HISTORY
Mystic Ballet's past is the creation of its future
Mystic Ballet, founded by Goran Subotic with a unique vision of dance, first
took form in the winter of 1997, on the stage of Eugene O'Neill Theater. The
original company consisted of advanced student dancers only. From the beginning,
Goran wanted a company that was comprised of professional artists and pre-professional
level students, who would be working together, inspiring and helping each other.
The leadership of Artistic Director Desiree Subotic, working closely with her
staff, a group of renowned chorographers and pedagogues, insures the progressive
growth of the company and its dancers. Today the company has earned a reputation
as one of the most acclaimed companies of its type in New England, promoting
the uniqueness of its Dance Me A Story - Family Series, exposing young audiences
to a cultural experience and insuring the preservation and enrichment of classical
ballet and modern dance.
1999
Madam Alla Osipenko
Madam Alla Osipenko becomes Principal Company Teacher and Honorary Board Director.
Mrs. Subotic and Madam Osipenko lay foundation for the education at the School
of Mystic Ballet.
2000
Goran Subotic with Alla Osipenko
The company performed the Millennium Project at the Garde Arts Center. This
is the first collaborative performance with Connecticut College, Imperial Academy
of Dance, Dance Connecticut, and Festival Ballet - Providence.
Mystic Ballet performed "Passing the Barre," choreographed by Alla
Osipenko;
"Swan Lake" staged by Alla Osipenko;
"Firebird" choreography by Mihailo Djuric.
The same year, Goran brought guest company Festival Ballet, Providence, which
performed "Alice in Wonderland" and "Magnificat" at the
Garde Arts Center.
2001
HRH Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia
At Goran's invitation, Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia is
a honored guest at the annual Winter Gala. After the performance Her Royal Highness
Princess Elizabeth becomes a honorary board member of the Mystic Ballet, joining
Alla Osipenko and Vlade & Ana Divac.
Mystic Ballet presented Festival Ballet's "Peter and the Wolf".
2002
Franco De Vita
The company expands its staff with Vladimir Putenko, from Kiev Ballet. The same
year guest faculty included Franco De Vita, from Alvin Ailey, presently principal
of the JKO School of American Ballet Theater, and Raymond Lukens, Boston Ballet.
This year Mystic Ballet opens its Dance Me A Story - Family Series with "Snow
White", which was performed for a sold out audience at the Garde Arts Center.
2003
Diana & Acteon - Foxwoods
A Spectacular Winter Gala at Foxwoods Resort Casino, hosts artists from American
Ballet Theater, and Boston Ballet, and a performance of "Eyes That Gently
Touch" by Kirk Peterson.
Desiree and Goran Subotic produced and presented "Wind in Your Hair"
- A Tribute to the Native American Culture and Dance. This also marks the beginning
of a friendship and collaboration between Goran and Kenny Merrick Jr., Composer,
and one of the best Native American Flute Artists.
2004
Peter Pan premier in November 2004
Desiree and Goran Subotic, choreograph "Peter Pan".
Mystic Ballet premiers "Peter Pan", one of the most elaborate dance
versions in America, with stunning critics' acclaim as Instant Classic.
Another revealing epic of this performance was a story of the dancer Marilyn
Mullen - performing the title role of Peter Pan. Marilyn took a bad fall on
the stage just an hour prior to opening night. Minutes after Goran learned that
Marilyn was injured, he found her in tears in her dressing room. "Does
it hurt that much?" Goran asked. "No, no... I am so sad for letting
you down" was the reply... and at that moment there were two people crying.
Despite a broken foot she performed three performances. Since then "Peter
Pan" has been performed every year.
2005
Dartanion Reed in Acceleration
Dartanion Reed joins the company.
Keiko Nakamura accepts Ballet Mistress position.
Thomas Tyrsek becomes a Honorary Board member of the Mystic Ballet.
2006
Denise Grothman
Denise Grothman accepts, Principal Company Teacher, position.
2007
Auditon at ABT - New York
Mystic Ballet celebrates its 10th anniversary, by completing six fully staged
ballets for children in its Dance Me A Story - Family Series.
"The Magnificent Seven", as local paper reported, describes seven
dancers from Mystic Ballet who were accepted to prestigious summer programs,
with full and partial scholarships, including American Ballet Theater, Miami
City Ballet, and Festival Ballet.
Goran Subotic & Sergei Vanaev
Sergei Vanaev becomes Resident Choreographer and Assistant Artistic Director.
Vanessa Durate da Silva accepts, Ballet Mistress position.
