasons
The musical score for Seasons was written by
Alexander Glazounov in 1899 to a scenario
by Marius Petipa. Introduced at the 0
Theatre in St. Petersburg, this work has been
described as a “wonderful, symphonic and
choreographic poem.” Seasons is the story
of the passing of the seasons. The blustery
Winter cold is banished by Spring’s flowers
and birds. Summer inherits Spring’s bounty
with harvest crops abounding. Fall signals
the cycle’s finale and is danced by the God
and Goddess of the harvest. Seiskaya weaves
into the basic story fabric the introduction
of new characters: Sun, Rain, Weather and
the Bluebird.
13
Story Book Homes, Inc.
CUSTOM HOMES • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
LAND DEVELOPERS • APARTMENTS
SALES OFFICE
(631) 979-9510
BUSINESS OFFICE
(631) 265-6131
FAX (631) 265-6343
AL HORNBERGER
PRESIDENT
Best Wishes to all the
Seiskaya Dancers
and a special
Congratulations to my
granddaughter
Alexandra Palma
on her BESFI
Performance.
14
Principal Dancer
ALEXANDRA DIANE PALMA – Age 19
Stony Brook University
Freshman
“Dancing: The highest intelligence in the freest body.”
--Isadora Duncan
Alexandra will electrify the audience with her
spirited performance of Kitri opposite guest artist
and last year’s Nutcracker partner, Nicholas
Coppula, in the Don Quixote Pas de Deux, Act I.
She will also sparkle as Snow in the Winter Quartet
in Seasons. An outstanding student, Alexandra
was inducted into the Sigma Beta Honor Society
and is a member of the Stony Brook University
Chapter of the National Society of Collegiate
Scholars. She also received a New York State
Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Poised
and beautiful, as well as intelligent, Alexandra is
a model for Art Stone gracing the cover of their
2014 Holiday issue. In BESFI 2014, Alexandra
received a laudatory review for her role as Kitri
in the Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux, Act IV.
Partnered by Stephen Hanna, former New York
City Ballet Principal Dancer, the review hailed her
as “Gifted with an effortless ease of movement.”
In Seiskaya’s Nutcracker 2014 as Sugar Plum
with her Cavalier, Nicholas Coppula, a veteran of
the Pittsburgh Ballet, Christina Pandolfi proffered,
“Long limbs were on deck, as the duo wowed with
fluid developpès, explosive tour jetés and a feat of
magic, thanks to a coda of dizzying double fouettés
that were executed to perfection by Palma.”
15
Paving & Custom Masonry
Commercial & Residential
DRIVEWAYS · BELGIUM BLOCK
BLACKTOP · CONCRETE · PATIOS
POOL AREAS · STOOPS
RETAINING WALLS · WALKWAYS
SEALTOPS
VelveTop™ SEALER.
HAND APPLIED
EXTREMELY NEAT.
ACTION BLACKTOP
631-265-5157
Free
ates
Estim
Dear Danielle,
You amaze me
every time I see you
dance! You just keep
getting better and
more graceful every
year. I am sure you
will become a Prima
Ballerina. I am so
very proud of you,
and I love you very
much!
Love,
Grandma
www.actionblacktopinc.com
Nassau Lic. #H2303010000 • Suffolk Lic. #26 520-HI
Proudly Supports
The Ballet Education
and Scholarship Fund
16
Jennifer Fasano, Branch Manager
556-02 North Country Road • St. James, NY 11780 • (631) 862-4200 • www.myNYCB.com
Principal Dancer
Dear Valia & Dimitri,
Thank you so much for
all your love and support!
Love,
Danielle
DANIELLE LOVETRO – Age 15
Smithtown High School East
Ninth Grade
Danielle,
It has been amazing watching you
continue to evolve into such a beautiful
dancer. All your hard work is shining
through! Keep smiling and loving what
you do! You are beautiful!!
All Our Love,
Mom, Dad & Anthony
A young dancer who imbues each role with
her characteristic ethereal grace, Danielle will
captivate us this evening as she partners with
Guest Artist Nick Coppula to dance the Paquita
Pas de Deux. Danielle will also take to the stage
as Weather in Seasons and Time in Dance of the
Hours. Partnered by Guest Artist Stephen Hanna
for the Diana and Acteon Pas de Deux in last year’s
BESFI performance, Danielle won the praises of
The Smithtown Messenger’s Christina Pandolfi for
her “perfect arabesques", “fluid extensions,” and
“impossibly long legs,” before proceeding to delight
the crowd as Card in La Boutique Fantasque.
Seiskaya’s Nutcracker 2014 marked Danielle’s
second season as Sugar Plum. Of her performance
as Snow Queen, Christina Pandolfi remarked that
“Lovetro returned as the Snow Queen, dancing as
crisply and cleanly as fallen snow itself, closing
out Act I with hypnotic beauty.” Danielle sparkled
as Chinese, Flower Soloist, and Friend of Clara.
She performed at Lincoln Center at the YAGP
Gala and was invited to study at the Bolshoi Ballet
Academy in Moscow, Russia. Danielle treasures
every moment of dancing and dreams of becoming
a principal dancer in a prestigious ballet company.
17
Tomas Diaz, Rph.
PAUL J. TABONE
CEO
PATCHOGUE ELECTRIC MOTORS, INC.
Sales & Service
New, Used, Rebuilt
Motors - Controls
75 SYCAMORE STREET
P.O. BOX 537
PATCHOGUE, N.Y. 11772
(631) 475-0117
D.L. Peterson Corp.
CENTRAL
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
SaluMed Pharmacy “Dedicated to Excellence”
Specialty pharmacy specializing in:
• Diabetes
• HIV medications
• Asthma
• Pain management
• And other chronic diseases.
1805 Fifth Ave, Bay Shore, NY 11706 • 631-231-4960
753 Commack Rd, Brentwood, NY 11717 • 631-299-0213
18
SALES - SERVICE - INSTALLATION
751-4755
Carrier
Custom Made Indoor Weather
Since 1969
7 Flowerfield Industrial Park, Suite 10
St. James, N.Y. 11780
Principal Dancer
To Valia, Dimitri and My Seiskaya
Friends and Family,
Thank you all for the support and
love I’ve received from you these past
5 years. Being a part of Seiskaya has
truly been a blessing. I’ve made many
memories here that I will cherish forever.
Coming to Seiskaya was one of the best
decisions I’ve ever made; not only did
Valia and Dimitri make me into a better
dancer, but they gave me a much more
intense passion for it. The habits and
values they’ve instilled in me will stay
with me for the rest of my life. Thank
you again from the bottom of my heart.
Love,
Kristina
KRISTINA ELENA DIAZ – Age 17
Our Lady of Mercy Academy
Twelfth Grade
Kristina, an artist in the truest sense, will display
her exceptional technical expertise during this
year’s BESFI, performing as Night in Dance of the
Hours, Ice in Seasons, and in the Pas de deux in La
Bayadère. For Kristina, this year’s BESFI will be
the capstone of a prolific career dancing with the
Seiskaya Ballet. Her trademark charisma, vigor,
and zeal for dance, characterized by her unwavering
endurance, energetic turns, and elevated leaps,
will be on full display. Kristina previously awed
audiences with a variety of dynamic performances
throughout the 2014 Season, dancing the Sugar
Plum Fairy, Clara, Dewdrop, and Chocolate Soldier
in Nutcraker and the Pas de deux from Flames
of Paris during BESFI. Past acceptences include
Bolshoi Ballet and Alvin Ailey, she attended Joffrey
Ballet Summer Program while contemporaneously
enrolling in BESFI 2014 Summer Intensives, on
scholarship. A fixture on the Honor Roll, Kristina
has won Academic Scholarships to Hofstra
University, Pace University, Manhattan College,
and is also the recipient of the Hofstra University
Dance Scholarship and the Town of Oyster Bay
Talent Scholarship. Kristina will pursue a double
major in Dance and English when she commences
her undergraduate studies this fall.
19
“All the ills of mankind, all the tragic misfortunes that fill the
history books, all the political blunders, all the failures of
the great leaders have arisen merely from a lack of skill at
dancing.”
—Moliere
20
First Soloist
Natalie, congratulations
on another great year!
Mom and Dad
NATASHA BUTKEVICH – Age 16
Ward Melville High School
Eleventh Grade
In this year`s BESFI performance, Natasha will yet
again display her exuberant stage presence as Corps
in Dance of the Hours, Spring and Minkus Pas de
Trois. After Seiskaya`s production of Nutcracker
2014, this promising young dancer mesmerized the
audience in her debut as the whimsical Snow Queen,
as well as Bo Peep, Friend of Clara and Fritz,
Arabian, Flower and Snow. Natasha underwent
a difficult surgery and tonight’s performance will
be her comeback on stage. Her beautiful feet,
combined with her excellent turns complemented
her musicality and enticed the audience in last
year´s BESFI performance as Peasant Doll, and
in the ensemble of Syrtaki. Natasha has attended
Burklyn Ballet and BESFI Summer Intensives, and
she has also been accepted to ABT for the Summer
of 2015. Natasha is an AP Student, a member of her
school`s Computer Science Club, Linear Algebra
Club, and is taking Sunday enrichment classes in
Russian Literature, French and Physiology and
Diseases, as well as being a member of National
Art Honor Society and Robotics team. She is
competing on the World Level in April 2015 with
her Robotics team and hopes to one day pursue a
career as a bioengineer or doctor.
21
22
First Soloist
Our beautiful girl,
May God bless you and protect you.
With your determination and passion and with
an army of family support, you can have it all!!
“You are our sunshine....” xo your family
GIRIE CARRERO-SAGONA – Age 19
C.W. Post University
Health and Nutrition Major
I would like to thank Valia and Dimitri for their unwavering
support and work they put into everything they have done
for me; I am forever grateful.
I also want to thank my Mamita for my beautiful tutu. Les
Sylphides would not be the same without it! xo, love Girie
Girie once again delighted audiences with her
sassy and dynamic portrayal of Clara in Seiskaya’s
2014 Nutcracker. She also performed the difficult
and technically challenging role of Dew Drop
with her characteristic grace and sophistication.
Former BESFI roles include Girie’s memorable
2014 performances in the Esmeralda Pas de Deux
partnered by Ogulcan Borova, which showcased
her powerful stage presence and impeccable
technique, as well as the Gypsy Soloist, a character
dance in which Girie thrilled audiences with her
energetic and dramatic flair. This year she will be
performing the Pas de Deux from Les Sylphides,
again partnered by Ogulcan Borova. Girie is
enjoying the beautiful campus and college life
as a freshman at Long Island University. She
keeps busy working for the Cold Spring Harbor
DNA Laboratory and Learning Center as well
as volunteering for the North Shore Animal
League. She intends to continue her ballet study
this summer at BESFI where she has been a past
scholarship recipient. Girie is also looking forward
to a warm summer boating, going to the beach, and
just relaxing poolside with her cats.
23
Home of Fine Greek Cuisine
Come in and enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal, friendly
service, relaxed and casual dining perhaps over a glass of
wine or a mug of cold beer.
Your host,
Loucas Pericli
127-16 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset Plaza
(631) 979-0924
24
First Soloist
Dear Ashley
I am so proud of you and all you’ve
accomplished. You’re a talented dancer,
gifted student and beautiful soul. I see a
bright future ahead for you. Go for it!
Love Always,
Momma H
ASHLEY ROSE CHENERY – Age 17
Ward Melville High School
Twelfth Grade A delicate dancer who epitomizes the classical
ballerina, Ashley will demonstrate her artistry and
technique in the role of Sun in the Seasons Pas de
Deux partnered by Jordan Lang. She will also be
performing in Dance of the Hours in the Corps.
Past BESFI performances include Ashley’s
delightfully innocent interpretation of Bournville
technique in the Pas de Deux from Flower Festival
in Genzano, as well as last year’s performance in
the Wedding Pas de Deux from Coppelia, partnered
by Carlos Lopez of American Ballet Theater, which
showcased Ashley’s beautiful feet and port de bras.
Ashley reprised her role as Clara in Seiskaya’s 2014
Nutcracker, a role she particularly enjoys for its
dramatic opportunities and one which she uniquely
imbues with youthful innocence. Ashley has been
accepted into the pre-profession year round ballet
trainee programs for both the Gelsey Kirkland
Academy of Classical Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet.
She has chosen to enjoy another summer in New
York City studying with Miss Kirkland who is the
former partner of Mikhail Baryshnikov. A diligent
and dedicated student both inside the dance studio
and out, Ashley is an AP and Honor Roll student
who will attend Fordham University on scholarship.
25
Schaefer
THE
INC
Agency
INSURANCE
PERSONAL AND COMMERCIAL INSURANCE
Committed to Outstanding
Customer Service Since 1975
201 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone: 631.979.7474 Fax: 631.979.7485
26
Thank you, Valia and Dimitri,
for your continuous love and
patience. You will always have
a special place in my heart.
Love,
J-Lo
First Soloist
JADE-ALEXIS DONNELLY – Age 17
William Floyd High School
Twelfth Grade
Jade Alexis, We are so extremely proud of the fun-loving, caring and bold young woman you have
become. Since you arrived, it has been both a blessing and an exciting adventure. You
are so full of joy, love and life – you radiate! Trust what God has put inside you. Share
those gifts with the world. What you carry is strong, magnificent and so unique.
Value it, wear it confidently and give it boldly. Hold nothing back. You are outstanding
and anything you are determined to do, you will do with enormous success. Always
remember how much you are loved! With hearts so full of love for you,
Mom, Dad and Amber
With her incandescent stage presence and innate
artistry, Jade will captivate audiences this evening
as she dances the roles of Hail in Seasons and
Day in Dance of the Hours. In BESFI 2014,
Jade took to the stage with majestic strength and
agility as Black Card of Diamonds in La Boutique
Fantasque. Her dynamic portrayal of the Le
Corsaire Pas Deux partnered by Carlos Lopez of
American Ballet Theater, garnered the acclaim of
the Smithtown Messenger’s Christina Pandolfi,
who noted that Jade’s “long, slender limbs lent
a fluid grace to each développé and jeté.” She
dazzled the crowd with her explosive leaps as
Chocolate Soldier in Seiskaya’s Nutcracker 2014,
and later delivered an enchanting performance as
Dew Drop that reached its crescendo with a set of
poised pirouettes flawlessly executed. With her
elegant epaulement, Jade sparkled as Snow Queen
and Flower, and her performance of Chinese
simmered with playful energy. A three-time BESFI
scholarship recipient, Jade garnered acceptances
to GKA, Joffrey Ballet, and Alvin Ailey’s preprofessional year round trainee programs. With
an unsurmountable enthusiasm for life, this gifted
young lady has an exciting future ahead of her!
27
Our best wishes to
VALIA AND
THE ENTIRE BESFI CAST
Harry Boutis, D.D.S.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
285 Middle Country Road, Suite 108
Smithtown, N.Y. 11787
631-265-0030
28
First Soloist
Dear Valia, Dimitri, Johanna, and all of my teachers,
I cannot thank you enough for all of your guidance
and support throughout the years.
I am so fortunate to have gained all these experiences,
and Seiskaya memories will stay with me forever.
Love,
Julia
JULIA KHARZEEV – Age 17
Port Jefferson High School
Twelfth Grade
“Only those who will risk
going too far can possibly
find out how far one can go.”
—T.S. Eliot
Tonight, Julia will be radiant as Sun in the Seasons
Pas de Deux partnered by Jordan Lang, and will
contribute her extreme flexibility and impeccable
arabesques to Dance of the Hours. Julia’s
unbelievably long legs and pure lines were on
display as she performed as the dazzling Snow Queen
in Seiskaya Nutcracker 2014. Effortless turns and
expressive port de bras left lasting impressions on
the audience. Just as memorable were the entrancing
Arabian Soloist and the swirling Flower Soloist.
Accepted to summer intensive programs including
ABT, the Rock School, and Burklyn Ballet, Julia
prefers to attend the BESFI Summer Intensive and
plans to return. Aside from ballet, she coauthored
a scientific research paper this year and advanced
with her robotics team to the World Competition.
Julia’s academic achievements were recognized
by Presidential scholarships to both Stony Brook
Honors College and Boston University Honors
College, and an acceptance to the NYU Stern
School of Business. She chose to go to Cornell
University where she will study economics and
develop anatomical point shoes for which she holds
a US patent.
29
Dear Jenna,
It has been exciting to
watch you grow as a dancer. We
are very proud of you! Best of luck
with your performances.
Love,
Poppy & Grandma
Dear Jenna,
We do not have the words to express how proud we are of the dancer you
are becoming. It hasn’t always been easy for you, but you have worked extremely
hard, never giving up. Be proud of your blisters and sore feet – you earned them.
We are looking forward to the spring performance. Good luck to you and all the
beautiful dancers at Seiskaya.
Love,
Grammy & Papa
30
First Soloist
Dear Jenna,
This has been an
proven that with hard work
watched you grow into a
very proud of you. Always
above all be
happy!
extraordinary and memorable year. You have
and dedication anything is possible! We have
beautiful, confident, strong person, and we are
reach for the stars, follow your dreams and
All our Love,
Mommy & Daddy
JENNA NICOLE LEE – Age 14
Saint Patrick School
Eighth Grade
Dear Valia & Dimitri,
Thank you so very
much for your confidence,
guidance and teaching.
Love, Jenna
Dear Nicole,
Thank you for all that
you have taught me.
Love, Jenna
The mantra is “learn everything and expect
nothing.” But the reality is, “chance only favours
the mind which is prepared.” Just minutes before
the curtain was to rise in front of a packed Saturday
matinee, Jenna got the call to costuming. For the
heck of it, try on the costume ... congratulations
you’re Dew Drop for a day. All the preparation,
patience and perseverance was suddenly paying
off. Without a single stage rehearsal, Jenna was a
dazzling Dew Drop whose assured presence, facile
turns and beaming smile led the The Smithtown
Messenger to exclaim Jenna Lee “sparkled as
the Dew Drop” marking a milestone season for
her. A bevy of additional new roles were added to
her repertoire, including an energetic Chocolate
Soldier, Fritz and Chinese. The Saturday evening
performance was deja vu all over again. Again, she
was Jenna on the spot. She gave an extraordinarily
nuanced performance of Clara completely
commanding the stage. She flawlessly executed the
pas de deux opposite guest artist Matthew Dibble
with an effervescent sense of joy and childlike
wonderment. Jenna will illuminate the stage this
evening as Frost in Seasons and is also featured in
Dance of the Hours.
31
NickJohn
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7a.m.- 5 p.m.
Sat: 7a.m.- 5 p.m.
610 Middle Country Road (Rt. 25)
St. James, NY 11780
(631) 724-1110
Fax (631) 724-7687
(631) 265-8303
4175 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 300
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Phone: 631.981.6803
Fax: 631.981.6853
32
3 GUY’S
HOBBIES
SPECIALIZING IN
HOBBIES FOR THE INTERESTED PERSON
10 LAWRENCE AVE.
SMITHTOWN, N.Y. 11787
BETTY & BOB
Custom Building & Painting
Repairs
First Soloist
ALYSON ROSE MILLER – Age 17
Hauppauge High School
Twelfth Grade
A versatile dancer blessed with a remarkable
aptitude for memorizing choreography, Alyson
performed in the delightful Syrtaki ensemble
during BESFI 2014 and also took to the stage
as Melonhawker in La Boutique Fantasque. A
resplendent presence on stage as Snow Queen, Aly
won the audience’s heart with her dynamic jumps
and poised pirouettes in Nutcracker 2014. She
continued to warm the crowd with her graceful port
de bras in the roles of Friend of Clara and Fritz,
Flower Soloist and Arabian Soloist. A devoted
student of the BESFI Summer Program, Aly has also
attended the Joffery Ballet’s Summer Intensive, and
she recently participated in the 25th Annual Tilles
Dance Conference at LIU Post. Aly’s passion for
the performing arts encompasses musical theatre as
well; she has performed in several Hauppauge High
School productions, including Guys and Dolls and,
most recently, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. A member
of the National Honor Society and a recipient of
the Academic Letter of Excellence, Aly will start
college this fall where she plans to continue dancing
while pursuing a career in medicine. A ballerina at
heart, Aly also enjoys Belly Dancing and Salsa.
33
TV • Radio • Web • PR • Print
Social Media Marketing • Viral Video
Company Branding • Creative Services
Let our staff make your life easy!
34
Contact: Roy Zeidman
427 Rte 25A, Suite 1, Rocky Point 11778
631-651-8949
Featured Soloist
DIANA ATOIAN – Age 13
Sequoya Middle School
Eighth Grade
Dear Valia and all my teachers,
Thank you for giving me something to strive for;
I will always be grateful for your support.
~ Diana
In this year’s performance, Diana will captivate
the audience with her exhilarating stage presence,
strong jumps and impressive turns as Bluebird in
Seasons, the Minkus Pas de Trois, and Corps in
Dance of the Hours. A charismatic dancer with
strong acting abilities, Diana danced the roles of
Fritz, Friend of Clara, Snow, Flower and Sheep
in Nutcracker 2014. In BESFI 2014 we enjoyed
her in the roles of the delightful Black Poodle and
Kazachok. Last year, Diana attended the BESFI
summer intensive as a first place scholarship winner
and she plans to return again this year. Diana is
part of her school’s dance team the Arrowettes, a
member of the math team, National Junior Honor
Society, Renaissance Community Service Club,
and Student Government. Her accomplishments
include winning first place in Pom and Jazz on
the school’s kickline dance team for which she is
the team captain, receiving a math certificate for
having the highest score in her class, 2014 Student
of the Year, and the Certificate of Academic
Excellence in 2014. In her free time Diana enjoys
reading, swimming, and spending time outside.
35
A&R Materials
631-585-5736
Supplying topsoil, mulch, gravel &
boulders to homeowners & contractors
for over 20 years
36
Featured Soloist
“A dream doesn’t become reality
through magic; it takes sweat,
determination, and hard work.”
—Colin Powell
Than
Valia k you
& All , Dimit
My Tea ri
Love chers
,
Jami
e
Jamie,
We are so proud of you!
Love,
Mom, Dad & Robbie
JAMIE BERGOLD – Age 16
Home Schooled
Eleventh Grade
Tonight Jamie will be dancing the delightful role
of Summer Breeze in Seasons, showcasing her
long lines, beautiful extensions, and lovely stage
presence. These unique qualities made her a
perfect dancer to be cast as Model in BESFI’s 2014
production of La Boutique Fantasque. A dynamic
and versatile dancer, Jamie delighted audiences
with her soloist performance of Doll in Seiskaya’s
2014 Nutcracker where she demonstrated her
trademark energetic and precise turns. In the soloist
role of Bo Peep she displayed charm and clean
technique. Jamie was entrancing as an Arabian
Soloist, charming and mesmerizing the crowd
with her fluid arm movements and spot on affect.
Rounding out her performances in Nutcracker
2014, Jamie’s jumps and turns were exemplary
in the roles of both Snow and Flower. Jamie, a
diligent student, also attends classes at Suffolk
Community College. When she is not dancing, this
well rounded young lady enjoys boating and paint
ball. Regardless of Jamie’s many aspirations, she
plans to keep ballet in the mix, for it is an important
part of her life.
37
Lake Grove
DINER
Open 24 Hours
2211 Route 347
Phone: 631-471-5370
l
Lake Grove, NY 11755
Fax: 631-471-9474
Fully Insured
Free Estimates
ARBOR VISTA TREE SPECIALISTS
Pruning, View Work, Sun-Trimming,
Elevating, Pool Areas, Tree Surgery
Emergency Storm Damage
Large Tree Removal
Firewood - Woodchips
38
JON ROSNER
631-246-5377
Lic# 18902HI
Featured Soloist
“Life isn’t about waiting for the
storm to pass, it’s about learning
to dance in the rain.”
—Vivian Greene
AMBER FAITH DONNELLY – Age 15
William Floyd High School
Ninth Grade
Take delight in the Lord, and
he will give you the desires of
your heart.
—Psalms 37:4
Amber will showcase her long, classical lines and
lyrical grace as Spring in Seasons and she is also
featured in corps de ballet of Dance of the Hours.
A gifted dancer with ethereal charm, Amber was
promoted to the rank of Soloist for her delicate
interpretation of Bo Beep in Seiskaya’s 2014
Nutcracker season. Her beautiful upper body was
on display as Arabian and she took on the challenge
of several new roles, including Friend of Clara,
Flower, and Snow. Amber performed the role of
Cossack with aplomb in La Boutique Fantasque
during last year’s BESFI performance and brought
her cheerful radiance to the Gypsy and Syrtaki
character ensembles. An Honor Roll Student who
is blessed with a natural musicality, Amber plans
to pursue her interest in psychology, in addition
to her incredible passion for the performing arts.
She loves to sing, however her greatest desire is
to someday join a prestigious repertoire company
as a professional dancer. A focused and dedicated
student both inside the dance studio and out, Amber
plans to return to the BESFI Summer Intensive
program this year. Her prior dance acceptances are
Gelsey Kirland Academy and Joffrey Ballet.
39
~
Best of Luck
~
Congratulations
The Grundfast Family
and
Law Office Staff
40
Featured Soloist
“Let them praise
His name with dance”
Psalm 149
BRIANNA LYNN JIMENEZ – Age 12
Arrowhead Elementary School
Sixth Grade
Congratulations Brianna Jimenez
and all the Seiskaya Ballet dancers
on your 2015 BESFI performance.
This brilliant young dancer will delight us tonight
with her unique combination of strength, flexibility
and grace. She will perform as Autumn, Minkus
Pas de Trois, and in the ensemble of Dance of
the Hours. During the 2014 Nutcracker season,
Brianna dazzled us with her interpretation of her
roles as Snow, Flower, and Friend of Clara. A
member of the Kazachok ensemble with an
exceptional performance as the Shopkeeper’s
Assistant in La Boutique Fantasque in BESFI
2014, Brianna’s power is evident in her jubilant
jumps and long, eloquent lines. Blessed with
beautifully arched feet, Brianna auditioned
for AMTC (Actors, Models, Talent for Christ),
a missionary organization, and was accepted
into the Bridge Program and the SHINE event,
an invitation only international talent conference
held twice yearly in Orlando, Florida. She has also
been accepted to Joffrey Ballet and ABT Summer
Intensives. An active and involved pupil, Brianna
participates in student government, drama club,
chorus, and she plays the violin. Brianna dreams
of one day attending The Juilliard School to study
dance and choreography.
41
Independent Retirement Community
When you’re here, you’re home …
DOMINICAN VILLAGE
565 Albany Avenue
Amityville, NY 11701
“If you dance with your heart,
your body will follow!”
—Mia Michaels
tel (631)842-6091
fax (631)842-6131
www.dominicanvillage.org
[email protected]
CONSOLIDATED
Consolidated Energy, Inc.
Serving Long Island
For Over 20 Years
Automatic Fuel Oil Delivery •Will Call Fuel Oil Delivery
Fixed Price Fuel Oil Programs
130 Colin Drive
Shirley, NY 11967
TEL: 631-282-0100
FAX: 631-282-0103
Dust Bunny Terminators
(516) 707-0633
REMEDY
128 OLD TOWN RD
E. SETAUKET, NY 11733
LOWER LEVEL
JOHN 631 444-5045
AIRLIE 631 461-3127
REMEDY FITNESS 631 444-5044
JOHN & AIRLIE DI FAZIO
42
NUTRITION PROGRAMS
PERSONAL TRAINING
MASSAGE THERAPY
www.remedyrecipes.net
GOOD LUCK BESFI DANCERS!
Follow us on twitter & Facebook @remedyrecipes
Congratulations Madison Mursch and
all the Seiskaya Ballet dancers on your
2015 BESFI performance.
Peggy Ash
Featured Soloist
Dear Madison,
We love watching you grow as a
person and as a dancer. Follow
your dreams! We love you so
much! You make us proud!
Love,
Mom, Dad and Cassidy
Thank you to Valia, Dimitri and all
my teachers for your inspiration
and support.
Love,
Madison
Karen A. Nagle, D.M.D., PC
Family Dentistry
26 Eastwood Blvd. Centereach, NY 11720
(631) 588-6488 • Fax (631) 588-6227
MADISON KAY MURSCH – Age 12
Accompsett Middle School
Seventh Grade
In Nutcracker 2014, Madison with her exsquisite
beauty and grace exhibited her versatility as she
danced the roles of Flower Soloist, Snow and as a
Friend of Clara and Fritz. She charmed the audience
in her 2014 BESFI performance as a mischievous
Thief in La Boutique Fantasque. Well known for
her ability to turn with great precision, Madison
will enchant us with her elegant lines in the Minkus
Pas de Trois, Dance of the Hours, as well as Spring
in Seasons. Madison trains extremely hard and she
is determined to become a professional dancer.
Her passion for ballet is what drives Madison to
continue with her classical training. Accepted
into the Joffrey Ballet Program, Madison will be
returning to the BESFI Summer Intensive as a
repeat recipient of the BESFI Scholarship Award,
in addition to the Sarasota Ballet and Bolshoi
Ballet. An excellent student, Madison is an active
member of the National Junior Honor Society, and
she has also been awarded the Highest Honors for
her academic achievements. She often enjoys her
time alone to read and write, yet she also enjoys
being a member of her school’s kickline team.
Madison enjoys spending time with her family
and friends.
43
Congratulations
to our beautiful
grandaughter Ava!!!
Keep Dancing!
Keep Dreaming!
Keep Believing!
All our Love,
Nana & Poppop
44
Soloist
“To touch, to move, to inspire. This
is the true gift of dance.”
–Audrey Lynch
“To dance is to be out of yourself larger, more
beautiful, more powerful.”
–Agnes De Mille
AVA MARIA AUBÉ – Age 12
Hampton Bays Middle School
Seventh Grade
Ava,
We are so very proud
of you! Remember anything
is possible if you believe!
Keep Smiling & following
your dreams!
We Love you,
Mom, Dad, Samantha,
Daniel & Josh
Thank you – Valia & Dimitri,
Seiskaya Ballet, teachers &
staff for all of your support,
guidance & opportunities!
Love Ava XO
At twelve years old, Ava is quickly becoming
a veteran of the stage displaying ample grace
and beauty. She will delight audiences tonight
with her roles, en pointe, in the Seasons
Summer Quartet and in Dance of the Hours.
During the 2014 Nutcracker Ava brought to
life the roles of Snow, Flower, and Sheep with
her majestic jumps, effortless turns, and high
extensions. In her 2014 BESFI performance
as Poodle Soloist in La Boutique Fantasque,
she proved to be a charming and accomplished
dancer. Ava has also performed The Sleeping
Beauty Lilac Fairy variation en pointe in her
school Music Idol. With her dreams set on
joining a professional ballet company, Ava will
return to the Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive
and she will continue her training in the BESFI
Summer Program. Eloquently spoken by Ava,
“Whenever I have free time I’m dancing, I
would rather be training to get better than
doing other things! The feeling of dancing on
stage is a feeling like nothing else!”
45
Apex Athletics
Gymnastics, Cheerleading and Fitness
A P EX
ATHLETICS
GYMNASTICS, CHEERLEADING AND FITNESS
7 Flowerfield, Suite 14
St. James, NY 11780
631.686.6626
[email protected]
www.apxathletics.com
“ A hidden gem located in Flowerfield
industrial park.”
46
Phone: 631-686-6599
Fax: 631-686-6598
www.thelunchboxdeli.com
Soloist
ANYA NICOLE CARAIANI – Age 13
The Stony Brook School
Seventh Grade
“There are no failures;
just experiences and
your reaction to them.”
Love always,
Lara, Mommy and Daddy
Tonight, Anya will showcase her unique
talents in the ensembles of Dance Of The
Hours as well as Summer from Seasons.
Known for her elegant leaps and jumps,
Anya showcased her playfulness in the role
of Poodle from La Boutique Fantastique.
In last year`s BESFI performance she danced
in the character ensembles Kazachok and
Tarantella. Her radiant stage presence gave her
the diverse roles of Soldier, Sheep and Flower
in the 2014 production of the Nutcracker.
Anya attended the BESFI Summer Program
in 2014 on a scholarship, and plans to attend
again in the summer of 2015. Anya is an
avid reader, and her mastery in school gave
her the Headmaster’s Award for Academic
Excellence. In the future, Anya will pursue a
career as a lawyer and plans to continue her
ballet training. A talented piano player, Anya
enjoys bicycling, rock climbing, going to the
beach, and climbing trees.
47
Congratulations to the entire BESFI cast!
R in
c.
ST
ME
DA
IN TI
P
E
NC
A
E
EW
pointe shoes
Maria Rignola
Owner
Pointe Shoes By:
• Grishko • Gaynor Minden
• Bloch • Capezio • Freed
• Chacott • Gamba • Leo’s
• Pietra • Russian Pointe
~ Call for appointment ~
25 Route 101, E. Patchogue, NY 11772
(631) 289-7742
48
Soloist
“Dancing is my obsession. My life.”
— Mikhail Baryshnikov
Watching you dance is like seeing
the first blooming crocus of spring.
You make us so proud Graciela.
XO your family
Thank you most to Valia and Dimitri and
my Seiskaya Teachers for all the guidance,
encouragement and support you have given
me this past year.
Love,
Graciela
GRACI CARRERO-SAGONA – Age 12
Old Field Middle School
Seventh Grade
Graci will illuminate the stage as she portrays
an elegant Summer in Seasons. Her beautiful
extensions and flexibility will be showcased
in the corps of Dance of the Hours. In
BESFI 2014, she was an energetic dancer in
Kazachok and her lovely jumps and turns were
apparent as a soloist in Tarantella. This young
powerhouse danced the roles of Snow, Flower,
Sheep, Soldier, and Girl at Party in Seiskaya’s
Nutcracker 2014, displaying her magnificent
poise and beautiful stage presence. Accepted to
ABT Summer Intensive, Graci looks forward
to returning to BESFI this summer on a partial
scholarship so she can once again work with
the wonderful professionals who helped her
so immensely last summer. Graci dreams of
becoming a professional ballerina and fashion
designer, but most of all she looks forward to
dancing everyday at Seiskaya. She enjoys time
with her Mamita and Grandpa Merv, her pets,
crafting, hanging out with her cousins and
friends, relaxing by the pool, beach or boat.
49
AUTO REPAIR
Specializing In:
HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE REBUILDING
CARBURETOR & FUEL INJECTION SERVICE
GENERAL SERVICES
FLEET SERVICES
JIM
24 HOUR
TOWING
(631) 474-5355
(631) 751-2138
(631) 689-0168
88A Johnson Avenue
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
50
Soloist
MARTHE HOGDEN – Age 16
Ward Melville High School
Eleventh Grade
Dearest Valia and Dimitri,
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all
the wonderful teaching and encouragement you have
given us. Looking back, we wish we would have found
you sooner. We can only imagine where we would be
today as dancers if we had.
We will miss you deeply.
Love, Marthe and Maren
A quick learner and genuine student of ballet,
Marthe’s performed beautifully in Nutcracker
2014 as a Boy at Party, Snow, Flower and
Arabian. In BESFI 2014 her roles included
Syrtaki, Gypsy and Peasant Doll in La
Boutique Fantastque. Marthe will continue
to delight us with her exquisite leaps this
evening in Dance of the Hours. She loves to
learn and plans to return to BESFI this year to
continue her classical training and develop her
skills as a dancer for as long as she can. Marthe
is looking forward to studying medicine and
becoming a part of Doctors Without Borders.
Her heartfelt ambition is to help people in less
fortunate parts of the world. Marthe became a
part of the Avalon Park Outdoor Stewardship
and Leadership program in 2013 and she was a
member of the National Junior Honor Society
and the Language Honor Society in 2012.
She became a member of the National Honor
Society in 2015. When she isn’t dancing
Marthe enjoys spending time with friends.
51
Congratulations to Eva !
We wish you continued success!
With Love,
The Vergos Family
52
Soloist
DIMITRI C. PYRROS M.D., F.A.C.S.
CEO SUFFOLK THORACIC SURGERY
CHIEF THORACIC SURGEON ST. CHARLES HOSPITAL
THORACIC SURGEON ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA
EVANTHIA MARIE PYRROS – Age 13
Port Jefferson Middle School
Seventh Grade
41 North Country Road
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
OFFICE 631-371-1410
FAX 631-938-9145
In this year’s BESFI performance, Eva will
thrill the audience with her dynamic stage
presence and long graceful lines as Summer in
Seasons and in Dance of the Hours. Known
for her natural enthusiasm, Eva showcased her
capacity for acting and her lithe extensions in
her diverse roles as Child at Party, Flower,
Snow and Sheep in Nutcracker 2014. Eva
likes to work hard and dedicates her time to
practicing multiple variations of the great
ballets. Last year she garnered acceptances
from both Joffrey and Bolshoi ballet summer
intensives. Eva chose to attended BESFI
Summer Intensive and ABT in Alabama.
Offered a scholarship for AAB, Eva plans to
return to BESFI this summer in addition to
ABT in North Carolina. There is no denying
Eva’s love for performing on stage. Her focal
point for the future is to one day become
a principle dancer at a prestigious ballet
company. Outside of ballet, Eva enjoys going
for swims, drawing, learning new things in
school and spending time with her friends.
53
Behind the Scenes
Costume Mistress: S. DiFiore
Costume Design: B. Bergeman, R. Camhi,
S. DiFiore, K. Kralik
Rehearsal Mistresses: N. DiFiore
Rehearsal Assistant: J. Lee
Office Manager: K. Engel
Office Assistant: L. Jaramillo, T. Davies,
I. Sourikova
Front Cover by: F. Moshe
Ad Composition: P. Adamo, J. Gonzalez,
D. Papadakos
Biographies: P. Donnelly, L. Lee, K. Amella,
K. Borch, M. Cassara, T. Chenery, T. Davies,
K. Dennehy, M. Diaz, D. Virnelli-Gonzalez,
S. Hogden, M. Martufi, K. Mursch, L. Petrossian,
J. Rubino, L. Samara, T. Santasiero
SPONSORS OF THE ARTS
• The Adamo Family
• The Butkevich Family
• Erica & Scott Kraft
PATRONS OF THE ARTS
• The Engel Family • Lynn and Dennis Dodson
• William & Maria Museler • Susan Tuccill0
• Carol Gismondi • Northrop Grumman Corp.
• The Vergos Family • The Schwalb Family
BENEFACTORS
• Cory Stearns • Patrick & Danielle Allgaier
• Barbara & Al Chandler • The Atoian Family
Proof Readers: C. Bishop, S. Butkevich,
M. Cassara, T. Davies, L. Jaramillo, D. Gonzalez,
M. Gonzalez, M. Pirraglia, J. Rubino, I. Sourikova
Electronic Imaging: P. Adamo, P. Ferro,
D. Pirraglia, M. Pirraglia, L. Jaramillo
Photographers: S. Butkevich, P. Miller,
D. Papadakos
Ad Tracking: K. Engel, T. Davies,
L. Jaramillo
Ad Accounting: K. Engel
Ticket Purveyor: V. Papadakos
Audio Consultant: A. Nittoli
Webmaster: K. Engel
Lighting Design/ Tech Director: L. Silver
Stage Manager: L. Silver
108
Thanks to all our friends and supporters not listed
here who have helped to make these performances and
program journal possible.
*Free Consultations & Estimates*
newlinekitchens.com
85 MAIN STREET,
STONY BROOK,
NEW YORK 11790
COMPETITION BMW
ST. JAMES
CompetitionBMW.com
COMPETITION INFINITI
ST. JAMES
CompetitionInfiniti.com
MBHuntington.com
MBofSmithtown.com
COMPETTION SUBARU
ST. JAMES
CompetitionSubaru.com
The Competition Automotive Group was founded by championship racecar driver, Joe Buzzetta,
and it’s Joe’s intense competitive spirit that infuses everything we do. That’s why we compete to
provide the most attractive offers and the highest standards of service and professionalism. We even
compete to see just how much we can give back to our communities. The result? Our customers win.
Thank you to all our customers for nominating us as Best Foreign Auto Dealership on Long Island!
competitionautogroup.com
COMPETITION TOYOTA/SCION
MIDDLE ISLAND
CompetitionToyota.com
We have searched high and low and found the most
spectacular wedding locations on Long Island for you.
EXCLUSIVE ROMANTIC WEDDING LOCATIONS
SECLUDED ESTATES
OCEAN FRONT BALLROOMS, TENTS and PRIVATE HOMES
MUST SEE EXTRAORDINARY LOCATIONS!
Flowerfield, St. James
CELEBRATIONS
Flowerfield Celebrations 199 Mills Pond Road, Saint James, NY (631) 862-0100
www.flowerfield.com
Land’s End 80 Brown’s River Road, Sayville, NY 11782 (631) 589-1888
www.landsendweddings.com
West Lake Inn 322 West Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772 (631) 475-1300
www.wlinn.com
Apogee Events - Tribeca Rooftop 2 Desbrossess Street, Tribeca, NY (212) 625-2600
www.tribec.com
21 Main 21 Main Street, West Sayville, NY 11796 (631)-567-0900
www.21main.com
Audrey’s Bake Shop 229-231 Montauk Highway, West Sayville, NY 11796
(631) 244-7288
www.audreybakes.com