WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Gregory Blackmon Jr.

WE CAUGHT UP WITH DANCER Gregory Blackmon Jr. TO TALK ABOUT His TIME At CRB AND SEE WHAT HE’S UP TO NOW!

CRB: When did you dance with CRB?

Greg: “I think I started with CRB in February of 2015. Maybe a little bit before.”

CRB: Do you have a favorite CRB memory?

Greg: “Hmmm... I think my favorite dance-related memory was dancing Tinley's piece (the name's escaping me at the moment)...the duet I had with Theresa. It just FELT good. OH! And dancing Four Seasons. Summer was my favorite section. But my favorite non-dance memory was our first tour to Florida and going to Gloria Estefan’s resort and actually seeing Gloria there.”

CRB: What was a favorite CRB work to dance?

Greg: “Hard to choose JUST one. But overall, Four Seasons was just amazing. The musicality. The formations. The group phrases were FIRE!”

CRB: What are you up to now?

Greg: “Well right now I'm on furlough from my restaurant, so I'm using the time to get back into other things. And before the first shut down I was waiting to hear back from Moulin Rouge on Broadway about possibly having a job in the production (fingers crossed the show survives the shutdown. lol)”

CRB: Have any pandemic projects?

Greg: “I'm currently working on revising the scripts for a couple of tv pilots I've written and attempting to network with writers/producers on Twitter. I've built a nice little community. During the LAST shutdown I got a certificate in Vocal Music Production from Berklee College of Music so I'm building on that by taking a course on Udemy specifically for producing music in FL Studio. I'm also looking into some business or finance classes online. Yale and Harvard are offering some good ones on Coursera that aren't expensive at all. My goal is to come out of "Quarantine: the Sequel" with some new credentials at least, and at the most a new job or some other dramatic increase in income. haha.”

You can stay connected with Gregory on his social media outlets on Facebook and his Instagram @Nicetomeetyougrey

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Sarah Farnsley

We caught up with dancer Sarah Farnsley to see what she’s been up to after her time at Chicago Repertory Ballet. This is what she had to say!

CRB: When did you dance with the company?

Sarah: “I danced for CRB in the Spring 2014 season.”

CRB: What was a favorite CRB work to dance?

Sarah: “I really enjoyed The Four Seasons, particularly the Summer Duet Wade created for Tony Suhadolnik and me.”

CRB: What are you up to now?

Sarah: I’m currently living in London as a freelance artist, and I’m also a part time training coordinator and instructor for an axe throwing company!

CRB: Any items of interest you’d like to share?

Sarah: “Well I’ve definitely kept busy! After my time with CRB I moved to Europe where I performed in English National Ballet’s Swan Lake in the round at Royal Albert Hall. I also danced a season with New English Ballet Theatre where I had the opportunity to be coached by Darcey Bussell! I spent Spring 2019 in Paris with choreographer Edouard Lock as his rehearsal assistant, helping him restage his work in Iolanta/The Nutcracker at the Paris Opera Ballet. I also completed a Master’s degree in Dance Politics and Sociology in 2019, basing my thesis research on systemic hierarchy, misogyny, sexism, and infantilisation in classical ballet. I’ve been expanding my horizons as a choreographer as well, and in 2016 I created an original commission for Ballet Theatre of Indiana which we then developed into the dance film Absolution. The film premiered at Dances With Films Festival 2018 in LA and has gone on to appear in film festivals around the world and win awards for Best Director, Best Original Score, and Best Experimental Short. More recently, just as the pandemic started to ramp up, I had a baby! My son, Emery, was born in the spring and has certainly been a high point in an otherwise difficult year.”

CRB: You’ve been busy indeed! Thanks for sharing these updates with us!

You can follow Sarah on instagram with the following accounts and hashtags:

@sarah.farnsley @danceswithfilms. @ballet.theatre.of.indiana

#parisoperaballet #englishnationalballet #newenglishballettheatre

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Emily Fugett

We caught up with dancer Emily Fugett to see what she’s been up to after her time at Chicago Repertory Ballet. Here’s what she had to say!

CRB: When did you dance with CRB?

Emily: “I was a company dancer with CRB for about 2 seasons, from January 2017 through June 2018.”

CRB: Do you have a fond CRB memory?

Emily: “ I have many great memories from dancing with CRB. There are so many beautiful humans, who are a part of the organization I was able to connect with while dancing with the company. One of my favorites was when we took a little tour to The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts.

We rode to Kentucky together, all packed into a mini van driven by Artistic Director, Wade Schaaf. While we were there CRB performed for the school followed by a Q&A and the students also had the opportunity to take class from Wade. 

It may have been a short trip, but a great one that I won’t ever forget, I had so much fun!”

CRB: What was a favorite work you got to dance?

Emily: “ I honestly have two favorites that immediately pop into my head and actually both were created by Artistic Director and Founder Wade Schaaf.”

The first work is The Four Seasons, which I learned in my first season with the company. The absolutely beautiful choreography and the music by Vivaldi matched up so very well giving you the true feelings of each season. I was also paired up with another new company member, Pablo Sanchez. We performed the pas de deux in Summer together which help create our friendship. I had such a great time dancing with him.

You can go watch the full performance of The Four Seasons now on Chicago Repertory Ballet’s YouTube page.

The second work, that has to be one of my favorites, is my solo from Illuminations 1-3. It was originally created for the CRB Gala, so I wasn’t expecting to have the opportunity of performing it again, but it was brought back several times. It was a challenging piece, that taught me more about myself and pushed me to become a better dancer. I really enjoyed dancing to this piece of music as well and loved the flowing movement. Each step connecting from one into the next. 

I was also able to teach this solo to the students at the CRB summer intensive. Which was a fun experience for me, translating the choreography and watching the students take their own spin on it.

It is one piece that I have done which I always think back on and hope to remember the steps.”

CRB: What are you up to now (personally and or professionally)? 

Emily: “I have just begun my 3rd season dancing with Saint Louis Ballet in Missouri. Due to the current pandemic things are looking a little different this season, but I am happy to be apart of it. I have also found great studios to teach at in the area, which has been keeping me busy.”

CRB: Any pandemic projects?

Emily: “The only pandemic project I have is surviving the pandemic. My life has always been very busy, on the go, with lots of dancing. When we were in lockdown from March to May, teaching and dancing were moved over to Zoom, all online. It was a tough adjustment but I was still able to work which I know wasn’t the case for everyone. Even with some work, it wasn’t my normal jam-packed schedule so I found myself with a lot more down time. Some of it was filled with overall stress, but I picked up new hobbies, activities and learned more about myself. Things I might not have had time for before. 

But, please corona go away!”

You can stay connected with Emily on her social media outlets.

Instagram: @Emilyannefugett

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Jordan Colovos

We caught up with dancer Jordan Colovos to see what he’s been up to after his time at Chicago Repertory Ballet. This is what he had to say!

CRB: When did you dance with the company?

Jordan: “I was apart of the CRB company from December-April of 2017, with a summer intensive appearance sprinkled in there! “

CRB: What are you up to now?

Jordan: “Honestly, some days I don't even know! Personally, I have been really trying to lean more into my queerness and navigate what that means for me. Trying to lead with grace and integrity much more and set boundaries for myself. I have had such a bad habit of pushing through to make sure I'm always working, that I have sacrificed my own mental health. So, now, I am putting that at the forefront and have been loving the changes that I am seeing to my life. Since COVID has kind of sidelined any serious dance plans, i.e. Broadway, I have decided to start delving into diversity and inclusion work! I currently work for lululemon and have recently created the role of "IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, action) Lead", where I will be in charge of facilitating dialogues and providing resources to further educate my team so we can create a more diverse, and inclusive, space in our store and hopefully extending throughout the company! I am also looking into grad school, where I will ideally pursue a Masters in Human Resources, with a focus in Diversity and Inclusion, so I can further my own education and be a better advocate for my communities! I am really vocal about the equity of both the POC, specifically black, and queer communities so I want to continue to be a voice for them. Hopefully, somewhere in all of that I will get to be on Broadway and continue dancing, but for now I am growing where I'm planted.”

CRB: What is a favorite CRB memory?

Jordan: “Honestly, there are way too many to sift through but some of my favorite memories occured when we were out of the studio. It was the moments that a lot of us spent together, outside of a dance company setting, that sticks with me. I firmly believe that it is because our bond and our friendships were so strong and honest, that it only amplified how we moved together in the studio and how we communicated. I am a firm believer in being friends with your coworkers and in this case, it made us stronger performers. Another one of my favorite memories was always partnering with my friend, Jaime Borkan. It seemed to always be the two of us in a couple pieces and we just clicked and were always in sync. I have so much love for that girl, and admiration, for that girl.”

CRB: Any pandemic projects?

Jordan: “I actually took up knitting! I started making this big blanket and have yet to finish, but I have every intention to! I am also really passionate about cooking so I did a whole lot of that to keep me sane and to really find something to take my mind off of what, at the time, was the state of our country. Hopefully, I'll be starting a blog with all of my recipes in it so stay tuned for that!”

“You can find me @jordancolovos on instagram if you have any interest in following a silly queer boy who posts about equality, food, and Beyonce. :)”

Photo: Melika Dez

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Kate Goddard Vandivier

We caught up with dancer Kate Goddard Vandivier to see what she’s been up to after her time at Chicago Repertory Ballet. This is what she had to say!

CRB: When did you dance with the company?

Kate: 2013 - 2017

CRB: Thinking back on your time at CRB, do you have any favorite memories to share?

Kate: “There are so many great memories to choose from, but my hands down favourite one is during a rehearsal for MacBeth. During the ballroom scene, I stalk Tony to an upstage chair but when Tony went to sit down backwards on the chair, it completely collapsed underneath him. I don’t know if it was his expression as the chair was collapsing or the physicality of seeing his struggle to stay seated, but I completely lost it. We had to stop the rehearsal because I was laughing so hard.”

CRB: Do you have a favorite work that you danced?

Kate: “My favourite piece, hands down, was Peoplescape. I honestly loved all of the rep but I have a particular fondness for that piece.”

CRB: What have you been up to lately?

Kate: “I currently live in England, in a small Surrey village about 45 minutes outside London. I teach at a dance studio, Monarch Studios, and am also the studio’s Staff and Student Coordinator, where I handle all of the admin for the studio. Peter and I had a little boy in 2019 named Ben, and we have a little girl arriving in early 2021. I mostly spend my days answering emails for the studio, chasing my toddler, planning and delivering classes/choreography and drinking a lot of tea.”

CRB: Any accomplishments/joys that you’d like to share?

Kate: Making it to England!

Follow Kate on her journey!

Instagram: @kvdancer @monarchstudios

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Ruben Medina

First up in our WHERE ARE THEY NOW series is CRB dancer Ruben Medina!

CRB: When did you dance with CRB?
Ruben: I danced with CRB in the Spring of 2015!

CRB: What is a favorite CRB memory?

Ruben: Honestly, I have fond memories of all of it, I was surrounded by my friends from the Chicago community. Wade really helps make this special because he pulls from the Chicago community and that doesn't normally happen too much with companies.

CRB: What was a favorite CRB work to dance?

Ruben: BOLERO! I absolutely loved the craziness and quickness of that work. I had never worked with moving props before and I was in the original cast so it was an amazing process to be a part of its creation.

I also absolutely looooved my costume. :D (it was a black and white hashtag sweater)

CRB: What are you up to now (personally and or professionally)?
Ruben: Since dancing with CRB I have danced with Minnesota Ballet, Nevada Ballet, and presently dance with Norwegian Creative Studios aboard the Norwegian family ships.

I am also a certified personal trainer and an Animal Flow instructor.

You can follow Ruben on Instagram at @trainer.ruben

STAY TUNED FOR NEXT WEEK’S ALUMNI DANCER!

Press Release: Summer Intensive Safety Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Wade Schaaf

Phone: 872.588.0431

Email: intensive@chicagorepertoryballet.com

Summer Intensive | Safety Plan

Chicago Repertory Ballet’s Summer Intensive is still on! We are excited to host our annual Summer Intensive downtown—this intensive is a chance for young dancers to challenge themselves in an engaging and supportive week of dance.

Chicago Repertory Ballet is committed to the safety all faculty and students participating in this Summer Intensive— CRB will adhere to all recommended phase 4 guidelines for fitness and dance instruction. We have put the following safety measures in place:

1. Social Distancing will remain in effect. Dancers will remain 6ft apart.

2. We will significantly limit the amount of floor work

3. Teachers will wear masks

4. Temperatures of students and staff will be taken twice a day (In the morning, and again after lunch) using a contactless thermometer.

5. We will provide bottled water to discourage use of drinking fountains

6. We will have Hand Sanitizer on site.

7. A daily cleaning schedule will be coordinated with Roosevelt University

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Please submit any questions you may have to intensive@chicagorepertoryballet.com.

Enough is Enough

In the face of the inexcusable deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others now is the time to stand up and say enough is enough. Chicago Repertory Ballet stands with all of those suffering from direct and systemic racism and condemns the oppression of any people group, particularly the black community at this time. On behalf of the artists, staff and board of this organization we see you and we are with you. We will never support or condone racism or oppression in any form

Wade Schaaf
Founder, Artistic Director
Chicago Repertory Ballet 

Enjoy MACBETH at home!

Social distancing got you down? We understand! We know it can be hard to fill your days in this time, so we’re going to make as many of our performances available to you as we can. Enjoy these exciting moments and wonderful performances right at home since we can’t get to the theatre. We look forward to being able to perform for you again, but until then, enjoy these performances from your couch!

Our first release is our 2019 performance of Artistic Director Wade Schaaf’s MACBETH. Enjoy all the drama and passion of this full length ballet NOW!

Press Release: COVID-19

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Wade Schaaf

Phone: 872.588.0431

Email: Info@chicagorepertoryballet.com

Rite of Spring: 

Performance Postponement 

To our Patrons -- we’ve been following the news very closely over the last few weeks and working with the Athenaeum Theatre to determine the best course of action. In accordance with the state and local officials, and out of concern for the health and safety of our patrons, artists and staff, Chicago Repertory Ballet is postponing The Right of Spring & Other Works. 

The new performance date is set for this fall, September 11th-13th. If you’ve already purchased tickets, your tickets have been transferred to these new dates. If you would like a refund please contact the Athenaeum Theatre.

This was a difficult decision for our team, but the safety of our patrons, dancers, and staff is of the utmost importance. Chicago Repertory Ballet’s Company Dancers will receive a stipend for their work to date, and we will continue to assess any potential financial losses in the coming weeks. We thank you for being a long time supporter of the arts, and we look forward to bringing these exciting works to the stage in September. Do not hesitate to contact us [info@chicagorepertoryballet.com] or The Athenaeum Theatre with any questions. The Athenaeum Theatre’s Box Office will be handling a significant number of inquiries, so they would appreciate your patience; do not feel like you must contact the Box Office immediately. 

We will continue to monitor any developments with the COVID-19 pandemic and should any changes mandate an alteration in our production dates, we will let you know.

Thank you for looking after yourselves and each other. We look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre very soon.

Chicago Repertory Ballet's mission is to bring storytelling and choreographic innovation to the stage while inspiring audiences and challenging preconceived notions of the art-form.   

Chicago Repertory  Ballet is a not-for-profit tax exempt organization - under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

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If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Wade Schaaf via phone at 872.588.0431 or email Info@chicagorepertoryballet.com