The Christmas Ballet Program 24-25 FINAL - WEB - Flipbook - Page 14
COMPANY PROFILES
MICHAEL SMUIN | FOUNDER
An American master, the late Michael Smuin began his career as a dancer performing
with San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and on Broadway. A Tony and
Emmy award-winning choreographer, Smuin brought a signature style to his work on
stage, in film, and on television. A maverick, he fearlessly blended the theatrical with
classical and popular styles, combining elements drawn from his vast stage experience.
Smuin’s works continue to dazzle and entertain contemporary audiences. His company,
Smuin, was founded in 1994 to showcase his creative versatility and unique vision. The
Company maintains his legacy today.
AMY SEIWERT | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
Amy Seiwert, a former Artist with the Company, was mentored under the wing of
Michael Smuin and was the Company’s Choreographer-in-Residence from 20082018. The Bay Guardian has described her as “quite possibly the Bay Area’s most
original dance thinker, taking what some consider a dead language and using it as a
21st century lingo to tell us something about who we are.” She was named one of
“25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine, has twice participated in NYCB’s New York
Choreographic Institute, and has served on the faculty of Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary
Ballet Program. Her ballets have been supported by the National Endowment for the
Arts, The Kennedy Center, and The Joyce Theater. Additionally, her work is in the
repertory of BalletX, Ballet Austin, and AXIS Dance, as well as Washington, Atlanta,
Oakland, Kansas City, Colorado, Louisville, Cincinnati, Oklahoma City, American
Repertory, and Milwaukee Ballets.
LORI LAQUA | MANAGING DIRECTOR
Lori Laqua brings 30+ years of experience to her role as Managing Director of Smuin
Contemporary Ballet. Laqua oversaw the renovation of Smuin Center for Dance, the
organization’s permanent home, which joined the rehearsal studios and administrative
offices under one roof for the first time. Laqua previously served as project manager
for the design and construction of the ODC Dance Commons and the ODC Theater
during her 20 years there. Laqua holds a PhD (ABD) and MArch in Architectural
History from the University of Virginia, a MA in Art History from the University
of Missouri-Columbia, and a BA in History and Art History from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison. Laqua joined Smuin in 2017.
AMY LONDON | REHEARSAL DIRECTOR & EDUCATION
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Amy London trained in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Karen Alwin and Shauna
Bereska. She danced with Hartford Ballet, Diablo Ballet, and Smuin. Her favorite
Smuin roles included The Eternal Idol, Q.a.V., and Hearts Suite. She has served on
faculty for schools throughout the Bay Area and as Artistic Coordinator at Marin
Ballet, where she has choreographed more than 20 works. As Rehearsal Director, she
enjoys preserving Michael Smuin’s legacy, as well as being the caretaker of the works of
choreographers such as Val Caniparoli, Trey McIntyre, Amy Seiwert, Ma Cong, Helen
Pickett, James Kudelka, Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, and Jiří Kylián.
14 • THE CHRISTM A S BALLET • 2024
