July 27, 2006

Ballet San Jose shortens name and adds six new dancers

Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley has officially shortened its name to Ballet San Jose. Artistic/Executive Director Dennis Nahat and the Ballet Board of Directors approved the name change at a recent Board meeting.

"When we first took on our rather long name in the fall of 2000, Silicon Valley was more recognized nationally than was the city of San Jose," said Nahat. "But people today are increasingly aware that San Jose is the heart and center of Silicon Valley. They 'know the way to San Jose' and we are proud to be a part of this thriving hub of art and technology. And by the way, 'Ballet San Jose' fits rather nicely on the marquee."

In other Ballet San Jose news, Nahat has announced the signing of six new dancers to contracts. Yui Yonezawa and Akua Parker will become company members when rehearsals begin in the fall. Amy Marie Briones and Jeremy Kovitch are new apprentices; and Sarah Stein and Shannon Bynum (both of Ballet San Jose School) will be new trainees.

Yui Yonezawa was the winner of the senior women's bronze medal at the VIII USA International Ballet Competition (IBC) this June in Jackson Miss. Her presentation with Russian partner Georgi Smilevksi of Ben Lida's "September" won wave reviews. Yonezawa, 19 years old, was born in Tokyo, Japan. Her training was at Tsukamoto Ballet Studios.

Akua Parker, 27, from Kinston, N.C., previously danced with Cincinnati Ballet (2005-06) and was a lead dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem (2000-04). Her professional training was with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Academy of the Dance, Wilmington, Del.

Amy Marie Briones, 16, was born in Redwood City and currently lives in San Mateo. She trained at Ayako School of Ballet in Belmont and was named dancer of the year by the American Dance Association in 2002. She also was honored with the Hope Award in 2001, and the Grand Prix Award from Youth America in Long Beach in 2000, 2001 and 2004. She recently danced with Peninsula Youth Ballet.

Jeremy Kovitch, 19 of Mt. Pocono, Penn. trained at the New Jersey Ballet, the Harid Conservatory and the San Francisco Ballet School. He has been a trainee with San Francisco Ballet and most recently was a member of The Cincinnati Ballet (2005-06).

Sarah Stein, 18, of San Jose is currently a student at Ballet San Jose School. She has also studied Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre and San Jose Dance Theatre. She has performed with Ballet San Jose in “The Nutcracker,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Cinema Soundtracks,” “Les Sylphides” and “The Firebird.”

Shannon Bynum 21 of Fresno is a student at Ballet San Jose School. She has trained additionally with American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet School and currently studies in private training with Grethel Domingo. She traveled to Italy with Ballet San Jose School last summer to compete in the Grand Prix Italia where the school took two first place awards.

Nahat is still planning to add additional dancers later this summer. Ballet San Jose currently has 31 company members, four apprentices and two trainees under contract. The 2006-07 season begins Nov. 16, with a new mounting of “Giselle,” and runs through April 29. The complete season includes four mainstage productions and “The Nutcracker” performed at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, with an added children's program in May presented at the California Theatre.

For details visit www.balletsanjose.org.