DAY 10: GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
When our thoughts turn to what we are most grateful for, all at Backhausdance want to thank each and everyone of YOU – our students, collaborators, partners, patrons, and donors for your continued generosity.
When our thoughts turn to what we are most grateful for, all at Backhausdance want to thank each and everyone of YOU – our students, collaborators, partners, patrons, and donors for your continued generosity.
#BDSeason14 Dancers (L to R): Sammy DeAngelo (apprentice), Chihiro Sano, Evan Swenson, Amanda Kay White, Joshua King, Kaitlin Regan, Amie Lee Kilgore, Toshiro Abbley & Katie Natwick (apprentice).
Each ticket sold, each dollar raised during Backhausdance’s 10 Days of Gratitude will help sustain the company's efforts throughout the season. We are proud to be your dance company, fortunate to have earned your support, and thrilled to be kicking off the holidays with you!
DUE TO THE GENEROSITY OF ALL OUR DONORS, TOGETHER WE RAISED A GRAND TOTAL OF:
$6,110!
From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Our gratitude goes to each and every donor:
Tobias Becerra
Lynn DeKock
Lorraine & Ralph Fish
David & Judy Joss
Michael Kerr
Maria Kilgore
Darryn Lowenstein
Dale Merrill
John Miller & Marica Pendjer
Kylie Murray
Dean Natwick
Cyrus Parker-Jeannette
Michael Regan
Martha Ryan
The Southards
Danny Sung
Kajsa Thuresson-Frary
Jeff Verdon
Patty & Tom West
Raymond White
Congratulations to our
giveaway winners:
DARRYN LOWENSTEIN
Autographed Poster
CYRUS PARKER-JEANNETTE
Backhausdance Shirt
JEFF VERDON
2 Passes to BD Rehearsal
LYNN DeKOCK
Lunch with Jennifer Backhaus
LORRAINE FISH
Full Scholarship to a 2017 Summer Intensive Program
DALE MERRILL
2 Passes to Bowers Museum and Lunch at Tangata
JOHN MILLER
2 Tickets to BD's February 3, 2017 performance at the Barclay
We look forward to seeing you all at our Friday, February 3, 2017 performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre. We can’t wait to share our newest creations – four premieres on one program – with you!
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 9: GRATEFUL FOR IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE
Backhausdance @ The Barclay has a great ring to it. On this 9th day of Backhausdance Gratitude, we are thankful for our relationship with Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Backhausdance at the Barclay has a great ring to it. On this 9th day of Backhausdance Gratitude, we are thankful for our relationship with Irvine Barclay Theatre. After last season’s sold-out performance, Backhausdance will again be presented by the Barclay and will return to the theatre February 3, 2017 with an evening of mixed repertory featuring powerful, athletic dances; emotionally charged dramatic pieces; and whimsical glimpses of the human experience. We can’t wait to share our newest creations – four premieres on one program – with you!
Since opening in 1990, the Barclay has emerged as one of California’s preeminent performing arts facilities. A unique collaborative venture between the City of Irvine, UCI and the private sector, the theatre has a reputation for wide-ranging programming in contemporary dance, music, and theater arts. The 750-seat Irvine Barclay Theatre is nationally-renowned for its great acoustics, intimate feel, and the high quality of its production facilities. Among artists, it is a venue of choice when performing in Southern California.
Exterior shot of the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Video highlights from Jennifer Backhaus' 2016 premiere of Drift at the Barclay.
To show our gratitude to you for your ongoing support, everyone donating $250 or more today will receive 2 tickets to Backhausdance’s February 3, 2017 performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 8: GRATEFUL FOR OUR NEW RELATIONSHIPS
On this 8th day of Gratitude, Backhausdance is especially thankful for our new and developing relationships with other nonprofit arts organizations in Orange County.
On this 8th day of Gratitude, Backhausdance is especially thankful for our new and developing relationships with other nonprofit arts organizations in Orange County.
In 2017, we will present work at the Bowers Museum as part of their Culture 360 education series. In conjunction with the exhibit Seen and Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham, Backhausdance will perform The Margin on February 24, 2017, and discuss the connections between the composition of dance and the images in the exhibit.
Click here for more information about Bowers Museum.
Also coming in 2017, the company will present an installation performance of Jennifer Backhaus’ newest work, Hive, alongside musicians from the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Stay tuned for information about this new and developing collaborative performance.
Click here for more information about Pacific Symphony Orchestra.
Donate $125 or more and be entered to win two passes to Bowers Museum plus lunch at Tangata.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 7: GRATEFUL FOR OUR SUMMER INTENSIVE STUDENTS & DIRECTOR
Today, Backhausdance’s gratitude goes out to all the students who have taken part in our signature Summer Intensives… and the woman who makes it all come together so seamlessly, Tawny Chapman.
(Top) #BDSI2016 #AdvPro students focusing in BD Technique. (Bottom) The 2016 Backhausdance Summer Intensive participants on the final day of the program.
Today, Backhausdance’s gratitude goes out to all the students who have taken part in our signature Summer Intensives… and the woman who makes it all come together so seamlessly, Tawny Chapman.
Backhausdance’s summer training programs are a unique opportunity for Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus, BD company dancers and renowned guest artists to come together with the sole purpose of helping aspiring dancers, ages 11 to adult, succeed while fostering a passion for contemporary movement. BD’s Summer Intensive program gives students the opportunity to accomplish their dreams of pursuing dance, and does so in a nurturing and supportive environment. Students train in a variety of dance forms, are exposed to the creative process and rehearse BD repertory works. The program culminates in a fully produced concert that attracts hundreds of audience members, including student families and friends and local dance enthusiasts.
Backhausdance provides more than $25,000 in scholarships each year to enable students facing financial challenges to receive the full benefits of the program. Please consider sponsoring a student for this summer’s program.
Summer Intensive Director Tawny Chapman can and does it all. She is a senior company dancer, educator, graphic designer and our Social Media Manager. Her long list of responsibilities includes holding placement auditions, coordinating the many instructors, arranging student housing, and creating the extensive three-week schedule, to name a few. All of the Backhausdance materials, everything you see – posters, postcards, emails and all social media posts – are designed by her. Tawny is the backbone of our program. Without her, our Summer Intensives would not be the professional, celebrated destination they have become.
Backhausdance will host its 13th Annual Summer Intensive programs from July 17 through August 5, 2017 in in the state-of-the-art dance facilities at Chapman University.
Donate $100 or more today, and be entered to win a full scholarship to a 2017 Backhausdance Summer Intensive program. Selected winner may transfer the scholarship to a student of their choice.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 6: GRATEFUL FOR OUR EDUCATION PARTNERS
On this 6th Day of Backhausdance's 10 Days of Gratitude, we are thankful for our ongoing partnerships with the McCallum Theatre Institute and Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
On this 6th Day of Backhausdance's 10 Days of Gratitude, we are thankful for our ongoing partnerships with the McCallum Theatre Institute and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Our collaborations with these outstanding institutions are a testament to the company's commitment to educating the community about the relevance of dance, both as a valuable art form and as a tool for learning. Through Backhausdance, each year, more than 3,000 students in Orange and San Bernardino counties, as well as schools in the desert, are exposed to dance curriculum they would not otherwise have an opportunity to experience.
BD company dancers and Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus join McCallum Theatre Institute Director Kajsa Thuresson-Frary and teaching artist Holly O'Farrell after a school performance.
We were thrilled to spend #InternationalDanceDay performing for more than 400 kiddos at Palm Desert schools with the McCallum Theatre Institute.
Since its launch in 1997, McCallum Theatre Institute — the education division of McCallum Theatre — has served more than 400,000 students, educators and community members with performances and arts education experiences. The McCallum Theatre Institute seeks to enhance the role of the arts by inspiring greater awareness of their educational, cognitive, emotional and spiritual power. In close partnership with local education agencies, they make the arts available and accessible to youth in the area.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts' Arts Teach is an education program designed to help bring arts experiences to school and community organizations. Through a roster of more than 75 professional artists from around the world, Segerstrom Center offers a large variety of affordable programs in Dance, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts that can be customized to meet the needs of each unique community or event by means of assemblies, workshops and residencies.
Donate $25 or more today and you’ll be entered to win 2 backstage passes to Backhausdance’s February 3, 2017 performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 5: GRATEFUL FOR OUR NEW GRANT PROVIDER – CITY OF NEWPORT
Backhausdance is excited to extend its gratitude to the City of Newport and welcomes the Newport Beach City Arts Commission to our circle of grant providers.
Backhausdance is excited to extend its gratitude to the City of Newport and welcomes the Newport Beach City Arts Commission to our circle of grant providers. The company submitted a grant proposal and was the only contemporary dance company to be award a grant to present a performance and outreach events for all ages and abilities. We feel fortunate to foster this new relationship and bring our engaging dance programming to residents of Newport Beach, as well as invited guests from around Orange County. These events will offer a unique dance experience with Jennifer Backhaus and company members suitable for all dance lovers ages 1-100!
An exterior shot of the City of Newport Beach City Hall.
The City of Newport has a long history of appreciation and support for cultural arts events, education and organizations. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission brings cultural and arts programming to the community. Activities are ongoing throughout the year and include the coordination of revolving art and cultural exhibitions at Central Library; the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Exhibition; Concerts on the Green; and a variety of arts, lectures and special events. Through its cultural arts grants program, Newport Beach also supports diverse cultural events such as the Newport Beach Film Festival and Newport Beach Food and Wine festival.
Donate $200 or more and you’ll be entered to win a Meet & Greet Lunch with Artistic Director Jenny Backhaus.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 4: GRATEFUL FOR OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS
Where would we be without sound fiscal leadership? Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Board of Directors and Advisory Board members.
Where would we be without sound fiscal leadership? Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Board of Directors and Advisory Board members. It is through the beautiful art form of dance that we are brought together to share ideas, connections, triumphs and hardships. Their fiscal guidance and support of the creative process is vital to Backhausdance’s success.
Our gratitude goes to our:
Board of Directors
Michael Kerr, Board President
Robert Farnsworth
Joann Leatherby
Lynda Thomas
Advisory Board Members
Mayra Castro Gutierrez, Chair
Nancy Dickson-Lewis
Jeremy Hunt
Kim Olmos
Proud Usahacharoenporn
Donate $150 or more and you’ll be entered to win two tickets to a Pacific Symphony Orchestra performance.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 3: GRATEFUL FOR OUR REHEARSAL SPACE PROVIDERS
Backhausdance relies on hours upon hours – nearly 500 hours this season, to be more exact – of rehearsal to create and perfect dance works before we premiere them to our audience.
Backhausdance relies on hours upon hours – nearly 500 hours this season, to be more exact – of rehearsal to create and perfect dance works before we premiere them to our audience. The Wooden Floor and Chapman University generously donate this rehearsal space and we are forever indebted for their support. We truly couldn’t have created the four premieres you will see at our February 3, 2017 performance at the Barclay, without the roofs over our heads and floors under our feet that The Wooden Floor and Chapman University provide.
#BDSeason14 dancers striking a pose in front of The Wooden Floor.
Located in Santa Ana, The Wooden Floor's mission is to empower low-income youth from diverse backgrounds to strengthen self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic, and family programs. Backhausdance is thankful for our longstanding partnership and will continue supporting the students of The Wooden Floor in their technical and artistic development through offering scholarships to our Summer Intensive programs.
Chapman University – home to artists, adventurers, leaders and scientists – is a significant strategic partner. The University provides rehearsal space during Backhausdance’s season, and hosts our Summer Intensive programming as well as our Backhausdance: Deconstructed performances in August. The company is happy to provide performance and extra training opportunities to Chapman students throughout the year and accepts graduates into Backhausdance as trainees, apprentices and full company members.
We are also grateful to Salwa Rizkalla and Southland Ballet Academy in Fountain Valley. Whenever we have run into a scheduling issue with our regular rehearsal space providers, they have opened their studio to us, free of charge. Thank you!
Please contribute today to help Backhausdance provide scholarship opportunities to students from both of these distinguished programs. Donate $75 or more today and you’ll be entered to win 2 passes to a Backhausdance rehearsal.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 2: GRATEFUL FOR THE CREATIVITY OF OUR GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS
When an audience sits down to experience a Backhausdance performance, they witness a visually stunning and captivating display of movement and artistry. What you may not realize is how many components go into making that happen.
When an audience sits down to experience a Backhausdance performance, they witness a visually stunning and captivating display of movement and artistry. What you may not realize is how many components go into making that happen. Today, we show gratitude for our fantastic guest choreographers. Here is a closer look at the three talented dance makers whose creativity you will see on stage at our February 3, 2017 concert at Irvine Barclay Theatre.
DALE A. MERRILL is currently Dean of the College of the Arts at Cal State Fullerton. He was the artistic director of Spectrum Dance Theater in Seattle, WA (1985 -2002), and under his direction, Spectrum grew from a community dance company to a repertory jazz company of national prominence. Born in Richland, WA, Dale performed with Ballet West, Pioneer Memorial Theater and The Utah Ballet Ensemble. In 1992, he became one of the first MFA in Dance graduates at the University of Washington. Dale has more than 25 years of choreographic credits including numerous original works, musical theater production, and a Public Television special.
IDO TADMOR is the 2011 recipient of Israel’s highly respected Landau Prize for lifetime achievement. He was artistic director of the Israeli Ballet from 2012 to 2014, and led his own Tel Aviv-based company for 13 years, 1995 to 2007. Today, he travels the world as a lead dancer, choreographer, judge in professional dance competitions, artistic advisor and artistic director of competitions and festivals. During his extensive performing career, Ido has worked with an illustrious roster of internationally acclaimed choreographers and been a principal dancer in companies including Bat Sheva Dance Company, Scapino Ballet and Lar Lubovitch Dance Company.
YIN YUE is a versatile performer, choreographer, and artistic director of Yin Yue Dance Company. Born and raised in Shanghai, China, she studied classical ballet technique, Chinese classical and folk dance. After graduating with a MFA in dance from NYU's Tisch School of The Arts in 2008, Yin quickly gained attention as a highly original choreographer and performer. She’s been selected as Artist In Resident at 92Y Dance Center, received first place in Choreography at the Shanghai Professional Performance Competition, won Hubbard Street Dance Chicago International Commissioning Project, BalletX Choreographic Fellowship, and Northwest Dance Project 5th Annual Pretty Creatives International Choreographic Competition.
Join us in our mission to create excellent art and educate the community about the relevance of concert dance. Help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 in 10 days on this #GivingTuesday.
Donate $50 or more today and you’ll be entered to win a Backhausdance T-shirt.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.
DAY 1: GRATEFUL FOR BACKHAUSDANCERS
As another year comes to a close and we kick off our 10 Days of Gratitude, there is no better place to start than by thanking the Backhausdancers for their amazing dedication to the mission and creative legacy of the company.
#BDSeason14 Dancers (L to R): Sammy DeAngelo (apprentice), Chihiro Sano, Evan Swenson, Amanda Kay White, Joshua King, Kaitlin Regan, Amie Lee Kilgore, Toshiro Abbley & Katie Natwick (apprentice).
As another year comes to a close and we kick off our 10 Days of Gratitude, there is no better place to start than by thanking the Backhausdancers for their amazing dedication to the mission and creative legacy of the company. They work tirelessly to maintain beautiful and strong technique, mature artistry, and to provide innovative movement and inspiration to all of the choreographers who engage with Backhausdance.
This season, we are happy to welcome Toshiro Abbley as a company member, as well as Sammy DeAngelo and Katie Natwick as apprentices. You will see them all perform alongside Backhausdance favorites Amanda Kay White, Tawny Chapman, Chihiro Sano, Kaitlin Regan, Joshua King, Amie Lee Kilgore and Evan Swenson, at our February 3, 2017 concert at Irvine Barclay Theatre.
I am thankful every day that I am able to make art with these amazing artists and caring, sensitive humans. They are truly a light in my life.
Help us provide rehearsal and performance pay for these talented artists. Donate $15 or more today and you’ll be entered to win a poster autographed by the entire 2016-2017 company.
Learn more about our 10 Days of Gratitude.