Program Five
February 27 – March 2, 2026 | FSU Center for the Performing Arts
THE SARASOTA BALLET 2025 - 2026 SEASON
The
May 3, 2026
Joseph Volpe
Executive Director
It is my pleasure to welcome you to our presentation of the Martha Graham Dance Company.
This year marks a remarkable milestone as the Martha Graham Dance Company celebrates its centennial season — 100 years since its founding in 1926. For a century, the Company has helped shape the evolution of modern dance, building a repertory that continues to influence artists and audiences worldwide. It is an honor to share in this historic moment by welcoming the Company to Sarasota.
The Martha Graham Dance Company is one of the leading institutions in modern dance. Its dancers bring clarity, strength, and commitment to every performance. By presenting both Graham’s masterworks and new commissions, the Company continues to balance its historic repertory with contemporary work.
At The Sarasota Ballet, we are committed to offering our community a wide range of highquality dance. Presenting guest companies is an important part of that effort. By welcoming distinguished artists to our stage, we broaden the conversation around dance and give our audiences the opportunity to experience different styles and perspectives. These performances complement our own repertory and contribute to a vibrant cultural life in Sarasota.
We are grateful for your support and for joining us this evening. Please join me in welcoming the extraordinary artists of the Martha Graham Dance Company.
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EXPLORE ARTS AND CULTURE EXPERIENCES IN SARASOTA AND MANATEE COUNTIESEVERY MONTH IN THE PAGES OF SRQ MAGAZINE AND EVERY FRIDAY IN THE ONLINE SRQ DAILY ENEWSELTTER DANCE, VISUAL ARTS, THEATER ARCHITECTURE, OPERA + MUSIC
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THE SARASOTA BALLET
Assistant Director
Margaret Barbieri
Director Iain Webb
Executive Director Joseph Volpe
Misa Kuranaga (Resident Guest Principal), Jessica Assef, Marijana Dominis, Ricardo Graziano, Ricardo Rhodes, Luke Schaufuss
Junior Principal
Sierra Abelardo Principals
Character Principal
Ricki Bertoni
First Soloist
Gus Payne Soloists
Samuel Gest, Trevor Stalcup
Coryphée
Kennedy Falyn Cassada, Ze Ellis, Willa Frantz, Mischa Goodman, Dominique Jenkins, Iku Okura, Bel Pickering, Annie Wilson, Paige Young
Corps de Ballet
Daniel Ayala, Andrew Buckley, Olivia Dugan, Camille Gentes, Jonah Glickman, Mark Hare, Ella Lau, Pasha Levy, Andrea Marcelletti, Jordan Micallef, Ben Moss, Alessandra Nova, Gabriella Schultze, Nathan Smith, Emmanuelle Watkins, Brooke Wilson
Apprentices
Haley Dale, Isabella Damico, Isabella Nova, Simon Plante, Trevin Ralphs, Ella Tuite
COMPANY STAFF
Deputy Executive Director
Michelle Butler
Maya Collins
Doricha Sales
Sara Kious
Leslie Van Brink
Judi King
Joana Mitra
Jess Abbott
Heyckal Taveras
Mikenna Bowers
Rod Kelly
Victoria Hulland
Jessica Lang
Ethan Vail
Natalie Beckham
Glen Edwards
Diana Childs
Christopher Hird
Dierdre Miles Burger
Isabelle Ball
General Manager
Jason W. Ettore
Senior Manager of Individual Giving
Senior Manager of Donor Engagement
Special Events and Board Liason
Company Manager
HR & Finance Administrator
Finance Assistant
Marketing Director
Graphic Designer
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Box Office & House Manager
Artistic Assistant to the Directors Toulmin & O’Neil Artist in Residence
Bryan Lewis
Katherine Knowles
Barbara Epperson
John Johnson
William Ingramm
Mia Fisher Zachary Mondres
Chris Callahan
Artistic Staff
Production Staff
Production Manager & Resident Lighting Designer
Wardrobe Assistant
Facilities Coordinator
Stage Manager
Education Director
Assistant Education Director
Community Engagement Manager
Risa Kaplowitz
Addul Manzano
Finance Director Amy Miller
Development & Database Administrator Grants Manager
Executive Assistant
IT Consultant
Tessitura Database Administrator
Publicity & Design Coordinator
Video Production & Designer
Box Office Associate
Octavio Martin Roman Rykine Ballet Master Ballet Master
Full-Time Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
Doug Nicholson Zara Baroyan
Carl Haan
Education & Community Engagement Staff
Alberto Blanco
Bradley Shoemaker-Webster
Lauren Avila
Diane Partington
Maria Ferraro
Production Consultant
Class Pianist
Class Pianist
Principal of The Sarasota Ballet School
Education Administrative Manager
Community Engagement Administrator
Full-Time Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
February 27 – March 2, 2026
Performance Sponsors
Mark Famiglio
Robin Klein-Strauss and Michael Strauss
Paul Allen
George Allison and Alan Watkins Co-Sponsors
Media Sponsors
This program is funded, in part, by Sarasota County Tourist Development Revenues.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Janet Eilber LaRue Allen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Simona Ferrara
MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY
Lloyd Knight Xin Ying Leslie Andrea Williams
Anne Souder
Laurel Dalley Smith So Young An
Marzia Memoli Devin Loh Antonio Leone
Meagan King Ane Arrieta Zachary Jeppsen-Toy
Amanda Moreira Jai Perez Ethan Palma
The Artists employed in this production are members of the American Guild of Musical Artists AFL-CIO.
In the tradition of its founder, the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance remains committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist organization, and will honor this pledge through its ongoing practices, policies and behaviors.
Copyright to all Martha Graham dances presented held by the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, Inc.
All rights reserved.
FOUNDER
Martha Graham has had a deep and lasting impact on American art and culture. She single-handedly defined contemporary dance as a uniquely American art form, which the nation has in turn shared with the world. Crossing artistic boundaries, she collaborated with and commissioned work from the leading visual artists, musicians, and designers of her day, including sculptor Isamu Noguchi and composers Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Gian Carlo Menotti.
Graham’s groundbreaking style grew from her experimentation with the elemental movements of contraction and release. By focusing on the basic activities of the human form, she enlivened the body with raw, electric emotion. The sharp, angular, and direct movements of her technique were a dramatic departure from the predominant style of the time.
Graham influenced generations of choreographers that included Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, and Twyla Tharp, altering the scope of dance. Classical ballet dancers Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov sought her out to broaden their artistry. Artists of all genres were eager to study and work with Graham—she taught actors including Bette Davis, Kirk Douglas, Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Gregory Peck, Tony Randall, Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson, and Joanne Woodward to utilize their bodies as expressive instruments.
During her long and illustrious career, Graham created 181 dance compositions. During the Bicentennial she was granted the United States’ highest civilian honor, The Medal of Freedom. In 1998, TIME Magazine named her the “Dancer of the Century.” The first dancer to perform at the White House and to act as a cultural ambassador abroad, she captured the spirit of a nation. “No artist is ahead of his time,” she said. “He is his time. It is just that the others are behind the time.”
Martha Graham
About the Company
The MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY has been a leader in the evolving art form of modern dance since its founding in 1926. It is both the oldest dance company in the United States and the oldest integrated dance company. Today, the Company is embracing a new programming vision that showcases masterpieces by Graham alongside newly commissioned works by contemporary artists. During its 90-year history, the Company has received acclaim from audiences and critics in more than 50 countries.
"These men and women easily embody the choreographer’s sense of dancers as angelic athletes,” says Robert Greskovic of The Wall Street Journal, while Marina Kennedy of Broadway World notes, “This is contemporary dance at its very best.” Siobhan Burke of The New York Times asks, “Can this please never go away?”
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Janet Eilber
JANET EILBER (Artistic Director) has been the Company’s artistic director since 2005. Her direction has focused on creating new forms of audience access to Martha Graham’s masterworks. These initiatives include contextual programming, educational and community partnerships, use of new media, commissions from today’s top choreographers and creative events such as the Lamentation Variations. Earlier in her career, as a principal dancer with the Company, Ms. Eilber worked closely with Martha Graham. She danced many of Graham’s greatest roles, had roles created for her by Graham, and was directed by Graham in most of the major roles of the repertory. She soloed at the White House, was partnered by Rudolf Nureyev, starred in three segments of Dance in America, and has since taught, lectured, and directed Graham ballets internationally. Apart from her work with Graham, Ms. Eilber has performed in films, on television, and on Broadway directed by such greats as Agnes deMille and Bob Fosse and has received four Lester Horton Awards for her reconstruction and performance of seminal American modern dance. She has served as Director of Arts Education for the Dana Foundation, guiding the Foundation’s support for Teaching Artist training and contributing regularly to its arts education publications. Ms. Eilber is a Trustee Emeritus of the Interlochen Center for the Arts. She is married to screenwriter/ director John Warren, with whom she has two daughters, Madeline and Eva.
REHEARSAL DIRECTOR
Ben Schultz
Joined the Company in 2009 and serves as rehearsal director for the company. He’s danced lead roles including King Hades in Clytemnestra, Jason in Cave of the Heart, and Shaman in The Rite Of Spring. He premiered Martha Graham’s work in Russia performing Errand into the Maze with prima ballerina Diana Vishneva at the Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg. He’s also performed with Buglisi Dance Theater, Hannah Kahn Dance Company, and The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. Currently he’s on staff at both The Martha Graham School and The Alvin Ailey School teaching the Martha Graham technique for pre professional students and divisions.
Immediate Tragedy (1947)
Choreography by Martha Graham
Reimagined by Janet
Eilber
Created in response to the Spanish Civil War, Immediate Tragedy presents a lone woman as a universal figure of determination and resilience. Though acclaimed at its premiere, the solo was lost after Martha Graham stopped performing it in the late 1930s. In 2020, Artistic Director Janet Eilber reconstructed the work using newly discovered photographs and archival materials and reflecting Graham’s belief in remaining upright despite violation. Composer Christopher Rountree created a new score inspired by handwritten music by Henry Cowell found in the Graham archives.
We the People
Choreography by Jamar Roberts
Choreographed by Jamar Roberts for the Martha Graham Dance Company, We The People reflects on contemporary America through movement rooted in individuality and collective strength. Set to a folk-inspired score by Rhiannon Giddens, arranged by Gabe Witcher, the work evokes modern Americana without relying on a linear narrative. Dancers navigate tension, isolation, and connection, negotiating space and shared purpose. Through moments of resistance and unity, We the People considers democracy as a living process and affirms the enduring power of people moving forward together.
Errand into the Maze
Choreography by Martha Graham
Choreographed by Martha Graham with music by Gian Carlo Menotti, Errand into the Maze premiered in 1947 at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. Loosely inspired by the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, the duet reframes the story from a woman’s perspective. She descends into the maze of the heart’s darkness to confront the Creature of Fear, accomplishing her errand through struggle, triumph, and emergence. The work is often interpreted as a metaphor for a woman’s psychological journey to confront her own fears.
En Masse
Choreography by Hope Boykin
Commissioned for GRAHAM100, the centennial of the Martha Graham Dance Company, En Masse coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary. The Company decided to revisit an unrealized collaboration between Martha Graham and Leonard Bernstein from the late 1980s. While the original project never materialized, research uncovered Vivace, a brief, unknown musical fragment believed to have been composed by Bernstein for Graham. This discovery serves as the foundation for a new score that bridges American artistic legacy, collective action, and future possibility.
Immediate Tragedy
Choreography by Martha Graham reimagined by Janet Eilber
Costume by Martha Graham
Original Music by Henry Cowell
Music for reimagined Immediate Tragedy by Christopher Rountree†
Music performed by Richard Valitutto, piano
Lighting by Yi-Chung Chen
Danceturgy for reimagining by Neil Baldwin
First Premiered July 30, 1937, Bennington, VT
I was upright and determined to stay upright at all costs.
– Martha Graham
2/27, 2/28 MAT, 3/1 EVE
Xin Ying
2/28 EVE, 3/1 MAT, 3/2
Anne Souder
Significant commissioning support provided by The O'Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation.
†Music produced and mixed by Lewis Pesacov
We the People
Choreography by Jamar Roberts
Music by Rhiannon Giddens
Arranged by Gabe Witcher
Costume Design by Karen Young
Lighting Design by Yi-Chung Chen
First premiered April 17, 2024, New York City Center, New York City
Ane Arrieta
Laurel Dalley Smith Zachary Jeppsen-Toy
Meagan King Lloyd Knight Antonio Leone
Devin Loh Marzia Memoli Ethan Palma
Jai Perez Anne Souder Leslie Andrea Williams
We the People was made possible with a significant commissioning grant from The O’Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation.
This production was also made possible by the 92nd Street Y, as part of 92NY’s 150th anniversary celebration, in honor and continued support of Martha Graham’s rich 92NY legacy.
Production support was provided by University of Michigan.
Errand into the Maze
Choreography by Martha Graham
Music by Gian Carlo Menotti†
Lighting by Lauren Libretti
Costumes by Maria Garcia
First premiered February 28, 1947, Ziegfeld Theatre, New York City
There is an errand into the maze of the heart’s darkness in order to face and do battle with the Creature of Fear. There is the accomplishment of the errand, the instant of triumph, and the emergence from the dark.
2/27, 3/1 MAT
Laurel Dalley Smith Antonio Leone
2/28 MAT, 3/1 EVE
Marzia Memoli Zachary Jeppsen-Toy
2/28 EVE, 3/2
Xin Ying Ethan Palma
†Used by arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner.
En Masse
Choreography by Hope Boykin
Music by Leonard Bernstein†
Additional music by Christopher Rountree
Costume Design by Karen Young
Lighting Design by Al Crawford
Assistants to the Choreographer: Cameron Harris and Terri Ayanna Wright
First premiered Oct 4, 2025 at The Soraya, Northridge, CA
Ane Arrieta
Zachary Jeppsen-Toy Meagan King
Lloyd Knight Antonio Leone Amanda Moreira Jai Perez Anne Souder Xin Ying
En Masse was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Andris Nelsons, Music Director, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts and the California State University of Northridge.
By arrangement with Boosey and Hawkes, Inc., Sole Agent for Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Company LLC, publisher and copyright owner.
Music recorded at Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts and the California State University of Northridge.
†“For Martha (Variations on a Theme by Leonard Bernstein)”
Original music by Leonard Bernstein
Additional composition by Christopher Rountree
“Suite for Dance from MASS”
By Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics for ‘A Simple Song’ by Stephen Schwartz and Leonard Bernstein
Arranged by Christopher Rountree
LLOYD KNIGHT joined the Company in 2005 and performs the major male roles of the Graham repertory including in Appalachian Spring, Embattled Garden, Night Journey and many others. Dance Magazine named him one of the “Top 25 Dancers to Watch” in 2010 and one of the best performers of 2015. Mr. Knight has starred with ballet greats Wendy Whelan and Misty Copeland in signature Graham duets and has had roles created for him by such renowned artists as Nacho Duato and Pam Tanowitz. He is currently a principal guest artist for The Royal Ballet of Flanders directed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Born in England and raised in Miami, he trained at Miami Conservatory of Ballet and New World School of the Arts.
XIN YING is a dancer and choreographer with an MFA from NYU, a Dance Magazine cover artist, and a mother. She joined the Martha Graham Dance Company in 2011, performing Graham’s iconic roles including Herodiade, Chronicle, Cave of the Heart, and The Chosen One in Rite of Spring, praised by The New York Times as “transcendent and heroic.” Her work bridges legacy and technology through projects such as MarthaBot, Lamentation: Dancing the Archive, and Letter to Nobody, with premieres at Jacob’s Pillow, The Joyce, and the Guggenheim.
LESLIE ANDREA WILLIAMS grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned her BFA from The Juilliard School and joined the company in 2015. Williams performs iconic Graham solos such as “Lamentation” and “Deep Song.” Her expansive repertoire of roles include Medea in “Cave of the Heart," and notably, as the lead in "Chronicle," which was highlighted in The New York Times' "Best Dance of 2019" list. Outside of Graham, Williams serves as a board member of the theater company Off-Brand Opera.
Lloyd Knight
Xin Ying
Leslie Andrea Williams
ANNE SOUDER joined the Company in 2015 and performs Martha Graham's own roles in Dark Meadow Suite, Chronicle, Deep Song, and Ekstasis. Roles have also been created for her by such luminaries as Marie Chouinard, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Maxine Doyle and Bobbi Jene Smith. Ms. Souder began her training in Maryville, Tennessee and graduated from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program with a double major in Dance and Theology while performing works by Alvin Ailey, Ron K. Brown, and more. She was also a member of Graham 2 and awarded a Dizzy Feet Foundation scholarship.
LAUREL DALLEY SMITH having joined the company in 2015, enjoys performing principal roles in Clytemnestra, Errand, Appalachian Spring and Chronicle amongst others. New creations by; Hofesh Shechter, Jamar Roberts, Pam Tanowitz, Bobbie Jene Smith, Pontus Lidberg, Lar Lubovitch and Lucinda Childs. She had the privilege of revising Agnes De Mille’s title role of ‘The Cowgirl’ in Rodeo. Laurel guests internationally, working closely with Olivier award winning choreographer Kim Brandstrup, award winning Yorke Dance Project and had the privilege of dancing for the late Sir Robert Cohan.
SO YOUNG AN, a native of South Korea, joined the Company in 2016 and dances featured roles in Graham ballets as well as new works. Ms. An is the recipient of the International Arts Award and the Grand Prize at the Korea National Ballet Grand Prix. She has danced with Korean National Ballet Company, Seoul Performing Arts Company and Buglisi Dance Theatre. She has also performed works by Yuri Grigorovich, Jean-Christophe Maillot, Mats Ek, Patricia Ruanne and Samantha Dunster.
MARZIA MEMOLI from Palermo, Italy, joined the Martha Graham Dance Company in 2016, performing leading roles in Graham’s The Rite of Spring, Chronicle, Cave of the Heart, and Deep Song. She has also danced works by Hofesh Shechter, Pam Tanowitz, Lar Lubovitch, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Jamar Roberts, Bobbi Jean Smith, and recently Benjamin Millepied. In 2022, she performed Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room and Nine Sinatra Songs at New York City Center, later joining Tharp’s “60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee” tour. Memoli is a recipient of the Fini International Rising Star Award.
DEVIN LOH from Fanwood, NJ, holds a BFA from Purchase College, and is a Bert Terborgh Dance Award recipient. Ms. Loh joined Graham 2 in 2019, and the company in 2021. She has performed Graham classics and works by Jamar Roberts, Hofesh Shechter, and Sonya Tayeh with the company. Ms. Loh is a certified Graham Technique teacher, and is the 2025 Distinguished Graduate of UCAPA High School for passing Martha’s legacy to the next generation.
So Young An
Marzia Memoli
Devin Loh
Anne Souder
Laurel Dalley Smith
ANTONIO LEONE a native of Italy, graduated from the Rudra Bejart School in Switzerland. In 2021 he joined Graham 2 and the main company in 2022. He performs featured roles in Errand into the Maze, Diversion of Angels and Appalachian Spring by Martha Graham, as well as roles in commissioned works by Agnes DeMille, Sonya Tayeh, Hofesh Shechter, Jamar Roberts, Baye and Asa and Yin Yue. He is the first male dancer with CR Dance and a Pearl Lang Award recipient for Excellence in Performance.
MEAGAN KING of Brooklyn, NY, is an Ailey/Fordham BFA and LaGuardia High School alumna. Ms. King formerly danced with Ailey II and received features in Vogue Magazine, Dance Spirit, The TODAY Show, PIX11, NY12, and Good Day Sacramento. She is a Princess Grace Award nominee and named BLOCH Young Artist. She has performed at Holland Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Program, and choreographed for Women/ Create! This is her second season with the company.
ANE ARRIETA from Rhode Island, is a dual citizen of Spain and the U.S. She earned a BFA from the Hartt School, receiving the Outstanding Senior Award. She’s danced with Newport Contemporary Ballet, Graham 2 and Buglisi Dance Theater. At Graham she’s worked with Jamar Roberts and Baye and Asa and has performed soloist roles in Graham masterpieces Cave of the Heart and Appalachian Spring.
ZACHARY JEPPSEN-TOY raised in Southern Wisconsin, is an alumnus of The Juilliard School where he received his BFA in Dance. He has had the pleasure of performing pieces by Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Donald McKayle, Paul Taylor, Ohad Naharin, and many other choreographers. Before Juilliard, Zachary attended The Chicago Academy for the Arts where he studied under Randy Duncan and Patrick Simoniello. This is his second season with the company.
AMANDA MOREIRA, originally from Roxbury, NJ, graduated from Marymount Manhattan College. She has assisted dance conventions with Deviate Dance and has apprenticed with Parsons Dance. She has performed works choreographed by Pascal Rioult, Twyla Tharp, Sidra Bell, Jessica Lang, May O’Donnell, and Jennifer Archibald among others. After graduating she joined Graham 2. This is her second season with the company.
Ane Arrieta
Zachary Jeppsen-Toy
Amanda Moreira
Antonio Leone
Meagan King
JAI PEREZ is from Harlem, NY. He started his dance journey at the National Dance Institute, where he cultivated a love for movement. He continued his training at the Ailey School, then at SUNY Purchase, where he received a BFA in dance. He has performed works by Hofesh Schechter, Jamar Roberts, and Ronald K. Brown. Jai has performed with Buglisi Dance Theater and A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham. This is Jai’s second season with the company.
ETHAN PALMA is originally from Appleton, Wisconsin. Ethan received a BFA in dance from Marymount Manhattan College. At Marymount, Ethan has performed in works of many choreographers including Martha Graham, Jenn Freeman, Chanel Dasilva, Pedro Ruiz. Ethan danced in the 2024 MET Opera’s Ainadamar and is currently in his first season with the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Jai Perez
Ethan Palma
Staff
LaRue Allen, Executive Director
Janet Eilber, Artistic Director
Simona Ferrara, Deputy Executive Director
Ben Schultz, Rehearsal Director
Blakeley White-McGuire, Rehearsal Director
Lauren Mosier, Company Manager
A. Apostol, Director of Development Operations
Christina Convertito, Development Associate
Jacob Larsen, Partnership Coordinator
Susan Lamb, Finance & Administrative Assistant
Melissa Sherwood, Director of Marketing
Lorenzo Pagano, Director of Martha Graham Resources
Regisseurs
Miki Orihara
Virginie Mecene
Peggy Lyman
Peter Sparling
Blakeley White-McGuire
Elizabeth Auclair
Lone Larsen
Chloe Morrell, Production Supervisor
Yi-Chung Chen, Resident Lighting Designer
Becky Nussbaum, Associate Lighting Supervisor
Gabrielle Corrigan, Wardrobe Supervisor
Karen Young, Costume Consultant
Ashley Brown, Director of School
Tami Alesson, Dean of Students and Government Affairs
Virginie Mécène, Program Director/Director of Graham 2
Lone Larsen, Program Director
Amélie Bénard, Teens@Graham Program Director
Camille Nemoz, Administrative Assistant
Tyler Quick, School Assistant
Janet Stapleton, Press Agent
Tadej Brdnik
Masha Maddux
Maxine Sherman
Martin Lofnes
Anne Souder
PeiJu Chien Pott
Amelie Bernard
Board of Trustees
Javier Morgado, Co-Chair
Barbara Cohen, Co-Chair
Christopher Jones, Treasurer
Christine Jowers, Secretary
Judith G. Schlosser, Chair Emerita
LaRue Allen, Executive Director
Janet Eilber, Artistic Director
Amy Blumenthal
Geoffrey D. Fallon
Lorraine S. Oler
Nichole Perkins
Dr. M. Felicity Rogers-Chapman
Stephen M. Rooks
Lori Sackler
Lawrence Stein
Ellen Stiene
Inger K. Witter, In Memoriam
Major support for the Martha Graham Dance Company is provided by
The Arnhold Foundation
Barbara and Rodgin Cohen
Geoffrey D. Fallon
Noah and Kyle Hawley
The Hayes Foundation
Howard Gilman Foundation
Christopher Jones and Deb McAlister
Christine Jowers and Rob Friedman
National Endowment for the Arts
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature
Dr. M. Felicity Rogers-Chapman
Judith G. Schlosser
The Shubert Foundation
Lawrence Stein
Thompson Family Foundation
Inger K. Witter
Nadia Zilkha
North American Representation
Jemma Lehner, Opus 3 Artists
(https://www.opus3artists.com/)
International Representation
LaRue Allen
Executive Director (lallen@marthagraham.org)
Alumni Search
If you or someone you know has ever performed with the Martha Graham Dance Company or attended classes at the Martha Graham School, please send us names, addresses, telephone numbers and approximate dates of membership. We will add you to our alumni mailing list and keep you apprised of alumni events and benefits. Call +1.212.229.9200 or e-mail info@marthagraham.org.
The Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance is a not-for-profit corporation, supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Contributions in support of the Martha Graham Center will be gratefully received at the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, Inc., 55 Bethune Street New York, NY 10014, or visit www.marthagraham.org/ support.
For more information, visit www.marthagraham.org
Season Supporters
Luminary Circle $100,000+
Our Special Angel
Jan and Bill Farber
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In Loving Memory of Alfred Goldstein
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In Loving Memory of Dr. Sidney Katz
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Marshall
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In Loving Memory of Howard Millman
Howard and Barbara Noble, Jr.
Peter and Joanne Powers
Rose Marie Proietti
Pamela Revels
Shelley Roisen
Bob and Diane Roskamp
Sam Samelson and Marion Levine
Amy Schachter
In Loving Memory of Oscar Schachter
Gabriel and Valerie Schmergel
Micki Sellman
In Loving Memory of Jerry Sellman
Nancy Smith
Diana Smith and Barry Cohen
Libby and Jon Soderberg
Gordon Stanley
Swanson and Kutner Family Fund
Ed Town and Steve Rubin
Sallie Carter Tyler
Diana Chapman Walsh
Susan and Lewis Winarsky
Richard Wires
Charles O. Wood, III and Miriam M. Wood Foundation
Merrill and Sheila Wynne-APRIO, LLP
Sora Yelin
Golden Circle $2,500 - $4,999
Alexandra Armstrong
In Loving Memory of Jerry McCoy
Carol Arscott
Margaret and Isaac Barpal
Jerry and Helga Bilik
Jerry and Gay Bowles
Alan Cohen
In Loving Memory of Natalie Cohen
Fred and Lynda Doery
Jenny and Lee Duffey
John and Patricia Dupps
Barbara and Bill Epperson
Donna Jill Feldman
Laurie Fitch
Kevin Fulcher and Kim Deme-Fulcher
Patsy and Ed Garno
Alfred Cope Garrett
In Loving Memory of Anne W. Garrett
Pat and David Goldrich
Marshall Greenwald and Catherine Cooper
Charles Hamilton and Miriam Lockhart
Moira Hintsa
Anne E. Jones
Ronald and Rita Karns
Maryann Kolb and Greg Goebel
Dr. Bart and Joan Levenson
Meg Maguire
Bonnie McIntyre
In Loving Memory of Bill Noonan
Margaret Melun and Lt. Col. Ky L. Thompson
Tara Olson and Will Dunkak
Roxanne Permesly
Jeffrey Peterson
Megan Powers
Victor and Joyce Rendano
Susan L. Robinson
Dona and Sam Scott
Susan Serling and David Kessler
Noreene Storrie and Wesley G. McCain
Charlotte and John Suhler
Jacqueline and John Thompson
Emily Walsh
Lynn Winslow
The Sarasota Ballet gratefully acknowledges the following individuals for their generous support for the performance, education, and community programs of The Sarasota Ballet.
Institutional Support
Public Support
$100,000 +
Tourist Development Council of Sarasota County
Foundation Support
$100,000+
Phillip & Janice Levin Foundation
William A. Farber, Trustee
$75,000 - $99,999
Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
$50,000 - $74,999
Jean Allenby Goldstein Touring Fund
Muriel O'Neil Fund for the Performing Arts at CFSC
Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation
Shubert Foundation, Inc.
Community Foundation Sarasota County
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Jean Weiller Foundation Charitable Fund
$25,000 - $49,999
Bank of America Client Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation
The Exchange
$15,000 - $24,999
Lela D. Jackson Foundation for the Arts
$10,000 - $14,999
Bishop-Parker Foundation
Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation
Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
Charles Henry Leach II Fund at Duquesne University
Jerome Robbins Foundation
Suncoast Credit Union Foundation
Women In Philanthropy of Sarasota
$2,500 - $4,999
Gilbert Waters Charitable Fund II
Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.
Women's Outreach Ministry Church of the Redeemer
$1,000 - $2,499
Cousins Laning Foundation
Fay A. Schweim Memorial Children's Dance Fund
Gulf Coast Italian Culture Society, Inc.
The Johnson Singer Arts and Education Fund
Corporate Support
$15,000 - $24,999
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing
$10,000 - $14,999
Northern Trust
Michael's On East
Palm Printing
$5,000 - $9,999
1st Source Bank
Beneva
Cumberland Advisors
Circus Arts Conservatory
Fifth Third Bank
Freed of London
Laughlin Tanner Group
McCarver & Moser Jewelers
The Ritz-Carlton
Sarasota Bay Club
$2,500 - $4,999
Concierge Medical Services
Eurotech Cabinetry, Inc.
Morton’s Gourmet Market & Catering
Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay
Rugs as Art
Sarasota Polo Club
Selva Grill
Senior Friendship Centers
Wear Moi
Williams Parker Attorneys at Law
$1,000 - $2,499
BookStore1Sarasota
Justice Pays
UBS Costal Partners
Play a Principal Role Make a Difference
The Sarasota Ballet’s performances, education programs, and community engagement are made possible each year through the generosity of foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Ticket sales alone cover only a portion of the cost of producing the extraordinary ballets you see on stage. It is through philanthropic support that we are able to preserve ballet’s greatest legacies, commission innovative new works, and bring accessible arts education to people of all ages in our community.
The Sarasota Ballet Company
• Repertoire Spanning from Beloved Classics to World Premieres
• Live Music Accompaniment and Guest Conductors
• National and International Company Tours
• Guest Choreographers and Répétiteurs
• Presenting Dance Companies
Dance Education
• The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory
• The Sarasota Ballet School
• Summer Intensive
• Summer Camps
• Adult Workshops
Community Engagement
• Dance – The Next Generation
• School Performances and Programs
• Community Experiences
• Joyful Movement Through Parkinson’s
• Silver Swans®
Every gift to The Sarasota Ballet helps inspire, preserve, and impact.
SCAN HERE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR GIVING CIRCLES
THE SARASOTA BALLET BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2025 - 2026 Season
Board Chair
Board Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Shari Ashman
Ginger Cannon Bailey
William E. Chapman II
Warren R. Colbert, Sr.
William A. Farber
Patricia A. Golemme
Robin Grossman
Julie A. Harris
Richard S. Johnson
Founder / Chair Emerita
Chair Emerita
Honorary Trustees
Sandra DeFeo
Charles Wilson
Pat Kenny
Maureen Steiner
Frank Martucci
Linda Mitchell
Rosemary Oberndorf
Mercedita OConnor
Audrey Robbins
Jan Sirota
Hillary Steele
Julie Swanger
Jean Weidner Goldstein
Sydney Goldstein
Mark Famiglio
Dr. Bart Price
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Jan Farber
Maryann Armour
Laura A. Feder
Frances D. Fergusson
Dr. Amy L. Harding
Charlie Huisking
Robin Klein-Strauss
Peter E. Kretzmer
Karen Lichtig
Tina Lieberman
Richard March
Joan Mathews
Howard Noble
Gini Peltz
Kimberley Anne Pelyk
Jeffrey Peterson
Richard Segall
Lois Stulberg
PROGRAM ONE
October 23 - 25, 2026
FSU Center for the Performing Arts
PROGRAM TWO
November 20 - 21, 2026
Sarasota Opera House
PROGRAM THREE
December 18 - 19, 2026
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
PROGRAM FOUR
January 29 - February 1, 2027
FSU Center for the Performing Arts
PROGRAM FIVE
February 26 - March 1, 2027
FSU Center for the Performing Arts
PROGRAM SIX
March 26 - 27, 2027
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
PROGRAM SEVEN
April 30 - May 1, 2027
Sarasota Opera House
GALA
May 2, 2027 Sarasota Opera House and Circus Arts Conservatory
THE SARASOTA BALLET
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TOURS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF IAIN WEBB
JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL
JULY 2025
Ted Shawn Theatre, Becket, Massachusetts
ASHTON CELEBRATED
JUNE 2024
The Royal Opera House, London, UK
THE JOYCE THEATER
AUGUST 2022
Joyce Theater, New York, US
THE JOYCE THEATER
AUGUST 2018
Joyce Theater, New York, US
GUGGENHEIM WORKS & PROCESS
NOVEMBER 2017
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City
NATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHIC FESTIVAL
MAY 2017
Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City, Utah, US
ARCADIA CENTENNIAL
AUGUST 2016
Criterion Theatre, Bar Harbor, Maine, US
THE JOYCE THEATER
AUGUST 2016
Joyce Theater, New York, US
FALL FOR DANCE FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 2015
New York City Center, New York City
JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL
AUGUST 2015
Ted Shawn Theatre, Becket, Massachusetts
FALL FOR DANCE FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 2014
New York City Center, New York City
BALLET ACROSS AMERICA III
JUNE 2013
John F. Kennedy Center, Washington DC
THE SUZANNE FARREL BALLET
OCTOBER 2011
John F. Kennedy Center, Washington DC
