Ballet22
presents
SUMMER SEASON
July 19-20, 2025
Cowell Theater at Fort Mason | San Francisco, CA
About Ballet22
Founded in 2020, Ballet22 exists to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet by focusing on producing and presenting works that break gender normative traditions, specifically by presenting men, trans, and non-binary artists “en pointe.” The company is also dedicated to commissioning works that bring LGBTQIA+ representation to the art form. The company is directed by Executive Director & Co-Founder Theresa Knudson, and Co-Directors Daniel R. Durrett and Lorris Eichinger.
Since its founding, Ballet22 has produced nine full length live productions and has commissioned fourteen new ballet works that contribute to queer representation in the ballet world. In addition the company has created digital programs, award winning dance films, and has toured to Santa Barbara, CA, and Boise, ID. The company was named Dance Magazine “25 to Watch” in 2022 and received an Isadora Duncan Dance Award Nomination for the 2021-22 season for Outstanding Achievement in Performance – Company.
Summer Season 2025 is Co-Directed by Daniel R. Durrett, Lorris Eichinger, and Theresa Knudson. This production was made possible by critical funding from Isaac Hall, Megan Somogyi, Judy Flannery, Lena Chang, David Meders, Larry Baker, and the many donors that have contributed to ensure the artists of Ballet22 are compensated. Thank you to Nikolay for providing custom pointe shoes, and Oscar Perez of Performa Physical Therapy & Pilates for providing physical therapy and care for the dancers during this process.
Note from the Directors
Thank you for joining us for Ballet22’s Summer Season 2025. We are thrilled to be gathered together to celebrate queer, trans, and non-binary ballet dancers and their undeniable contributions to ballet. This Summer Season 2025 is our 9th in-person full length production.
Ballet22 performances show reverence to the classical art form while renouncing the establishment that has upheld toxic standards in the name of tradition. These performances are both a celebration and a protest. You are witnessing ballet history as the dancers and choreographers blaze a new trail for the future for the craft.
Thank you, always, to the dancers and choreographers for your bravery, your beauty, and for sharing yourselves as artists and humans with the world. You are the heart and soul of Ballet22.
In this program you will see Classical Gala Favorites, James Whiteside’s City of Humans, and the world premiere of You Can Have Me! by Roderick George.
City of Humans choreographer James Whiteside is a Principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, and a queer trailblazer in the ballet world, experimenting with pointe shoes and gender roles in his own choreography and projects, and advocating for queer representation in classical ballet.
The final piece you will see is choreographed by Roderick George. Commissions are always special, because we offer the space to the choreographer to dig into their own queer experience and speak. We were graced by Roderick’s talent, leadership, experience, thoughtfulness, and energy. This is what Ballet22 is all about.
We want you to enjoy this experience fully. Please clap and cheer for the dancers as they take a bow, enjoy a beverage, and follow us on social media to stay up to date on our upcoming projects. Our next show is July 25 & 26, 2026
Thank you all for being here at the Cowell Theater to support the work and mission of Ballet22! Enjoy the show!
With gratitude,
Daniel, Lorris, and Theresa
ACT I
Classical Ballet Gala Favorites
Choreography (in order) by:
Jules Perrot, Marius Petipa, Leonid Lavrovsky, Marius Petipa & Lev Ivanov, Marius Petipa, Jules Perrot & Marius Petipa
Music (in order) by:
Cesare Pugni, Ludwig Minkus, Charles Gounod, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Riccardo Drigo, Aldophe Adam
Program Notes: At Ballet22, we love ballet and are here to broaden what it means to be a ballet dancer, and who is allowed to partake. Traditionally these classical variations are only taught to, and danced by, dancers who are assigned female at birth, leaving out anyone who does not fit that traditional criteria. “Variations” are classical excerpts, usually short solos, derived from larger ballet works. Since these ballets pre-date video recording the choreography has been preserved through generations of ballerinas and teachers physically teaching these ballets to their students. They are called “variations” because these ballets have variables due to the lineage of the teachers who memorized and shared these works, as well as sections that are changed to suit the strengths of each individual ballerina who dances these works. The following variations are popular ballet canon, and were lovingly coached by Daniel R. Durrett, Christopher Lam, Coral Martin, and Sasha Mukhamedov, each bringing their own lineage of knowledge from their teachers to the dancers you will see performing today.
Esmeralda from La Esmeralda:
Daniel R. Durrett
Nikiya’s Death from La Bayadère:
Kobe Courtney
Walpurgistnatch Variation from Walpurgistnatch:
Victor Maguad
Odette Act II Variation from Swan Lake:
Zsilas Michael Hughes
Talisman Variation from Le Talisman:
Trevor Williams
Medora Act II from Le Corsaire:
Jake Speakman
City of Humans
Choreography by: James Whiteside
Music by: Franz Schubert
Dancers:
Kobe Courtney
Zsilas Michael Hughes
Victor Maguad
Staged by: Meredith Webster, with Madeline Tang
Program Notes: City of Humans, originally titled City of Women, was choreographed by James Whiteside for American Ballet Theatre’s ABT Incubator in 2018, choreographed on ABT ballerinas: Isabella Boylston, Catherine Hurlin, and Gillian Murphy. The work made it’s official world premiere on May 20, 2021 at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in New York on ABT ballerinas: Sierra Armstrong, Christine Shevchenko, and Katherine Williams. James wrote in 2021 about the original work “City of Women is about the generational knowledge passed from ballerina to ballerina. I’m amazed by the generosity of these ballerinas who spend their post-stage lives passing down the details of the art form to younger generations.” In the restaging of this work for Ballet22, City of Humans broadens who is included in the lineage of pointe work that has been passed down through generations of ballerinas.
A Note from choreographer, James Whiteside:
“The performances of “City of Humans” by Ballet22 embody a profound social significance, serving as a powerful testament to the evolving landscape of ballet and the broader arts community. By embracing LGBTQ+ narratives and performers, this production challenges traditional norms, fostering inclusivity and representation within an often conservative art form. Such endeavors not only enrich the cultural tapestry but also inspire dialogue and understanding, promoting social cohesion and acceptance. I hope this ballet stands as a beacon of progress, illustrating the transformative power of art to reflect and shape societal values.” - James Whiteside
Intermission
ACT II
You Can Have Me!
World Premiere July 19, 2025
Choreography by: Roderick George
Music by: slowdanger
Dancers:
Kobe Courtney
Daniel R. Durrett
Zsilas Michael Hughes
Victor Maguad
Jake Speakman
Trevor Williams
Program Notes:
George's latest work, You Can Have Me!, is inspired by the lasting impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and serves as a spin-off of the work he developed with his company, kNoname Artist. This new piece centers on the present-day erasure of the LGBTQIA+ community, while exposing how queer people have historically been silenced, isolated, forced into hiding, and even pushed toward death—driven by fear, media narratives, and notions of ‘God’s reckoning.’ While rooted in these traumatic experiences, George shifts focus toward the strength, love, and ongoing liberation within the queer community. You Can Have Me! highlights how, even amid demonization, queer folks have continued to build solidarity, joy, and resistance
The Directors
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Daniel R. Durrett (he/him)
Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Daniel has danced professionally for Houston Ballet and Boston Ballet. Daniel joined Boston Ballet in 2017, was promoted to Second Soloist in 2022 and Daniel was recently promoted to the rank of Soloist in 2024. He joined Ballet22 in 2021 for the company’s inaugural live production, and was appointed Co-Director in 2023.
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Lorris Eichinger (he/they)
From Grenoble, France, Lorris Eichinger has dancer professionally for Jeune Ballet de Lyon, De Dutch Don’t Dance, and Kamea Dance Company. In 2019 Lorris joined Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet in San Francisco. Lorris’ involvement with Ballet22 began in 2021. Since that time they have danced, choreographed, and directed film for Ballet22. Lorris was appointed Co-Director in 2023.
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Theresa Knudson (she/her)
Theresa Knudson is from Fullerton, CA and has danced professionally for Nouveau Chamber Ballet and as a freelance dancer with Diablo Ballet, Oakland Ballet, MFDP|SF, Wonderbound, and more. She is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Ballet22, and has been Co-Director since the company was founded in 2020. Theresa is also the founder and director of BlackBox Studios, a ballet studio in East Oakland, CA.
The Artists
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Kobe Courtney (she/they)
Kobe is from Richmond, VA and is a freelance dancer in NYC. They joined Ballet22 in 2024.
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Daniel R. Durrett (he/him)
Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Daniel is a Soloist at the Boston Ballet. Daniel joined Ballet22 in 2021 and was named Co-Director in 2023. Daniel’s performances for the Summer Season 2025 are sponsored by Megan Somogyi.
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Zsilas Michael Hughes (they/them)
Originally from Little Rock, AR, Zsilas is a dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, WA. They joined Ballet22 in 2023.
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Victor Maguad (he/him)
Victor is from Manila, Philippines and is dancer with Sacramento Ballet. He joined Ballet22 2022. Victor’s performances for the Summer Season 2025 are sponsored by Lena Chang.
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Jake Speakman (he/him)
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Jake is a dancer with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo in NYC. Jake joined Ballet22 in 2025.
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Trevor Williams (he/him)
Trevor is from Paducah KY and is a dancer with Pensacola Ballet in Florida. He joined Ballet22 in 2021.
The Choreographers
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Roderick George
Born in Houston, Texas, Roderick George danced professionally for Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Basel Ballet/Theater Basel, GöteorgsOperans Danskompani, and The Forsythe Company. Roderick George founded kNoname Artist in 2015. Roderick George is a YoungArts Fellow Winner 2021-2022, Mertz Gilmore Dancer Awardee 2023, NPC Awardee, the 2024 Inaugural Jacob's Pillow Men Dancers Award, and the 2024 Princess Grace Recipient.
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James Whiteside
Originally from Fairfield, CT, James Whiteside is redefining the meaning of multi-hyphenate as a Principal Dancer and choreographer for American Ballet Theatre, hilarious pop music performer under the name JbDubs, drag queen, podcast host of “The Stage Rightside” and author of “Center Center.”
The Coaches, Teachers, Stagers
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Chris Lam
Christopher Lam is an Australian-American. He danced professionally for the Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve, Gothenburg Ballet, Croatian National Ballet and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal. He is currently the Director of Ballet at ODC in San Francisco.
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Coral Martin
Coral Martin is a dancer and educator based in SF Bay Area. She has danced professionally with Oakland Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Robert Moses KIN, Capacitor, and San Francisco Opera Ballet. Coral Martin holds a degree in Social Anthropology and Visual Art from Harvard University.
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Sasha Mukhamedov
Born in London, England, Sasha Mukhamedov danced as a Principal Dancer for Dutch National Ballet prior to joining San Francisco Ballet in 2019 as a Soloist.
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Madeline Tang
Madeline Tang grew up in Southern California. She dance with the Semperoper Ballet in Dresden, Germany in 2012 as an Apprentice, and Seattle based contemporary companies Whim W’Him and Coriolis in 2013. Madeline danced with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet from 2014-2024.
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Meredith Webster
Meredith T. Webster grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She worked with Sonia Dawkins's Prism and Donald Byrd's Spectrum Dance Theatre in Seattle, and earned a B.S. in Sustainable Resource Sciences from the University of Washington before moving to San Francisco to work with Alonzo King LINES Ballet. She danced with Lines for 9 seasons, served as Rehearsal Director for 6, and currently stages Alonzo’s work. Meredith curates her own work for the stage and film and currently lives on the unceded Ohlone land of xučyun (Huchiun), also known as Oakland, California.
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Nat Wilson
Nat Wilson (they/he) is a Brooklyn-based dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Their formative training was in ballet and in 2016, they joined Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, where they had the opportunity to perform and teach around the world, including China, Peru, South Korea, and India. In January of 2020 they moved to New York City to pursue a freelance career. Since then, they've worked in both New York and Los Angeles, performing with YYDC, kNoname Artist/Roderick George, More Fish Dance, and ate9 Dance Company, as well as creating their own work. They are one of the first two dancers certified to teach Yue Yin's FoCo technique.
The Team
Artistic Co-Directors for Summer Season 2025:
Lorris Eichinger
Daniel R. Durrett
Theresa Knudson
Executive Director & Co-Founder:
Theresa Knudson
Board of Directors:
Megan Somogyi, President
Lorris Eichinger, Vice President
Daniel R. Durrett Secretary
Theresa Knudson, Treasurer
Business Advisory Committee:
Megan Somogyi and Isaac Hall
Social Media Manger: Daniel R. Durrett
Company Lawyer: Megan Somogyi
Accountant: Shelby Malvoso
Lighting Designer: Daniel Weiermann
Costumes: Ballet22
Videography: Alexander Irwin
Photography: Maximillian Tortoriello
Physical Therapy: Oscar Perez, Performa Physical Therapy & Pilates
Company Teachers and Coaches: Daniel R. Durrett, Theresa Knudson, Christopher Lam, Coral Martin, Sasha Mukhamedov, Madeline Tang, Meredith Webster, Nat Wilson
Stage Manager: Theresa Knudson
Technical Director of the Cowell Theater: Christine Cochrane
Audio Engineer: Patrick Murphy
Production Support & Front of House Manager: Roger Albanes
Volunteer Ushers and Production Support: Michelle Tara Lynch, Max, Madeline & Phil Tang
Studio space provided by:
BlackBox Studios, Oakland
Cowell Theater Team: Christine Cochrane, Amanda Matthews, Kathyrn Yost
The Supporters & Sponsors
Angels $20,000+
Isaac Hall
Patrons $10,000+
Megan Somogyi
Sponsoring Daniel R. Durrett for Summer Season
Artists Sponsors $3,000+
Larry Baker
Lena Chang
Sponsoring Victor Maguad for Summer Season
Judy Flannery
David Meders
Supporter $1,000-2,999
Mary Lawrence Hicks & Rhodes L. Bruns
Suzy Hong
Doug & Jean Knudson
Patrick Rosvall
Amy Schoening
Contributor $100-$999
Bruce Antink
Roxana Bostwick
Claire Callahan
PJ Cherrin
Lauren Clark
Leah Culver
Gianna De Filippis
James Driscoll
Jamie Gedit
Tali Kirkwood
Stewart McDowell
Peter Nye
David Raygorodsky
Karen Rosenberg
Katherine Sakoda
Kristin Symon
SS&C Technologies Matching Gift Program
Atul Teckchandani
Donna Une
Avery Zibilich
Ballet22 commissions new works every year. Ballet22 is the only company in the world dedicated to this work, allowing ballet choreographers to explore uncharted territory with their craft.
Ballet22 is an act of love and service to both the queer community, the dance community, and specifically to all of the queer people involved in the ballet community.
Ballet22 has been life-changing for dancers, choreographers, and audiences, and we hope you will continue to support Ballet22 in producing this profound and impactful work.
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