Max Barker

Tell us a bit about your background, where you are from, and your history with dance. 

I began my ballet journey at the ABT JKO School at age 4, continuing until 2020. After a year at The Royal Ballet School, joining ABT Studio Company has been a full circle experience for me.

How did you view The Nutcracker when you were younger? Do you have any childhood memories surrounding the tradition? 

I first watched ABT’s The Nutcracker when I was eight years old, and I can vividly remember the magic that was created with its enchanting story, mesmerizing costumes, sets, music, and incredible dancing. I have wanted to be a part of ABT’s The Nutcracker ever since.

Have you performed in The Nutcracker before? If so, how do this year’s performances with the main company feel different? 

In 2021, I was a part of The Nutcracker with Eglevsky Ballet, thanks to the ABT JKO School providing me with the opportunity. Now joining ABT’s main Company rehearsals, I am enthusiastic and curious to learn as much as I can. I am filled with anticipation to partake in these upcoming performances. 

What will be your must-haves when you travel to Costa Mesa, California? 

Given that I will be performing as a mouse in the production, some must-haves travel items for this mouse to be in top notch shape include protein-packed cheese bites, claw warmers, and an epic battle playlist to get me pumped for the fight ahead. 

What makes you excited about performing in The Nutcracker?   

I am excited to perform in ABTs nutcracker this year because it has been a dream of mine ever since I saw it for the first time. This is my first professional experience with ABT and I could not be more grateful. 

Brady Farrar

Tell us a bit about your background, where you are from, and your history with dance. 

My name is Brady Farrar, and I have been dancing for 13 years. When I was 8 years old, I was gratefully given the opportunity to move away from home for training. I lived in Miami for 8 years, and it was during this time I was introduced to ballet. When I was 16 years old, I moved again to New York City to attend the ABT JKO School. In fall of 2022, I joined ABT Studio Company. 

How did you view The Nutcracker when you were younger? Do you have any childhood memories surrounding the tradition? 

There is no Christmas without The Nutcracker. From the music of Tchaikovsky, to the magical story, this ballet is unlike any other. The Nutcracker holds its own place in the ballet repertoire. Every time I am able to perform it, I get taken back to childhood memories such as leaving the theatre after a show and reminiscing on what just happened, or walking around the mall and hearing the main pas de deux music playing. Nutcracker is iconic, and is a big part of the holidays.  

Have you performed in The Nutcracker before? If so, how do this year’s performances with the main Company feel different? 

In my first The Nutcracker, I remember dancing the role of Fritz. It was very fun to be able to act and play a character that reminded me of myself. In ABT’s version, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky, I am lucky to be able to perform with the corps de ballet as a mouse. Taking on a role of something that is non-human is something I have never done before, so it is such a rewarding journey for me. 

What are you doing to prepare for The Nutcracker season? Are you approaching this differently than you would with other performances? 

Dancing with the corps de ballet is a very different process than dancing with ABT Studio Company. It is important to work as a team, rather than approaching the work as an individual. I am so honored to be able to participate in such an amazing production. 

What will be your must-haves when you travel to Costa Mesa, California? 

I will need my pink mice shoes and a healthy mind and body. And, of course, some Philz coffee. 

What makes you excited about performing in The Nutcracker? 

I am excited to travel to California, perform with the main Company, and listen to Tchaikovsky every night.  

Lilia Greyeyes

Tell us a bit about your background, where you are from, and your history with dance. 

I grew up in Ontario, Canada, just outside of Toronto. I started ballet when I was 2 years old, so it’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember! I trained at Canada’s National Ballet School for 6 years before attending ABT’s Summer Intensive and joining the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in fall 2022. I joined ABT Studio Company in January 2023. 

How did you view The Nutcracker when you were younger? Do you have any childhood memories surrounding the tradition? 

The Nutcracker is so magical! It was the first full length ballet I ever saw, and the costumes, sets, story, and music are a little kid’s dream. When I was 13, I got to be Marie in the National Ballet of Canada’s Nutcracker. It was such a special experience to be in a professional production at that age, and I had the best time performing! 

 Have you performed in The Nutcracker before? If so, how do this year’s performances with the main Company feel different? 

I performed in ABT’s production of The Nutcracker last year when I was still in the ABT JKO School. It was such an amazing opportunity, and everything was very new. This year I’m revisiting the same roles and spots so I feel like I can really focus on the quality of movements and how I can push myself within the choreography. I also feel like I’ve grown so much as an artist in the past year while touring and performing with ABT Studio Company, so I’m excited to see how that translates onstage. 

What are you doing to prepare for The Nutcracker season? Are you approaching this differently than you would with other performances? 

I’m making sure to take care of my body leading up to the performances, like getting enough sleep, and massage, ice baths, etc. when needed. I’m part of the corps de ballet dancing in Snow and Flowers. Since there are so many dancers onstage in those sections, every individual needs to pull their weight and be super aware of their spacing and timing to make the choreography and formations come to life. Corps work can be challenging but it’s so fun and rewarding. 

 What will be your must-haves when you travel to Costa Mesa, California? 

A pair of sunglasses, 2nd Skin Squares, and a good book! 

What makes you excited about performing in The Nutcracker?   

I love getting to perform alongside my friends and dancing with the main Company is such a privilege. The costumes and sets are so beautiful and it’s such a fun production to be a part of. Also knowing so many kids are watching, some experiencing ballet for the first time, is the most exciting feeling! 

Vince Pelegrin

Tell us a bit about your background, where you are from, and your history with dance. 

Hi! I’m Vince. I’m from the Philippines. I started dancing when I was 8 at Steps Dance Studio in Manila under the direction of Sofia Elizalde. My two older brothers got me into dance because I would watch them outside the studio and try their moves. 

How did you view The Nutcracker when you were younger? Do you have any childhood memories surrounding the tradition? 

I viewed The Nutcracker when I was younger to be one of the most festive ballets ever. With the Christmas holiday spirit in the Philippines being extremely grand and joyous, plus the ballet itself, I would always find myself watching the grownups dance, and I would be so amazed and inspired by them.  

Have you performed in The Nutcracker before? If so, how do this year’s performances with the main company feel different? 

Yes, I have performed the roles of the Nutcracker Prince, Russian, and the Doll. This year’s performances with the ABT main Company feel different because I know that we will have the most fun onstage performing Mice in Act 1, seeing my friends in ABT Studio Company in Snow and Flowers, and cheering for them.

What are you doing to prepare for The Nutcracker season? Are you approaching this differently than you would with other performances? 

I have been going to the gym since we have long breaks during rehearsal days at 890 Broadway and taking variations class with Sascha Radetsky and Herman Cornejo. I like all my shows being different from each other so it’s always fresh and exciting.  

What will be your must-haves when you travel to Costa Mesa, California? 

My pink shoes for Mice are my must-haves when I travel to Costa Mesa. And, of course, my sunscreen and ballet class ‘fits.  

What makes you excited about performing in The Nutcracker?   

Watching the main Company dance from the wings or the audience and learning so much from them and the whole experience make me excited about performing in The Nutcracker.  

A Long (Impressive) History

Current ABT Dancers

To be honored at the Prix de Lausanne is an impressive achievement, and we are proud to have so many dancers from this respected bunch at ABT.

Current corps de ballet members Fangqi Li and Yoon Jung Seo were honored in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

In 2014, Garegin Pogossian participated in the Prix de Lausanne and was awarded a scholarship to join ABT Studio Company. He has since graduated to the main Company is currently a member of the corps de ballet.

Current ABT dancers who received scholarships from the Prix de Lausanne include Soloist Zhong-Jing Fang (2000), Principal Dancer Hee Seo (2003), and Soloist Sung Woo Han (2011).

Principal Dancer Gillian Murphy was awarded the Prix de Lausanne “Hope” award in 1995 and served on the 2018 Prix de Lausanne Jury. 

Former ABT Dancers

Although no longer dancing with ABT, our former dancers contribute to the rich history and partnership between American Ballet Theatre and the Prix de Lausanne – a list of past ABT dancer/Prix de Lausanne winners includes:

Former corps de ballet dancers Sarawanee Tanatanit, Zhang Zhiyao, and Nancy Raffa. Sarawanee won an apprenticeship at the 2001 Prix de Lausanne. Ten years later, in 2011, Zhang won a scholarship.

In 1980, Nancy was the youngest and first American female to win a gold medal at the Prix de Lausanne. She served on the 2012 Prix de Lausanne Jury and is now a Director of Repertoire at ABT.

Soloist Yuriko Kajiya won a scholarship at the 2000 Prix de Lausanne. She is now a principal dancer with Houston Ballet.

Former Principal Dancers Marcelo Gomes, Ethan Stiefel, Julie Kent, and Alessandra Ferri have also received awards. Marcelo won the Prix de Lausanne “Hope” award in 1996 and later served on the 2016 Prix de Lausanne Jury. Ethan won a cash prize in 1989, while Julie won a scholarship and later served on the 2023 Prix de Lausanne Jury. Alessandra additionally won a scholarship in 1980 and served on the 2014 Jury.

In addition to ABT dancers who won awards at the Prix de Lausanne early on in their careers, there are some former ABT dancers who have participated in the competition as established and valued pillars of the ballet community.

Julio Bocca, former Principal Dancer at ABT, has served on the Prix de Lausanne Jury on many occasions, including in 2014, 2018, and as President of the Jury in 2016.

Last, but never least, Cynthia Harvey was the President of the 2015 Prix de Lausanne Jury, as well as served as a Classical Variations Coach in 2016. Cynthia was a Principal Dancer with ABT,  served as Artistic Director of the ABT JKO School from 2016-2022, and continues to teach at ABT as a member of the faculty.