A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Since I was young I have loved fairy tales. While, admittedly, young Jeneca was fascinated by the idea of princesses and magic, I have grown to love the simple reminder that we need to overcome challenges to create a “happily ever after”. While each different, fairy tale characters are never on an easy or straight forward path. That being said, it is a rewarding one. There are things to be learned, new people (or sometimes creatures) to meet, and, of course, some failures to overcome before arriving at the conclusion.
The Goose Girl learned to be patient as she waited for her manipulative lady-in-waiting to be brought to justice. Cinderella kept dreaming about what she wanted, even when everyone around her tried to keep her from what she wanted. All it took to move her was a little magical encouragement from her fairy godmother. And little Jack had the chance to make up for his mistake after he made the poor choice to trade his cow for beans.
Perhaps it’s because of the morals in these stories that I chose Fairy Tales as the recital theme this year. It was a year of obstacles. Like in “The Goose Girl”, we also had to use an extra amount of patience as we waited on the studio construction that took months longer than projected. I felt the help of my collective “fairy godmothers” as I worked to build this dream of a studio. When I needed a push or a helping hand, my wonderful family and friends generously shared their time. And then there is failure. Owning and running your own business is filled with failing. There is no instruction book on how to do it. You just have to learn from what happens and try to fix it.
Everyone’s story begins like in fairy tales, with a once upon a time. It’s the choices we make that lead us to our own happily ever after. I write this on the last few “pages” of Elevé’s first year and I am thrilled to report that it has come to a happy ending. There have been ups and downs, failures and triumphs. And as you will see from the Elevé dancers, a wonderful year of growth.
But, this is just the first volume in a series. There are many more to come. I look forward to find out what Elevé’s second year will bring. I hope you will come along for the adventure.
THEATER ETIQUETTE
Kindly turn your phone to silent and refrain from using it for anything other than viewing the program. Photography and videography during the show is distracting to audience members and dancers.
When applauding your dancer, clapping hands is sufficient. Please do not yell your dancer’s name as it takes attention away from the piece they are performing.
Please remain in your seat until the end of the show unless you are attending to a disruptive child or another urgent need. This helps to show support for all dancers performing.
HELP US GROW!
We hope you have enjoyed your experience with Elevé Arts Academy. Word of mouth makes all the difference to a new company. Help to spread the word about our studio!
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director, Choreographer, and Costumer: Jeneca Todd Frederiksen
Business Logistics: Kyle Frederiksen
Stage Manager: Rachel Blackford
Backstage Crew: Elton Jasaraj and Nicole Fletcher
Parent Volunteers: Ben and Athena Petersen, Jesse and Carly Gibbs, Katie Browning, Marci Petersen, Megan Brown, Nicki Hopkins, and Taylor Rigby
MANY THANKS TO THE SYRACUSE ARTS ACADEMY STAFF FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE IN THIS PERFORMANCE. WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT THEM!
THE INTRODUCTION
ONCE UPON A TIME
Once upon a time, in the land of Elevé, there lived a marvelous cast of characters. Each introducing us to the struggles and successes as they dance through their tale. Some are dreamers. While others are off on adventures. Sometimes there are sly villans. And, of course, there are princesses.
Dancers: Anna Browning, Charlotte Dickinson, Connor Richardson, Dawson Rigby, Ellie Petersen, Emma Gibbs, Jamie Whitney, Lacey Keys, Levi Jones, McKinley Saunders, Nora Brown, Penny Futialo, Penelope Gannon, Robyn Himes, Rosalie Frederiksen, Ruby Petersen, Ruthie Petersen, Samantha Burgess, and Trinity Wilkinson
Music: “Magical Forest” by Dmitriy Sevostyanov
Voice Artists: Ellie Petersen and Ruby Petersen
BABY THUMBELINA
Like many fairies before her, Thumbelina, was born in a flower. Though she only was the size of your thumb, she brought joy and excitement to all around her. Now she is off to find her wings.
Class: Dance Preschool
Dancers: Cordelia Burch, Katie Cloward, Kinlee Hopkins, McKinley Saunders, Torvi Shupe, Zanna Taylor
Music: “Song of the Silkie” by David Arkenstone
DREAMING CINDERELLA
Little Cinderella may be put to work cleaning the manor, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming of all the wonderful things she will do. Wear a beautiful dress, dance at a ball, and maybe even escape from her step family.
Class: Pre-Ballet Contemporary
Dancers: Anna Browning, Harper Ferguson, Aspen Palmer, Nadia Schwartz, Emma Southwick, Baylee Watts
Music: “Dreamland” by Alexis Ffrench
ALMOST 12 DANCING PRINCESSES
Almost 12 lovely princesses find themselves in a magical underground kingdom filled with mysterious things; trees made of jewels and gold, a mystical castle, and a ball that lasts through the night.
Class: Ballet Contemporary Level 1
Dancers: Emma Checketts, Indy Moore, Isla Musselman, Jamie Whitney, Josie Bennett, June Petty, Nora Brown, Penelope Gannon, Penny Futialo, and Ruthie Petersen
Music: “Fairy-Tale Waltz” by Gregor F. Narholz & Sonoton Film Orchestra
THE CHALLENGE
TINY SWAN PRINCESSES
Once princesses, these tiny swans now have to make a new home in a mountain lake. Unable to leave the lake, they must flap, soar, and explore.
Class: Toddler Time
Dancers: Charlotte Dickinson, Scarlett Spillman, and Sophia Harman
Music: “IV. Allegro Moderato” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
THE GOOSE GIRL AND HER LADY IN WAITING
As a princess is traveling from her home kingdom to visit another, she loses her royal ring that decrees her as the princess. Unfortunately, the ring is found by her mischievous and sneaky lady-in-waiting. The lady-in-waiting wastes no time in tricking the princess to trade places with her.
Class: Ballet Contemporary Level 3
Dancers: Ellie Petersen and Ruby Petersen
Music: “Symphony 40: 4th Movement; Allegro Assai” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
LITTLE REDS AND THE WOLVES
These little red riding hoods have been sent to take a basket of goodies to their grandmother. However, three sneaky wolves want the delicious things to eat for themselves.
Class: Creative Movement
Dancers: Adrianne Masten, Avery Johnson, Connor Richardson, Emelia Futila, Mateo Jasaraj, Nora Bryant, Robyn Himes, and Theo Jasaraj
Music: “Symphony Fantastique Un Bal” by Louis-Hector Berlioz
THE OVERCOMING
JACKS AND THE BEANSTALK
On the last climb up the beanstalk, the young Jacks sneak as quietly and quickly as they can to steal the last bit of gold from the giant. Will they make it without being seen?
Class: Boys Creative Movement (Kinder)
Dancers: Jonah Whitney, Kaden Frederiksen, Levi Jones, and Thomas Rigby
Music: “Dawn of Hope” by Taylor Davis
PRINCESSES AND THE PEA
These sleepy princesses can not seem to get some rest. They toss and turn and jump and flip, but sleep still alludes them. What could be causing so much discomfort?
Class: Ballet Contemporary Level 2
Dancers: Dawson Rigby, Emma Gibbs, Rosalie Frederiksen, and Samantha Burgess
Music: “Winter” from the Four Seasons by Antonio Lucio Vivaldi
THE CONCLUSION
SELKIE RETURN TO THE SEA
Selkies are seal like creatures that can shed their skin and come to land as a human. Having lost their precious skins and having to go on a marvelous adventure to find it, these selkies celebrate that they can now return to their home in the waves.
Class: Teen Ballet Contemporary
Dancers: Lacey Keys and Trinity Wilkinson
Music: “For Jeneca” by Camren Todd
BOWS
All Dancers
Music: “Uplifting Inspirational Ambient” by Dmitriy Sevostyanov
