Dance Theatre New Trier 2023

For Immediate Release: April 21, 2023
Contact: Laura Deutsch, deutschl@newtrier.k12.il.us  (847) 784-6557
          Johannah Wininsky, wininskj@newtrier.k12.il.us  (847) 784-6553 

The Performing Arts Division at New Trier High School is proud to present Dance Theater New Trier, our Spring Dance Company, in concert on May 4th and 5th at 7:00pm in the Cornog Auditorium at the Northfield Campus. Tickets are $7 and available at the door or on newtrier.showclix.com. 

DTNT provides an opportunity for Sophomore-Senior dancers (as well as select Freshmen) to choreograph their own dances and collaborate with their peers. The performances will include seven original student works by choreographers Diana Djenev, Zoey Fang, Grace Hurley, Alexandria Kasprisin, Julia Larson, Audrey Mesterharm, and Katherine Zmudka. Each dance is a one-of-a-kind creation, never seen before. The student choreographers create their dances with an intent that is completely original to them. 

Each student work is accentuated on stage by enchanting lighting compositions, created by student lighting designers. Under the guidance of Technical Director, Anders Jacobson, choreographers and designers collaborate to create unique atmospheres for each dance, supporting the choreographer’s intent or message. Student lighting designers and tech crew: Kaitlin Agastinelli, Brian Areas, Delfi Ayerza, Ella Bostrom, Keira Chroniak, Natalie Fisher, Madz Generez, Adam Puljic, Olivia Ty. 

We are also thrilled to present a new work, Past Life Portal, choreographed by professional guest artist and NT alum, Anna Caffarelli, created especially for sixteen of our dancers. At New Trier, she developed a passion for dance and was an active performer and choreographer in Dance Theatre New Trier, Dance Lab 1 & 2, and Kinesis Dance Company. She graduated Cumma Sum Laude with her BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts. In 2022, Anna choreographed and performed at the Agropoli Danza Festival in Southern Italy and the WADE Into Activism Festival in NYC. As a dance activist, she has created pieces about queer representation and gender-based violence issues. She also recently produced and choreographed her first independent dance performance titled Parting at Raisbeck Theater in Seattle, WA. Anna’s choreography explores the shifting power dynamics of human relationships, drawing in audiences through her vulnerability and storytelling. 

On Thursday, May 4th the Dance Division will hold a special recognition ceremony to honor our beloved colleague, Laura Deutsch who will be retiring after 33 years of service to the New Trier community. At the end of the ceremony, Laura’s former and current students will be invited to the stage for her culminating “final bow.” All audience members are welcome to join us after the show for a celebratory reception. 

This year, Dance Theater New Trier will hold a bake sale after the performance on Friday, May 5th. Proceeds will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. CFF is the world’s leader in the search for a cure and supports a broad range of research initiatives to tackle the disease from all angles. 

Laura Deutsch and Johannah Wininsky share the artistic direction of the company and are extremely proud of the talent and artistry of this year’s members. The 2023 Dance Theater New Trier Company: Vin Bosen, Margy Burgoon, Mars Capretta, Diana Djenev, Indigo Dunderdale, Zoey Fang, Emma Ferdinand, Ava Foersterling, Mary Gao, Maya Greenwood, Piper Goldman, Naomi Gooze, Shayne Hanley, Ellie Hardesty, Grace Hurley, Kathleen Hutchinson, Ellie Jarmel, Alex Kasprisin, Chloe Kastelic, Ellen Kim, Emilia Kowalczyk, Julia Larson, Cate Martin, Liv McDevitt, Anna McGrath, Audrey Mesterharm, Kathryn Pawasarat, Cecilia Perez, Ginny Peterson, Eva-Rae Rivera, Liv Robbins, Audra Sahn, Olivia Sandee, Chloe Schueller, Pfiffer Spruill, Maya Szal, Chloe Tang, Sydney Taylor, Katarina Teasdale, Sydney VonBank, Tessa VonBank, Hannah Wilcox, Becky Winkler, Katherine Zmudka.