my perfect italian summer in south bend 🛵🩰🍸
There aren’t words to describe how it felt to be a part of the creation process for such a special piece of art. Raffaella was truly an angel on earth, and I can only hope she was smiling down filled with joy this past weekend. I’m so grateful for the life long friendships that were made and the memories I will cherish always. Love you guys!! :,) A special thanks to the Stroiks for making all of us feel so welcome and to @ckretz92 for being our fearless leader through this process (not to mention making a masterpiece in only a month and a half!!)
Raffaella’s joy, beauty, and grace can inspire us all & truly save the world🕊️
What an honor to be asked to photograph the premiere of @raffaella.ballet , a full-length fairy tale ballet created in memory of @raffstroik . This project was a monumental effort, put on by her family, as and the entire production was full of Raffaella’s friends from @stlouisballet , @iujacobsballet , @southolddancetheater and more.
They were able to create a brand new story, with original choreography & music (played by the @southbendsymphony ), and brand new sets and costumes.
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What a beautiful way to remember a dancer and person unlike any other. To know Raffaella was to love her instantly, and the warmth and love that radiated from her was quite honestly unlike any other person I’ve met before. .
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Choreo - @ckretz92
Music - @michaelkurek3
Costumes - @nicoleelainetutus
Set Design - Gabrielle Stroik Johnson
Lighting - @maureen_b31
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#raffaellaballet
It is difficult to put into words just how meaningful these performances have been 💜 Sharing, celebrating & honoring Raffaella in a beautiful way 🕊️
Beauty will save the world ✨
@raffaella.ballet
Beauty will save the world🕊️
Words cannot express the gratitude and love I have for this ballet honoring the beautiful life of Raffaella Stroik and for all the people who were a part of putting it together. It was an incredible gift and I will always hold these memories close to my heart💜
Raffaella 🌹
My past 3 weeks spent in South Bend, IN will always be remembered. Being part of such an incredible new ballet, choreographed by an old friend @ckretz92 to honor a beautiful soul, was unlike any experience I have been a part of. It was an honor to perform the role of the ‘Emerald Queen’. The resounding reception we received from the audiences this weekend was confirmation that we succeeded in sharing the joy of dancing and Raffaella’s motto that “Beauty will save the world.”
Thank you, Claire, for this opportunity and to my friends and family who made the trip to come see this performance!
We are on stage! See some exclusive content from our first few tech rehearsals at The Morris Performing Arts Center
What a joy to see this ballet come to life
Performances are Saturday, June 29th at 7:30pm & Sunday, June 30th at 3pm at the Morris Performing Arts Center
Tickets available through the link in bio
Music by Michael Kurek
Beauty will save the world
#theraffaellaballet#ballet#dance#dancer#performance
