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Thirtieth Anniversary Performances of The Nutcracker A Great Success

Delta Festival Ballet marked the 30th anniversary of its production of The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition since 1981, with sold out performances in Slidell, Leesville and New Orleans.
We would like to express our deep appreciation for the artistry and professionalism of the guest artists, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, our resident dancers, our young dancers making their stage debut, our beautiful Clara's, our technical crew, all our magnificent volunteers, Tulane University and the great staff at Dixon Hall and to our advertisers, donors and supporters, the Board and staff of Delta Festival Ballet and finally, our wonderful audiences. Planning has already begun for next year's performances.
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS- Joseph Giacobbe and Maria Giacobbe
Conductor Glenn Langdon Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreography Richard Munro Costumes Raydelle Robbins, Danny Ourso Scenic Design Robert O'Hearn Lighting Design Greg Havard
-GUEST ARTISTS- Martha Chamberlain and Jonathan Stiles Becky Allen, Ceyhun Ozsoy
-ARTISTS OF THE COMPANY- Candice Holley, Jessica Fry McAlister, Jessica Donegan Van Vrancken, Jessica Touchet, Griffin Collins, Don Friedewald, Ramon Gaitan, Jeffery Hover, Dustin Kimball, Harry Touchet, Chase Ziblich
-BALLET MASTER- Richard Rholdon
-GUEST PERFORMERS- Francisco Alecha, Cutting Jahncke, Michelle Smolinski, Louise Zollinger, Collin Stedman
Corps de Ballet....... Gabrielle Aucoin, Morgan Ballard, Taylor Bensel, Katherine Brown, Caroline Carson, Gabrielle Danna, Victoria Dantin, Macy Dunne, Kacey Garrett, Elizabeth Navard, Katherine Pierce, Rachel Revoir, Rachel Segreti, Hanley Simpson, Meredith Stedman
-ACT I- Scene One: The Stahlbaum Drawing Room Minstrel Boy.................................................... Ethan Vuljoin Beggar Girl.................................................. Olivia Edwards Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara's Godfather......................Cutting Jahncke Mayor Stahlbaum.................................................Chase Zibilich Mrs. Stahlbaum....................................Jessica Donegan Van Vrancken Clara Stahlbaum: Hanley Simpson (Thursday), Taylor Bensel (Friday 2pm) Macy Dunne (Friday 7pm) Fritz Stahlbaum............................................................Bryceton White Party Guests........................ Morgan Ballard, Caroline Carson, Gabrielle Danna, Mae Lobrano, Elizabeth Navard, Meredith Stedman, Collin Stedman, Harry Touchet, Rodney Walter
Party Children..................................................Children's Youth Corps Aunts....................................Michelle Smolinski and Louise Zollinger Uncle....................................................................Ceyhun Ozsoy Maids..................................................Gabrielle Aucoin and Grace Hart Butler...........................................................Richard Rholdon Harlequin Dolls............................. Candice Holley and Don Friedewald Soldier Dolls.....................................Jessica Touchet and Jeffery Hover
Scene Two: The Battle Nutcracker.......................................................................Jeffery Hover Rat King.....................................................................Robert Montgomery Mice.....................................................................Children's Youth Corps Soldiers and Cavalry..............................................Children's Youth Corps
Scene Three: Journey Through the Land of Snow Snow Queen..........................................................Jessica Fry McAlister The Prince................................................................Ramon Gaitan Snowflakes......................Gabrielle Aucoin, Morgan Ballard, Caroline Carson, Gabrielle Danna, Victoria Dantin, Macy Dunne, Kacey Garrett, Grace Hart, Candice Holley, Elizabeth Navard, Katherine Pierce, Rachel Revoir, Rachel Segreti, Meredith Stedman
-ACT II- Kingdom of the Sweets Sugar Plum Fairy...................................MARTHA CHAMBERLAIN Cavalier...................................................JONATHAN STILES Angels..............................................................Children's Youth Corps Cooks...................................................................Children's Youth Corps
Chocolate (Spanish Dance) Caroline Carson and Meredith Stedman (Thursday) Jessica Van Vrancken and Grace Hart (Friday 2pm) Grace Hart and Meredith Stedman (Friday 7pm)
Coffee (Arabian Dance)........... Jessica Fry McAlister and Ramon Gaitan
Tea (Chinese Dance) Grace Hart (Thursday); Caroline Carson (Friday)
Dragon..................................................Children's Youth Corps Salt Water Taffy (English Gigue)........................Children's Youth Corps
Trepak (Russian Dance) Griffin Collins, Dustin Kimball, Harry Touchet
Marzipan (Dance of the Mirlitons) Jessica Touchet and Jeffery Hover
Madame Bonbonniere......................................................Becky Allen Her Little Bon Bons.................................Children's Youth Corps Waltz of the Flowers................... Candice Holley and Don Friedewald
Grand Pas De Deux MARTHA CHAMBERLAIN and JONTHAN STILES
ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STAFF- Administrative Director...........................................Robert Marye Administrative Staff............................Jezelle Hebert, Catherine Stephan Youth Rehearsals & Boutique Coordinator.......Gwen Delle Giacobbe Academy Administrator.......................................Lee Giacobbe Facenda Production Stage Manager...........................................Christian Smith Technical Director...............................................Christopher Facenda Technical Personnel................ Bart Colosino, Sean Creel, Mike Eskridge, Scott Garrett, Thomas Holley, John Marclay, Shawn Reynolds, Joseph RileY, Emily Ross Lighting Design..........................................................Greg Havard Audio Engineer.....................................................................Bill Murphy Wardrobe Mistress...................................................Pam Touchet Wardrobe Personnel..................................Dee Barrios, Linda Fried, Charlene Miller, Julie Winn Wigs and Makeup.............Linda and Don Guillot, Amanda Bravender Company Pianist..............................................................Julia Burka Company Photographers............................... GK Photography, Studio U Company Orthopaedist........................................Lance Estrada, M.D.
-BOARD OF DIRECTORS- Mrs. Joan Patrick, President Thomas Holley Linda Fried Mr. Scott Dessens Mrs. Cara Dessens Mrs. Jessica Van Vrancken Jeanne Bruno Dr. Lance Estrada Mrs. Lynn Fry Laura Hornaday Dr. Pamela Martin Mrs. JoAnn Neumann Mrs. Steve Olson Dr. Peter Stedman Mrs. Kayne Stewart
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La Fete de Ballet 2011 Rouge et Noir - A Great Success
The theme was borrowed from the title of the Stendahl novel, Le Rouge et Le Noir, written in 1830. “We wanted a romantic and unique theme for this year’s fundraiser; something distinctive with a glamorous aura. The Southern Yacht Club, with its spectacular views of Lake Pontchartrain seemed like the perfect setting to have a stylish and sophisticated event.” said Joseph Giacobbe, noting how the Rouge et Noir theme was chosen. “I thought ballroom dancing would add an elegant flair to the evening,” he added.
Starlight Ballroom Studio provided the ballroom dancing lessons at the Patrons’ Party and dancing at the Gala Auction. The Joe Simon Jazz band ensemble provided music. Suggested attire was red and black for the black-tie optional event. Women dazzled in red dresses and black dresses adorned with red and black accessories. Men sported black tuxedos and suits accompanied with red ties.
More than 100 items were featured at the Silent Auction items, donated by such establishments as: Imperial Palace Casino, The Monteleone Hotel, Fisher & Son’s Jewelers, The Audubon Institute, Le Forêt, Commander’s Palace, John Besh Restaurants. Marquis Silent Auction items: 2-night stay at the Beau Rivage Casino, 2-night stay at the Windsor Court, VIP passes to the Zurich Classic.
The room, festooned with gold-accented red and black tulle and red and black balloons, glistened against the light of the setting sun. Guests enjoyed a wonderful buffet, dancing, splendid company, tempting auction items, and a beautiful venue – making Rouge et Noire a memorable success.
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A Ballet Afternoon
In this year’s special spring concert, Delta Festival Ballet showcased the dancers of the New Orleans Youth Ballet, the pre-professional division of the local professional ballet company.
Artistic Directors, Joseph Giacobbe and Maria Giacobbe, decided to focus this performance on the outstanding young talent that has emerged and matured. The performance on Saturday, April 30, 2011 was held in the Solomon Theatre at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Metairie.
 For this concert, ballet master Richard Rholdon, choreographed three new pieces. The afternoon’s program included The Lesson, DeLovely, Two Slavic Dances and Grand Tarantelle.
Summer Ballet Intensive
The Delta Festival Ballet and the Giacobbe Academy of Dance presented the 43rd annual Summer Ballet Intensive Workshop. The four-week program was held from June 20 through July 16 with daily classes from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm daily, Monday through Saturday. Classes in three divisions were open to males and females age nine through advanced/professional levels. Nine guest master dance teachers of international reputation were in residence to share their expertise with the students.
Classes were offered in classical ballet, pointe, variations, character, Flamenco, stretch and repertory. The comprehensive program, with dedicated teachers and eager and intense students, provides a recipe for excellence.
Delta Festival Ballet Post Office Box 7425 Metairie, Louisiana 70010 Phone (504)888-0931 Fax (504)888-0941
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