Stories from Opening Night

Stories from Opening Night – Patricia Delgado

Patricia Delgado

Patricia Delgado

The night we have been waiting for is finally here and we not only have one, but TWO stories from Principal dancer Patricia Delgado to wrap up the Opening Night countdown. We hope that you have enjoyed the series and that tonight, when the curtain rises on Program I: First Ventures, you and our dancers will make new memories together through a shared experience in the beauty of the ballet.

I have two very special opening night memories that I will never forget! The first one was during one of my first years in the company. It is one of my favorite All Balanchine Programs — Ballo de la Regina, Stravinsky Violin Concerto and Stars and Stripes.

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Stories from Opening Night – Jovani Furlan

Jovani Furlan

Jovani Furlan

We are keeping the Opening Night stories coming right up until the curtain rises tomorrow evening at the Arsht Center! Next, corps de ballet dancer Jovani Furlan brings us his most memorable story from Opening Night. 

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Stories from Opening Night – Suzanne Limbrunner

Suzanne Limbrunner

Suzanne Limbrunner

We are only THREE DAYS AWAY from opening night, so get your tickets soon! The countdown continues with another exciting Opening Night story from corps de ballet dancer Suzanne Limbrunner. 

The energy and excitement backstage was electric. We were focused and ready to perform but the anticipation of our Paris debut made this opening night exceptional. We were 16 girls all dressed  in white leotards, pink tights and pointe shoes, making a perfect diagonal line across the stage. The curtain went up and I heard the audience take a deep breath from the beautiful opening image of Balanchine’s Symphony In Three Movements. No one moved, all eyes were on our conductor Gary Sheldon. He lifted his baton and dropped it down for the first note of music and we began to dance. It felt like we were one unit moving together in perfect grace and harmony. This was an opening night I will remember and cherish forever!

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Stories from Opening Night – Michael Breeden

Michael Breeden

Michael Breeden

With T minus FOUR DAYS until the opening of our 2013-2014 Season, we are continuing our countdown with even more amazing Opening Night stories from our dancers! You are in for a treat with our next story from corps de ballet dancer Michael Breeden!  GET YOUR SEAT TODAY!

Opening night is the moment all of the work and passion we’ve put into the ballets finally gets a chance to breathe. We’ve agonized over trouble steps, rehearsed religiously and gone over the counts endless times. The reason we put ourselves through such grueling work is for the moment when the curtain rises on opening night. The cold air rushes in and the orchestra sounds its first notes. We are no longer people in a studio, but dancers making art, immersing ourselves in the music and contributing to something greater than ourselves.

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Stories from Opening Night – Christina Spigner

Christina Spingner

Christina Spingner

Our next Story from Opening Night comes from corps de ballet dancer Christina Spigner! 

My most memorable opening night experience was performing Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements with the company on opening night of the tour in Chicago when I was a student apprentice . It was special for so many reasons — first, because of course this was my very first performance with a professional company and secondly, being able to be apart of opening night is always a privilege.

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Stories from Opening Night – Sara Esty

Sara Esty

Sara Esty

The next story up on our opening night countdown comes from soloist Sara Esty!

I think one of my most memorable opening nights was for Liam Scarlett’s

Sara Esty with Liam Scarlett right after performing the world premiere of Euphotic.

Sara Esty with Liam Scarlett right after performing the world premiere of Euphotic.

Euphotic. It was not only a world premiere, but it was my first opening night in a principal role that I originated. Standing next to Liam for the bow was an incredible moment that i’ll never forget. He is such a good friend and I’m so proud of all he has accomplished! We both had tears in our eyes. Luckily someone captured the moment…

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Stories from Opening Night – Jennifer Kronenberg

Jennifer Kronenberg

Jennifer Kronenberg

As we count down the days to opening night of the 2013-2014 Season, dancers are sharing their favorite stories from past opening nights and explaining why performing on this particular night is so special. To kick-off the series is principal dancer Jennifer Kronenberg! Don’t forget to get your tickets!

Opening Romeo & Juliet was probably my most exciting and memorable opening night. It is such a romantic and monumental ballet — one that I had looked forward to dancing for so long. Then, to be lucky enough to dance it with my husband Carlos, and have it be for MCB’s 25th Anniversary, made it all the more special!

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