Ballet San Jose Adds New Dancers

Erin made her company debut with Ballet San Jose in 2000 after graduating from St. Francis High School. During the last several years, she attended De Anza College part-time and discovered a passion for learning. "I immediately was drawn to various business courses such as Marketing and Accounting," says Erin.

"I've been at BSJ since I graduated from high school. I feel like I've grown up and learned so much from the company. I still can't believe I'm not going to be dancing this upcoming season. But at this point in my life I wanted to see what Columbia and New York had to offer me. It was a nerve-racking decision since I love the company and people I work with, but I felt it was time to begin the next chapter of my life. I know deep down that it would be foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity to attend Columbia on a scholarship."

In the seven seasons Erin has danced with Ballet San Jose, she performed in over 35 programs and nearly 50 ballets. Some of her favorite memories include: Gaite Parisienne, Graduation Ball Stravinsky Piano Pieces, Blue Suede Shoes, Who Cares?, Romeo and Juliet, and Slavonic and Hungarian Dances.

COMPANY CHANGES

Five new company members will be joining BSJ when rehearsals begin in October. Keira Schwartz (Australian/American) from Sarasota Ballet. Cynthia Sheppard who has danced as a supplemental dancer with BSJ in the past and also has experience with San Francisco Ballet, Smuin Ballet, and Oakland Ballet. Mads Eriksen (Danish) from Royal Danish Ballet.

Jeremy Kovitch (Pennsylvania) who was an apprentice with BSJ last year. Akira Takahashi (Japan) who also was an apprentice with BSJ for the last two years. Promotions include:

Shannon Bynum, a new Apprentice from BSJ School who was a Trainee last year.

Brieanna Olso, a new Apprentice from Colorado Springs.

Michael Wagley, a new Apprentice from Texas.

Additionally, four new Trainees will be appointed from within Ballet San Jose School during the coming season.

Ballet San Jose's 2007-08 Season opens November 15th with Dennis Nahat's CARMINA BURANA and closes May 4th with THE FIREBIRD. Also in the season's offerings are SWAN LAKE and JUST BALANCHINE, a spring repertory program of dances by George Balanchine and THE NUTCRACKER. A special children's series of short ballets will include the World Premiere of Lise la Cour's SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS in May. -- www.balletsanjose.org