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BROOKE DIFRANCESCO received her formal ballet training at Brae Crest School of Ballet, the official school of the State Ballet of Rhode Island. While dancing at Brae Crest, Brooke was a company member with SBRI from 1999 to the spring of 2010. She trained intensively at the Boston Ballet School her senior year of high school. Brooke has spent many summers training at well-regarded summer programs such as Boston Ballet, ABT, SAB and Miami City Ballet. In the summer of 2009 Brooke began dancing with Island Moving Co., where she is currently a company member. Brooke has also appeared with Spindle City Ballet in Fall River.

LAUREN DIFEDE began dancing at 8 and graduated from the dance department at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX. She then worked with Dominic Walsh Dance Theater as an Apprentice Dancer and shortly thereafter received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. From 2005- 2012 Lauren studied and performed with Revolve Dance Company. In 2012 she participated in The Nederlands Dans Theater’s Summer Intensive and in 2013 had the privilege to take her dancing overseas, attending workshops and classes throughout Europe. This is Lauren’s first year with IMC.

SHANE FARRELL is a native of Rhode Island and his dancing has taken him to such places as New York City all the way to Los Angeles, CA. At the age of seven he began taking acrobatics classes and eventually furthered his training in all areas of dance. Shane has trained with the Brae Crest School of Classical Ballet and has danced with the State Ballet of Rhode Island where he had the opportunity to perform in such ballets as Coppelia, Walpurgis Night, The Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle. His television and film credits include MTV, FOX, and Stage 6 Films Hachi.

JOSE EDWIN GONZALEZ AMAYA was born in Cali, Colombia, where he started his ballet studies at age of eight at INCOLBALLET. After graduation, he began to dance with Ballet de Cali. In 2002, he joined ballet Contemporaneo de Caracas, under the direction of Maria Barrios. In 2005, he danced as a principal dancer with Ballet Teresa Carreño. After, he joined Tulsa Ballet. In 2007, Mr. Gonzalez joined the cast of the Colombian Classical Ballet. In 2009, he joined State Street Ballet as a principal dancer. In 2011, he joined the cast of Neos Dance Theatre. Most recently, Mr. Gonzalez danced with Charleston Ballet Theatre.

With the help of donations, the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company continues to strive to enhance the quality of life for individuals and our community. We greatly appreciate our supporters who have brought us to a point where local as well as national dance communities recognize the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company and Center.

We thank those that have made this performance happen

ISLAND MOVING COMPANY ARTISTIC STAFF

MIKI OHLSEN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of Island Movning Company since it’s inception in 1982. She studied with Herci & Myles Marsden in Rhode Island and graduated from the Fine Arts Academy in Amsterdam, Holland. After performing with DANSGROEP KRISTINA de CHATEL for several seasons, Miki returned to RI and founded the Newport Academy of Ballet, home of the Island Moving Co. As Artistic Director, she has promoted the work of young choreographers and encouraged and enabled collaboration between disciplines. Miki has directed five projects for Meet the Composer and created works in collaboration with poets, musicians, actors and visual artists. In her tenure at IMC she has commissioned over 30 new works for the company, among them dances by Colin Connor, Scott Putman, Joe Celej, Mark Harootian and Spencer Gavin-Hering. She has been instrumental in developing the team building and leadership workshops that are presented for renowned graduate programs throughout the Northeast. She also led the creative team that designed the residency programs that are now presented in schools from Mass. to Palm Beach Fla. Miki has choreographed over 30 works for the company, including the NY Times critically acclaimed Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff and her signature Dracula for Belcourt Castle.

SPENCER GAVIN HERING, ASSOCIATE ARTSTIC DIRECTOR born in Munich, Germany, is the son of two professional ballet dancers. At the age of 16, Spencer began training with his mother Cecilia Hering and continued his training at Pacific Northwest Ballet School / Professional Division. He has danced professionally, performing nationally and internationally with dance companies: Ballet Pacifica, Maximum Dance Company/Ballet Gamonet, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, Miami Contemporary Dance Company, State Street Ballet and iMEE (infinite Movement Ever Evolving) Dance Company of which he Co-Founded with his wife, Andrea Dawn Shelley in 2009. His repertory includes principal roles by acclaimed choreographers that are both current and iconic. As a choreographer Mr. Hering has created new works for many professional dance companies in the United States to rave reviews. “Hering’s, bold use of dynamic fluidity and constant juxtaposition of body parts make his work consistently exciting. This undying movement paired with a distinct classicism drew connections to the work of Jiri Kylian or William Forsythe, where the lower body serves as this virtuosic playground for the upper body to float on top of.” – Tara Sheena, Dance Informa, New York. Mr. Hering is excited to represent Island Moving Co. (IMC) both, as a dancer and Associate Artistic Director for the 2013-2014 season.

Foundation, Corporate and Individual Sponsors who have contributed to our Building, Community Outreach, Scholarship Program, and General

OperationsThe Houston EndowmentThe Fondren Foundation

The Herzstein Foundation ExxonMobil FoundationKinder Morgan Knox Foundation Meadows Foundation

Silver Eagle DistributorsThe Miller Theatre Advisory Board

Balfour BeattyGraves Mechanical Harlequin Floors JCS Furniture

Highrise Electrical Karsten Interior RM ServicesBen Doyle – Runaway Productions

The Athlete Stop BP Fabric of AmericaBright Star Conoco Phillips El Paso Corporation ExxonMobil

Greater Houston Community FoundationHouston Downtown Alliance Johnson & Johnson

KPMG Lincoln Financial MerkRandalls Reliant NRG River Oaks Bank

Safeway Spectrum PaintingSpencer’s Steakhouse Waste Management

IndividualsGold Level $2,500 - $4,999+

Bob Albrecht, Jennifer & Tony Bohnert, Kevin Fulton, Galatas Family

Cecilia & Lawrence Morris, Anne & Harry Skupin, Patrick Stanley Adam Walker, Walker Family, Linda & Stephen Walsh

Silver Level $1,000 - $2,499Anne Aziz, Traci Bocock, Amber Burks, Cagle Family

Shirley Colona, Cominsky Family, Cecil C. Conner & David Grover, Bobbie & Earl Doyle, Kathryn Espana, Jennifer Gadd-Edwards

Susan Figeac, Doris Karel, Kronick Family, Rebecca & Matt Marcontell, Nunn Family, Judy Nyquist, Brian Royo

Bronze Level $500 - $999Michele Beffer, Boatner Family, Karen Bradshaw, Melanie Breedlove

Ronnye Cowell, Mainster, Manzo Family, George McLendon, Janis Mecklenburg, Tidwell Family,

Marcella & Emma Wilson, Bernadette Wolff

Patron Level $250 - $499Marcela Arroyave, Robin & Sage Boliver-Carr, Martha Bourke

Deborah Brochstein, Teri & Dave Cano, Steven Derry, Bryan DoughertyEllen Efsic, Deborah Fainstein, Lakeya Johnson, David Lake, Paul Landen,

Susan Walsh Lowell, Melanie & Marcus Manning, Lucinda Medlenka, Michelle & Nicole Mutt, Harry Patton,

Hamid Dean Rafai, Robert Schamus

Donor Level $50 - $249Stacey Abella, Cherie Angelini, Claire Auchter, Bejarano Family, Catalina Beltran, Carol Bernshausen, Ken & Kristi Breaux, Cecilia Brion, Sterling

Burdine, Crystal Cairrel, Doug Carr, Elvira Cauthen, Alicia Church, Autumn Clack, Sarah Coll, Mysha & Marcy Corb, Ann Deblanc, Melissa Dennis,

Michelle Dugan, Farrell Dyde, Beth Euscher, Tracy Evans, Willie Mae Evans, Adonna Flenoy, Erin Fox, Lara Frazier, Elizabeth Galatas, Jan Gardner, Pat

& Vic Gayle, Isabelle George, Jill Gray, Judy Grosso, Hal Hawkins, Hayward Family Trust, Byronne Hearn, Patty Hernandez, Diana Hua, Hughes

Orthodontics, IMEE, Mark Johnson, Ann Jones, Max Jones, David Kahne, Mariana Kalu, Diane Kaplan, Rosanne Kaplan, Brian Kelly, Tom King, Dr & Mrs. Laborde, George Lancaster, Bart Larocca, Renee Lauland,

Nicole Leppert, Judith Martello, Samara Martinez, Nicole Murphy, Darlene & Melanie Mays, Stanley Oldham, Kathy Parven, Carol Pierce, Melissa

Pierson, Ian Rosenberg, Nancy & Robert Saumsiegle, Jill Satterwhite, E. Schmidt, Karen Scott, Judy Sederholm, Debra Shade, Maxine Silberstein,

Douglas Skopp, Maxine Silberstein, Helene Snyder, Katie Thibodeaux, Susie Tommaney, Susan & David Tschopp, Ronel Treuting, Karen Vaughn, Jon

Weaver, Todd Welbes, Don Winters, Barbara Williamson, Maria & Deborah Wooding

Junior Patrons $1 - $49Beverly Abbott, Brittany Agbon, Kelli Anderson, Ashley Cook, Jennifer

Cronin, Nancy Dufek, Justice & Natanya Fulton, Jackie & Alyssa Hawkins, Rosanne Kaplan, Douachee Kue, Miatta Lebile, Julianna Longoria, Tinsley

Maier, Audrey Mills, Blake Orsini, Anne Pavlick, Amy Smith, Amy Stine, Cynthia & Grace, Vincent, Kelly Ann Vitacca, Phyllis Zendejas

WALTER TURNER, III, COMPOSER is an accomplished musician and graduate of Berklee College of Music with a performance degree in drum set performance. As his career has developed he has ventured into many aspects of music, including composing. While working and performing in the LA area, Walter attended the dance recital of a fellow artist. He was so moved by the amalgam of music and modern dance, he composed his first piece for dance that very evening. Musiq4Movement was birthed out of the creativity and drive that Walter shares with dancers and choreographers, to create and express art through the fusion of inspired music and dance.

HOUSTON METROPOLITAN DANCE CENTER, INC.

Executive Director –Michelle SmithArtistic Director –Marlana Doyle

Resident Choreographer – Kiki Lucas Development Director – Rebecca Skupin Marcontell

Met Too Directors –Marlana Doyle, Kiki LucasAssistant- Terrill Mitchell

Lighting Designer – Kris PhelpsProduction Manager – Rebecca Skupin Marcontell

Stage Manager – Natasha ManleyCostumer – Pam Buchanan

Videographer/Photographer – Ben Doyle – Runaway Productions

Company Faculty and Guest Teachers Bobby Amamizu, Elisa Clark, Lauren Garson, Oliver Halkowich,

Jess Hendricks, Courtney Jones, Lindsay McGill, Priscilla Nathan-Murphy, Kendra Skipworth, Leslie Scates, jhon stronks

Houston Metropolitan Dance CompanyCynthia Harada, Kerry Jackson, Max Jones, Allie Kronick,

Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, Lisa Wolff

ApprenticeMia Angelini, Patti Hogan

Board of DirectorsPresident – Adam Nelson Walker

Vice President – Janis Hansen MecklenburgTreasurer – Cecilia Winters-Morris

Marcela Arroyave, Bryan Dougherty, Kevin Fulton, Diana Hua,Martin Pepper, Hamid Refai, Kristen Ryan, Michelle Smith, Patrick Stanley

Advisors: Judy Nyquist, Larry A. Margolis, Tameka Ramsey,Jennifer Gadd-Edwards, Kimberly Hollard

Artistic Advisors: Joe Celej , Ben Doyle, Kiki Lucas, Pattie Obey, jhon r. stronks

GLEN LEWIS received his BFA in Dance and Choreography in 2009 from Virginia Commonwealth University. While at VCU, Glen studied with Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Miguel Gutierrez, and Robert Battle and was awarded Outstanding Choreographer of 2009. After graduation and a tour in Europe, he became a trainee with Richmond Ballet. During the first year of his traineeship, Glen became a member of the Island Moving Company. Glen is in his third season with the company. In addition to working with IMC, Glen is working with Ian Colless, artistic director of Untitled Collective, a contemporary dance company in New York City.

KATIE MOORHEAD trained at OCD and at 13 performed in Robert LaFrosse’s Nutcracker with Russian Ballet Theater. She danced with FSBT and graduated with honors from the Kirov Academy of Ballet. At ABTF, she received an Honorable Merit Diploma from St. Petersburg and worked with Vladimir Issaev, Alla Osipenko and Tatyana Terekhova. She’s toured to Australia, Denmark, Italy, and Poland. In NYC, she worked with companies including American Repertory Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, BSCDT and independent choreographers. She’s taught at the Alvin Ailey Extension Program and is a GYROTONIC®, Gyrokineses® instructor. She’s staged work as Rehearsal Director for Untitled-Collective. Katie is thrilled to join IMC this season.

CHRISTINE SANDORFI is originally from Port Jefferson, NY where she began her training with Harbor Ballet Theatre. She holds a BFA in Ballet Performance from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. She danced as a soloist with Kentucky Ballet Theatre for four years where she was featured in Dracula, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Saerpil, and The Wizard of Oz. Christine is currently in her eighth season with the Island Moving Company, where she has been happy to be able to work as a choreographer as well as a dancer.

CAROL TANG a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. At ten, she started her classical training at Cincinnati Ballet. At 16, she was asked to become a trainee under the direction of Victoria Morgan. She performed with the company in well-known ballets such as, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. She has worked closely with Irina Kolpakova, Jiang Qi, Dierdre Carberry, Devon Carney, Maria Caligari, Xing Li li, Ka-ron Lehman, and Suzette Boyer Webb. She is a scholarship graduate with a BFA in ballet performance from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. This is Carol’s third season with Island Moving Co.

Welcome!

Welcome to MET Dance Company’s 18th Season and #womenfordance. I appreciate you for being here tonight to support the art of dance and MET Dance. I want to extend a “Thank you” to our supporters who have nurtured our growth. You are an important part of the establishment of our company and center as a nationally recognized dance organization.

The talent of these five female choreographers is truly extraordinary and each choreographer captures the emotion, energy and beauty that makes MET Dance so captivating to audiences. We have 2 world premieres in this concert by two well-respected female choreographers. First, The Essence by Kiki Lucas is a reactive reflection in three movements of the female path through history. The common male/female struggle is personified through references to the Bronte Sisters, The Vagina Monologues, Ginger Rodgers, Mae West and Lucille Ball and their definable roles in pushing social boundaries. “I hope that there is a moment that audiences can connect with the stage and find a small amount of validation that they are not alone in their own trials and tribulations. How we are remembered is only what we allow ourselves to be.” Also to debut is The Broken Column, referencing the acclaimed self- portrait of the same title, by Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Choreographed by Andrea Dawn Shelley, this sextet delves into the speculation and expression of the emotional torment and turbulence derived from Kahlo’s painting. Shelley examines the desperation and need for love through movement, music and gestures. Of her tribute work Shelley explains, “I want to educate and introduce Frida Kahlo, one of the most important twentieth-century artists of the Americas, to those who possibly do not know of her life and contributions to the art world”.

Special guests Island Moving Company will present three new works and MET dance will also show Under Your Skin, by choreographer Sidra Bell, After the Rain by Lauren Edson as well as Stand Back, by MET Dance frequent choreographer, Kate Skarpetowska. Please join the company and myself for a Meet and Greet onstage after the show!

Please sit back and relax and enjoy #womenfordance.

Yours in Dance-Marlana Doyle, Artistic Director

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KATARZYNA SKARPETOWSKA started dancing at age 13 in her native city of Warsaw, Poland. Kate enrolled in the NYC High School of Performing Arts graduating in 1995 and then went on to study at the prestigious Juilliard School under the direction of Benjamin Harkarvy. After graduating with a BFA in Dance she immediately joined The Parsons Dance Company where from 1999 until 2006 she performed lead roles in the company’s repertory including the iconic CAUGHT. From 2006 until 2008, Kate was a guest member of The Battleworks Dance Company founded by her former colleague at Parsons Dance and the present artistic director of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Robert Battle. In 2007, she was one of two featured dancers during the Glimmerglass Opera Festival, and in 2008, she toured Italy with Why Be Extraordinary if You Can Be Yourself, a show by Daniel Ezralow. Since 2007, Kate has been working for The Lar Lubovitch Dance Company performing at many reputable venues such as New York City’s City Center, Washington DC’s Kennedy Center and Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater. Her own choreography has been performed by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater II, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Parsons Dance, Buglisi Dance Theater, Hubbard Street 2, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Patricia Kenny Dance Collection, and various universities around the country.

HOUSTON MET DANCE COMPANY COMPOSERS

DENNIS BELL, COMPOSER is a gold and platinum award-winning producer, arranger, composer, conductor and music educator. Graduate of the High School of Music & Art, NYU and CUNY Queens College (MA in Composition), Dennis has produced records by Doug E Fresh, Dave Valentin, New Voices of Freedom, U2, Lynette Washington and Touché, was musical director/ conductor of Jesus Christ Superstar, has written jingles for the Drakes, Hardees, Roy Rogers, and Nabisco companies. His modern dance scores have been performed at Sacramento Ballet, Ballet Austin, CCDT, River North Chicago Dance, University of Utah, University of California Irvine The Arts Umbrella, Yale University, LaGuardia HS of Music & Art , Perry Mansfield, Sidra Bell Dance NY and Ailey II. He has worked with Marcus Miller, Buddy Williams, Nick Brignola, Jimmy Owens, Dave Grusin, Buddy Morrow, Sal Salvador, Dave Valentin, Steve Jordan, U2, Lenny Kravitz, Celia Cruz, Billy Preston etc, performed and conducted in Carnegie and Alice Tully Halls, Madison Square Garden etc, appeared on the Joan Rivers Show, New York at Night, MTV VMA’s , music videos, and U2, Rattle and Hum. Dennis is CEO of City Slicker Productions, Mark of Aries Music (BMI) and record label GuavaJamm Entertainment. He is a long time Music Educator, winner of the 2012 ArtsWestchester Artist of the year award and is presently a Professor of Music and Music Technology at Mercy College.

HOUSTON MET DANCE COMPANYARTISTIC STAFF

MARLANA DOYLE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company is originally from Massachusetts and graduated from Point Park University in 2001 with a BA in Dance. Marlana has been dancing with the Houston Met for the past twelve years and was a major part of the Met’s reorganization in 2003. As the Artistic Director, she has tried to keep the diversity and versatility of the dancers and choreographers a part

of the overall artistic vision of the Company. She and the Company are members of Dance Source Houston, Association of Performing Arts Presenters and Dance USA. Marlana has represented the Houston Met Dance Company by attending both Annual Conferences for Arts Presenters and Dance USA as an Emerging Leader for the last five years. She just recently she was awarded the Dance USA Leadership Mentee Fellowship for the institute of training through Dance USA. She has also served on many grant and organizational panels for the Houston Arts Alliance. She has helped book National tours for the company in Boston, New York City, California, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Dallas and Louisiana. The company just finished performing to standing ovations at the Boston Cotemporary Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Inside/Out series this past August. As a dancer she has worked with many talented choreographers including Robert Battle, Larry Keigwin, Kate Skarpetowska, Jason Parsons, Salim Gaulwoos, Peter Chu, Charlotte Griffin, Nina Bussion, Caleb Mitchell, Jason McDole, Kiesha Lalama, jhon r stronks, Spencer Gavin Hering, Paola Georgudis , Julie Fox, Erin Reck, Jane Weiner, Kiki Lucas and Joe Celej. While directing the professional company is her main focus, Marlana also fills her time with directing Houston Met Too Youth Company, choreographing, teaching and judging in Houston and throughout the United States. She and her husband Ben welcomed their first daughter Olivia in June, 2013.

MICHELLE SMITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, has a background of over 24 years of ballet training, including the New York City Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Texas Christian University where she also performed at Summer Stock/Casa Manana Musical Playhouse, earning leading roles in “Grease” “Oklahoma,” and “Chicago”. After college, Michelle joined the Delia Stewart Dance Company, working first

as principal dancer and then as Manager of the Company and Director of the School. She established a children’s program and diversified the adults program that became the basis for the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center. She has taught children and adults for over 25 years, believing that dance creates self-esteem and discipline that overflow into everyday life.

Up’ Choreographer Dance Gallery Festival 2013, Winner Ballet Pensacola’s 2013 National Choreographic Competition, Audience Favorite Award, Milwaukee Ballet’s 2013 ‘Genesis’ International Choreographic Competition, Grand Prize Winner 2012 at The 15th Annual Dance Under the Stars Choreography Competition, Winner of the 2012 Great Works Dance Project Choreography Prize, Finalist The A.W.A.R.D. Show! 2011 and 2010 Seattle, affiliated with the Joyce Theatre, and Winner Northwest Dance Project’s 2009 ‘Pretty Creatives’ International Choreographic Competition. She has recently been named Artist in Residence at Mystic Ballet (CT) and her past commissions include: Northwest Dance Project (OR) Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (MI), East Carolina University (NC), Opera Idaho (ID) Polaris Dance Theatre (OR) Grand Valley State University (MI), Washington and Lee University (VA), Pacific University (OR), Idaho Dance Theatre (ID), Conduit: Charged (OR), Ten Tiny Dances (WA), Aerial Without Limits (OR), Portland Youth Ballet (OR), DROP Dance Collective (ID), Bellingham Repertory Dance (WA), Palanza Dance (CA), NW Fusion Dance Company (OR), Balance Dance Company (ID) and Coriolis Dance Collective (WA), to name a few.

ANDREA DAWN SHELLEY born in Miami, Florida received her classical ballet training from Magda G. Auñon and holds a BA in Dance Education from Florida International University. Andrea began her professional career with Southern Ballet Theatre and has since danced as a principal artist with Maximum Dance Company, Miami Contemporary Dance Company, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and State Street Ballet. Ms. Shelley currently dances as a principal artist and is the Co-Founding Associate Artistic Director of iMEE Dance Company. As a choreographer, Shelley has created original and (as well as) commissioned works for Ballet Florida, Miami Contemporary Dance Company, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, State Street Ballet, E.magine Dance Ensemble, O Dance, Ad Deum Dance Company, The Dance Gallery Festival, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Island Moving Co. and iMEE which have been presented in California, Florida, Texas, New York, Rhode Island & Italy. She has received numerous awards for her choreography; including the commissioning of a new work for The Dance Gallery Festival’s, Level UP in New York City, the nomination as a “Finalist” in the 15th Annual Choreography Festival in Palm Desert, CA and being awarded the Gold Medal for an ensemble work at the World Ballet Competition in Orlando, FL. Ms. Shelley has had the honor of serving as an annual preliminary panelist for the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts, youngArts program in Choreography, Ballet and Modern for the past five, consecutive years. She is also currently on staff as an Adjunct Dance Professor at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. www.imeedanceco.com

KIKI LUCAS, RESIDENT CHOREOGRPHER is also a senior dancer of the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company in Houston, TX. She is also the director of the Met Too Youth Company, jazz faculty at TUTS and teacher to many students in the Houston area. Kiki was named as one of the 100 creative people in Houston-by-Houston Press in 2012. Last

August Kiki’s work “Rebound” was selected to represent Houston Met at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Inside/Out series in Massachusetts. She gained her BA in Dance from Point Park University in 1999 and started her career in Los Angeles, CA before moving to TX. Since then, her teaching and performance career have expanded across the United States and more. She has recently returned from Argentina where she is a guest faculty/teacher for Congreso Internacional de musicales y operas, ViceVersa Studio and Act-n-Art in Buenos Aires. She has also taught workshops in Bogota, Manizales and Pereira Colombia. Teaching credits include: Broadway Dance Center (NYC), Point Park University, Point Park International Summer Dance Program (11th season), Grier School, Dance Masters Chapters #10 (PA), Hawaii Pacific University (HI), Acadiana Center for the Arts (LA), Michigan University (MI), Debbie Reynolds Studios, Dance Precisions, Millennium Studios (CA), Focal Point, IMDP and Dance Masters Spring Convention (FL), Dance Masters Chapter #44 (NC), Loudoun Ballet (Washington D.C), Alabama School of Fine Arts (AL), TDEA Convention, Collin County Community College, University of Houston, Ad Deum Dance Company, American Cancer Society, Texas A&M International University and Sam Houston State University (TX). Kiki’s choreography has been created and presented for the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, HMDC Met Too Youth Company, The Kennedy Center (ACDF National Gala), Point Park University (Pittsburgh Dance Connections Concert), Towson University (MD), University of Hartford (CT), Spotlight Awards, ESPN, Dance Precisions, San Diego State University, Los Angles Carnival Choreographer’s Ball (CA), Midwestern Arts Conference (IN), Steven Boyd Dance Ensemble, Dallas Morning News Festival, Fort Worth Dance Festival, Artopia, Bayou City Arts Festival (TX), Hawaii Pacific University (HI) and Miluzka Dance Studios in Colombia. Last season Kiki created works for University of Central Oklahoma (OK), RACE Dance Company (OK) and Erie Conservatory of Dance (PA). She will be creating work on Marygrove college of Detroit in this Fall.

CYNTHIA HARADA is originally from Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a BFA in Dance-Performance and a BA in sociology where she received extensive training in ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz from renowned faculty such as David Allan, Molly Lynch, Jodie Gates, Loretta Livingston, Donald McKayle, and

HOUSTON MET DANCE COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHERS

SIDRA BELL is currently a Master Lecturer at the University of the Arts, was Adjunct at Barnard College, and has a degree in History from Yale and an MFA from Purchase College. She was awarded a 1st Prize for Choreography at the Solo Tanz Theater Festival in Stuttgart. She was awarded the Patricia Kerr Ross Award from NYFA. Her critically acclaimed choreography has been seen in the USA and in Denmark, France, Austria, Turkey, Germany, China, Canada, Aruba, Korea, Brazil and Greece. The Company was lauded in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s 2010 Best in Dance for ‘ReVUE’, and in the 2012 Year in Review in ArtsATL’s notable performances for ‘Nudity’. Bell has received many commissions from institutions internationally. Notably with BODYTRAFFIC, Ballet Austin, Sacramento Ballet, Juilliard, River North Chicago Dance Co., Ailey II, LEVYdance, Robert Moses’ KIN, LINES Ballet School, Uppercut Dansteater (DEN), Motto Dans Kolectif (TUR), Peridance Contemporary Dance Co., Tisch, University of Utah, August Wilson Dance Ensemble, Point Park University, University of Michigan, Ailey School, Barnard College, New York Live Arts, Dance Theater Workshop, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Tribeca PAC, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Springboard Danse Montréal, The Duo Theater, Purchase College, National Choreographer’s Initiative, Visceral Dance Co., University of the Arts, Five College Dance Department, and Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. She was commissioned as the choreographer for the feature film TEST set in San Francisco during the height of the AIDS crisis in 1985. Screenings: Seattle Film Festival, Frameline37 (SanFrancisco), Outfest (L.A.), and Lincoln Center’s NewFest. It was awarded two grand jury prizes from Outfest. Bell is a sought after master teacher and her alternative approach was featured in Dance Teacher Magazine and Dance Studio Life Magazine. She has taught her unique creative practice at major institutions throughout Canada, Europe, South America, and the United States.

LAUREN EDSON originally from Boise, Idaho began her training at Ballet Idaho Academy and Westside Dance Academy (OR). She continued her formal studies at North Carolina School of the Arts and The Juilliard School, under the direction of the late Benjamin Harkarvy. She most recently danced with the highly acclaimed Trey McIntyre Project located in Boise, ID and was featured in several of McIntyre’s works. Her past professional experiences include Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Bodyvox, Idaho Dance Theatre and Ballet Idaho. As a choreographer, she has won several awards and been commissioned by numerous companies and Universities throughout the nation. Her original choreography has appeared at Jacob’s Pillow’s Inside/Out Series, Ailey Citigroup Theatre, The Kennedy Center, On the Boards Seattle, Dance New Amsterdam and The McCallum Theatre. She is honored to have received several choreographic awards including: ‘Level

performed in works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Molly Lynch, Caleb Mitchell, and others. Prior to UCI, she performed with The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Palos Verdes Ballet. With the Houston Met, Cynthia has performed in works by Kate Skarpetowska, Caleb Mitchell, Kiki Lucas, Paola Georgudis, jhon r stronks, Pattie Obey, Jason Parsons, Jane Weiner, Erin Reck, Suzi Taylor, Larry Keigwin, Ricky Ruiz, Peter Chu, and Jason McDole. Additionally, she has performed at the APAP conference, The Dance Gallery Festival, Bayou City Arts Festival, the Texas Contemporary Dance Festival, and St. Louis Dance Festival. Cynthia is thrilled to be a part of The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company for her fourth season.

KERRY JACKSON is a native Houstonian started his professional training 6 years ago at the Houston Met Dance Center with the Met Too Youth Program. He has performed all around Houston and the United States and has received many astonishing awards such as a full scholarship to Point Park University International Summer Dance Program,

Millennium Dancer Award from West Coast Dance Explosion, Jazz in AZ Dance Scholarship and Most Outstanding Choreography Award at the 2008 Black History Festival. Kerry has performed and worked with many great choreographers with the Houston Met such as Larry Keigwin, Kiki Lucas, Kiesha Lalama, jhon r stronks Julie Fox, Jason McDole, Erin Reck, Jane Weiner, Peter Chu, Ricky Ruiz and Kate Skarpetowska. Both Jason and Kate featured Kerry in their most recent works on the Company. He has performed at Artopia, Bayou City Arts Festival, Grier School Gala, Texas A& M International University, Dance Gallery Houston, Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) in New York, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Barefoot Brigade, Spring into Dance and Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance series in Massachusetts. Kerry teaches, choreographs and volunteers throughout Houston. This is his fifth season with the Houston Met Dance Company.

MAX JONES is a native Houstonian. He has performed with Disney Entertainment internationally in Japan, as well as in Orlando, Florida. He completed two contracts at sea with Celebrity Cruise lines as the company’s Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer. He then worked in NYC for 2 years and performed in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in

2009 and 2010. While dancing with The Met, Max has had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Peter Chu, Kiki Lucas, Jason McDole, Erin Reck, and Jane Weiner this past season. He also was able to perform in the Barefoot Brigade Dance Festival in Dallas, Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis, and the Great Friends Dance Festival in Rhode Island. He is thrilled to be dancing with The Met for his second season.

AFTER THE RAIN(2013)Choreographer: Lauren EdsonMusic: Max RictherDancers: Mia Angelini, Cynthia Harada, Kerry Jackson, Max Jones, Allie Kronick, Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, Lisa Wolff

INTERMISSION 20 minutesTHE ESSENCE“How we are remembered is only what we allow ourselves to be.” – Kiki Lucas

World PremierChoreographer: Kiki LucasComposed by Walter J. Turner, IIIDancers: Mia Angelini, Marlana Doyle, Cynthia Harada, Patti Hogan, Kerry Jackson, Max Jones, Allie Kronick, Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, Lisa Wolff

A TELLATION OF BEAUTY AND LIGHT Island Moving CompanyChoreography: Miki Ohlsen Music: Philip Glass, Company III, IV, I, Zoe Keating, Escape ArtistDuet I: Brooke Difrancesco, Jose GonzalezDuet II: Christine Sandorfi,Glen LewisDuet III: Carol Tang, Jose GonzalezLast Movement: Brooke Difrancesco, Carol Tang, Christine Sandorfi,Katie Moorehead, Glen Lewis, Jose Gonzalez

STAND BACK(2002)Choreography by Kate SkarpetowskaMusic by Nador Weisz Costumes by Mia McSwainOriginally Commissioned by Hubbard Street 2Marlana Doyle, Cynthia Harada, Kerry Jackson, Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, Lisa Wolff

Please join MET Dance for the Meet and Greet onstage after the show!

ALLIE KRONICK graduated magna cum laude from Point Park University with a BA in Jazz and Modern Dance Performance. She has been seen at the American College Dance Festival, NewMoves Contemporary Dance Festival, and Synthesis Dance Project in New York. Allie is in her fourth season with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, with whom

she has performed works by Peter Chu, Larry Keigwin, Jason McDole, Kate Skarpetowska, Joe Celej, Caleb Mitchell, Jason Parsons, jhon r stronks, Erin Reck, Jane Weiner and Kiki Lucas. Other credits include Artopia, Bayou City Arts Festival, Texas Contemporary Dance Festival, Dance Gallery Houston, The Grier School Gala in Pennsylvania, Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) in NYC, Barefoot Brigade in Dallas, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out in Massachusetts, Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis and the Great Friends Dance Festival in Newport, RI. Additionally, Allie teaches and choreographs throughout the Houston area.

TERRILL MITCHELL is originally from Morgantown, WV and is an alumnus of Point Park University with a B.A. in Dance. He has worked with companies such as Attack Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, West Virginia Public Theatre as well as the Playhouse Dance Company. Since joining the Houston MET he has performed works from choreographers such as:

Caleb Mitchell, Jason Parsons, Spencer Gavin Hering, Erin Reck, Joe Celej, jhon r stronks, Kiesha Lalama, Peter Chu, Salim Gauwloos, Jason McDole, Kiki Lucas, Kate Skarpetowska and Larry Keigwin. He has performed at venues such as The Dance Gallery Festival, Bayou City Arts Festival, Artopia, Texas Contemporary Dance Festival, APAP Conference in NYC, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Bearfoot Bridgade and Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance series in Massachusetts. He is currently the assistant for the MET TOO youth company. Additionally, he is the Company Director for Elite Dance Academy, as well as teaches and choreographs for various dance studios, dance teams, and youth companies around the US. This is his sixth season with the Met.

NOA TUMPKIN received his formal dance training at Grand Valley State University receiving his BA in Dance Performance. Noa has performed with the Detroit Shock and Automotion Dance teams, Columbia City Ballet, Lexington Ballet, Washington Reflections Dance Company as well as Lucy Bowen McCauley Dance Company in Arlington

VA. With the Met, he has performed works by Kiki Lucas, Larry Keigwin, Kate Skarpetowska, Peter Chu, Jane Weiner, jhon r stronks, Spencer Gavin Hering, Kiesha Lalama, Jason McDole, Julie Fox, and Ricky Ruiz. Noa has

PROGRAM ORDER

UNDER YOUR SKIN(2013)Choreographer: Sidra BellOriginal Music Composed and Performed by: Dennis Bell© 2013 Mark of Aries Music, BMIDancers: Mia Angelini, Marlana Doyle, Cynthia Harada, Patti Hogan, Kerry Jackson, Max Jones, Allie Kronick, Kiki Lucas, Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, James Washington*, Lisa Wolff

LEVITATIONIsland Moving CompanyChoreographer: Spencer Gavin HeringMusic: Lee Dorsey Dancers: Lauren Difede, Shane Farrell

THE BROKEN COLUMNWorld Premier Choreography by: Andrea Dawn ShelleyMusic: Kronos QuartetCostume Design & Execution: Andrea Dawn Shelley & Pam BuchananDancers: Marlana Doyle, Cynthia Harada, Max Jones, Allie Kronick, Terrill Mitchell, Lisa Wolff

“The Broken Column” by Frida Kahlo, 1944 “I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy to be alive as long as I can paint.” – Frida Kahlo

SUITED UPIsland Moving CompanyChoreographer: Spencer Gavin HeringMusic: Lee Dorsey, The Beagles ,Beans In My EarsDancers: Brooke DiFrancesco, Carol Tang, Lauren Difede, Glen Lewis, Shane Farrell

performed at Artopia, Bayou City Arts Festival, The Grier School Gala in PA, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) in NYC and the Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance series in Massachusetts, Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis and the Great Friends Dance Festival in Newport, RI. He currently teaches throughout the Houston Area. Noa is very excited to be in his fifth season with the Houston Met.

LISA WOLFF is a native Oklahoman and is in her seventh season with the company. Since moving to Houston, she has performed in Quirky Works, Mixing It Up, Squared Dancer, The Vessel, Weekend of Contemporary Dance, Dance USA’s Power of Movement, Grier Gala, Barefoot Brigade, Bayou City Arts Festival, Artopia, Dance Gallery Houston, Association

of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) in New York, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance series in Massachusetts, Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis and the Great Friends Dance Festival in Newport, RI. She has also had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Peter Chu, Larry Keigwin, Kate Skarpetowska, Jason Parsons, Kiesha Lalama, Jason McDole, Salim Gauwloos, Suzi Taylor, Caleb Mitchell, Eddy Ocampo, Kiki Lucas, jhon r stronks, Spencer Gavin Hering, Paola Georgudis, Jane Weiner, Erin Reck and Joe Celej. Lisa has choreographed for the Houston Met Too Youth Company in 2011. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma City University in Performing Arts and toured with the American Spirit Dance Company domestically and internationally. She has also performed multiple seasons at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, and toured with them to Las Vegas. In 2005 and 2006 Lisa performed throughout the eastern Caribbean for Stiletto Entertainment aboard the Zuiderdam, a Holland America cruise ship.

MIA ANGELINI, APPRENTICE, is originally from Jefferson, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Point Park University with a BFA in Dance. While at Point Park, she performed works by choreographers such as, Doug Varone, Kiesha Lalama, Sidra Bell, Garfield Lemonius, and Kellie Hodges. She also had the opportunity to perform in the International Choreography

Competition as a part of the Jazz Dance World Congress. This past season with the Met, she performed works by Kiki Lucas, Peter Chu, Kate Skarpetowska, Larry Keigwin, Jason Parsons, and Jane Weiner. Mia also performed at the Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis, as well as the Great Friends Dance Festival in Rhode Island. This is her second season as a part of the Houston Met Dance Company.

PATTI HOGAN, APPRENTICE, began her dance training in Massachusetts. then continued her training at Point Park University, where she recently graduated and received her B.A. in dance. Throughout her college career, Patti had the opportunity to train under numerous talented professionals and perform pieces and shows choreographed by

choreographers such as Kristofer Weinstein Storey, Doug Bentz, Ron Hutson, and many of her talented peers. She also got the chance to perform in Tracie Stanfield’s Synthesis Project with Xhale Dance Company last summer in New York City. Patti is currently a dancer with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. Since being with the Houston Met, she has had the opportunity to work with Jane Weiner, Ricky Ruiz, and Peter Chu. One highlight of Patti’s first season dancing with The Met was being fortunate enough to be a part of “The Vessel,” a production choreographed by Kiki Lucas. Most recently, she travelled to Newport, Rhode Island with the Company to participate in The Great Friends Dance Festival. At this festival she had the opportunity to perform work choreographed by Kiki Lucas, Larry Keigwin, and Kate Skarpetowska. Patti could not be any more excited for her second season dancing with The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company.

HOUSTON MET DANCE COMPANY GUEST ARTIST

JAMES A. WASHINGTON* originally from Rochester, NY, began his dance training at Dance 22. He graduated cum laude from the Conservatory at Point Park University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in dance. James was ranked Top Five for the 2012 International Chorography Competition at Giordano Jazz Dance World Congress. His Chorography credits also include: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Slippery Rock University, Cleveland School of the Arts, Houston Met Too Youth Company & Abby Lee Dance Company (Dance Moms, Lifetime TV). James was a founding member of the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble (“Top 25 to Watch” – 2012, Dance Magazine) under the direction of Greer Reed in Pittsburgh, PA. He is honored to be currently working with The Houston Met Dance Company in Houston, TX. Finally, James joined the Creative Team of “The Bench: Journey into Love” a musical dance spectacular as rehearsal and staging director alongside creator Keisha Lalama. The Show is in the stages of pre production for national commercial audiences.

MET Dance Center2808 Caroline@ Dennis

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Upcoming Events for MET Dance @Miller Outdoor Theatre:

May 1st, 201411AM

“Swing, Jive and Pop Into Dance”Miller Outdoor Theatre- FREE

June 4th, 201411AM

“Swing, Jive and Pop Into Dance”Miller Outdoor Theatre- FREE

June 6th, 20148:30AM

“Sizzling Summer Dance” PerformanceMiller Outdoor Theatre- FREE

HOUSTON MET DANCE COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHERS

SIDRA BELL is currently a Master Lecturer at the University of the Arts, was Adjunct at Barnard College, and has a degree in History from Yale and an MFA from Purchase College. She was awarded a 1st Prize for Choreography at the Solo Tanz Theater Festival in Stuttgart. She was awarded the Patricia Kerr Ross Award from NYFA. Her critically acclaimed choreography has been seen in the USA and in Denmark, France, Austria, Turkey, Germany, China, Canada, Aruba, Korea, Brazil and Greece. The Company was lauded in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s 2010 Best in Dance for ‘ReVUE’, and in the 2012 Year in Review in ArtsATL’s notable performances for ‘Nudity’. Bell has received many commissions from institutions internationally. Notably with BODYTRAFFIC, Ballet Austin, Sacramento Ballet, Juilliard, River North Chicago Dance Co., Ailey II, LEVYdance, Robert Moses’ KIN, LINES Ballet School, Uppercut Dansteater (DEN), Motto Dans Kolectif (TUR), Peridance Contemporary Dance Co., Tisch, University of Utah, August Wilson Dance Ensemble, Point Park University, University of Michigan, Ailey School, Barnard College, New York Live Arts, Dance Theater Workshop, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Tribeca PAC, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Springboard Danse Montréal, The Duo Theater, Purchase College, National Choreographer’s Initiative, Visceral Dance Co., University of the Arts, Five College Dance Department, and Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. She was commissioned as the choreographer for the feature film TEST set in San Francisco during the height of the AIDS crisis in 1985. Screenings: Seattle Film Festival, Frameline37 (SanFrancisco), Outfest (L.A.), and Lincoln Center’s NewFest. It was awarded two grand jury prizes from Outfest. Bell is a sought after master teacher and her alternative approach was featured in Dance Teacher Magazine and Dance Studio Life Magazine. She has taught her unique creative practice at major institutions throughout Canada, Europe, South America, and the United States.

LAUREN EDSON originally from Boise, Idaho began her training at Ballet Idaho Academy and Westside Dance Academy (OR). She continued her formal studies at North Carolina School of the Arts and The Juilliard School, under the direction of the late Benjamin Harkarvy. She most recently danced with the highly acclaimed Trey McIntyre Project located in Boise, ID and was featured in several of McIntyre’s works. Her past professional experiences include Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Bodyvox, Idaho Dance Theatre and Ballet Idaho. As a choreographer, she has won several awards and been commissioned by numerous companies and Universities throughout the nation. Her original choreography has appeared at Jacob’s Pillow’s Inside/Out Series, Ailey Citigroup Theatre, The Kennedy Center, On the Boards Seattle, Dance New Amsterdam and The McCallum Theatre. She is honored to have received several choreographic awards including: ‘Level

performed in works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Molly Lynch, Caleb Mitchell, and others. Prior to UCI, she performed with The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Palos Verdes Ballet. With the Houston Met, Cynthia has performed in works by Kate Skarpetowska, Caleb Mitchell, Kiki Lucas, Paola Georgudis, jhon r stronks, Pattie Obey, Jason Parsons, Jane Weiner, Erin Reck, Suzi Taylor, Larry Keigwin, Ricky Ruiz, Peter Chu, and Jason McDole. Additionally, she has performed at the APAP conference, The Dance Gallery Festival, Bayou City Arts Festival, the Texas Contemporary Dance Festival, and St. Louis Dance Festival. Cynthia is thrilled to be a part of The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company for her fourth season.

KERRY JACKSON is a native Houstonian started his professional training 6 years ago at the Houston Met Dance Center with the Met Too Youth Program. He has performed all around Houston and the United States and has received many astonishing awards such as a full scholarship to Point Park University International Summer Dance Program,

Millennium Dancer Award from West Coast Dance Explosion, Jazz in AZ Dance Scholarship and Most Outstanding Choreography Award at the 2008 Black History Festival. Kerry has performed and worked with many great choreographers with the Houston Met such as Larry Keigwin, Kiki Lucas, Kiesha Lalama, jhon r stronks Julie Fox, Jason McDole, Erin Reck, Jane Weiner, Peter Chu, Ricky Ruiz and Kate Skarpetowska. Both Jason and Kate featured Kerry in their most recent works on the Company. He has performed at Artopia, Bayou City Arts Festival, Grier School Gala, Texas A& M International University, Dance Gallery Houston, Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) in New York, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Barefoot Brigade, Spring into Dance and Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance series in Massachusetts. Kerry teaches, choreographs and volunteers throughout Houston. This is his fifth season with the Houston Met Dance Company.

MAX JONES is a native Houstonian. He has performed with Disney Entertainment internationally in Japan, as well as in Orlando, Florida. He completed two contracts at sea with Celebrity Cruise lines as the company’s Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer. He then worked in NYC for 2 years and performed in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in

2009 and 2010. While dancing with The Met, Max has had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Peter Chu, Kiki Lucas, Jason McDole, Erin Reck, and Jane Weiner this past season. He also was able to perform in the Barefoot Brigade Dance Festival in Dallas, Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis, and the Great Friends Dance Festival in Rhode Island. He is thrilled to be dancing with The Met for his second season.

Up’ Choreographer Dance Gallery Festival 2013, Winner Ballet Pensacola’s 2013 National Choreographic Competition, Audience Favorite Award, Milwaukee Ballet’s 2013 ‘Genesis’ International Choreographic Competition, Grand Prize Winner 2012 at The 15th Annual Dance Under the Stars Choreography Competition, Winner of the 2012 Great Works Dance Project Choreography Prize, Finalist The A.W.A.R.D. Show! 2011 and 2010 Seattle, affiliated with the Joyce Theatre, and Winner Northwest Dance Project’s 2009 ‘Pretty Creatives’ International Choreographic Competition. She has recently been named Artist in Residence at Mystic Ballet (CT) and her past commissions include: Northwest Dance Project (OR) Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (MI), East Carolina University (NC), Opera Idaho (ID) Polaris Dance Theatre (OR) Grand Valley State University (MI), Washington and Lee University (VA), Pacific University (OR), Idaho Dance Theatre (ID), Conduit: Charged (OR), Ten Tiny Dances (WA), Aerial Without Limits (OR), Portland Youth Ballet (OR), DROP Dance Collective (ID), Bellingham Repertory Dance (WA), Palanza Dance (CA), NW Fusion Dance Company (OR), Balance Dance Company (ID) and Coriolis Dance Collective (WA), to name a few.

ANDREA DAWN SHELLEY born in Miami, Florida received her classical ballet training from Magda G. Auñon and holds a BA in Dance Education from Florida International University. Andrea began her professional career with Southern Ballet Theatre and has since danced as a principal artist with Maximum Dance Company, Miami Contemporary Dance Company, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and State Street Ballet. Ms. Shelley currently dances as a principal artist and is the Co-Founding Associate Artistic Director of iMEE Dance Company. As a choreographer, Shelley has created original and (as well as) commissioned works for Ballet Florida, Miami Contemporary Dance Company, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, State Street Ballet, E.magine Dance Ensemble, O Dance, Ad Deum Dance Company, The Dance Gallery Festival, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Island Moving Co. and iMEE which have been presented in California, Florida, Texas, New York, Rhode Island & Italy. She has received numerous awards for her choreography; including the commissioning of a new work for The Dance Gallery Festival’s, Level UP in New York City, the nomination as a “Finalist” in the 15th Annual Choreography Festival in Palm Desert, CA and being awarded the Gold Medal for an ensemble work at the World Ballet Competition in Orlando, FL. Ms. Shelley has had the honor of serving as an annual preliminary panelist for the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts, youngArts program in Choreography, Ballet and Modern for the past five, consecutive years. She is also currently on staff as an Adjunct Dance Professor at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. www.imeedanceco.com

KIKI LUCAS, RESIDENT CHOREOGRPHER is also a senior dancer of the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company in Houston, TX. She is also the director of the Met Too Youth Company, jazz faculty at TUTS and teacher to many students in the Houston area. Kiki was named as one of the 100 creative people in Houston-by-Houston Press in 2012. Last

August Kiki’s work “Rebound” was selected to represent Houston Met at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Inside/Out series in Massachusetts. She gained her BA in Dance from Point Park University in 1999 and started her career in Los Angeles, CA before moving to TX. Since then, her teaching and performance career have expanded across the United States and more. She has recently returned from Argentina where she is a guest faculty/teacher for Congreso Internacional de musicales y operas, ViceVersa Studio and Act-n-Art in Buenos Aires. She has also taught workshops in Bogota, Manizales and Pereira Colombia. Teaching credits include: Broadway Dance Center (NYC), Point Park University, Point Park International Summer Dance Program (11th season), Grier School, Dance Masters Chapters #10 (PA), Hawaii Pacific University (HI), Acadiana Center for the Arts (LA), Michigan University (MI), Debbie Reynolds Studios, Dance Precisions, Millennium Studios (CA), Focal Point, IMDP and Dance Masters Spring Convention (FL), Dance Masters Chapter #44 (NC), Loudoun Ballet (Washington D.C), Alabama School of Fine Arts (AL), TDEA Convention, Collin County Community College, University of Houston, Ad Deum Dance Company, American Cancer Society, Texas A&M International University and Sam Houston State University (TX). Kiki’s choreography has been created and presented for the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, HMDC Met Too Youth Company, The Kennedy Center (ACDF National Gala), Point Park University (Pittsburgh Dance Connections Concert), Towson University (MD), University of Hartford (CT), Spotlight Awards, ESPN, Dance Precisions, San Diego State University, Los Angles Carnival Choreographer’s Ball (CA), Midwestern Arts Conference (IN), Steven Boyd Dance Ensemble, Dallas Morning News Festival, Fort Worth Dance Festival, Artopia, Bayou City Arts Festival (TX), Hawaii Pacific University (HI) and Miluzka Dance Studios in Colombia. Last season Kiki created works for University of Central Oklahoma (OK), RACE Dance Company (OK) and Erie Conservatory of Dance (PA). She will be creating work on Marygrove college of Detroit in this Fall.

CYNTHIA HARADA is originally from Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a BFA in Dance-Performance and a BA in sociology where she received extensive training in ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz from renowned faculty such as David Allan, Molly Lynch, Jodie Gates, Loretta Livingston, Donald McKayle, and

KATARZYNA SKARPETOWSKA started dancing at age 13 in her native city of Warsaw, Poland. Kate enrolled in the NYC High School of Performing Arts graduating in 1995 and then went on to study at the prestigious Juilliard School under the direction of Benjamin Harkarvy. After graduating with a BFA in Dance she immediately joined The Parsons Dance Company where from 1999 until 2006 she performed lead roles in the company’s repertory including the iconic CAUGHT. From 2006 until 2008, Kate was a guest member of The Battleworks Dance Company founded by her former colleague at Parsons Dance and the present artistic director of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Robert Battle. In 2007, she was one of two featured dancers during the Glimmerglass Opera Festival, and in 2008, she toured Italy with Why Be Extraordinary if You Can Be Yourself, a show by Daniel Ezralow. Since 2007, Kate has been working for The Lar Lubovitch Dance Company performing at many reputable venues such as New York City’s City Center, Washington DC’s Kennedy Center and Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater. Her own choreography has been performed by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater II, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Parsons Dance, Buglisi Dance Theater, Hubbard Street 2, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Patricia Kenny Dance Collection, and various universities around the country.

HOUSTON MET DANCE COMPANY COMPOSERS

DENNIS BELL, COMPOSER is a gold and platinum award-winning producer, arranger, composer, conductor and music educator. Graduate of the High School of Music & Art, NYU and CUNY Queens College (MA in Composition), Dennis has produced records by Doug E Fresh, Dave Valentin, New Voices of Freedom, U2, Lynette Washington and Touché, was musical director/ conductor of Jesus Christ Superstar, has written jingles for the Drakes, Hardees, Roy Rogers, and Nabisco companies. His modern dance scores have been performed at Sacramento Ballet, Ballet Austin, CCDT, River North Chicago Dance, University of Utah, University of California Irvine The Arts Umbrella, Yale University, LaGuardia HS of Music & Art , Perry Mansfield, Sidra Bell Dance NY and Ailey II. He has worked with Marcus Miller, Buddy Williams, Nick Brignola, Jimmy Owens, Dave Grusin, Buddy Morrow, Sal Salvador, Dave Valentin, Steve Jordan, U2, Lenny Kravitz, Celia Cruz, Billy Preston etc, performed and conducted in Carnegie and Alice Tully Halls, Madison Square Garden etc, appeared on the Joan Rivers Show, New York at Night, MTV VMA’s , music videos, and U2, Rattle and Hum. Dennis is CEO of City Slicker Productions, Mark of Aries Music (BMI) and record label GuavaJamm Entertainment. He is a long time Music Educator, winner of the 2012 ArtsWestchester Artist of the year award and is presently a Professor of Music and Music Technology at Mercy College.

HOUSTON MET DANCE COMPANYARTISTIC STAFF

MARLANA DOYLE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company is originally from Massachusetts and graduated from Point Park University in 2001 with a BA in Dance. Marlana has been dancing with the Houston Met for the past twelve years and was a major part of the Met’s reorganization in 2003. As the Artistic Director, she has tried to keep the diversity and versatility of the dancers and choreographers a part

of the overall artistic vision of the Company. She and the Company are members of Dance Source Houston, Association of Performing Arts Presenters and Dance USA. Marlana has represented the Houston Met Dance Company by attending both Annual Conferences for Arts Presenters and Dance USA as an Emerging Leader for the last five years. She just recently she was awarded the Dance USA Leadership Mentee Fellowship for the institute of training through Dance USA. She has also served on many grant and organizational panels for the Houston Arts Alliance. She has helped book National tours for the company in Boston, New York City, California, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Dallas and Louisiana. The company just finished performing to standing ovations at the Boston Cotemporary Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Inside/Out series this past August. As a dancer she has worked with many talented choreographers including Robert Battle, Larry Keigwin, Kate Skarpetowska, Jason Parsons, Salim Gaulwoos, Peter Chu, Charlotte Griffin, Nina Bussion, Caleb Mitchell, Jason McDole, Kiesha Lalama, jhon r stronks, Spencer Gavin Hering, Paola Georgudis , Julie Fox, Erin Reck, Jane Weiner, Kiki Lucas and Joe Celej. While directing the professional company is her main focus, Marlana also fills her time with directing Houston Met Too Youth Company, choreographing, teaching and judging in Houston and throughout the United States. She and her husband Ben welcomed their first daughter Olivia in June, 2013.

MICHELLE SMITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, has a background of over 24 years of ballet training, including the New York City Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Texas Christian University where she also performed at Summer Stock/Casa Manana Musical Playhouse, earning leading roles in “Grease” “Oklahoma,” and “Chicago”. After college, Michelle joined the Delia Stewart Dance Company, working first

as principal dancer and then as Manager of the Company and Director of the School. She established a children’s program and diversified the adults program that became the basis for the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center. She has taught children and adults for over 25 years, believing that dance creates self-esteem and discipline that overflow into everyday life.

Patron Level $250 - $499Marcela Arroyave, Robin & Sage Boliver-Carr, Martha Bourke

Deborah Brochstein, Teri & Dave Cano, Steven Derry, Bryan DoughertyEllen Efsic, Deborah Fainstein, Lakeya Johnson, David Lake, Paul Landen,

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& Vic Gayle, Isabelle George, Jill Gray, Judy Grosso, Hal Hawkins, Hayward Family Trust, Byronne Hearn, Patty Hernandez, Diana Hua, Hughes

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WALTER TURNER, III, COMPOSER is an accomplished musician and graduate of Berklee College of Music with a performance degree in drum set performance. As his career has developed he has ventured into many aspects of music, including composing. While working and performing in the LA area, Walter attended the dance recital of a fellow artist. He was so moved by the amalgam of music and modern dance, he composed his first piece for dance that very evening. Musiq4Movement was birthed out of the creativity and drive that Walter shares with dancers and choreographers, to create and express art through the fusion of inspired music and dance.

Welcome!

Welcome to MET Dance Company’s 18th Season and #womenfordance. I appreciate you for being here tonight to support the art of dance and MET Dance. I want to extend a “Thank you” to our supporters who have nurtured our growth. You are an important part of the establishment of our company and center as a nationally recognized dance organization.

The talent of these five female choreographers is truly extraordinary and each choreographer captures the emotion, energy and beauty that makes MET Dance so captivating to audiences. We have 2 world premieres in this concert by two well-respected female choreographers. First, The Essence by Kiki Lucas is a reactive reflection in three movements of the female path through history. The common male/female struggle is personified through references to the Bronte Sisters, The Vagina Monologues, Ginger Rodgers, Mae West and Lucille Ball and their definable roles in pushing social boundaries. “I hope that there is a moment that audiences can connect with the stage and find a small amount of validation that they are not alone in their own trials and tribulations. How we are remembered is only what we allow ourselves to be.” Also to debut is The Broken Column, referencing the acclaimed self- portrait of the same title, by Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Choreographed by Andrea Dawn Shelley, this sextet delves into the speculation and expression of the emotional torment and turbulence derived from Kahlo’s painting. Shelley examines the desperation and need for love through movement, music and gestures. Of her tribute work Shelley explains, “I want to educate and introduce Frida Kahlo, one of the most important twentieth-century artists of the Americas, to those who possibly do not know of her life and contributions to the art world”.

Special guests Island Moving Company will present three new works and MET dance will also show Under Your Skin, by choreographer Sidra Bell, After the Rain by Lauren Edson as well as Stand Back, by MET Dance frequent choreographer, Kate Skarpetowska. Please join the company and myself for a Meet and Greet onstage after the show!

Please sit back and relax and enjoy #womenfordance.

Yours in Dance-Marlana Doyle, Artistic Director

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PROGRAM ORDER

UNDER YOUR SKIN(2013)Choreographer: Sidra BellOriginal Music Composed and Performed by: Dennis Bell© 2013 Mark of Aries Music, BMIDancers: Mia Angelini, Marlana Doyle, Cynthia Harada, Patti Hogan, Kerry Jackson, Max Jones, Allie Kronick, Kiki Lucas, Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, James Washington*, Lisa Wolff

LEVITATIONIsland Moving CompanyChoreographer: Spencer Gavin HeringMusic: Lee Dorsey Dancers: Lauren Difede, Shane Farrell

THE BROKEN COLUMNWorld Premier Choreography by: Andrea Dawn ShelleyMusic: Kronos QuartetCostume Design & Execution: Andrea Dawn Shelley & Pam BuchananDancers: Marlana Doyle, Cynthia Harada, Max Jones, Allie Kronick, Terrill Mitchell, Lisa Wolff

“The Broken Column” by Frida Kahlo, 1944 “I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy to be alive as long as I can paint.” – Frida Kahlo

SUITED UPIsland Moving CompanyChoreographer: Spencer Gavin HeringMusic: Lee Dorsey, The Beagles ,Beans In My EarsDancers: Brooke DiFrancesco, Carol Tang, Lauren Difede, Glen Lewis, Shane Farrell

performed at Artopia, Bayou City Arts Festival, The Grier School Gala in PA, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) in NYC and the Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance series in Massachusetts, Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis and the Great Friends Dance Festival in Newport, RI. He currently teaches throughout the Houston Area. Noa is very excited to be in his fifth season with the Houston Met.

LISA WOLFF is a native Oklahoman and is in her seventh season with the company. Since moving to Houston, she has performed in Quirky Works, Mixing It Up, Squared Dancer, The Vessel, Weekend of Contemporary Dance, Dance USA’s Power of Movement, Grier Gala, Barefoot Brigade, Bayou City Arts Festival, Artopia, Dance Gallery Houston, Association

of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) in New York, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance series in Massachusetts, Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis and the Great Friends Dance Festival in Newport, RI. She has also had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Peter Chu, Larry Keigwin, Kate Skarpetowska, Jason Parsons, Kiesha Lalama, Jason McDole, Salim Gauwloos, Suzi Taylor, Caleb Mitchell, Eddy Ocampo, Kiki Lucas, jhon r stronks, Spencer Gavin Hering, Paola Georgudis, Jane Weiner, Erin Reck and Joe Celej. Lisa has choreographed for the Houston Met Too Youth Company in 2011. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma City University in Performing Arts and toured with the American Spirit Dance Company domestically and internationally. She has also performed multiple seasons at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, and toured with them to Las Vegas. In 2005 and 2006 Lisa performed throughout the eastern Caribbean for Stiletto Entertainment aboard the Zuiderdam, a Holland America cruise ship.

MIA ANGELINI, APPRENTICE, is originally from Jefferson, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Point Park University with a BFA in Dance. While at Point Park, she performed works by choreographers such as, Doug Varone, Kiesha Lalama, Sidra Bell, Garfield Lemonius, and Kellie Hodges. She also had the opportunity to perform in the International Choreography

Competition as a part of the Jazz Dance World Congress. This past season with the Met, she performed works by Kiki Lucas, Peter Chu, Kate Skarpetowska, Larry Keigwin, Jason Parsons, and Jane Weiner. Mia also performed at the Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis, as well as the Great Friends Dance Festival in Rhode Island. This is her second season as a part of the Houston Met Dance Company.

AFTER THE RAIN(2013)Choreographer: Lauren EdsonMusic: Max RictherDancers: Mia Angelini, Cynthia Harada, Kerry Jackson, Max Jones, Allie Kronick, Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, Lisa Wolff

INTERMISSION 20 minutesTHE ESSENCE“How we are remembered is only what we allow ourselves to be.” – Kiki Lucas

World PremierChoreographer: Kiki LucasComposed by Walter J. Turner, IIIDancers: Mia Angelini, Marlana Doyle, Cynthia Harada, Patti Hogan, Kerry Jackson, Max Jones, Allie Kronick, Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, Lisa Wolff

A TELLATION OF BEAUTY AND LIGHT Island Moving CompanyChoreography: Miki Ohlsen Music: Philip Glass, Company III, IV, I, Zoe Keating, Escape ArtistDuet I: Brooke Difrancesco, Jose GonzalezDuet II: Christine Sandorfi,Glen LewisDuet III: Carol Tang, Jose GonzalezLast Movement: Brooke Difrancesco, Carol Tang, Christine Sandorfi,Katie Moorehead, Glen Lewis, Jose Gonzalez

STAND BACK(2002)Choreography by Kate SkarpetowskaMusic by Nador Weisz Costumes by Mia McSwainOriginally Commissioned by Hubbard Street 2Marlana Doyle, Cynthia Harada, Kerry Jackson, Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, Lisa Wolff

Please join MET Dance for the Meet and Greet onstage after the show!

ALLIE KRONICK graduated magna cum laude from Point Park University with a BA in Jazz and Modern Dance Performance. She has been seen at the American College Dance Festival, NewMoves Contemporary Dance Festival, and Synthesis Dance Project in New York. Allie is in her fourth season with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, with whom

she has performed works by Peter Chu, Larry Keigwin, Jason McDole, Kate Skarpetowska, Joe Celej, Caleb Mitchell, Jason Parsons, jhon r stronks, Erin Reck, Jane Weiner and Kiki Lucas. Other credits include Artopia, Bayou City Arts Festival, Texas Contemporary Dance Festival, Dance Gallery Houston, The Grier School Gala in Pennsylvania, Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) in NYC, Barefoot Brigade in Dallas, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out in Massachusetts, Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis and the Great Friends Dance Festival in Newport, RI. Additionally, Allie teaches and choreographs throughout the Houston area.

TERRILL MITCHELL is originally from Morgantown, WV and is an alumnus of Point Park University with a B.A. in Dance. He has worked with companies such as Attack Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, West Virginia Public Theatre as well as the Playhouse Dance Company. Since joining the Houston MET he has performed works from choreographers such as:

Caleb Mitchell, Jason Parsons, Spencer Gavin Hering, Erin Reck, Joe Celej, jhon r stronks, Kiesha Lalama, Peter Chu, Salim Gauwloos, Jason McDole, Kiki Lucas, Kate Skarpetowska and Larry Keigwin. He has performed at venues such as The Dance Gallery Festival, Bayou City Arts Festival, Artopia, Texas Contemporary Dance Festival, APAP Conference in NYC, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Bearfoot Bridgade and Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance series in Massachusetts. He is currently the assistant for the MET TOO youth company. Additionally, he is the Company Director for Elite Dance Academy, as well as teaches and choreographs for various dance studios, dance teams, and youth companies around the US. This is his sixth season with the Met.

NOA TUMPKIN received his formal dance training at Grand Valley State University receiving his BA in Dance Performance. Noa has performed with the Detroit Shock and Automotion Dance teams, Columbia City Ballet, Lexington Ballet, Washington Reflections Dance Company as well as Lucy Bowen McCauley Dance Company in Arlington

VA. With the Met, he has performed works by Kiki Lucas, Larry Keigwin, Kate Skarpetowska, Peter Chu, Jane Weiner, jhon r stronks, Spencer Gavin Hering, Kiesha Lalama, Jason McDole, Julie Fox, and Ricky Ruiz. Noa has

ISLAND MOVING COMPANY ARTISTIC STAFF

MIKI OHLSEN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of Island Movning Company since it’s inception in 1982. She studied with Herci & Myles Marsden in Rhode Island and graduated from the Fine Arts Academy in Amsterdam, Holland. After performing with DANSGROEP KRISTINA de CHATEL for several seasons, Miki returned to RI and founded the Newport Academy of Ballet, home of the Island Moving Co. As Artistic Director, she has promoted the work of young choreographers and encouraged and enabled collaboration between disciplines. Miki has directed five projects for Meet the Composer and created works in collaboration with poets, musicians, actors and visual artists. In her tenure at IMC she has commissioned over 30 new works for the company, among them dances by Colin Connor, Scott Putman, Joe Celej, Mark Harootian and Spencer Gavin-Hering. She has been instrumental in developing the team building and leadership workshops that are presented for renowned graduate programs throughout the Northeast. She also led the creative team that designed the residency programs that are now presented in schools from Mass. to Palm Beach Fla. Miki has choreographed over 30 works for the company, including the NY Times critically acclaimed Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff and her signature Dracula for Belcourt Castle.

SPENCER GAVIN HERING, ASSOCIATE ARTSTIC DIRECTOR born in Munich, Germany, is the son of two professional ballet dancers. At the age of 16, Spencer began training with his mother Cecilia Hering and continued his training at Pacific Northwest Ballet School / Professional Division. He has danced professionally, performing nationally and internationally with dance companies: Ballet Pacifica, Maximum Dance Company/Ballet Gamonet, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, Miami Contemporary Dance Company, State Street Ballet and iMEE (infinite Movement Ever Evolving) Dance Company of which he Co-Founded with his wife, Andrea Dawn Shelley in 2009. His repertory includes principal roles by acclaimed choreographers that are both current and iconic. As a choreographer Mr. Hering has created new works for many professional dance companies in the United States to rave reviews. “Hering’s, bold use of dynamic fluidity and constant juxtaposition of body parts make his work consistently exciting. This undying movement paired with a distinct classicism drew connections to the work of Jiri Kylian or William Forsythe, where the lower body serves as this virtuosic playground for the upper body to float on top of.” – Tara Sheena, Dance Informa, New York. Mr. Hering is excited to represent Island Moving Co. (IMC) both, as a dancer and Associate Artistic Director for the 2013-2014 season.

Foundation, Corporate and Individual Sponsors who have contributed to our Building, Community Outreach, Scholarship Program, and General

OperationsThe Houston EndowmentThe Fondren Foundation

The Herzstein Foundation ExxonMobil FoundationKinder Morgan Knox Foundation Meadows Foundation

Silver Eagle DistributorsThe Miller Theatre Advisory Board

Balfour BeattyGraves Mechanical Harlequin Floors JCS Furniture

Highrise Electrical Karsten Interior RM ServicesBen Doyle – Runaway Productions

The Athlete Stop BP Fabric of AmericaBright Star Conoco Phillips El Paso Corporation ExxonMobil

Greater Houston Community FoundationHouston Downtown Alliance Johnson & Johnson

KPMG Lincoln Financial MerkRandalls Reliant NRG River Oaks Bank

Safeway Spectrum PaintingSpencer’s Steakhouse Waste Management

IndividualsGold Level $2,500 - $4,999+

Bob Albrecht, Jennifer & Tony Bohnert, Kevin Fulton, Galatas Family

Cecilia & Lawrence Morris, Anne & Harry Skupin, Patrick Stanley Adam Walker, Walker Family, Linda & Stephen Walsh

Silver Level $1,000 - $2,499Anne Aziz, Traci Bocock, Amber Burks, Cagle Family

Shirley Colona, Cominsky Family, Cecil C. Conner & David Grover, Bobbie & Earl Doyle, Kathryn Espana, Jennifer Gadd-Edwards

Susan Figeac, Doris Karel, Kronick Family, Rebecca & Matt Marcontell, Nunn Family, Judy Nyquist, Brian Royo

Bronze Level $500 - $999Michele Beffer, Boatner Family, Karen Bradshaw, Melanie Breedlove

Ronnye Cowell, Mainster, Manzo Family, George McLendon, Janis Mecklenburg, Tidwell Family,

Marcella & Emma Wilson, Bernadette Wolff

BROOKE DIFRANCESCO received her formal ballet training at Brae Crest School of Ballet, the official school of the State Ballet of Rhode Island. While dancing at Brae Crest, Brooke was a company member with SBRI from 1999 to the spring of 2010. She trained intensively at the Boston Ballet School her senior year of high school. Brooke has spent many summers training at well-regarded summer programs such as Boston Ballet, ABT, SAB and Miami City Ballet. In the summer of 2009 Brooke began dancing with Island Moving Co., where she is currently a company member. Brooke has also appeared with Spindle City Ballet in Fall River.

LAUREN DIFEDE began dancing at 8 and graduated from the dance department at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX. She then worked with Dominic Walsh Dance Theater as an Apprentice Dancer and shortly thereafter received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. From 2005- 2012 Lauren studied and performed with Revolve Dance Company. In 2012 she participated in The Nederlands Dans Theater’s Summer Intensive and in 2013 had the privilege to take her dancing overseas, attending workshops and classes throughout Europe. This is Lauren’s first year with IMC.

SHANE FARRELL is a native of Rhode Island and his dancing has taken him to such places as New York City all the way to Los Angeles, CA. At the age of seven he began taking acrobatics classes and eventually furthered his training in all areas of dance. Shane has trained with the Brae Crest School of Classical Ballet and has danced with the State Ballet of Rhode Island where he had the opportunity to perform in such ballets as Coppelia, Walpurgis Night, The Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle. His television and film credits include MTV, FOX, and Stage 6 Films Hachi.

JOSE EDWIN GONZALEZ AMAYA was born in Cali, Colombia, where he started his ballet studies at age of eight at INCOLBALLET. After graduation, he began to dance with Ballet de Cali. In 2002, he joined ballet Contemporaneo de Caracas, under the direction of Maria Barrios. In 2005, he danced as a principal dancer with Ballet Teresa Carreño. After, he joined Tulsa Ballet. In 2007, Mr. Gonzalez joined the cast of the Colombian Classical Ballet. In 2009, he joined State Street Ballet as a principal dancer. In 2011, he joined the cast of Neos Dance Theatre. Most recently, Mr. Gonzalez danced with Charleston Ballet Theatre.

With the help of donations, the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company continues to strive to enhance the quality of life for individuals and our community. We greatly appreciate our supporters who have brought us to a point where local as well as national dance communities recognize the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company and Center.

We thank those that have made this performance happen

HOUSTON METROPOLITAN DANCE CENTER, INC.

Executive Director –Michelle SmithArtistic Director –Marlana Doyle

Resident Choreographer – Kiki Lucas Development Director – Rebecca Skupin Marcontell

Met Too Directors –Marlana Doyle, Kiki LucasAssistant- Terrill Mitchell

Lighting Designer – Kris PhelpsProduction Manager – Rebecca Skupin Marcontell

Stage Manager – Natasha ManleyCostumer – Pam Buchanan

Videographer/Photographer – Ben Doyle – Runaway Productions

Company Faculty and Guest Teachers Bobby Amamizu, Elisa Clark, Lauren Garson, Oliver Halkowich,

Jess Hendricks, Courtney Jones, Lindsay McGill, Priscilla Nathan-Murphy, Kendra Skipworth, Leslie Scates, jhon stronks

Houston Metropolitan Dance CompanyCynthia Harada, Kerry Jackson, Max Jones, Allie Kronick,

Terrill Mitchell, Noa Tumpkin, Lisa Wolff

ApprenticeMia Angelini, Patti Hogan

Board of DirectorsPresident – Adam Nelson Walker

Vice President – Janis Hansen MecklenburgTreasurer – Cecilia Winters-Morris

Marcela Arroyave, Bryan Dougherty, Kevin Fulton, Diana Hua,Martin Pepper, Hamid Refai, Kristen Ryan, Michelle Smith, Patrick Stanley

Advisors: Judy Nyquist, Larry A. Margolis, Tameka Ramsey,Jennifer Gadd-Edwards, Kimberly Hollard

Artistic Advisors: Joe Celej , Ben Doyle, Kiki Lucas, Pattie Obey, jhon r. stronks

GLEN LEWIS received his BFA in Dance and Choreography in 2009 from Virginia Commonwealth University. While at VCU, Glen studied with Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Miguel Gutierrez, and Robert Battle and was awarded Outstanding Choreographer of 2009. After graduation and a tour in Europe, he became a trainee with Richmond Ballet. During the first year of his traineeship, Glen became a member of the Island Moving Company. Glen is in his third season with the company. In addition to working with IMC, Glen is working with Ian Colless, artistic director of Untitled Collective, a contemporary dance company in New York City.

KATIE MOORHEAD trained at OCD and at 13 performed in Robert LaFrosse’s Nutcracker with Russian Ballet Theater. She danced with FSBT and graduated with honors from the Kirov Academy of Ballet. At ABTF, she received an Honorable Merit Diploma from St. Petersburg and worked with Vladimir Issaev, Alla Osipenko and Tatyana Terekhova. She’s toured to Australia, Denmark, Italy, and Poland. In NYC, she worked with companies including American Repertory Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, BSCDT and independent choreographers. She’s taught at the Alvin Ailey Extension Program and is a GYROTONIC®, Gyrokineses® instructor. She’s staged work as Rehearsal Director for Untitled-Collective. Katie is thrilled to join IMC this season.

CHRISTINE SANDORFI is originally from Port Jefferson, NY where she began her training with Harbor Ballet Theatre. She holds a BFA in Ballet Performance from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. She danced as a soloist with Kentucky Ballet Theatre for four years where she was featured in Dracula, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Saerpil, and The Wizard of Oz. Christine is currently in her eighth season with the Island Moving Company, where she has been happy to be able to work as a choreographer as well as a dancer.

CAROL TANG a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. At ten, she started her classical training at Cincinnati Ballet. At 16, she was asked to become a trainee under the direction of Victoria Morgan. She performed with the company in well-known ballets such as, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. She has worked closely with Irina Kolpakova, Jiang Qi, Dierdre Carberry, Devon Carney, Maria Caligari, Xing Li li, Ka-ron Lehman, and Suzette Boyer Webb. She is a scholarship graduate with a BFA in ballet performance from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. This is Carol’s third season with Island Moving Co.

PATTI HOGAN, APPRENTICE, began her dance training in Massachusetts. then continued her training at Point Park University, where she recently graduated and received her B.A. in dance. Throughout her college career, Patti had the opportunity to train under numerous talented professionals and perform pieces and shows choreographed by

choreographers such as Kristofer Weinstein Storey, Doug Bentz, Ron Hutson, and many of her talented peers. She also got the chance to perform in Tracie Stanfield’s Synthesis Project with Xhale Dance Company last summer in New York City. Patti is currently a dancer with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. Since being with the Houston Met, she has had the opportunity to work with Jane Weiner, Ricky Ruiz, and Peter Chu. One highlight of Patti’s first season dancing with The Met was being fortunate enough to be a part of “The Vessel,” a production choreographed by Kiki Lucas. Most recently, she travelled to Newport, Rhode Island with the Company to participate in The Great Friends Dance Festival. At this festival she had the opportunity to perform work choreographed by Kiki Lucas, Larry Keigwin, and Kate Skarpetowska. Patti could not be any more excited for her second season dancing with The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company.

HOUSTON MET DANCE COMPANY GUEST ARTIST

JAMES A. WASHINGTON* originally from Rochester, NY, began his dance training at Dance 22. He graduated cum laude from the Conservatory at Point Park University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in dance. James was ranked Top Five for the 2012 International Chorography Competition at Giordano Jazz Dance World Congress. His Chorography credits also include: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Slippery Rock University, Cleveland School of the Arts, Houston Met Too Youth Company & Abby Lee Dance Company (Dance Moms, Lifetime TV). James was a founding member of the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble (“Top 25 to Watch” – 2012, Dance Magazine) under the direction of Greer Reed in Pittsburgh, PA. He is honored to be currently working with The Houston Met Dance Company in Houston, TX. Finally, James joined the Creative Team of “The Bench: Journey into Love” a musical dance spectacular as rehearsal and staging director alongside creator Keisha Lalama. The Show is in the stages of pre production for national commercial audiences.

MET Dance Center2808 Caroline@ Dennis

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Upcoming Events for MET Dance @Miller Outdoor Theatre:

May 1st, 201411AM

“Swing, Jive and Pop Into Dance”Miller Outdoor Theatre- FREE

June 4th, 201411AM

“Swing, Jive and Pop Into Dance”Miller Outdoor Theatre- FREE

June 6th, 20148:30AM

“Sizzling Summer Dance” PerformanceMiller Outdoor Theatre- FREE

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