WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Patrons,
Welcome to Crafted: First Look, the opening program of Golden State Ballet’s 2026–2027 season.
Every ballet begins with an idea, and some of the most exciting moments in our art form happen long before the curtain rises. Crafted was created to celebrate that creative process, giving our dancers and choreographers the freedom to explore, experiment, and share their artistic voices.
This year, we are proud to premiere original works by company artists Corah Abbott and Chaz Meszaros, alongside a preview of Never Here by Cory Barnette and Troy Herring, which will have its company premiere in March 2027. We are also delighted to share an excerpt from Larissa Ponomarenko’s Giselle, which we will present in May 2027 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (CCAE), as well as the classical masterpiece Raymonda. Together, these works reflect the versatility of our artists and our commitment to honoring ballet’s rich traditions while nurturing the creativity that moves our art form forward.
What makes First Look especially exciting is the opportunity to experience these works in an intimate setting, offering a glimpse into the creative process and the season ahead. More than a performance, it is an invitation to be part of our artistic journey. Throughout this program, you will discover opportunities to directly support our artists and productions, helping us make this season our best yet.
I am immensely proud of our artists and grateful to all of you who continue to believe in what we are building. Your generosity makes it possible for us to nurture talent, create new work, and bring exceptional ballet to our San Diego community.
Thank you for joining us and for being part of our journey. We hope you enjoy this first look at the season ahead.
Raúl Salamanca
Founder and CEO
ABOUT THE WORKS
Writer’s Block by Corah Abbott
A man sits alone in his office. The only task in his world is to create something original. He looks to his notes; these pages upon pages of writings, lying there lifeless and dull, leave him wondering when the next stroke of inspiration will come.
Tidal by Chaz Meszaros
A rhythmic exploration of physicality and musicality, blending the gradual build of continuous melodic beats with neoclassical undertones. Inspired by the unique artistry of Golden State Ballet’s dancers, the work emerged through a collaborative creative process in which the dancers themselves played a vital role in shaping the choreography. The result is a shared expression of movement, fun, and collective artistry.
Peasant Pas de Deux from Giselle by Larissa Ponomarenko
Set to Adolphe Adam’s original score, the Peasant Pas from Act I of Giselle is a lively, celebratory dance that brings the village festivities to life. Blending classical elegance with buoyant, joyful movement, the excerpt captures the warmth and spirit of the community at the heart of this beloved Romantic ballet.
Never Here by Corwin Barnette & Troy Herring
Grand Pas de Deux from Raymonda by Raúl Salamanca after Marius Petipa & Rudolph Nureyev
Set to the vibrant music of Alexander Glazunov, the Grand Pas de Deux from Act III of Raymonda is a dazzling celebration of classical ballet at its most regal. Featuring intricate footwork, elegant partnering, and virtuosic variations, this beloved showcase captures the grandeur, romance, and technical brilliance of the classical repertoire.
GOLDEN STATE BALLET
Raúl Salamanca, Artistic Director
PRESENTS
CRAFTED: FIRST LOOK
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WRITER’S BLOCK
CHOREOGRAPHY | Corah Abbott
MUSIC | Lusine, Felix Rösch, and Phillip Glass
CAST
Nura Parikh, Emiliano Dael with Madison Bruns, Haley Desjarlais, Dasha Leonteva, Alexandria Martini, Haley Mauldin
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TIDAL
CHOREOGRAPHY | Chaz Meszaros
MUSIC | Shook
CAST
Isabella Bertagni, Madison Bruns (10/31 4pm, 11/1 5pm), Sophia Dimmick (10/31 4pm, 11/1 5pm), Annabelle Eurich (11/1 1pm), Amélie Freeman (11/1 1pm), Miranda Giles, Annaliesa Gowe, Scarlett Learned
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PEASANT PAS from GISELLE
CHOREOGRAPHY | Larissa Ponomarenko
MUSIC | Adolphe Adam
CAST
Margot Aknin with Emiliano Dael
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NEVER HERE
CHOREOGRAPHY | Corwin Barnette and Troy Herring
MUSIC | Philip Daniel
CAST
Sophia Dimmick, Amélie Freeman, Haley Mauldin, Ashley Onks, Nura Parikh, Samantha Schmidt, Celyna Tran
— INTERMISSION -
RAYMONDA GRAND PAS DE DEUX
CHOREOGRAPHY | Raúl Salamanca, after Marius Petipa & Rudolph Nureyev
MUSIC | Alexander Glazunov
CAST
Samantha Schmidt and Reese Taylor
Haley Desjarlais, Sophia Dimmick, Annabelle Eurich, Amélie Freeman, Annaliesa Gowe, Ashley Onks, Celyna Tran (alternating)
Emiliano Dael, Harrison Pickering, Timothy Ruelas, Antonio Zamora
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LIGHTING | Alexandria Martini
COSTUMES | Emily Price, Jessica Smith, Dancers of GSB
PHOTOGRAPHY | Samantha Zauscher
GOLDEN STATE BALLET STUDIOS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Show runs approximately 65 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission.
GOLDEN STATE BALLET
Raúl Salamanca, Artistic Director
SEASON 2026 / 2027
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PRINCIPAL ARTISTS
Miranda Giles, Silken Kelly, Chantelle Pianetta
SOLOISTS
Haley Mauldin, Reece Taylor
CORPS DE BALLET
Corah Abbott, Margot Aknin, Isabella Bertagni, Emiliano Dael, Haley Desjarlais, Sophia Dimmick, Annabelle Eurich, Amélie Freeman, Stephen Hallburn, Ahmad Joudeh, Alexandria Martini, Ashley Onks, Harrison Pickering, Timothy Ruelas, Samantha Schmidt, Celyna Tran
APPRENTICES
Madison Bruns, Annaliesa Gowe, Scarlett Learned, Daria Leonteva, Nura Parikh, Antonio Zamora
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ARTISTIC STAFF
Cindy Huang, Associate Director
Denise Dabrowski, Artistic Associate
Michael Breeden, Ballet Master
Megan Nicotera, Rehearsal Director
OPERATIONS & PRODUCTION
Alexandria Martini, General Manager
Tim White, IT Consultant
Emily Price & Jessica Smith, Wardrobe Directors
Renee Shaeffer, Costume Designer
MARKETING
Joel Torgeson, Director of Marketing & Communications
Samantha Zauscher, Photographer
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Raúl Salamanca, President
Jessica Estrada, Treasurer
David P. Shapiro, Esq., Chair
ADVISORY BOARD
Ariane Tom
Susan Zale
GSB Company Artist Bios
Apprentices
Profiles
RAÚL SALAMANCA, CEO AND DIRECTOR
An acclaimed artist and entrepreneur with over 25 years of professional experience in the world of dance. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he enjoyed a celebrated performing career with prestigious companies such as Boston Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, and Ballet Arizona. His time with these organizations allowed him to work with some of the industry’s most esteemed teachers, coaches, and choreographers, honing his expertise in classical, neoclassical, and contemporary ballet. In 2023, Mr. Salamanca expanded his artistic repertoire by choreographing a new production of The Nutcracker, earning widespread praise for his innovative storytelling and artistic vision. As a passionate advocate for the arts, Mr. Salamanca is a member of the International Dance Council (CID), an official partner of UNESCO, demonstrating his commitment to preserving and promoting dance on a global scale. His leadership extends beyond the stage, as he has guided countless artists as an A.G.M.A. union representative, successfully navigating complex labor contract negotiations. Before founding Golden State Ballet in 2021, Mr. Salamanca held several distinguished positions: Ballet Master and Director of Education at Ballet San Antonio, Répétiteur for Boston Ballet’s resident choreographer Jorma Elo, and Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer at Los Gatos Ballet in Silicon Valley. His entrepreneurial spirit also led to the creation of Golden State Ballet Academy alongside his wife, Cindy Huang in 2019. Under Mr. Salamanca’s direction, Golden State Ballet has become a cornerstone of the San Diego arts community, celebrated for its excellence and accessibility. Through his visionary leadership, he continues to champion the transformative power of dance, inspiring the next generation of artists and captivating audiences with world-class performances.
CORY BARNETTE & TROY HERRING, CHOREOGRAPHERS
Cory Barnette and Troy Herring are dancers, choreographers, and educators whose artistic journeys began in Arizona and Oklahoma before converging at The Juilliard School, where both earned their BFAs in 2014. Their professional performance careers include Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, with experience spanning contemporary and classical repertoire by some of the world’s leading choreographers. Barnette also performed with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA, while Herring appeared in the original Broadway tour of Oliver! and performed the leading role of Romeo in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Romeo and Juliet.
Now partners in life and art, Barnette and Herring teach and choreograph internationally, combining their diverse performance backgrounds with a shared commitment to developing the next generation of artists. Their collaborative work reflects a passion for movement, creative exploration, and the evolving possibilities of dance.
LARISSA PONOMARENKO, CHOREOGRAPHER
Larissa Ponomarenko spent 18 years as a principal dancer with Boston Ballet before joining the company’s artistic staff as Ballet Master and Coach in 2011. Acclaimed for her expressive artistry and dramatic portrayals, she has performed leading roles across a wide-ranging classical and contemporary repertory and appeared as a guest artist with companies around the world. A dedicated teacher and coach, Ponomarenko has worked with companies and schools throughout the United States and internationally. She was nominated for the Benois de la Danse award in 2005.
In 2019, she debuted her adaptation of Giselle for Boston Ballet.
S E A S O N 2 6 / 2 7
BORN TO MOVE YOU
THE NUTCRACKER
DEC 17-23, 2026 | SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE
NEVER HERE
MAR 26-28, 2027 | CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
GISELLE
MAY 14-16, 2027 | CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
SEE THE SEASON, YOUR WAY
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