Cathy McFarlane President Vaganova Dance Society s Board of Directors 2010-2011 Maria Mitrache-Bokor Artistic Director Janice Winter Treasurer Vasyl Kanevets Co-Artistic Director President s Message In appreciation for your help The Vaganova Dance Society would like to thank everyone who has helped to make the Society s goals and endeavors such a success over the past 20 years. This includes many people who have served on the Board; the students who eagerly studied dance in the Vaganova style and rehearsed several hours for performances; the teachers and professionals from a variety of studios and companies who collaborated in performances and Anniversary Galas; the parents who dedicated many hours of volunteer time to help with casinos, costuming, silent auctions, sets, programs, photographs, posters, and accompanied the dancers on the Russia and Romania Cultural Tours and Workshops; the owners of the local dance-wear shops who assisted with costuming and advertising; the Dance critics from the various newspapers. The Society would like to thank the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and Alberta Dance Alliance for their continuous support for the many projects over the last 20 years. Cathy McFarlane Board President 2006-present Natasha Rozhdestvensky Secretary Valeria Dorokhova Director Anna Kanevets Director Patrice Colbert Director Past Society Presidents Rick Wacko Peter Toma Doug Hnatiuk Gail Ledger Patricia Bronsch Katalin Bihari Founder & Artistic Director s message For over twenty years our Society have brought across many borders and in many hearts the famous name of Madam Agripina Vaganova the creator of the ballet technique to which we dedicate our name and our work. As Artistic Director of the Vaganova Society, I have traveled with our students to St. Petersburg, the cradle of this art. I have invited important artists from other countries, I have organized performances and cultural exchanges in Canada and overseas, I have initiated workshops, and I have taught numerous students - in the best interest of the young dancers from Alberta, in the hope of enriching their understanding of the art of dance and in hope of raising their cultural awareness. I can t emphasize enough the importance of working together with the excellent Edmonton Russian-trained teachers: Katalin Bihari, Valeria Dorokhova, Anna and Vasyl Kanavets, Yuri Alechine, Doug Hnatiuk, Monika Langer, Rick Wacko, and Staszek Zajak, in order to develop the first Vaganova Ballet Syllabus in our country - appropriate for Canadian students. I must extend my appreciation to all teachers and dancers, and to everyone associated with our Society. I would like to address my gratitude to Cathy McFarlane and to Janice Winter for their constant support over the last ten years. Without their invaluable contribution, we wouldn t have made it as far as we have. Thank you to all the fantastic people who were beside me, during all these years! To all and to each of you: please accept my deepest gratitude and love! The Vaganova Dance Society is based in Edmonton, AB Photography by Erika Bokor Calendar design by Gunnar Blodgett Maria Mitrache Bokor Artistic Director Vaganova Dance Society Artistic Director Maria Mitrache Bokor September 2010 - December 2011 Celebrating over 20 years of excellence The Vaganova Dance Society was founded by Maria Mitrache-Bokor in 1988 in Edmonton Alberta to promote the Russian technique developed by Mme. Agrippina Vaganova (1879-1951). Mme. Vaganova created a unique classical ballet technique, unifiying and combining the best of French, Italian, Danish and Russian methods. The technique is characterized by a harmonious movement of the whole body, soft arms with a strong back, suppleness of the body with iron aplomb, a noble and natural placement of the head, precise coordination combined with a unique sense of musicality. A major goal of the Society has been to provide unique dance opportunites and one of the best techniques for ballet students, professional dancers and ballet teachers in Alberta. The Society has produced stage performances, hosted and attended workshops and festivals, organized trips, performances and cultural exchanges in Canada, Russia, Romania, Australia and the United States.
20 th Anniversary Gala Don Quixote performed 2008 in Edmonton, AB Based on the novel by Miguel Cervantes: Libretto by Marius Petipa Music by Ludwig Minkus Adapted by Maria Mitrache Bokor With guest soloists from the Mickhailovsky Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia Vladimir Tsal & Michael Venshchikov Sarah de Vries, Canada s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Kimberly Ballard, Character Dance Company, University of Utah And special guest artists from Edmonton William Thompson, Katalin Bihari, Ilya Vodopianov, Gunnar Blodgett and Marco Eugenio Vladimir Tsal September 2010 Mon Tue Wed Thu 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Labour Day 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 k 25 Fall Equinox 26 27 28 29 30
Vaganova Society Russia Trip Ballet Workshop - St. Petersburg 2009 Since 1995 The Vaganova Dance Society has organised and sponsored these Culturally Explosive Trips and Master Ballet Workshops in St. Petersburg, Russia, every two years. Dancers (ages 12 and up), teachers, parents and dance lovers enjoy a rich and extraordinary experience and vacation all in one! The Vaganova Dance Society provides subsidies to students and teachers who wish to attend the Russia trip and volunteer one shift at their Casino. The next Casino will be held in Edmonton, August 2011. Please email the society if you would like to volunteer. Next Vaganova workshop in St. Petersbaurg: March 24 - April 5, 2011. For more informantion and registration: info@vaganovadance.com October 2010 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Thanksgiving 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 e 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Hallowe en
20 th Anniversary Gala Don Quixote performed 2008 in Edmonton, AB Choreographers: Maria Mitrache Bokor, Katalin Bihari, Francois Chevennement, Valeria Dorokhova, Vasyl and Anna Kanevets, Sharee Lane, Stéphane Leonard, Cathy McFarlane, Sally Ogden, William Thompson, Rick Wacko, Regina Zarhin, Patricia Kostik November 2010 1 2 3 4 5 6 All Saint s Day 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Daylight Savings Ends Remembrance Day 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 g 27 28 29 30
Vaganova Society Russia Trip Ballet Workshop - St. Petersburg 2007 The Vaganova Dance Society s trip to St. Petersburg offers a 10 day program of Ballet, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Character and Variations in the Vaganova Technique, taught by the great Russian Ballet Masters. Daily morning classes for students and teachers are held, while parents and friends tour the beauty of St. Petersburg. Original Variations from classical ballets; Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet, Raymonda, are taught by teachers who were famous dancers and performed these roles professionally. bfvv December 2010 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 `12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 q Winter Solstice 26 27 28 29 30 Christmas Eve 31 Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year s Eve
20 th Anniversary Gala Don Quixote performed 2008 in Edmonton, AB Participants: Canada s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Character Dance Company (University of Utah), Citie Ballet, Dance Alberta, Edmonton Dance Centre, Edmonton Dance Factory, Marr- Mac Dance & Theatre Arts Centre, Russian School of Classical Dance, Sandra Gray School of Dancing, Shelley s Dance Company, Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, Trizub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Calgary, University of Calgary Dance Department, Volya Ukrainian Ensemble (Edmonton) January 2011 1 New Year s Day 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 `9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 q 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
17 th Anniversary Gala Halte de Cavalerie performed 2005 in Edmonton, AB A ballet comedy by P. A. Gusev after Marius Petipa. Music by Armsheimer. First produced at Maryinsky Theatre, St Petersburg in 1896 Directed by Maria Mitrache Bokor Vladimir Tsal Choreographers: William Thompson, Cathy McFarlane, Valeria Dorokhova Vladimir Tsal & Michael Venshchikov, special guest soloists from the Mickhailovsky Ballet Opera in St. Petersburg, Russia February 2011 1 2 3 4 5 Groundhog Day 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 i Valentine s Day Family Day 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
17 th Anniversary Gala Halte de Cavalerie performed 2005 in Edmonton, AB Michael Venshchikov Participants: Beaumont School of Ballet, Camrose Academy of Dance, Citie Ballet, Dance Alberta, Dance Unlimited, Dansation, Edmonton Dance Centre, Edmonton Dance Factory, Edmonton School of Ballet, Lecky School of Dance, Marr-Mac Dance, Sandra Gray School of Dancing, Shelley s Dance Company, Shylo s School of Dance, Vimy Ridge, Vohon Ukrainian Ensemble, West Edmonton Ballet Academy March 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 `13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Daylight Savings 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 u Spring Equinox 27 28 29 30 31
Cultural Tours St. Petersburg, Russia Mariinsky Stage Vaganova Society Master Ballet Workshops Swan Lake Sleeping Beauty 2007 2009 Don Quixote 2005 2005 La Sylphide Act 1 2001 Don Quixote Dream Scene
Vaganova Society Russia Trip Ballet Workshop - St. Petersburg 2005 The St. Petersburg Trip is a Rich Cultural Experience, filled with guided tours of Historical sites, Peter the Great s and Catherine s Palaces, The Hermitage Museum, Isaac Cathedral, and St. Nicola s Church and five unforgettable evenings of Ballet Performances at the famous Mariinsky, Mickhailovsky, Nicholaevsky Ballet Theatres! Tours are included in the trip fee. Shopping is available at local outdoor markets and beautiful large malls. Next Vaganova workshop in St. Petersburg: March 24 - April 5, 2011 Contact: info@vaganovadance.com for more info and registration April 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 c 24 25 26 27 28 Good Friday 29 30 Easter Easter Monday
17 th Anniversary Gala Esmeralda performed 2005 in Edmonton, AB A romantic ballet, after Notre-Dame du Paris by V. Hugo Version by J. Perrot M. Petipa Directed by Maria Mitrache Bokor Choreographers: William Thompson, Katalin Bihari, Cathy McFarlane, Valeria Dorokhova Vladimir Tsal & Michael Venshchikov, special guest soloists from the Mickhailovsky Ballet Opera in St. Petersburg, Russia May 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Mother s Day `15 16 17 18 19 20 21 o 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Victoria Day 29 30 31
17 th Anniversary Gala Esmeralda performed 2005 in Edmonton, AB Participants: Beaumont School of Ballet, Camrose Academy of Dance, Citie Ballet, Dance Alberta, Dance Unlimited, Dansation, Edmonton Dance Centre, Edmonton Dance Factory, Edmonton School of Ballet, Lecky School of Dance, Marr-Mac Dance, Sandra Gray School of Dancing, Shelley s Dance Company, Shylo s School of Dance, Vimy Ridge, Vohon Ukrainian Ensemble, West Edmonton Ballet Academy June 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 `12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 s Father s Day Summer Solstice 26 27 28 29 30
Vaganova Society Russia Trip Ballet Workshop - St. Petersburg 2003 During the Russia trips, a Cultural Exchange gives the opportunity for the Canadian students and Russian Students to meet, perform for each other and to have a special evening where dancers socialize and exchange souvenirs. Canadian students and teachers also had the opportunity to observe the Russian students and Company members in their Ballet and Character classes. Video and photos are permitted in all classes, which can be used as a resource and study upon returning home. Next Vaganova workshop in St. Petersburg: March 24 - April 5, 2011 Contact: info@vaganovadance.com for more info and registration July 2011 1 2 Canada Day 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 m 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 17 31
20 th Anniversary Gala Don Quixote performed 2008 in Edmonton, AB Don Quixote Sancho Panza Dulcinea Kitri (The town beauty) Basil Lorenzo (Kitri s father) Gamache (a rich groom) Espada Mercedes (a street girl) Gunnar Blodgett Marco Eugenio, Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Katalin Bihari Sarah de Vries (Aspirant Program, Canada s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School) Vladimir Tsal (solost, Mickhailovsky Ballet St. Petersburg) Ilia Vodapianov William Thompson (City Ballet Artistic Director Emeritus) Michail Venshchikovl (soloist, Mickhailovsky Ballet St. Petersburg) Kimberly Ballard (Character Dance Ensemble, U of Utah) August 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 Heritage Day 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 a 28 29 30 31
15 th Anniversary Gala Les Sylphides performed 2003 in Edmonton, AB Les Sylphides is a short, non-narrative ballet. Its original choreography was by Michel Fokine, with music by Frédéric Chopin. Directed by Maria Mitrache Bokor. Vladimir Tsal, special guest soloist from the Mickhailovsky Ballet Opera in St. Petersburg, Russia Staging: Katalin Bihari, Valeria Dorokhova, Cathy McFarlane, William Thompson, Erika Underhill September 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Labour Day 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 k 25 26 27 28 29 Fall Equinox 30
Vaganova Society Russia Trip Ballet Workshop - St. Petersburg 2001 Next Spring Break Vaganova Society s - Great Art and Culture Tour - Ballet Master Workshop St Petersburg, Russia: March 24th - April 5th 10 days of Ballet, Character, Pas de Deux, & Variations taught by Russian Ballet Masters Tours of Historical Sites, Palaces, Cathedrals and Museums Attending 5-6 Classical Ballets, at Mariinsky, Mickhailovsky and Hermitage Theatres For more information regarding this St. Petersburg, Russia Spring Break experience, including student and teacher subsidies, trip fees, registration, a brochure, membership fee or Casino information email info@vaganovadance.com or mariamitrache@hotmail.com or visit October 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Thanksgiving 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 27 e 28 29 30 31 18 10 22 23 Hallowe en
15 th Anniversary Gala Les Sylphides performed 2003 in Edmonton, AB Rehearsal time for Les Slylphides Ballet Original choreography by Michel Fokine, music by Frederic Chopin Staging: Katalin Bihari, Valeria Dorokhova, Cathy McFarlane, William Thompson, Erika Underhill Directed by Maria Mitrache-Bokor Participating Schools: Art of Dance, Camrose Academy of Dance, Casey s Dance Centre, Citie Ballet, Dance Alberta, Edmonton Dance Factory, Marr-Mac Dance and Theatre Arts Centre, Russian School of Classical Dance, Sandra Gray School of Dancing, Shelley s Dance Company, Wainwright Dance Academy, West Edmonton Ballet Academy November 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Daylight Savings Ends Remembrance Day 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 g 27 28 29 30
I am grateful to Maria for introducing the Vaganova style to me. It continues to enhance my teaching and benefit my students. I also have a wonderful friendship and partnership working with Maria on the Vaganova Board and its many events. Thank you! Cathy McFarlane, Director, Marr-Mac Dance and Theatre Arts Maria Mitrache Bokor Founder and Artistic Director of Vaganova Dance Society Former Prima Ballerina with the National Operetta in Bucharest for 20 years Ballet Mistress, Choreographer since 1978 in Canada Maria played a large role in promoting and popularizing the Russian ballet technique in Alberta. As a ballet teacher you provide a vital link to the dance community and encouragement of young dancers Mavis Staines, Director, National Ballet School Maria has been a valuable member of the Edmonton and Alberta dance community. Her energy appears to be inexhaustible. Her training and performance experience give her a unique perspective in North America Dick Foose, Dance Consultant, Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism 3 Selected Awards Order of Arts Chevalier Romania, 2005 Dame of Grace Knights Order of Malta, 1987 Gold Medal, International Ballet Festival Lithuania, 1973 National Cultural Merit Romania, 1968 December 2011 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 q Winter Solstice 25 26 27 28 29 Christmas Eve 30 31 Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year s Eve