November 12, 2004
Loyola Ballet offers fall performance
The Loyola Ballet presents its annual fall performance on November 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. in Roussel Hall. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the enchantingly spirited Act III of Swan Lake.
Dancing the lead role of Odile, the bewitching Black Swan, will be Stephanie Murrish-Gaifullin, former principal dancer with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida. Murrish-Gaifullin began her ballet training in New Orleans, and studied with several teachers, including Gayle Parmelee, associate professor emerita, coordinator of the Loyola Ballet Preparatory Program, and former director of the Loyola Ballet, 1978-99. Murrish-Gaifullin began her professional career with Cincinnati Ballet and achieved the rank of soloist. She was also a finalist in the New York International Ballet Competition and a scholarship winner at the Prix de Lausanne.
Appearing as the classically tragic hero, Prince Siegfried, will be Daniil Gaifullin, also former principal dancer with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida. A graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet School, Gaifullin was a premier dancer with the Donetsk Ballet Opera in Ukraine before his arrival to the United States. As a couple, the Gaifullins have performed in numerous professional companies including the Charleston Ballet Theatre, Sarasota Ballet of Florida, and Ballet de Santiago in Chile.
Also presented in the performance are the premieres of two original works choreographed by members of the Loyola Ballet. Guest Artist Christopher Hutchings, member and director's assistant of Ballet New York, will also premiere an original work. The program is completed with the holiday favorite, Christmas, and the rousing Can-Can from Gaite Parisienne.
Tickets are $12 for general admission and $8 for the Loyola community. For ticket information, contact 865-3492.
