Alexandra Bruzzese
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
I graduated from high school in May of 2007 and am now a freshman at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. I’m majoring in Italian and am considering a double major or a minor with Spanish. The dance program at Holy Cross isn’t great, so unfortunately I’m currently not dancing but have returned to the studio over Christmas break to take classes.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
I loved learning new choreography, especially Madeline, Classique, and Angels in Flight. It was always so exciting to be taught something new, to listen to new music, to see Mrs. McAuliffe’s vision really come to life. I also loved the community at RIBT – I made some really wonderful friends there and the company felt like a big family.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
I learned that so much goes into dancing than just executing the steps – your state of mind, facial expressions, stage presence etc. really make a difference when performing.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
Even if you’re not dancing or participating in a piece, it always pays to be observant and watch the other dancers – learn what to do in your own dancing and what not to do, and listen carefully to Mrs. McAuliffe’s corrections. It’s an easy way to improve your own technique
Anything else you would like to add?
I hope all of the RIBT dancers relish their time in the company and make the most of it!
Crystal Lamarche
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
I got married in Santorini, Greece last October (that’s where the photo is from, the Acropolis). I still work in the pharmaceutical industry. I love knitting and all sorts of crafting. My husband and I have been working hard to improve our home. I teach at Dance Unlimited, Dance Artistry, and Seaside Dance and Gymnastics. I have choreographed some competition pieces, taught classes, and cleaned competition numbers.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
My fondest memory was performing in the local schools. It seemed to bring so much joy to the children and perhaps interest them in dance.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
I learned that even when you are sick or tired, the show must go on. That if you work hard you will pull through and become what you want to be.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
My advice for young dancers today is to stick with dance. It will help you be a disciplined individual. Dance can be a wonderful escape. You will grow, learn, develop and make lasting friend ships all through the beautiful art form we call dance.
Erin Gildea
What have you been up to since RIbt? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
After RIbt, I was a member of the junior company at Festival Ballet Providence for two years. The highlight there for me was dancing the role of Clara in the Nutcracker. In July of 03, I auditioned and was accepted as a full time boarding student at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in Manitoba, Canada. I graduated from the University of Winnipeg’s Collegiate High School and was accepted to Butler University’s Jordan College of Fine Arts in Indianapolis, IN. I am currently a senior Dance Pedagogy Major. I am a member of Butler Ballet, which performs three major productions per year in addition to several studio performances. This past December, I danced the role of the Snow Queen in the Butler Production and guested at Ballet Arkansas in the role of the Dew Drop Fairy. In February of 08 I performed in Cloven Kingdom with Butler Ballet, a Paul Taylor piece, which I really enjoyed. A highlight of my college education was participating in two summer programs studying ballet in St.Petersburg, Russia and attended multiple ballet performances at the Mariinsky Theatre. This summer I will be studying dance, touring and performing in Panama and Costa Rica with a small group from Butler Ballet. After that, I will attend the summer program at Orlando Ballet for five weeks where I will also be employed as a Resident Assistant. I plan to graduate from Butler in December of 08 and start to audition immediately. Wish me luck!
What is your fondest memory of RIbt?
In addition to the amazing performance opportunities as a member of RIbt and the close friendships I made, one highlight for me would be the trips we made to Toronto to see the National Ballet of Canada perform and actually get a chance to meet principal dancer, Greta Hodgkinson. It was during these trips that I truly realized that all of the hard work and dedication in the studio could result in a career as a professional ballet dancer.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIbt experience?
First and foremost I learned the value of professionalism which I try carry through to all aspects of my dance training.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIbt today?
Don’t get discouraged. It is not ever going to be easy but things that are worth it never are. I had a lot of struggles learning but I tried to be patient and continue to focus on my goals. If this is something that you really want, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.
Anything else you would like to add?
I want to thank Nancy so much for all of the instruction, patience, and life lessons that she instilled in me from the time I was six years old. She is an amazing person who has dedicated herself to touching the lives of so many young dancers and passing on the passion for the art of ballet.
Heather McNamee
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
Since RIbt, I am in my 12th year as owner and artistic director of Dance Rhode Island in Scituate, RI. I attend dance conventions in RI and Mass. I am also a member of dance alliance of RI, Professional Dance Teachers Association, Dance Masters of America, and Dance Educators of America. Also, in August, I got married to Donti Rosciti.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
My fondest memory of RIbt is all the shows we did. It was such a thrill to perform.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
The lesson I learned was how to be a better teacher because of Mrs. McAuliffe. She expects a lot from her dancers and asks for only their best. No matter how old the dancer; everyone was expected to follow the rules of the company. I admire Nancy for all she has done for RIbt.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
I would advise young dancers to appreciate and value the excellent ballet technique and training that RIbt provides.
Magdalena Laws
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
Since I left RIBT, and moved down to South Carolina, I have been attending a private Christian high school, and am now in my sophomore year. School is the most important priority in my life right now, but I am studying the piano and plan to enter several competitions this coming year. I am also part of a girls choir with teenage ladies from all the different schools around Columbia. Although I have not found a dance studio yet, I am planning to use my talent by participating in some upcoming theater productions.
What is your fondest memory of RIbt?
My fondest memory of RIbt is the performances. All the company members worked so hard to get ready for the big night, and as much fun as the preparations were, nothing made me feel more accomplished than nailing a show. I remember getting so nervous, but when the I stepped out onto the stage, all my fears went away and I just danced. I loved it!
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
I learned so many things from Rhode Island Ballet Theater. Being a home-schooled child, it was my social life, and I learned how to take directions from someone other than my mother. I also learned the meaning of hard work. I knew that if I wanted a part, I was going to have to work hard to get it, and then keep on working hard to prove that I deserved it.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIbt today?
My advice to all the younger dancers is to try your best and work hard at everything, whether it’s a role in a ballet or a grade on a test. Also, take advantage of that fact that you have a company like RIBT near you. Ever since I moved from Rhode Island, I have searched for a dance company just like RIBT, and I’m convinced that I will never find anything to replace it. You all are very lucky to have something like RIbt.
Monique Teves
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
After leaving Rhode Island’s ballet theatre I intended to continue dancing, but instead decided to explore my interest in some of the other fine arts that dancing had helped to pique. Since RIbt, I earned my high school diploma at Tiverton High School with a 4.017 GPA. There I served in several leadership roles, including Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, President of Drama Club (also choreographer for several shows), and Chorus Vice-President. I participated in RI All-State Chorus for two years and received a RI All-State Theatre Outstanding Actor award. I then went to Providence College on an academic scholarship where I served as a Resident Assistant and co-founded the PC chapter of the national political organization Democracy Matters. I also pursued my interest in creative writing and was awarded first place for verse poetry in the PC Student Poetry & Fiction contest. In 2007, I graduated summa cum laude and earned a BA in Music Education with a concentration in Voice (mezzo-soprano). While there I sang in several select ensembles, including the Providence College Touring Choir. In May 2007, we toured St. Petersburg and Moscow as cultural ambassadors in the 200-year anniversary of Russia-US relations. I am currently the middle school choral director and an elementary general music teacher in the public school system of Stoughton, Massachusetts.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
My fondest memories of RIbt are the performances and master classes. Though now a vocalist, my first experience with performance art was through dancing.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
Some lessons I learned from my RIbt experience include the importance of teamwork. This has been essential in my participation in and conducting of choirs, where teamwork is also necessary to create art. It also helped me to understand the impact a fine-arts education can have on shaping the character of a young person.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
I would tell the young dancers of RIbt today to continue to follow their passions and take the time to explore all of their interests, wherever they may lead.
Sarah Medeiros
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
Since I left RIbt I danced in the Jr. Company at Festival Ballet Providence and went on to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from UMass Amherst which I just completed in May 2007. This past summer I spent working at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, PA. I am still dancing and going through the audition process, and I also teach dance at a few different schools throughout the area and travel to Wilkes Barre, PA to teach master classes at Ballet Northeast and Wilkes University.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
My fondest memories of RIbt were all of the wonderful performance opportunities that we had a chance to participate in as company members. My memories at RIBT remain to this day some of my fondest memories of my dance career.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
I can’t begin to describe all the ways in which RIbt built my foundation for technique and the love of dance. Being a part of the company was such a valuable experience in so many ways. I think the most valuable lessons I learned were about not only working and growing as an individual dancer, but as a group, time management, and learning the difference between what makes a good dancer, and what makes an outstanding dancer. I never learned as much about being a good performer as I learned from my dance experience at RIbt because it was so heavily emphasized.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
You are so lucky to have a youth ballet company of this caliber at your fingertips. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes along with being a part of a company like this. In particular: weekly class, masters classes, guest choreographers, and performance opportunities. The faculty and board work very hard to provide you with wonderful opportunities and memories that you will never forget. Take in everything you can, and be sure to watch your peers. Work to the best of your ability and always give 110% every time you go into the studio. Your dedication will pay off. Don’t forget to enjoy every minute of it, it goes by very fast!
Cheryl Cusick
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
Since ending my wonderful experience with RIBT, I’ve kept very busy with my two children Gian (10) and Nico (7)! I’m currently studying to become a nutritionist, while managing my own health & wellness business: TOTAL HEALTH.
2008 also marks my 17th year as the Artistic Director of Narragansett Performing Arts!
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
There are many fond memories of my time with RIBT , yet I have to say that squeezing on a TuTu again, after having my first son, MUST the fondest!!
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
The time I spent with RIBT certainly served as reinforcement, and reminded me of the reasons I had always enjoyed being a dancer. It also allowed me to become the student again .. not just the teacher, and that was a very valuable experience for me.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
My advice for students today is to acknowledge that the challenge of demanding such a level of discipline from yourself can be difficult, but the rewards of reaching beyond your potential now, will benefit you for years to come.
Anything else you would like to add?
In closing, I wish many years of continued success to RIBT, it’s Directors, alumni and future dancers!
Crystal Rose
What have you been up to since RIbt? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
Since Rhode Island’ ballet theatre, I have still been pursuing my dance career. I started training with Off the Curb, a hip hop dance troupe based out of Newport, RI. With Off the Curb I was given the opportunity to travel & perform up and down the east coast. I’ve been dancing with them since 2002. I also teach dance classes in hip-hop, ballet, tap, & jazz. Aside from dancing, on November 13, 2006 I gave birth to a baby girl, Xiomara Alimae Rodriguez. She’s already following in my footsteps as a dancer!
What is your fondest memory of RIbt?
My fondest memory of RIbt would be the performances that we did. There were so many, and all of them were so exciting. Being on stage, under the lights, & in front of the crowd is one of the best feelings in the world. There is nothing else like it!
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIbt experience?
Through RIbt I learned how to be a member of a group, and work well with others. I also learned how to cope with rejection, & how to better myself as a dancer. (ex. not getting a part I wanted, what I would need to work on).
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIbt today?
I suggest practicing in and out of your classes. You can only improve from practicing. If you have a goal, never stop trying to reach it. If you want something, and you believe you can do it… you can! Never give up on yourself, be your own cheerleader!
Go to auditions even if it’s just for the experience (ex. summer dance camps).
Try different styles of dance. Everyone loves a well rounded dancer. If you plan on furthering your career you will most likely need to know more than one style. Ask what you can do to improve, everyone can use improvement!
Francesca Bruzzese
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
Since leaving the company last year, I’ve been a college freshman at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, where I’m majoring in Italian. I am still taking a ballet course for credit here at HC.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
My fondest memory is probably the first night we premiered Madeline; we had rehearsed for so long and the show ended up going very smoothly. It was so rewarding to hear the audience’s reactions both while we were onstage and later when we were off stage; the fact that it was such a fun role to play (i.e lots of acting) probably also had something to do with this. I also really enjoyed the premiere of Angels in Flight; it’s such a beautiful, poignant piece, and I felt very lucky to be a part of it.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
Don’t take anything too personally and keep pushing yourself to be better.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
Again, don’t take anything too personally and don’t let yourself get too nervous before a show; also, if you don’t get the casting you want this time, there’s always a next time.
Anything else you would like to add?
After spending 10 years in the company, it’s really weird to not be a member or even take classes at the studio–I met so many great people and really learned a lot about not only ballet but also myself while I was a member.
Kathryn McLaughlin
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
I am teaching dance part time in Manhattan and pursuing a grad degree in elementary education. I am also a yoga enthusiast and teach children yoga as well.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
Performances and going to classes were always the highlight of my week.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
I learned hard work and dedication to your art as a member of RIbt.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
I would advise young dancers to continue dancing if they feel passionate about ballet.
Marcia Newbert
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
I just finished my sophomore year at The George Washington University in DC, where I am majoring in Political Communication and minoring in Journalism. I am a tour guide for the University, interned in the Executive Office of the President for the past academic year, and am extremely involved in Balance: The GW Ballet Group.
Balance is an entirely student-run organization that offers classes from the beginner to the advanced level, produces an annual Nutcracker and spring show for sold out audiences, and sponsors trips to the Kennedy Center to see visiting ballet companies. Balance is my new RIbt. I auditioned and was cast as the Dew Drop Fairy in the Nutcracker during my freshman year. This past year, I was cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy and performed the full Balanchine pas de deux. It was the most challenging performance of my life- think flying shoulder sits- and I can honestly say that I had stage fright. I co-produced the spring show last semester and have an entirely new appreciation for Artistic Directors. The spring show had a cast of 60 dancers and featured 25 pieces of student choreography. I danced in five pieces, choreographed one, and was responsible for everything from the audition and casting process to making the weekly rehearsal schedule, drafting the programs, and advertising the show. I occasionally teach classes for Balance and I am the Public Relations Director on the organization’s Executive Board for 2008-2009.
Additionally, I proposed a ballet-themed “living and learning cohort” (LLC) for the 2008-2009 academic year. An LLC is an exclusive and competitive living option at GW in which students live together to further academic goals. Five friends and I- all dancers- beat out many other proposals and were granted housing in a town house for next year with our proposed LLC “To the Pointe.” We plan to teach ballet in a public elementary school in the Howard-Shaw neighborhood of DC, sponsor ballet movie and healthy eating nights at the house, and host dance clothing drives for a ballet school in Rio de Janeiro where a Balance alumna now works. GW has given us a budget to accomplish these goals and is even considering converting our house’s basement into an in-home dance studio.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
Growing up. I went from the very youngest member to the very oldest and only remaining founding member. I had amazing role models and then I got to be the role model. I had the corps de ballet roles and then the leading roles. Of course I loved the photo shoots, the premiers, and the cast parties, but looking back now, it is the progress I made and the growing I did that means the most to me.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
You’re only as good as you allow yourself to be. Work hard and you’ll succeed.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
Pay attention. Learn choreography you don’t even have to know because you’ll probably be performing it five years down the road.
Anything else you would like to add?
I just wish I could give them some perspective- like, Hey! I made it through. I went to my proms and a couple of football games, but I sacrificed quite a few mixers and parties to be at rehearsal. And I think I’m better for it. Those things seem so important at the time, but even just two years down the road, I shrug my shoulders at them. Life before college kind of gets erased once you get there and nobody cares whether or not you partied hard every Friday night. In fact, you get more respect for saying that you dedicated your time to something and succeeded at it. Some things are more important in the long run and I don’t regret any of my Friday nights in the ballet studio.
Nellie Rainwater
What have you been up to since RIBT? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
I danced with RIbt through high school and then went to St. Olaf College in Minnesota where I double majored in Dance and English. After graduating, I took a couple of years off from dancing to teach English in Korea. I now live in Washington, D.C. where I am a dancer in Jane Franklin Dance, a modern dance company based in Arlington, VA. With the company, I’ve been able to perform at many venues including the Kennedy Center in DC and the Charlotte Dance Festival in North Carolina. This year, I will be developing choreography for Next Reflex Dance Collective, a new modern dance company based in Fairfax, VA. I will also be performing with BosmaDance in collaboration with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. In addition, I teach ballet, modern dance, and creative movement classes at several locations in the DC metro area.
What is your fondest memory of RIBT?
I loved many of the ballets we performed: “The Debut”, “Here, There, Everywhere”, “Saltimbanco”, “Tarantella”, “Witches of Eastwick”. I enjoyed the variety and creativity of the ballets we performed.
Another great memory I have is of going to the New England Dance Expo. It was great to take master classes and bond with my fellow dancers.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIBT experience?
Dancing with RIBT gave me very valuable performance experience. Transforming the technique you learn in class into something interesting to watch onstage takes practice. RIbt definitely helped me develop my stage presence and performance quality.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIBT today?
Enjoy yourself! And work hard! Having a goal and pursuing it wholeheartedly can produce unexpected results. I am still continually trying to grow as a dancer. I think it also helps to watch other dancers who you look up to. Instead of being competitive with your fellow dancers, study the dancers you admire and try to emulate them. That will help you to improve your own dancing.
Thank you to Nancy to all of your hard work teaching and developing RIbt. I really feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today without RIbt, so I’m very grateful. And thanks for getting back in touch!
Kirstyn Hopkins
What have you been up to since RIbt? Please let us know what you are pursuing now. Are you still dancing?
Since RIbt I have been attending Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. I am currently a junior, pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in Dance. For the past three years I have been a member of the Springfield College Dancers performing in dance concerts and a gymnastics exhibition show. I am currently the Vice President of the club, which allows me to improve my leadership skills. I am also a part of the Springfield College Dance Repertory Company, which is a 1-credit course that began in the fall of 2014. For the past two years we have worked with renowned choreographers, reconstructed famous pieces, and had original pieces set on us. We perform for schools, nursing homes, friends, family, and the Springfield College community. In 2015 we attended the American College Dance Association conference at RIC where hundreds of dancers from New England colleges came together to take classes for four days and perform in adjudicated concerts. This year we are lucky enough to host the conference at Springfield College!
What is your fondest memory of RIbt?
My fondest memory of RIbt is watching myself grow. I loved performing pieces when I was one of the younger girls then having the opportunity to do the same piece many years later. It was amazing to see my improvement and recognize how far I had come over the years in ballets such as Ever After and Celtic Reflections.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the RIbt experience?
One important lesson I learned from my experience at RIBT is to never stop trying. It was easy for me feel defeated but I learned to put on a brave face and push myself even harder. You are only as good as you push yourself to be. The emphasis on group cohesion and musicality was another great lesson I learned. Learning to work together as a team and finding synchronization with one another was extremely beneficial.
Do you have any advice for the young dancers at RIbt today?
Always listen when your teachers are giving corrections. Even if they aren’t talking directly to you, let it sink in and see if it applies to you too. Also, never be upset about being an understudy. Push yourself as hard as you can to learn the choreography and take in all the corrections given to the person who has the part. I can almost guarantee that you will be dancing that part in the future. Lastly, cherish these moments while you can. Being a part of the company is truly a gift to hold on to.