3 replies to this topic

[Helene]

Ballet Arizona has launched a Spotlight Series.  In the first Richard Campana interviews and profiles dancer Joseph "Skip" Cavanaugh:

http://www.balletaz....smid=1314272294

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“What are you most excited for in this upcoming season?” With a smile on his face, he responded, “I’m just excited to be here! Starting at 16, I had a late start and a lot of my teachers said I’d never dance professionally… but I did it and I’m still dancing!”

I was thrilled to read this:  Cavanaugh immediately became a favorite, with his beautifully muscular and lush quality, and I've loved him in everything in which I've seen him with the company.

[Arizona Native]

Agree!  He is a luscious mover, who also does well in more contemporary pieces.  He was gorgeous in "Off Screen" in the spring. He also has a great flair for comedy.  So glad he perservered.

[Helene]

Next in the series:  Jillian Barrell.

http://www.balletaz....smid=1314272294

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From a small ballet school in Delaware, where very few become professional dancers, a friend encouraged Jillian to put together a tape and try to dance professionally. A few weeks later she was speaking on the phone with Ib Andersen and shortly after became a professional ballet dancer with Ballet Arizona just five years ago… and now she can't imagine doing anything else.

She's being coached by Paola Hartley and Natalia Magnacaballi for her debut as Cinderella, which is the first production of the season.

She's done beautiful work in the Balanchine rep in all size roles:  congratulations to her

[Mermaid7176]

I'm hoping they profile Natalia Magnacaballi soon. I saw her do an amazing performance during Nutcracker. She is an exquisite dancer.