Repertory and Collaborations
"Nutcracker for a Difference”
Photo by: A.J. Smith
Choreographers: Léa Havas, Kaila Carter, Indira Cunningham, Meghan Phillips, Kassi Tiedjens
Music: Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and David Berger after Piotr Tchaikovsky
Cast: Confluence Ballet Company Artists, students from Kulture Dance Academy, Guest Artist Elena Cvetkovich, Guest Artist Maegan Fewell, Guest Artist Simon Phillips
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Costumes from Lorra Lee Brannen
“The Nutcracker Sweet” on December 11, 2023 at The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
December 16 & 17, 2023 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
Experience the magic of the beloved tale of “The Nutcracker” in a new, jazzy way! Confluence Ballet Company is proudly partnering with other non-profits to present “Nutcracker for a Difference.” The story begins at the Stahlbaum's annual holiday cocktail party. As the guests mingle, Clara and her best friend Marie, sneak into the soiree. Despite their mischief, Drosselmeyer, Clara's godparent, gifts Clara with a Nutcracker. After the party, Clara dances the evening away with her Nutcracker, falling into a deep slumber. As she sleeps, Drosselmeyer magically transforms the doll into an animated and living being which prompts an attack from the evil Rat Queen, the Nutcracker's enemy who has come to battle Clara's alive Nutcracker doll. The Rat Queen is slain, but Nutcracker is terribly injured. Devastated over the injuries of her Nutcracker, Clara begins to lose hope. To remedy Clara’s despair, Drosselmeyer magically heals the Nutcracker and presents Clara and her Nutcracker with an Angel to guide them off through a snowstorm into the mystical Land of the Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, and her court of assorted treats.
This year, in collaboration with Foster Love Project, we are hosting a special Coat and Toy Drive to spread warmth and joy to those in need. The magic of the Nutcracker performance lies not only in the graceful movements on stage, but also in the collective power of compassion offstage.
CBC is striving to be the change we want to see in the ballet world by using “Nutcracker for a Difference” as an opportunity to share the art form with youth-empowering programs and underserved audiences in our local community. CBC is proud to be partnering with these non-profits and organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters, We Are Beautiful, Hello Neighbor, YWCA, and Strong Women Strong Girls.
“Dear Youth, I Remember. Ps… I Miss You”
Photo by: Jacob Woodyard
Choreographer: Michia Carmack
Music:
Original Composition: Michia Carmack
“Memories” by Tim Reynolds
Cast: Emma Brannen, Indira Cunningham, Jessica de Jong, Rebecca Levin, Kinsey Love, Jaden Murphy, Kassi Tiedjens, Shelby Walsh, Grace Wellmon
Costume Manager: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere:
October 21, 2023 at “Ternion” at New Hazlett Theater.
Childhood is such a short part of our life-time, but we remember it so vividly. This love letter to youth explores the journey of existence, curiosity, defiance, fear and acceptance that encompasses our quest to adulthood.
“Gaia”
Choreographer: Kassi Tiedjens
Music: Kalandra, Amos Roddy, Kevin MacLeod
Cast: Emma Brannen, Indira Cunningham, Jessica de Jong, Rebecca Levin, Kinsey Love, Jaden Murphy, Shelby Walsh, Grace Wellmon
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: October 21, 2023 at “Ternion” at New Hazlett Theater.
Excerpts:
Exalt, Dawn, Storm, Into the City, Skyward Escape, Thaw, ReverenceIn a world where human progress has pushed nature to the edge, how can we, as a species, reconnect with the very essence of our existence? Is it possible to reunite with the untamed forces of nature and dance in rhythm with Mother Nature’s song?
"Now You [don’t] See Me”
Photo by: Jacob Woodyard
Choreographer: Kaila Carter
Music: Ambient Sounds, “Music for Relaxation" by Eternity Phillips, “Violin Orchestra Music” by Socialbunny Marketing, Sounds of Breath “Something Dark Comes this Way” by Obiwanfoshobi
Cast: Emma Brannen, Indira Cunningham, Jaden Murphy, Shelby Walsh
Costume Design: Indira Cunningham
Premiere: October 21, 2023 at “Ternion” at New Hazlett Theater.
This dance discusses what it means to be perceived and how that plays a role in the relationship between the audience members and the performers. On a larger scale, though, it is about what it means to be watched, whether the attention is wanted or otherwise. It illustrates how different people may feel or respond to that attention and asks many questions, the main two being: Are artists allowed privacy and how much of themselves is an artist required to give?
“By Your Side”
Choreographer: JoAnna Schmidt
Music: CocoRosie
Cast: Emma Brannen, Kaila Carter, Elise Csizmadia, Jessica de Jong, Kinsey Love, Rebecca Levin, Jaden Murphy, Meghan Phillips, Kassi Tiedjens, Shelby Walsh
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: April 29, 2023 at “Through the Ages” at New Hazlett Theater.
This piece is about ballet, deconstructed. It aspires to pay homage to ballet’s history while recognizing the bright and liberating era into which the dance world is embarking. This piece is also about recognizing our collective purpose, and working together in unity.
“Camaraderie”
Choreographer: Rebecca Levin
Music: Claude Debussy
Cast: Emma Brannen, Kaila Carter, Kinsey Love, Meghan Phillips, Kassi Tiedjens
Costume Manager: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: April 29, 2023 at “Through the Ages” at New Hazlett Theater.
A neoclassical ballet piece, inspired by George Balanchine. As many of Balanchine’s works, the ballet has no specific narrative, but instead it invites the audience to appreciate the exploration of movement and the beautiful music. Camaraderie offers a glimpse into ballet’s evolution.
“Sleeping Beauty Fairies”
Choreographer: Marius Petipa
Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Cast:
(Candide Fairy) Kinsey Love, (Coulante Fairies) Baylee Sullivan and Shelby Walsh, (Generosity Fairy) Rebecca Levin, (Canary Fairy) Emma Brannen, (Violante Fairy) Jaden Murphy, (Lilac Fairy) Jessica de Jong.
Costumes from West Point Ballet
Premiere: April 29, 2023 at “Through the Ages” at New Hazlett Theater.
About the work: Each fairy brings a gift of a virtue or positive trait, such as beauty, courage, sweetness, musical talent, and mischief.
“Pas de Quatre”
Choreographer: Jules Perrot (Premiere 1845)
Music: Cesare Pugni
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Cast: Kaila Carter (Carlotta Grisi), Elise Cszimadia (Fanny Cerrito), Meghan Phillips (Marie Taglioni), Kassi Tiedjens (Lucile Grahn)
Premiere: April 29, 2023 at “Through the Ages” at New Hazlett Theater.
Pas de Quatre captured the essence of the Romantic style as the ballerinas danced with demure lightness, delicacy, and poise. The steps demand that each area of classical ballet technique is executed. These areas include adagio movements, petite allegro, grand allegro, fast footwork, graceful changes of position, and the elegant and fluid arm movements that have become a signature element of Pas de Quatre. Each ballerina has an individual variation, which are performed in succession between an opening and finale that are danced by all the ballerinas together. These variations were choreographed for the ballerina premiering in each role, and were designed to display the best features of each.
“Energia”
Photo by: A.J. Smith
Choreographer: Jaden Murphy
Music: Kevin MacLeod
Cast: Emma Brannen, Kaila Carter, Indira Cunningham, Jessica de Jong, Kassi Tiedjens, Shelby Walsh
Costume Manager: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: April 29th, 2023 at “Through the Ages” at New Hazlett Theater.
May 6, 2023 at Pittsburgh Musical Theater School’s Showcase at the Byham Theater.
June 24, 2023 at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air Series, “Ballet in the Park” at Wilmerding Park.
This piece was inspired by Lester Horton. It explores new lines and shapes with the body and the power within oneself.
“Stress”
Photo by: A.J. Smith
Choreographer: Léa Havas
Music: Paul Hindermith, Kammermusik #1 first and fourth movements
Cast: Emma Brannen/ Kinsey Love, Indira Cunningham, Shelby Walsh/ Guest Artist Maegan Fewell
Costume Manager: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: February 25, 2023 at “Colloquies in Carnegie” at Carnegie Stage.
June 24, 2023 at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air Series, “Ballet in the Park” at Wilmerding Park.
About the work:
Stress for time, stress in relationships, stress communicating, stress at work, stress with family, general stress. Who is free of it? Does one work better under stress? Does stress keep us in line with our goals in life? Is there success without stress? Reflect and answer!
“Abandoned Ties”
Photo by: A.J. Smith
Choreographer: Shelby Walsh
Music: Shane Keen and Kevin MacLeod
Cast: Emma Brannen/ Meghan Phillips, Jessica de Jong, Jaden Murphy, Kassi Tiedjens
Costume Manager: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: February 25, 2023 at “Colloquies in Carnegie” at Carnegie Stage.
June 24, 2023 at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air Series, “Ballet in the Park” at Wilmerding Park.
This piece is a bit more mysterious, and on the darker creepier side. It explores the creepy character of a puppet and how cutting their strings would affect their movements. So they would have to learn how to walk and move just on their own versus being controlled by somebody else.
“Keeper”
Choreographer: Indira Cunningham
Music: Stevie Wonder
Cast: Kaila Carter, Elise Csizmadia, Rebecca Levin, Kinsey Love, Jaden Murphy, Meghan Phillips, Kassi Tiedjens
Costume Manager: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: February 25, 2023 at “Colloquies in Carnegie” at Carnegie Stage.
About the work: Sisterhood, and community at large, is a sustaining force in life. Humans have an internal need for connection. The three movements of this piece are representative of and inspired by some of the most humanly necessary qualities in sisterhood- inclusion, support, and play. Recognizing the importance of community as we go and grow through the many stages of life, we must ask ourselves: am I my sister’s keeper?
“Evolving Roots”
Photo by: A.J. Smith
Choreographer: Kassi Tiedjens
Music: Kevin MacLeod
Cast: Emma Brannen, Kaila Carter, Indira Cunningham, Jessica de Jong, Kinsey Love, Shelby Walsh
Costumes from Lorra Lee Brannen
Premiere: February 25, 2023 at “Colloquies in Carnegie” at Carnegie Stage.
March 24, 2023 at “PearlWatch/charette” at KST Alloy Studios.
June 24, 2023 at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air Series, “Ballet in the Park” at Wilmerding Park.
About the work:
In an age of rapidly expansive technological progress, what good are traditional practices and how can they coexist in a time of accelerating modernity?
“Soliloquy”
Photo by: A.J. Smith
Choreographer: Léa Havas
Music: 5 Preludes by Heitor Vila-Lobos, performed by Dagoberto Linhares on the guitar.
Cast:
Indira Cunningham
Jaden Murphy
Meghan Phillips
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: February 5, 2023 at Pittsburgh Children’s Museum’s “Opposite Abstract” at New Hazlett Theater.
February 25, 2023 at “Colloquies in Carnegie” at Carnegie Stage.
April 29, 2023 at “Through the Ages” at New Hazlett Theater.
About the work:
In memoriam of Marta Munso. Conversations with oneself. The intimacy all of us have with ourselves. The dark and light, the introvert and extrovert moments in our lives.
“Nutcracker for a Difference”
Photo by: A.J. Smith
Choreographers: Léa Havas, Kaila Carter, Indira Cunningham, Meghan Phillips, Kassi Tiedjens
Music: Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and David Berger after Piotr Tchaikovsky
Cast: Confluence Ballet Company Artists, Guest Artist Hannah LeComte, Guest Artist Simon Phillips
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Costumes from Lorra Lee Brannen
Sneak Peek Premiere:
December 9, 2022 at The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
December 11, 2022 at The Mall at Robinson
Premiere: December 17th, 2022 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker in a new, jazzy way! Confluence Ballet Company is proudly partnering with other non-profits to present “Nutcracker for a Difference.” The story begins at the Stahlbaum's annual holiday cocktail party. As the guests mingle, Clara and her best friend Marie, sneak into the soiree. Despite their mischief, Drosselmeyer, Clara's godparent, gifts Clara with a Nutcracker. After the party, Clara dances the evening away with her Nutcracker, falling into a deep slumber. As she sleeps, Drosselmeyer magically transforms the doll into an animated and living being which prompts an attack from the evil Rat Queen, the Nutcracker's enemy who has come to battle Clara's alive Nutcracker doll. The Rat Queen is slain, but Nutcracker is terribly injured. Devastated, Clara begins to lose hope, however, Drosselmeyer magically heals the Nutcracker and sends them off through a snowstorm into the mystical Land of the Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, and her court of assorted treats.
“…Goes On”
Photo by: A.J. Smith
Choreographer: Kaila Carter Music: “Parisot” by Martin Bresnick, performed with Ashley Bathgate, “Bird as Prophet” by Martin Bernick, performed with Lisa Moore and Elly ToyodaCast:
Elise Csizmadia, Indira Cunningham, Jaden Murphy, Meghan Phillips, Jessica de Jong, Kassi Tiedjens, Kinsey Love, Shelby WalshCostume Design: Kassi TiedjensPremiere: June 12, 2022 at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air Series, “Ballet & Brunch” at Sharpsburgh Allegheny Riverfront.
October 21, 2022 at “Versatile Voices” at Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
February 5, 2023 at Pittsburgh Children’s Museum’s “Opposite Abstract” at New Hazlett Theater.This piece explores the concept of time and how it simultaneously exists and does not exist. The effects of time wear on everyone and, though we can not see it, we can feel its passing. The present can only genuinely be for one second at a time, leaving us constantly living in the past or thinking of the future. But once a moment has passed, it is gone forever and yet, even after we as individuals cease to exist, time will go on.“New Ground”
Choreographer: Meghan Phillips
Music: Judd Greenstein
Cast: Emma Brannen, Kaila Carter, Elise Csizmadia, Indira Cunningham, Jessica de Jong, Jaden Murphy, Kassi Tiedjens, Rebecca Levin, Kinsey Love, Shelby Walsh
Costume Design: Baron Batch and Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: June 12, 2022 at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air Series, “Ballet & Brunch” at Sharpsburgh Allegheny Riverfront.
October 21, 2022 at “Versatile Voices” at Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
About the work: Finding and shaping a new beginning with people you admire.
“Piantina”
Choreographer: Julia Erickson
Music: “Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K466: 2.Romance–Live” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by Mitsuko Uchida and the Cleveland Orchestra
Cast:
Soloists: Meghan Phillips and Kaila Carter.
Emma Brannen, Indira Cunningham, Jessica de Jong, Kinsey Love, Jaden Murphy, Kassi Tiedjens, Shelby Walsh
Costume Design: Julia Erickson and Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: June 12, 2022 at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air Series, “Ballet & Brunch” at Sharpsburgh Allegheny Riverfront.
October 21, 2022 at “Versatile Voices” at Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
February 5, 2023 at Pittsburgh Children’s Museum’s “Opposite Abstract” at New Hazlett Theater.
About the work:
Our ancestral lineage seeks to find us beyond the confines of time and space. This arrival is a function of the universe, and of fate. In the allowing and trusting, the alchemy of great love and new life is not only possible, it is destined. And in the waiting, keep creating.
“Languid Sparks”
Choreographer: Léa Havas
Music: Scott Joplin’s “The Strenuous Life”; “Pleasant Moments”; “Overture to Treemonisha”
Cast: Emma Brannen, Jessica de Jong, Rebeca Levin, Kinsey Love, Shelby Walsh
Costume Manager: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: October 21, 2022 at “Versatile Voices” at Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
About the work: Celebrating a year of hard work and impromptu happenings. Creating new bonds, growing!
“Firebird!”
Choreographer: Lea Havas
Musical Accompaniment: Duquesne University Wind Ensembles
Ensemble Director and Conductor: Dr. James Gourlay
Music: Igor Stravinsky
Cast: Confluence Ballet Company Artists and Trainees
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: April 12, 2022 at Duquesne University’s Power Center.
Synopsis: The dancers of Confluence Ballet Co. were thrilled to present a collaboration with Duquesne University’s School of Music.
“Firebird!” featured the Duquesne Wind Ensembles performing a live arrangement of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, accompanied by a guest performance by Confluence Ballet Co.
This short family-friendly ballet tells the story of several dancing princesses who have been trapped by evil forces. In their moment of need, an enchanted creature called the Firebird presents them with a magical feather. A battle between good and evil ensues.
Photo by: Olivia Bean Photography
“Les Sylphides”
Choreographer: Mikail Fokine (1907), as restaged by Lea Havas
Music: Frederic Chopin
Cast: Full CBC Company and Trainees, Guest Artist Ken Shiozawa
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: March 5, 2022 at “Emergence.” Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
About the work:
Originally premiering in under the title “Chopiniana" this ballet is considered to be one of the first ballets entirely based around mood and atmosphere. Les Sylphides features a crowd of women dressed in white romantic style tutus, with a single male dancer often referred to as ‘The Poet.’ The ballet was originally choreographed by Mikhail Fokine for The Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg Russia in 1907, and has appeared in multiple iterations since its birth.
“Spirited Syncopations”
Choreographer: Durante Verzola
Music: Leroy Anderson
Cast: Elise Csizmadia, Sage Feldges, Meghan Phillips, Ken Shiozawa, Baylee Sullivan
Costume Design: Durante Verzola and Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: March 5, 2022 at “Emergence.” Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
About the Work:
“Spirited Syncopations is a work composed of lively and energetic dances set to the music of one of America's greatest light orchestral composers, Leroy Anderson. The ballet is inspired by glamor and exuberance of the old Hollywood musicals that starred Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Gene Kelly. It employs elements of jazz and tongue in cheek humor to give a performance that leaves one feeling nostalgic and uplifted.”- Durante Verzola
“Resilience”
Choreographer: Lea Havas
Music: “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” by John Adams
Cast: Alexis Arria, Emma Brannen, Kaila Carter, Indira Cunningham, Jessica de Jong, Rebecca Levin, Kinsey Love, Jaden Murphy, Claire Peoples, Ashleigh Schuler, Sophie Stewart, Kassi Tiedjens, Shelby Walsh
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: March 5, 2022 at “Emergence.” Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
About the Work:
Resilience refers to the power within us to adjust, recover, and re-emerge, from a crisis or disruptive situation in life. Where once there was order and a stable routine, suddenly a moment of disorder arises. But then we find the strength within us to rebuild and fight for values we cherish, coming out stronger than before.
Photo by: A.J. Smith
“Mirrors, Where She Lies”
Choreographer: Hannah Knorr
Music: “Whirling Winds” by Ludovico Einaudi and Amsterdam Sinfonietta, “The Silence of the Trail” by Redi Hasa, “Oblivion (Arr. String Quartet) by Astor Piazolla and Carducci String Quartet, and “El Abrazo” by Matthieu Saglio, Leo Ullmann, and Camille Saglio
Cast:
Self—Sage Feldges/Elise Csizmadia
Determination—Meghan Phillips/Sophie Stewart, Grace—Indira Cunningham/Baylee Sullivan
Thoughts—Alexis Arria, Kaila Carter, Kinsey Love, Claire Peoples, Kassi Tiedjens, Shelby Walsh/Emma Brannen, Jessica de Jong, Rebecca Levin, Jaden Murphy, Ashleigh Schuler
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: March 5, 2022 at “Emergence.” Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
About the Work: In life we are presented with many decisions but choosing yourself, though imperative, isn’t always the easiest or the most common. Furthermore, within that choice you must also choose to free yourself from yourself. You look in the mirror at the less favorable qualities, what’s holding you back, and even realize you’ve been lying to yourself blindly. It’s in the ruthless path you’ve chosen that you discover your strength. Enduring the struggle, giving yourself grace, and discovering what it means to live your life according to your truest values and beliefs, you arrive…and the journey persists.
Photo by: A.J. Smith
“The Nutcracker Suite”
Choreographers: Kaila Carter, Sage Feldges, Meghan Phillips
Music: Pytor Tchaikovsky
Cast: Clara (Claire Peoples), Sugar Plum Fairy (Sage Feldges), Snow Queen (Meghan Phillips), Snowflakes (Shelby Walsh, Ashleigh Schuler), Spanish Chocolate (Indira Cunningham), Chinese Tea (Rebecca Levin, Kinsey Love), Arabian Coffee (Bella Sessa, Rachel Smith), Marzipan (Baylee Sullivan, Kassi Tiedjens), Candy Canes (Elise Csizmadia, Jessica de Jong)
Costume Design: Kassi Tiedjens
Premiere: December 4, 2021 “Sound of the Season” Series at the Robinson Mall.
December 28, 2021 “Holidays in the Gardens” at the National Aviary, presented by Hefren-Tillotson, INC.
December 31, 2021 “Countdown to Noon” at The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, presented by CHASE.
Synopsis: In this miniature take on the Christmas classic, Clara finds a Nutcracker that has been enchanted by the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. Falling asleep and then awaking in a magical snow storm, Clara meets an array of colorful characters in the Land of Sweets.
“A Confluence of Beauty”
Choreographer: Léa Havas with improvisation from the dancers; in collaboration with visual artist Baron Batch
Music: Various Artists
Cast: Rachel Smith, Indira Cunningham, Laurel Steinly, Elise Csizmadia, Alexis Arria, Sage Feldges, Meghan Phillips, Jaden Murphy, Kaila Carter
Costume Design: Baron Batch
Premiere: November 20, 2021
