The Ballet Alliance adjudications in April were a big success. Along with works created by our faculty, Marin Ballet presented Tidal by student choreographer Gabriela Miotto Leal. Gabriel is the second Marin Ballet student choreographer to have her work selected to be performed at The Ballet Alliance Festival. Nikita Dimova (class of 2020) was the first, along with Esther Rose Daniels and James Hisanaga (class of 2021) who presented their original dance films as part of a virtual TBA festival. Gabriel has made us proud by continuing the legacy of our student choreography initiative, moving us from the studio, to the screen, and the stage.
Composition teacher and student choreography mentor Casey Lee Thorne has seen a strong creative spark in Gabriela since she was in Level 7. Casey explains, “I am passionate about nurturing the next generation of dance makers. When a student like Gabriela demonstrates choreographic creativity, skill, and enthusiasm it gives me great joy as an educator to be able to offer a platform to celebrate their work. The Ballet Alliance emerging choreographer showcase is one of those opportunities.”
Gabriela has a natural sense of the creative process and has been inspired by her years training at Marin Ballet. She reflects, “When I’m listening to a song I like, I always make up a dance in my head because Ms. Adams’ choreography has always inspired me to create something captivating. Whenever my feet touch the grass, I’m reminded of how Ms. Johnson always wanted us to be more connected to nature. I learned to be present and to command space without feeling the need to be apologetic from Casey.”
Congratulations to Gabriela and all our TBA company dancers!