The Next Stage Project (TNSP)
presents
Benefit Performance for Yoga4Cancer classes with Jana
Love, life, and everything in between
November 12, 2023
3:00pm & 4:30pm
Playwrights Downtown, 4th fl. Black Box
440 Lafayette St., New York City
💖 Yoga4Cancer classes are a comprehensive and therapeutic yoga practice offered free/donation based to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers as a way to support the mind, body and spirit during and after treatment.
Your donation supports and ensures that our Yoga4Cancer classes and community continue to thrive.
Concept, Choreography & Direction:
Marijke Eliasberg
in collaboration with the artists
Guest Choreographer:
Kisara Nonaka
Choreographic advise, expertise & moral support:
Jana Hicks
The Next Stage Project Artists:
Manatsu Aminaga, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim,
Yoshino Kotani, Christopher LaFleche, Kisara Nonaka,
Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi,
Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register
Rosa Silva, William Valles, Tristan Walsh, Miguel Zapico
💖 THE NEXT STAGE PROJECT is a fiscally sponsored member of New York Live Arts, Inc., a non-profit tax-exempt organization. If you want to make a tax deductible financial donation go to our website https://www.thenextstageproject.com or: https://newyorklivearts.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3q00000WXTjsAAH
SHOW order:
Earth Love
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Desert Dwellers
Artists: Manatsu Aminaga, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Yoshino Kotani, Christopher LaFleche
Kisara Nonaka, Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, William Valles, Tristan Walsh
Special guest: Miguel Zapico
Poem: Gustavo Adolfo Becquer (see the poem listed at the end of the program with translation)
Crazy little thing for love
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Paul Kalkbrenner, Queen, Shirley Ellis, James Brown
Artists: Manatsu Aminaga, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Yoshino Kotani, Christopher LaFleche
Kisara Nonaka, Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, William Valles, Tristan Walsh
Dear best friend…
Guest choreographer and performer: Kisara Nonaka
Music: Jetpack Jay
Hold on to me
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Michael Whalen
Artists: Christopher LaFleche, Rosa Silva
Manatsu Aminaga,, Hwajin Kim, Kisara Nonaka, Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Tristan Walsh
Hold on to you
Music: Graeme Revell
Artists: Mila Hartog, William Valles
Manatsu Aminaga,, Hwajin Kim, Yoshino Kotani, Kisara Nonaka, Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Tristan Walsh
Thank you
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Tori Amos
Artists: Manatsu Aminaga, Rebecca Oviatt, Rosa Silva
In the Middle
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Shigeru Umebayashi, Francois-Eudes Chanfraults
Artists: Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Kisara Nonaka, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley
Understudies: Yoshino Kotani, Hannah Odgers, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Tristan Walsh
--
In honor of our friend, mentor, and lifetime inspiration…Kevin Wynn (1965-2023)
Videography & Photography:
Hwajin Kim & Rebecca Marcela Oviatt/BECCAVISION
This performance would not be possible without the support of:
Miguel Zapico & Michelle Miller
Sam Yee
Dusan Perovic
GM William C. C. Chen & Priscilla Chen
Saskia DeBadts
New York Live Arts
In loving memory of Elsa, Jody, Andy
💖 The Next Stage Project:
Founded in 2002 by Artistic Directors MARIJKE ELIASBERG and JANA HICKS, The Next Stage Project (TNSP) is a global dance company creating performance opportunities and experiences to help dancers further their careers and realize their dreams. By forming partnerships between selected artists from around the globe, creating and seeking national and international venues to perform our works, TNSP aims to push artists to their next level and to challenge and encourage creative artistic growth through dance, choreography, performance, education and exchange programs. Company dancers are selected for their commitment, passion, talent and genuine interest in collaborating with the Artistic Directors.
The Next Stage Project is known for it’s organic movement style and exposing the space beyond one's kin-sphere in a satisfying combination of full body movement and small obscure interactions, portrayed by talented, strong and expressive dancers. Creating and working fast and furious, the work thrives on passion for dance - always in the moment and letting inspiration lead the way.
THE NEXT STAGE PROJECT is a fiscally sponsored member of New York Live Arts, Inc., a non-profit tax-exempt organization. If you want to make a tax deductible financial donation go to our website https://www.thenextstageproject.com or: https://newyorklivearts.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3q00000WXTjsAAH
💖 Directors of the The Next Stage Project:
Marijke Eliasberg, native of the Netherlands, Founder and Co-Artistic Director of The Next Stage Project (TNSP), has been dancing, teaching and choreographing for the past 24 years in New York City. In 2001 Marijke founded the global dance collective: The Next Stage Project (TNSP), which she co-directs with Jana Hicks. With TNSP, she travels around the world, teaching, creating, mentoring and making exchange and performance projects possible. In NYC, Marijke currently teaches modern contemporary classes at Peridance Center and has taught at Gibney, Ballet Arts, Now Yoga, Steps on Broadway, Dance Space, Dance New Amsterdam, Dancewave, Broadway Dance Center, FSU in NYC Master Program, and Improvisation & Composition classes at the Joffrey Ballet School. Marijke holds a BFA in physical education with a specialization in dance. She continued her modern dance studies at the Rotterdam Dance Academy (Codarts) in The Netherlands and Dance Space Inc in NYC. She is a scholar of Tai Chi Chuan Grandmaster William C. C. Chen and is teaching his short form, long form and sword form. https://www.thenextstageproject.com
Jana Hicks, a native of Texas, holds a BFA in dance from SMU and performed with a variety of companies and choreographers in Texas and New York throughout her career. She is currently Co-Artistic Director of The Next Stage Project and has taught and choreographed for over 35 years in the US and abroad. Jana currently teaches contemporary dance at Peridance Capezio Center, and teaches yoga at Now Yoga, Peridance Capezio Center, and is a mentor and teacher for Y4C (Yoga for Cancer). Jana holds multiple yoga certifications, including through Om Yoga (Cyndi Lee), Now Yoga at The Shala (Edward Jones, Frank Mauro, and Joe Miller), and y4c (Tari Prinster). https://www.janahicks.com
💖 Meet the artists:
Manatsu Aminaga was born and raised in Japan, and began her dance training in classic ballet at Yoshimura Dance Center. She has participated in international competitions such as Japan International Ballet Festival, Seoul International Dance carnival Solo Grand Prix, and received a scholarship to Peridance Center’s Certificate Program for contemporary and ballet in New York. She has studied with Igal Perry, Nikki Holck, Richard Chen See among others. She has danced with Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, and Fadi J Khoury Dance from 2023. Most recently she has worked with Nathan Trice, Preston Mui, The Next Stage Project, and collaborated with Kazue Taguchi.
Milena “Mila” Hartog was born in New York City and grew up in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, she studied at the Dutch National Ballet Academy and performed works by Hans van Manen, Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Toer van Schayk, and Ohad Naharin, amongst others. In addition, she danced in various productions with the affiliated HET Nationale Ballet, including their Nutcracker and Mouse King, Romeo & Juliet, and annual galas. Mila had the opportunity to supplement her training through summer programs and workshops at Canada's National Ballet School, NW Dance Project, Princeton Dance, and the Amsterdam International Ballet Summer School. Mila worked with State Street Ballet and Library Dances in Santa Barbara and with Portland Ballet in Maine, and was featured in productions by the Music Academy of the West and the Portland Symphony. In Maine, she served as Assistant to Nell Shipman, Portland Ballet's Director. Mila has performed as a guest artist for companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. She moved back to NYC in 2021 and has since worked with numerous contemporary and classical companies and choreographers, including The Next Stage Project (Jana Hicks/Marijke Eliasburg), Synergy NYC (Julie Carter), Disagreeable Creatures (Danita Shaheen), Matthew Bovee's Lady on the Train at The Tank, Saya Springs Dance Theatre/Long Island Ballet Theatre, and AFFEKT Dance Company.
Hwajin Kim is from South Korea and moved to New York in 2015. Since graduating from the international dance program at Peridance Center, she has worked with many beautiful artists and loves everything she's done and the people she's worked with.
Yoshino Kotani is originally from Osaka, Japan. She started ballet training when she was young, and moved to NYC in 2022 to participate in the Certificate Program at Peridance Center. She is currently working with SANDSILK dance company. This is her second time to work and perform with TNSP.
Christopher LaFleche has been on the faculty of the Joffrey Ballet School’s Youth Ballet Program since 2016. In addition to teaching, he has been a Rehearsal Director for JBS’s Nutcracker. He has performed with NYC based companies Periapsis Music and Dance (Jonathan Katz) and The Next Stage Project (Marijke Eliasberg and Jana Hicks). Christopher earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet Pedagogy from The Hartt School under the direction of Stephen Pier in 2013. In addition to teaching dance, Christopher also teaches Pilates privately throughout New York City.
Kisara Nonaka is originally from Osaka, Japan. She began her dance training when she was three years old. She came to NYC and started the Peridance Certificate Program in 2018, and graduated in 2022. She was a scholarship recipient and apprentice with Jennifer Muller/The Works(2018-2020). Currently, she is doing OPT and working with Barkin/Selissen Project, 32nd Pack dance company and A.T. dance company. She has been working with The Next Stage Project since 2019.
Hannah Odgers started dancing at the age of 3 and hasn’t stopped since! After completing a year long scholarship program with EDGE PAC in LA, she understudied performances for LA Philharmonic, co-choreographed and performed live at events for In n Out Burger and affiliated charities, was featured in commercials for eBay and Disney, was seen in music videos for Cher Lloyd, and was featured on TV shows such as “Floored”. She then acquired a degree from FIDM LA and moved to NYC in 2021 where she continues to assistant choreograph/dance professionally and works as a graphic designer for American Eagle. She is so grateful to be a part of TNSP! Enjoy the show!
Rebecca Oviatt is a New York City based dancer, photographer, videographer, graphic design and dance educator. At the center, Becca focuses on creating and capturing artwork with an element of storytelling, honesty, humanity, and personal connection, and seeks to give the artist, and audience, yet another way to experience the art work. More of Becca’s work can be found @becca.vision.
Sara Pizzi from Italy, began her dance studies with Urban Dances performing in concerts, music videos & TV shows. In 2017, Sara moved to NYC with a scholarship from Steps on Broadway; later joining the Certificate Program, Contemporary/Ballet Track at Peridance Center, graduating in 2020. Sara is a company member of The Next Stage Project, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Light Painting NY, Six Degrees Dance, sarAika movement collective co-founded with Aika Takeshima. Sara is an educator for Musicamente, a dance program for people with disabilities and for Woodside on the Move, a preschool program for seniors and kids. Sara is also a teaching artist for Valerie Green/Dance Entropy and sarAika movement collective for community classes and residencies. Lastly, Sara is a photography/videography assistant for BECCAVISION.
Chauncey Pauley graduated from Elon University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance & Choreography. Since living in New York she has worked & performed with Salvatore LaRussa Dance Theatre, Ariel Rivka Dance, ToUch Events (Elizabeth McGuire), Alison Cook Beatty Dance & in the Lincoln Center Summer Festival’s production of Paradise Interrupted. She is currently dancing for, The Next Stage Project (Jana Hicks & Marijke Eliasberg), Danse En L'air (Yuka Kawazu), as well as with Disagreeable Creatures (Danita Shaheen).
Sophia Pielet is a queer dance artist and collaborator from El Paso, Texas where she grew up studying classical ballet and modern technique. She followed her love for movement to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she graduated in May 2023 with her BFA in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. Upon graduating, Sophia received the Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education where she is currently training to become a Teaching Artist and collaborating with her artistic and life partner, Aly Candland, on a duet to be performed at the end of January 2024. Sophia found Marijke’s class in 2016 and knew immediately it would not be the last time she would share the space with her. When she moved to NYC in July of 2023, she began apprenticing, and now dancing with all of the amazing dancers of The Next Stage Project. Sophia is extremely grateful and humbled to be a part of a long legacy of exceptional dancers who love to collaborate and have the biggest hearts with TNSP. Special thanks to Chanah for inspiring me, Marijke for believing in me, and all the dancers for welcoming me and reminding me why I love what I do.
Abigail Register is from Marietta, GA where she was a company member at the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theater. She performed roles such as Aurora, Mercedes, and Sugar Plum Fairy, and pieces by Tom Pazik, Kassandra Taylor Newberry, and Balanchine. Abby received her BFA from the University of NC School of the Arts, specializing in Ballet. Her senior year, Abby danced with the Oklahoma City Ballet under Robert Mills and Penny Askew. After graduation, Abby moved to New York and has performed with Ajkun Ballet, Athena Music Foundation, Hope Community NYC, The Next Stage Project, and has produced her own independent show.
Rosa Silva originally from La Paz - Bolivia, moved to NYC 9 years ago to study at Steps On Broadway. Since then she has danced for Max Stone, Julia Ehrstrand, Eveline Kleinjans, Jessica Lewis, Richard Pierlon, Plu Sayampol, Katherine McClintic, and became a member of The Next Stage Project family, which she has performed with multiple times over the past few years.
William Valles is from Rhode Island where he studied at Rosemary’s School of Dance, Festival Ballet Providence, Trinity Repertory Company, the Jacqueline M Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts (diploma in dance, NHSDA member), & Heritage Ballet. Valles is an Anthony Quinn Foundation scholarship recipient, & holds a BFA from the drama school at the North Carolina School of the Arts. He apprenticed at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Sam Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class, & a world premiere play by Lucy Thurber. He has danced with Sheep Meadow Dance Theatre, Mary Seidman & Dancers, Alessandra Corona Performing Works, Westchester Ballet Company, Safe Haven Ballet, & The Next Stage Project. He was a featured dancer in promotional videos for Esperanza Spalding’s 12 Little Spells, is on faculty in the school at the Mark Morris Dance Center, and has performed some of Lynn Schwab’s tap repertory through the American Tap Dance Foundation.
Tristan Walsh is a multi disciplinary contemporary dance artist and educator from Charlotte, North Carolina. Currently residing in Manhattan, New York. He graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with his Bachelors in Fine Arts in choreography and performance under Janet Lily. Tristan has studied at renowned intensives and workshops domestically and internationally. He was commissioned to curate site specific work for gallery installations working in close proximity with the audience and artwork. Tristan is currently researching embodying agency as performance as it facilitates a sense of individualistic ownership to movement. He is astounded to be working with Marijke and Jana on this project they, and the company so gracefully welcomed him into.
Miguel Zapico is a corporate man by day and Jack of all trades by night. He is happily married to his wife Michelle, and resides in NYC since 2005. As a businessman he works crunching numbers doing pricing analytics. This is his 3rd adventure performing with The Next Stage Project and he is loving it! He plays several string instruments, including the lute, bandurria, ukulele and guitar, and he is currently studying Tai Chi Chuan with Grandmaster William C. C. Chen refining the 60 posture Short Form and the Sword Form.
Poem by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer
Asomaba a sus ojos una lágrima A tear welled up in her eyes
y a mi labio una frase de perdón; And to my lip a phrase of forgiveness;
habló el orgullo y se enjugó su llanto, Pride spoke and wiped away her tears,
y la frase en mis labios expiró. And the sentence on my lips vanished.
Yo voy por un camino; ella, por otro; He goes one way, she another;
pero, al pensar en nuestro mutuo amor, But thinking of their mutual love, he still contemplates:
yo digo aún: ?¿Por qué callé aquel día? Why was I silent that day?
Y ella dirá: ?¿Por qué no lloré yo? And she will say: why didn't I cry?
💖
presents
Benefit Performance for Yoga4Cancer classes with Jana
Love, life, and everything in between
November 12, 2023
3:00pm & 4:30pm
Playwrights Downtown, 4th fl. Black Box
440 Lafayette St., New York City
💖 Yoga4Cancer classes are a comprehensive and therapeutic yoga practice offered free/donation based to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers as a way to support the mind, body and spirit during and after treatment.
Your donation supports and ensures that our Yoga4Cancer classes and community continue to thrive.
Concept, Choreography & Direction:
Marijke Eliasberg
in collaboration with the artists
Guest Choreographer:
Kisara Nonaka
Choreographic advise, expertise & moral support:
Jana Hicks
The Next Stage Project Artists:
Manatsu Aminaga, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim,
Yoshino Kotani, Christopher LaFleche, Kisara Nonaka,
Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi,
Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register
Rosa Silva, William Valles, Tristan Walsh, Miguel Zapico
💖 THE NEXT STAGE PROJECT is a fiscally sponsored member of New York Live Arts, Inc., a non-profit tax-exempt organization. If you want to make a tax deductible financial donation go to our website https://www.thenextstageproject.com or: https://newyorklivearts.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3q00000WXTjsAAH
SHOW order:
Earth Love
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Desert Dwellers
Artists: Manatsu Aminaga, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Yoshino Kotani, Christopher LaFleche
Kisara Nonaka, Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, William Valles, Tristan Walsh
Special guest: Miguel Zapico
Poem: Gustavo Adolfo Becquer (see the poem listed at the end of the program with translation)
Crazy little thing for love
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Paul Kalkbrenner, Queen, Shirley Ellis, James Brown
Artists: Manatsu Aminaga, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Yoshino Kotani, Christopher LaFleche
Kisara Nonaka, Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, William Valles, Tristan Walsh
Dear best friend…
Guest choreographer and performer: Kisara Nonaka
Music: Jetpack Jay
Hold on to me
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Michael Whalen
Artists: Christopher LaFleche, Rosa Silva
Manatsu Aminaga,, Hwajin Kim, Kisara Nonaka, Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Tristan Walsh
Hold on to you
Music: Graeme Revell
Artists: Mila Hartog, William Valles
Manatsu Aminaga,, Hwajin Kim, Yoshino Kotani, Kisara Nonaka, Hannah Odgers, Rebecca Oviatt, Sara Pizzi, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Tristan Walsh
Thank you
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Tori Amos
Artists: Manatsu Aminaga, Rebecca Oviatt, Rosa Silva
In the Middle
Company: The Next Stage Project
Music: Shigeru Umebayashi, Francois-Eudes Chanfraults
Artists: Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Kisara Nonaka, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley
Understudies: Yoshino Kotani, Hannah Odgers, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Tristan Walsh
--
In honor of our friend, mentor, and lifetime inspiration…Kevin Wynn (1965-2023)
Videography & Photography:
Hwajin Kim & Rebecca Marcela Oviatt/BECCAVISION
This performance would not be possible without the support of:
Miguel Zapico & Michelle Miller
Sam Yee
Dusan Perovic
GM William C. C. Chen & Priscilla Chen
Saskia DeBadts
New York Live Arts
In loving memory of Elsa, Jody, Andy
💖 The Next Stage Project:
Founded in 2002 by Artistic Directors MARIJKE ELIASBERG and JANA HICKS, The Next Stage Project (TNSP) is a global dance company creating performance opportunities and experiences to help dancers further their careers and realize their dreams. By forming partnerships between selected artists from around the globe, creating and seeking national and international venues to perform our works, TNSP aims to push artists to their next level and to challenge and encourage creative artistic growth through dance, choreography, performance, education and exchange programs. Company dancers are selected for their commitment, passion, talent and genuine interest in collaborating with the Artistic Directors.
The Next Stage Project is known for it’s organic movement style and exposing the space beyond one's kin-sphere in a satisfying combination of full body movement and small obscure interactions, portrayed by talented, strong and expressive dancers. Creating and working fast and furious, the work thrives on passion for dance - always in the moment and letting inspiration lead the way.
THE NEXT STAGE PROJECT is a fiscally sponsored member of New York Live Arts, Inc., a non-profit tax-exempt organization. If you want to make a tax deductible financial donation go to our website https://www.thenextstageproject.com or: https://newyorklivearts.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3q00000WXTjsAAH
💖 Directors of the The Next Stage Project:
Marijke Eliasberg, native of the Netherlands, Founder and Co-Artistic Director of The Next Stage Project (TNSP), has been dancing, teaching and choreographing for the past 24 years in New York City. In 2001 Marijke founded the global dance collective: The Next Stage Project (TNSP), which she co-directs with Jana Hicks. With TNSP, she travels around the world, teaching, creating, mentoring and making exchange and performance projects possible. In NYC, Marijke currently teaches modern contemporary classes at Peridance Center and has taught at Gibney, Ballet Arts, Now Yoga, Steps on Broadway, Dance Space, Dance New Amsterdam, Dancewave, Broadway Dance Center, FSU in NYC Master Program, and Improvisation & Composition classes at the Joffrey Ballet School. Marijke holds a BFA in physical education with a specialization in dance. She continued her modern dance studies at the Rotterdam Dance Academy (Codarts) in The Netherlands and Dance Space Inc in NYC. She is a scholar of Tai Chi Chuan Grandmaster William C. C. Chen and is teaching his short form, long form and sword form. https://www.thenextstageproject.com
Jana Hicks, a native of Texas, holds a BFA in dance from SMU and performed with a variety of companies and choreographers in Texas and New York throughout her career. She is currently Co-Artistic Director of The Next Stage Project and has taught and choreographed for over 35 years in the US and abroad. Jana currently teaches contemporary dance at Peridance Capezio Center, and teaches yoga at Now Yoga, Peridance Capezio Center, and is a mentor and teacher for Y4C (Yoga for Cancer). Jana holds multiple yoga certifications, including through Om Yoga (Cyndi Lee), Now Yoga at The Shala (Edward Jones, Frank Mauro, and Joe Miller), and y4c (Tari Prinster). https://www.janahicks.com
💖 Meet the artists:
Manatsu Aminaga was born and raised in Japan, and began her dance training in classic ballet at Yoshimura Dance Center. She has participated in international competitions such as Japan International Ballet Festival, Seoul International Dance carnival Solo Grand Prix, and received a scholarship to Peridance Center’s Certificate Program for contemporary and ballet in New York. She has studied with Igal Perry, Nikki Holck, Richard Chen See among others. She has danced with Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, and Fadi J Khoury Dance from 2023. Most recently she has worked with Nathan Trice, Preston Mui, The Next Stage Project, and collaborated with Kazue Taguchi.
Milena “Mila” Hartog was born in New York City and grew up in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, she studied at the Dutch National Ballet Academy and performed works by Hans van Manen, Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Toer van Schayk, and Ohad Naharin, amongst others. In addition, she danced in various productions with the affiliated HET Nationale Ballet, including their Nutcracker and Mouse King, Romeo & Juliet, and annual galas. Mila had the opportunity to supplement her training through summer programs and workshops at Canada's National Ballet School, NW Dance Project, Princeton Dance, and the Amsterdam International Ballet Summer School. Mila worked with State Street Ballet and Library Dances in Santa Barbara and with Portland Ballet in Maine, and was featured in productions by the Music Academy of the West and the Portland Symphony. In Maine, she served as Assistant to Nell Shipman, Portland Ballet's Director. Mila has performed as a guest artist for companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. She moved back to NYC in 2021 and has since worked with numerous contemporary and classical companies and choreographers, including The Next Stage Project (Jana Hicks/Marijke Eliasburg), Synergy NYC (Julie Carter), Disagreeable Creatures (Danita Shaheen), Matthew Bovee's Lady on the Train at The Tank, Saya Springs Dance Theatre/Long Island Ballet Theatre, and AFFEKT Dance Company.
Hwajin Kim is from South Korea and moved to New York in 2015. Since graduating from the international dance program at Peridance Center, she has worked with many beautiful artists and loves everything she's done and the people she's worked with.
Yoshino Kotani is originally from Osaka, Japan. She started ballet training when she was young, and moved to NYC in 2022 to participate in the Certificate Program at Peridance Center. She is currently working with SANDSILK dance company. This is her second time to work and perform with TNSP.
Christopher LaFleche has been on the faculty of the Joffrey Ballet School’s Youth Ballet Program since 2016. In addition to teaching, he has been a Rehearsal Director for JBS’s Nutcracker. He has performed with NYC based companies Periapsis Music and Dance (Jonathan Katz) and The Next Stage Project (Marijke Eliasberg and Jana Hicks). Christopher earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet Pedagogy from The Hartt School under the direction of Stephen Pier in 2013. In addition to teaching dance, Christopher also teaches Pilates privately throughout New York City.
Kisara Nonaka is originally from Osaka, Japan. She began her dance training when she was three years old. She came to NYC and started the Peridance Certificate Program in 2018, and graduated in 2022. She was a scholarship recipient and apprentice with Jennifer Muller/The Works(2018-2020). Currently, she is doing OPT and working with Barkin/Selissen Project, 32nd Pack dance company and A.T. dance company. She has been working with The Next Stage Project since 2019.
Hannah Odgers started dancing at the age of 3 and hasn’t stopped since! After completing a year long scholarship program with EDGE PAC in LA, she understudied performances for LA Philharmonic, co-choreographed and performed live at events for In n Out Burger and affiliated charities, was featured in commercials for eBay and Disney, was seen in music videos for Cher Lloyd, and was featured on TV shows such as “Floored”. She then acquired a degree from FIDM LA and moved to NYC in 2021 where she continues to assistant choreograph/dance professionally and works as a graphic designer for American Eagle. She is so grateful to be a part of TNSP! Enjoy the show!
Rebecca Oviatt is a New York City based dancer, photographer, videographer, graphic design and dance educator. At the center, Becca focuses on creating and capturing artwork with an element of storytelling, honesty, humanity, and personal connection, and seeks to give the artist, and audience, yet another way to experience the art work. More of Becca’s work can be found @becca.vision.
Sara Pizzi from Italy, began her dance studies with Urban Dances performing in concerts, music videos & TV shows. In 2017, Sara moved to NYC with a scholarship from Steps on Broadway; later joining the Certificate Program, Contemporary/Ballet Track at Peridance Center, graduating in 2020. Sara is a company member of The Next Stage Project, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Light Painting NY, Six Degrees Dance, sarAika movement collective co-founded with Aika Takeshima. Sara is an educator for Musicamente, a dance program for people with disabilities and for Woodside on the Move, a preschool program for seniors and kids. Sara is also a teaching artist for Valerie Green/Dance Entropy and sarAika movement collective for community classes and residencies. Lastly, Sara is a photography/videography assistant for BECCAVISION.
Chauncey Pauley graduated from Elon University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance & Choreography. Since living in New York she has worked & performed with Salvatore LaRussa Dance Theatre, Ariel Rivka Dance, ToUch Events (Elizabeth McGuire), Alison Cook Beatty Dance & in the Lincoln Center Summer Festival’s production of Paradise Interrupted. She is currently dancing for, The Next Stage Project (Jana Hicks & Marijke Eliasberg), Danse En L'air (Yuka Kawazu), as well as with Disagreeable Creatures (Danita Shaheen).
Sophia Pielet is a queer dance artist and collaborator from El Paso, Texas where she grew up studying classical ballet and modern technique. She followed her love for movement to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she graduated in May 2023 with her BFA in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. Upon graduating, Sophia received the Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education where she is currently training to become a Teaching Artist and collaborating with her artistic and life partner, Aly Candland, on a duet to be performed at the end of January 2024. Sophia found Marijke’s class in 2016 and knew immediately it would not be the last time she would share the space with her. When she moved to NYC in July of 2023, she began apprenticing, and now dancing with all of the amazing dancers of The Next Stage Project. Sophia is extremely grateful and humbled to be a part of a long legacy of exceptional dancers who love to collaborate and have the biggest hearts with TNSP. Special thanks to Chanah for inspiring me, Marijke for believing in me, and all the dancers for welcoming me and reminding me why I love what I do.
Abigail Register is from Marietta, GA where she was a company member at the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theater. She performed roles such as Aurora, Mercedes, and Sugar Plum Fairy, and pieces by Tom Pazik, Kassandra Taylor Newberry, and Balanchine. Abby received her BFA from the University of NC School of the Arts, specializing in Ballet. Her senior year, Abby danced with the Oklahoma City Ballet under Robert Mills and Penny Askew. After graduation, Abby moved to New York and has performed with Ajkun Ballet, Athena Music Foundation, Hope Community NYC, The Next Stage Project, and has produced her own independent show.
Rosa Silva originally from La Paz - Bolivia, moved to NYC 9 years ago to study at Steps On Broadway. Since then she has danced for Max Stone, Julia Ehrstrand, Eveline Kleinjans, Jessica Lewis, Richard Pierlon, Plu Sayampol, Katherine McClintic, and became a member of The Next Stage Project family, which she has performed with multiple times over the past few years.
William Valles is from Rhode Island where he studied at Rosemary’s School of Dance, Festival Ballet Providence, Trinity Repertory Company, the Jacqueline M Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts (diploma in dance, NHSDA member), & Heritage Ballet. Valles is an Anthony Quinn Foundation scholarship recipient, & holds a BFA from the drama school at the North Carolina School of the Arts. He apprenticed at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Sam Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class, & a world premiere play by Lucy Thurber. He has danced with Sheep Meadow Dance Theatre, Mary Seidman & Dancers, Alessandra Corona Performing Works, Westchester Ballet Company, Safe Haven Ballet, & The Next Stage Project. He was a featured dancer in promotional videos for Esperanza Spalding’s 12 Little Spells, is on faculty in the school at the Mark Morris Dance Center, and has performed some of Lynn Schwab’s tap repertory through the American Tap Dance Foundation.
Tristan Walsh is a multi disciplinary contemporary dance artist and educator from Charlotte, North Carolina. Currently residing in Manhattan, New York. He graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with his Bachelors in Fine Arts in choreography and performance under Janet Lily. Tristan has studied at renowned intensives and workshops domestically and internationally. He was commissioned to curate site specific work for gallery installations working in close proximity with the audience and artwork. Tristan is currently researching embodying agency as performance as it facilitates a sense of individualistic ownership to movement. He is astounded to be working with Marijke and Jana on this project they, and the company so gracefully welcomed him into.
Miguel Zapico is a corporate man by day and Jack of all trades by night. He is happily married to his wife Michelle, and resides in NYC since 2005. As a businessman he works crunching numbers doing pricing analytics. This is his 3rd adventure performing with The Next Stage Project and he is loving it! He plays several string instruments, including the lute, bandurria, ukulele and guitar, and he is currently studying Tai Chi Chuan with Grandmaster William C. C. Chen refining the 60 posture Short Form and the Sword Form.
Poem by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer
Asomaba a sus ojos una lágrima A tear welled up in her eyes
y a mi labio una frase de perdón; And to my lip a phrase of forgiveness;
habló el orgullo y se enjugó su llanto, Pride spoke and wiped away her tears,
y la frase en mis labios expiró. And the sentence on my lips vanished.
Yo voy por un camino; ella, por otro; He goes one way, she another;
pero, al pensar en nuestro mutuo amor, But thinking of their mutual love, he still contemplates:
yo digo aún: ?¿Por qué callé aquel día? Why was I silent that day?
Y ella dirá: ?¿Por qué no lloré yo? And she will say: why didn't I cry?
💖
