OUR CONTRIBUTORS
The world behind the enchanting Raffaella ballet, where every step, every note and every brushstroke tells a story of passion, dedication and love. Meet the brilliant minds and supporters who breathe life into this mesmerizing production.
CLAIRE KRETZSCHMAR
CHOREOGRAPHER
MICHAEL KUREK
COMPOSER
Leah McFadden
raffaella
Leah Rose McFadden grew up in Dowagiac, MI, and began training at Southold Dance Theatre in South Bend, IN, at age 11. Under Erica Fischbach’s direction, she competed in YAGP and earned several awards. Leah attended summer intensives at prestigious ballet academies, including Gelsey Kirkland Academy and Miami City Ballet.
In 2015, Leah joined Miami City Ballet’s Pre-Professional program, performing with the company on tours to New York and Chicago. She joined Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company in 2016, became an Apprentice in 2018, was promoted to the Corps de Ballet in 2019, and became a Soloist in 2021.
Paul Zusi
THE PRINCE
Paul Zusi began his training at Southold Dance Theater at the age 6. In 2019, he joined Boston Ballet as a member of their second company, working with many renowned choreographers and teachers. He joined Kansas City Ballet in 2021, where has had the privilege to perform many featured roles.
South Bend Symphony
ORCHESTRA
The South Bend Symphony inspires the community with the transformative power of orchestral music in all its forms. As the region’s only professional orchestra, the Symphony is committed to diverse sound and a robust arts community in Michiana that entertains and connects people to music.
ROBIN FOUNTAIN
CONDUCTOR
GABRIELLE STROIK JOHNSON
SET DESIGNER
Gabrielle Johnson is a classically trained architect, figurative painter, and former dancer. As a set designer, she has worked closely with Southold Dance Theater to design sets for their classical ballets.
Duncan and Ruth Stroik
Executive Producers
Mark-David Bloodgood
Producer
Mark-David Bloodgood is a ballet producer and freelance dancer based out of St. Louis, MO. Mr. Bloodgood has been a member of the Saint Louis Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, Seattle Opera and trained at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Mr. Bloodgood has principal roles in Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella and Giselle.
Morris Performing
Arts Center
VENUE
The Morris Performing Arts Center is a Spanish Renaissance Revival building with a grand stage for classical ballet. Located in South Bend, Indiana it opened in 1922 as the Palace Theater. It was Raffaella’s favorite theater to perform in, and she always dreamed of returning there to dance. It seats up to 2,564.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Saturday, June 29, 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 30, 3:00 pm