Eugene Ballet Company

After four seasons, we celebrate Sam Neale as he takes his final bow with Eugene Ballet.

As Sam retires, we applaud the outstanding talent and dedication he has brought to our company. Sam’s professionalism, artistry, and experience have set him apart, and it truly means a great deal that he chose to conclude his remarkable career with us.

“I have especially cherished watching him as the male lead in Martha Graham’s Dark Meadow Suite and as Malvolio in Suzanne Haag’s Portrait in Glass; roles that showcased both his technical skill and his unique stage presence.” - Jennifer Martin, Artistic Director

Sam’s continual pursuit of growth and his collaborative spirit have been an inspiration. Beyond the stage, his creativity as a visual artist has enriched our community even further. Sam, thank you for everything you have given to Eugene Ballet. Wishing you joy and fulfillment in all that comes next. 💐

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“I’m late, I’m late! For a very important date!” The White Rabbit may be running late, but you are right on time to fall down the rabbit hole with us this weekend at Alice in Wonderland! 🎟️ link in bio

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.” Audience members of all ages are encouraged to join in on the fun and dress up as their favorite character this weekend at Alice in Wonderland! Who in the world will you be?

Thank you, ArtsWatch for this lovely preview of our double bill this weekend!

https://www.orartswatch.org/preview-eugene-ballets-alice-in-wonderland-and-the-large-rock-and-the-little-yew/

Suzanne Haag
Hult Center for the Performing Arts, City of Eugene

Preview: Eugene Ballet’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘The Large Rock and The Little Yew’ • Oregon ArtsWatch Lewis Carroll’s 1865 tale of falling down a rabbit hole and a 2010 story by children’s author Gregory Ahlijian inspired these reprisals of two of Eugene Ballet’s most popular family productions.

“OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!”
Don’t anger The Queen of Hearts any further by missing out on this weekends exciting double bill. Buy your tickets now and you get to keep your head 😉❤️ May 30 & 31

Toni Pimble’s Alice in Wonderland is a fantastical journey filled with surreal characters, playful narration, and whimsical design. Paired with Alice’s adventure is Suzanne Haag’s The Large Rock and The Little Yew, a poignant and poetic ballet about a tiny yew seed that thrives against all odds. Together, these two works offer thoughtful, imaginative reflections on what it means to navigate the world as a young person, revealing both the absurdity of adulthood and the extraordinary perspective of childhood.

🎟️ link in bio

“Have I gone mad? I’ll tell you a
secret... all the best people are.”
What is your favorite Mad Hatter quote from Alice in Wonderland?
Toni Pimble’s interpretation of the beloved story is a visually striking ballet filled with humor, unexpected characters, and scenes drawn from Lewis Carroll’s classic poems. Silk fabrics become the flowing Pool of Tears, and Wonderland comes alive through a child’s curious lens. Don’t miss the trip down the rabbit hole May 30 & 31

🎟️ link in bio

“Curiouser and curiouser!” What is your favorite Alice quote from Alice in Wonderland?
Toni Pimble’s interpretation of the beloved story is a visually striking ballet filled with humor, unexpected characters, and scenes drawn from Lewis Carroll’s classic poems. Silk fabrics become the flowing Pool of Tears, and Wonderland comes alive through a child’s curious lens. Don’t miss the trip down the rabbit hole May 30 & 31

🎟️ link in bio

After nine seasons, we celebrate Hayley Tavonatti as she takes her final bow with Eugene Ballet.

Since joining Eugene Ballet in 2017, Hayley has established Eugene as her home, both on and off the stage. Her steady, thoughtful evolution as an artist is reflected in her many lead roles and her daily commitment to excellence. Hayley is often among the first dancers to arrive at the studio, preparing her body and mind in class and rehearsal. Her professionalism and dedication have greatly enriched our company and touched audiences.

Most recently, Hayley’s performance in Martha Graham’s Dark Meadow Suite was deeply moving, a testament to her remarkable artistry and pursuit of excellence. We are also grateful for Hayley’s family, who have become valued members of our Eugene Ballet community, traveling long distances to support her over the years.

“Hayley’s dedication and growth continue to inspire and elevate our organization. We are honored that she has chosen to share her gifts with us and look forward to the next steps in her journey.” - Jennifer Martin, Artistic Director.

Congratulations Hayley, thank you for sharing your work, talent, and passion with us for all these years. 💐

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