BAMBI

My Dear American Audience:  I came to this country ten years ago, and I am very happy to be here in the United States. Three years ago my dream came true when I opened my studio. I worked in many studios in the Chicago area before opening Ballet Cultural Arts Center in Bloomingdale.  When I came to America it was my aspiration to help young dancers become the best they could be. I wanted my students to have great technique and discipline, not only for ballet, but for their daily lives as well. My Russian Ballet Masters a long time ago taught me these principals, and now I pass them on my students. My students try to become better every day to obtain the best chance to some day work as professional dancers. This is a same work ethic I have used in working with professionals from the Kirov Ballet Theatre, Moscow Ballet Theatre, students from Vaganova College Ballet, and all around the Soviet Union and Europe.  I am very proud of my hard working students for what they do is not simple. Since opening up my studio it has been my vision to do a full two-act ballet, and now my with came true. Michael Jordan once said, "Never say never". I now say the same. I am not a young person, but I want to continue working hard bringing high quality technique to my students for years to come. Ballet is my life.  I appreciate everyone who has helped me; all the many volunteers and everyone's support. Without these contributions and generosity, I would not have been able to put on a ballet of this caliber. I say every morning when I wake up, "God Bless America, my new country". I will always remember Russia, where I first was chosen to study ballet and later teach and choreograph.  I hope you enjoy the Ballet Bambi. You will see my heart, as well as dancers inside this performance. My goal is to continue working hard and "Never say never".  My best wishes for you and your family, Avnun Yakubov Artistic Director Youth Ballet Theatre of Chicago Ballet Cultural Arts Center    In the summer of 2004 Mr Yakubov proudly presented his US Ballet Premier of "BAMBI". This full length ballet in 2 acts featuring original libretto stage version with staging and choreography by Mr. Yakubov. Performances by Milwaukee Ballet Theater members Jennifer Provins and Christofer Fellows - 1st Principal Soloists and Kirk Henning of Daytona Ballet Company - Principal Soloist. Performing from the Youth Ballet Theater (YBT) NFP were Principal Soloists Renee Briglio, Linsay Cregier and Kira Stiers and the pre-professional students of the YBT. This wonderful event was held at Hemmens Cultural Arts Center.     Just as audience have enjoyed the Nutcracker as a early family tradition, Avnun Yakubov plans to have the Bambi Ballet "spring to life". Auditions for a new cast will be conducted each fall and winter for the spring production of Bambi.     Youth Ballet Theatre of Chicago invites everyone to come and train for the experience to dance in the Bambi Ballet. Dancers must have previous experience in ballet and pointe work. All costumes will be provided to the cast, as well as elaborate stage design from Russia. Scheduled audition and rehearsal times will be posted, or call the studio directly.   Dear Avnun: You have helped all of us grow and learn so much in the "Bambi" years. You have pushed us harder than ever, which has helped us not only in ballet, but also in life in general. Now that your work is done (for now!) it's our turn to show everyone the talent you have helped us attain. We know your dream is finally coming true and we are so proud to be the first to bring your dreams to life. Thank you for putting up with us when we are not at our best, or when we would rather have been out with our friends, or when we are crabby, or tired, or just "teenagers". Thank you for having faith in us. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. Thank you for giving us our "home away from home", and our second families. Thank you for having the courage to come to United States and become part of our lives. Thank you for having your dreams, because they became ours. With love and admiration, The Bambi Cast Youth Ballet Theatre of Chicago