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Dancer Spotlight: Elissa Fonseca
Justin Leaf • April 28, 2020
Elissa Fonseca, originally from Utah, moved to Minneapolis in 2018 to dance with Minnesota Dance Theatre. Just having finished her second season, Elissa says, “It’s been amazing. I still feel so lucky to be here.”
And we’re lucky to have her here. MDT Artistic Director Lise Houlton agrees, “A muse, a collaborator, a great ensemble member, Elissa brings her unique qualities to the studio and to the stage. Precisely what the dance world needs. MDT is so fortunate to share her talents.”
Read on to learn more about Elissa’s background, her favorite MDT roles, and how she’s making the most of her time while staying at home. (And check out the slideshow of images below!)
And we’re lucky to have her here. MDT Artistic Director Lise Houlton agrees, “A muse, a collaborator, a great ensemble member, Elissa brings her unique qualities to the studio and to the stage. Precisely what the dance world needs. MDT is so fortunate to share her talents.”
Read on to learn more about Elissa’s background, her favorite MDT roles, and how she’s making the most of her time while staying at home. (And check out the slideshow of images below!)
Always Dancing
Elissa can remember as a child always dancing on her own, always wanting to perform. By age six, she started lessons at a small studio in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, and folk dance. By age 14, she had transferred to Utah Regional Ballet, where she could focus more on ballet, nurturing a glimmer of aspiration for a professional career in the art form. She danced with the second company there, and then her aspirations grew, leading her to train at the University of Utah on scholarship.
After graduating from college, she found herself at SALT Contemporary Dance, a new company where she enjoyed dancing for four years. Though the repertory was all contemporary, the dancers warmed up with a ballet class everyday. Elissa says it was an incredible experience, but she missed pointe work, so she started auditioning for companies that might give her the chance to do more ballet. Elissa says, “I figured ballet and pointe are hardest on your body, so I wanted to do that while I was still young.”
After graduating from college, she found herself at SALT Contemporary Dance, a new company where she enjoyed dancing for four years. Though the repertory was all contemporary, the dancers warmed up with a ballet class everyday. Elissa says it was an incredible experience, but she missed pointe work, so she started auditioning for companies that might give her the chance to do more ballet. Elissa says, “I figured ballet and pointe are hardest on your body, so I wanted to do that while I was still young.”
Discovering MDT
While on her audition tour, she discovered MDT and realized it was exactly what she wanted. In addition to offering an appealing spectrum of classical and contemporary dance, MDT is a smaller ensemble, so she’d have lots of opportunities to dance substantial roles. Also, she found Minneapolis to be a cool city, which would mean a lot to her and her husband Nate.
Recalling her first impressions of Elissa, Lise Houlton says, “The way of the audition dance world these days, I met Elissa through email with resume, video excerpts, and letter of introduction. All the elements of this electronic audition were instantly compelling to me. Her limpid and luscious improv, a powerful balletic grace, and a personality that was very present in this email introduction stood out. Genuine, humble, and transparent in her passion for dance, Elissa had me.” And so Elissa was accepted into the company.
Dancing full-time was new for her, and Elissa says that it’s allowed her to improve a lot, but it’s also much more difficult than she imagined. “You’re tired all the time, but it’s more rewarding too. I really value hard work, and I think to have a professional career it requires a lot of hard work, but it also requires a bit of luck and good timing.”
She says the most challenging roles for her have been the classical ones in Chopiniana and Boccherini Dances. In fact, she says that Boccherini Dances might be the hardest thing she has ever performed.
Also new for her was all the partnering that she was getting to do, and she loved it. Her favorite role so far has been Arabian in the Nutcracker Fantasy, and a big part of what made it her favorite was getting to dance with guest artist General Hambrick. Plus, Elissa says, “I’ve always been a sucker for Nutcracker; it’s so fun and magical. And I’ve always been interested in Arabian. And learning the role of Mother and working with Lise’s coaching, that has been really special.”
Beyond roles, Elissa says that MDT’s Carmina Burana has become her favorite piece to dance, as choreography and live music come together on stage, and the experience has deepened for her from year to year. “The first year we were all new to it, and it was like 'what’s going on?!' We were so focused on remembering the steps. The second time around, being more comfortable in it, I could really feel the magic of the show.”
And Lise Houlton sees the growth. “From the seductive, beautiful Arabian Princess in Nutcracker through her generous, commanding creative process of St. John Passion, and her ability to both inspire and realize the vision of a choreographer, is the mark of a true artist.”
Recalling her first impressions of Elissa, Lise Houlton says, “The way of the audition dance world these days, I met Elissa through email with resume, video excerpts, and letter of introduction. All the elements of this electronic audition were instantly compelling to me. Her limpid and luscious improv, a powerful balletic grace, and a personality that was very present in this email introduction stood out. Genuine, humble, and transparent in her passion for dance, Elissa had me.” And so Elissa was accepted into the company.
Dancing full-time was new for her, and Elissa says that it’s allowed her to improve a lot, but it’s also much more difficult than she imagined. “You’re tired all the time, but it’s more rewarding too. I really value hard work, and I think to have a professional career it requires a lot of hard work, but it also requires a bit of luck and good timing.”
She says the most challenging roles for her have been the classical ones in Chopiniana and Boccherini Dances. In fact, she says that Boccherini Dances might be the hardest thing she has ever performed.
Also new for her was all the partnering that she was getting to do, and she loved it. Her favorite role so far has been Arabian in the Nutcracker Fantasy, and a big part of what made it her favorite was getting to dance with guest artist General Hambrick. Plus, Elissa says, “I’ve always been a sucker for Nutcracker; it’s so fun and magical. And I’ve always been interested in Arabian. And learning the role of Mother and working with Lise’s coaching, that has been really special.”
Beyond roles, Elissa says that MDT’s Carmina Burana has become her favorite piece to dance, as choreography and live music come together on stage, and the experience has deepened for her from year to year. “The first year we were all new to it, and it was like 'what’s going on?!' We were so focused on remembering the steps. The second time around, being more comfortable in it, I could really feel the magic of the show.”
And Lise Houlton sees the growth. “From the seductive, beautiful Arabian Princess in Nutcracker through her generous, commanding creative process of St. John Passion, and her ability to both inspire and realize the vision of a choreographer, is the mark of a true artist.”
Dance Interrupted
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Minnesota and forced the MDT studios to temporarily close, Elissa says she’s been on a roller coaster of emotions.
First, due to the need for social distancing, the MDT company season needed to end early, effectively canceling a number of upcoming concerts. The dancers had already been rehearsing extensively to prepare, and Elissa laments, “I’m really sad that we weren’t able to do those shows.”
Reflecting on those ballets that have been temporarily put on the shelf, Elissa says, “The Enchantment is not easy, but it’s the perfect style for me. It’s ballet, but it also really moves in space and has sweeping port de bras.
“Also, the Rite of Spring. The music brings to mind growing up watching the Disney movie Fantasia. I think it’s the scene with the dinosaurs. It’s so earthy and makes me think of that prehistoric world. It’s such an athletic piece with strong dynamics. I’m more of a soft dancer, so I was excited for the challenge, to stretch myself in those ways.
“And then Alchemical Wedding. I was really looking forward to that one. It has nice partnering, playful yet soft and beautiful. I hope we can do them in the future, hopefully next season.”
First, due to the need for social distancing, the MDT company season needed to end early, effectively canceling a number of upcoming concerts. The dancers had already been rehearsing extensively to prepare, and Elissa laments, “I’m really sad that we weren’t able to do those shows.”
Reflecting on those ballets that have been temporarily put on the shelf, Elissa says, “The Enchantment is not easy, but it’s the perfect style for me. It’s ballet, but it also really moves in space and has sweeping port de bras.
“Also, the Rite of Spring. The music brings to mind growing up watching the Disney movie Fantasia. I think it’s the scene with the dinosaurs. It’s so earthy and makes me think of that prehistoric world. It’s such an athletic piece with strong dynamics. I’m more of a soft dancer, so I was excited for the challenge, to stretch myself in those ways.
“And then Alchemical Wedding. I was really looking forward to that one. It has nice partnering, playful yet soft and beautiful. I hope we can do them in the future, hopefully next season.”
A Dancer at Home
Now sheltering at home, Elissa feels sometimes patient, other times claustrophobic. She does take classes online to stay in dancing shape, but it has its limitations. “I can hardly take one step without kicking something.”
Despite the challenges, Elissa tries to move in some way everyday, with ballet barre, pointe work, Pilates, or some cardio. Elissa is also unwinding with some TV, tons of reading, cooking a bit, taking nature walks, and connecting with family and old friends. In fact, the MDT company, a tight-knit group, has stayed connected with little Zoom hang-outs, and even a trivia night planned.
Looking at the bigger picture, Elissa says she’s loving the way the dance community has banded together through this crisis. “It’s a strange comfort knowing everyone is feeling sad. I’m not alone. Friends, coworkers, and the company are reaching out to each other. The biggest thing is that we’re all in this together. It’s hard but gives me comfort knowing I’m not alone.”
Despite the challenges, Elissa tries to move in some way everyday, with ballet barre, pointe work, Pilates, or some cardio. Elissa is also unwinding with some TV, tons of reading, cooking a bit, taking nature walks, and connecting with family and old friends. In fact, the MDT company, a tight-knit group, has stayed connected with little Zoom hang-outs, and even a trivia night planned.
Looking at the bigger picture, Elissa says she’s loving the way the dance community has banded together through this crisis. “It’s a strange comfort knowing everyone is feeling sad. I’m not alone. Friends, coworkers, and the company are reaching out to each other. The biggest thing is that we’re all in this together. It’s hard but gives me comfort knowing I’m not alone.”
Learn more about the MDT response to the COVID-19 pandemic here. Classes have moved online and plans are underway for the 2020-21 performance season. If you’d like to make a gift to support MDT through this challenging time, visit mndance.org/support.
Minnesota Dance Theatre Blog
Congratulations to MDT Company
While nothing compares to being in a studio, here are a few ideas for basic things that you can do in your home to target those essential muscle groups and keep yourselves limber and energized, ready to return to full-on dancing when the studios reopen.
Scroll down for updates. As the concern for Coronavirus increases in our community, we want to assure you that we are taking precautions at MDT to reduce risk and spread of the virus. We want to let you know about the protocols we are implementing in the MDT studios, as informed by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and following the lead of other professional dance schools in the country. First, we encourage all MDT students to take the basic measures to keep yourself and others healthy. Wash your hands with soap and water, avoid touching your face, and cover your cough. We kindly request that if MDT students or their family members are exhibiting any signs of respiratory illness such as coughing or sneezing that you refrain from attending class until your symptoms subside. Beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2020: All classes will end 5 minutes early so that the barres can be wiped down. Paper towels and disinfectant liquid will be available in every studio for cleaning surfaces after class. Faculty, accompanists, and monitors have been advised about cleaning surfaces including barres, piano keyboards, and electronics. Teachers will request the assistance of monitors and students (if age-appropriate) in spraying down and wiping their areas with disinfectant sprays and paper towels. MDT staff is taking extra care to wipe down and clean surfaces, handles, and equipment at the studio. If you see something that needs attention, please let us know . We encourage everyone to take the personal steps required to maintain the health and well-being of our community. We encourage you to visit the CDC's COVID-19 website to learn more about how you can keep yourself safe and assist us in efforts to prevent spread of the virus. We will remain dedicated to keeping the studio a safe space for everyone. As the situation progresses, we will update this post on our blog and share via email and social media. Please feel free to be in contact with our office at 612-338-0627 if you have any questions or concerns. UPDATE 3/10/20: A previous version of this post suggested that those who have been exposed to anyone with these symptoms should seek medical attention to determine if you may have the virus without exhibiting symptoms. We have since received advice from a medical professional that people SHOULD NOT go seek testing for COVID-19 if they are asymptomatic or have not been exposed to a confirmed infected person. At this time that is not the protocol and there is no capacity for screening asymptomatic people. UPDATE 3/13/20: To support the health and well-being of our students, company artists, patrons, and larger community, we have decided to postpone a couple upcoming MDT events that would have the potential for large numbers of people to gather in confined spaces. Our intention is that these steps, taken sooner rather than later, will help mitigate the spread of Coronavirus. The postponed events include the following: Celebrating Loyce , originally scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, will be postponed to a later date, to be determined. The Enchantment , originally scheduled for April 3-5, will be postponed to a later date, to be determined. If you have already purchased tickets for this event, you will be contacted directly regarding refunds and exchanges. As of now, MDT classes for the Performing Arts Division, Young Children’s Division, and Open Division will continue as scheduled with the precautions outlined above. The Open Division Open House will also continue as scheduled on March 28 and 29. UPDATE 3/15/20: As we learned today of the closure of Minneapolis Public Schools through March 27, MDT&S will postpone all classes at least through that date, effective immediately. We remain committed to protecting the health of our MDT&S students, families, and our larger Twin Cities community. For Open Division, classes will be canceled effective immediately at least through Sunday, March 29, and this includes the Open Division Open House previously offered on March 28 and 29. For more information on school closings, read this letter from MDT Artistic Director Lise Houlton.
This month, we celebrate MDT founder Loyce Houlton. It’s been 25 years since her passing, and we’re taking the opportunity to recognize her significant contribution to the cultural landscape of Minnesota and to the world of dance. We’ll gather on Saturday, March 14 for Celebrating Loyce , sharing about Loyce’s life and work. You’re invited! In the meantime, we’ve met up with dancer, choreographer, and dance historian Judith Brin Ingber, who was friends with Loyce and around for the early years of Minnesota Dance Theatre. Listening to Judith’s story, one gets a sense of the breadth of the region’s dance history, the connections made — not only within the local community, but far-reaching to include dance icons from around the world. As the names of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and George Balanchine emerge, you realize Loyce’s gifts as a dance educator, choreographic trailblazer, and arts advocate who made an indelible impression on the region’s dance scene.
Minnesota Dance Theatre’s Open Division offers a regular schedule of open ballet classes at all levels for adults and teens, ages 16 and up. While these ballet classes offer great fitness benefits, the discipline of learning a classical art form, and the joy of dancing with live piano accompaniment, they rarely include the opportunity to dance specific choreography from famous ballets. That’s where our “Dance the Classics” series comes in. For the past couple years, we’ve offered these biannual workshops that include two afternoons of immersion in the choreography of the great ballets of the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Swan Lake , Giselle , and Les Sylphides . The next workshop begins this weekend on Sunday, February 16, and we’ll be revisiting Swan Lake — back by popular demand, but this time with new content. (You can register here if you’re interested.) For these workshops, the choreography is modified for an intermediate level so that more of our Open Division students can participate. Also, the dances explored are generally corps de ballet group dances, rather than solo variations, so that dancers can learn more about moving in formation, being meticulous about how they use the space and working collaboratively with others. Also, while typical ballet classes include simple piano accompaniment, these workshops use the fully orchestrated recordings, giving an extra boost of motivation. Teacher Jennifer Murry also includes some background and history of the ballet to inspire students. She says, “I approach the class as hostess, inviting dancers to experience the beauty of timeless choreography in a personal way. It’s delightful to enjoy Swan Lake from the audience, but it is something else entirely to actually be part of a flock of swan maidens running into a line, stepping sideways, and using your port de bras to hide from Prince Siegfried.” Open Division student Lynda Dahl participated in the fall workshop in which they learned choreography from the 19th century romantic ballet Giselle . She said, “I took the course because it was a chance to dance actual classical choreography, something I’d never have a chance at in my later years. What I really enjoyed about the session was learning the story behind the choreography. I was actually fascinated by the function of the corps de ballet.” Participants have represented a wide range of ages, from mid teens to late sixties, and the workshop welcomes anyone of any gender, ages 14 and up. Karena Casey, who took the Swan Lake workshop last year, is 55 and works in advertising. “I’ve been in a Swan Lake production so this was fun to do again and brush up on the brilliant choreography. The class was fun and comfortable, meaning I never felt put on the spot. The instructor was wonderful and encouraging. Regular ballet classes are more about practicing technique and standards of ballet. Choreography opens it up artistically, so it’s a bit freeing.” For those Open Division students who are not interested in performing on stage, this workshop gives them the satisfaction of putting their ballet training to use, seeing what it has the potential to create. Jennifer says, “It is pure joy for me to watch the pleasure in the dancers when they catch a glimpse of themselves in a famous pose or in a famous action, like ‘the hops’ in Giselle. Many told me how uplifted they felt by the opportunity to dance just for themselves.” Inspired? Here’s information about the upcoming workshop with a link to register: Dance the Classics: Swan Lake Sunday, February 16 & Sunday, February 23 1:30 – 3:00pm | MDT Studio 6A Teacher: Jennifer Murry Registration fee: $50 REGISTER HERE The workshop does not include a warm-up, so you are encouraged to take a ballet class beforehand. On Sundays, MDT offers open Intermediate-Advanced Ballet from 11:15am to 12:45pm, with optional pointe class from 12:45 to 1:15pm.
The Nutcracker has become such a tradition for American ballet companies and schools that almost all ballet dancers have had some experience with it at some point. It’s usually their first experience dancing in a full production, which gives them that essential performance experience that puts all their training in perspective, like "Ah, this is what it’s all about!" Then that experience becomes an annual event, evolving over the years as the dancers may progress in level and in roles, from student to professional, from little mouse to Sugar Plum Fairy, experiencing different takes on the classic ballet with each production they may dance. There’s always a camaraderie with other performers that emerges through the process, with backstage antics and onstage mishaps that go beyond the dancing and make for treasured memories. There are also milestone revelations about one’s place in dance from year to year. For me, my first year dancing in The Nutcracker in my hometown with The Maryland Ballet I got to play the role of Fritz. I was 13 and enjoyed my time on stage so much that I remember after my final exit sitting on the top of the party scene stairs backstage and feeling a bit of sadness come over me, like I just wanted to be back on the stage. I couldn’t imagine my life without it. A couple years later, after performing The Nutcracker with the visiting Donetsk Ballet, I determined to become a professional dancer. Fast forward 20 years and I was dancing the role of the Nutcracker in Minnesota Dance Theatre’s production of Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy . (See photo above, me pictured backstage alongside Katie Johnson and Justin Marie Miller.) This beloved Minnesota production continues to thrill audiences and dancers alike (and performances continue through December 23 at the State Theatre). Today we share some Nutcracker memories from former and current MDT company members as well as guest artists and faculty, recalling how sweet (and sometimes hilarious) these Nutcracker experiences can be. “I was dancing Snow Queen in 2011, alongside the wonderful Alexander Hille. When the snow begins to fall during the flurry, it all dumped in one massive clump on the snow couple. The audience could see it coming before I did. I could hear their gasps, and then it hit me! It was an exciting finish in the Land of Snow that night.” - Katie Johnson, former MDT company member “I remember when I was dancing the Chinese divertissement one of us got our headgear tangled in Madame Bonbonniere’s skirt! We had to travel back and forth under her skirt trying to set her free while other toys were released. We finally were able to rip the tulle and escape. Very funny!” - Elizabeth Simonson, former MDT company member and current board member “One of my favorite shows each year is our school show. The children are so excited, and we can feel their energy on stage. They are not afraid to react to what they see; they ooh and aah when the curtain is lifted and they first see the sets, they laugh loudly when they think something is funny, and sometimes they even cheer when the Rat Queen is defeated in the War. Their reactions are so genuine, and a good reminder of the awe and wonder deeply seeded in this show.” - Kari Schire, MDT guest artist “Everyone got the flu including the little Marie, and Ariel Linnerson had to jump into the role for her even though she was way taller than most others, including me, the Sugar Plum Fairy.” - Sally Rousse, former MDT guest artist and current faculty member "There was that time Peggy Seipp was playing the role of the Littlest Mouse and fell into the orchestra pit. Everyone was fine, but it was memorable... She later grew up to play the Sugar Plum Fairy and returns every year to guest teach for the MDT company and school." - Lise Houlton, MDT Artistic Director “This photo was taken my very first year of performing in any Nutcracker production, exactly 20 years ago this year, when I was 8 years old. I was so excited to be in the Nutcracker as a Party Girl, and I honestly still to this day remember some of that choreography.” - Elissa Fonseca, MDT company member
When you give the gift of dance, you share unique experiences that enrich someone’s life for days, weeks, and maybe years to come. We’ve got a range of options, from show tickets to ballet classes, and we’ve got something for everyone, no matter their age or affinity, whether they love to be on stage, in the studio, or in the audience. Check it out and gift the gift of dance this holiday season!
Live music is an essential ingredient for Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy and for lots of what we do at MDT. It’s an honor to continue an age-old tradition of presenting dance with live music. It lends a spontaneity to the performances as the dancers and musicians tune into each other and create an especially vibrant experience for audiences. The 44-piece Nutcracker Orchestra is something that sets Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy apart from the many other local Nutcracker productions, and not just for the exceptional quality that live music brings. Behind each of those “44 pieces” are 44 individual professional musicians, highly skilled, each with their own Nutcracker story. Today we bring you two of those stories, both very heartwarming. One is from Chris Volpe. Between him and his father, that’s 53 years of trumpet-playing for the Nutcracker Orchestra – wow! And then the other story is from Renata Steve, a violinist whose daughter takes the stage this year as one of the adorable mice.
With her captivating beauty and stunning athleticism, MDT company dancer Vanessa Spiteri likely caught your eye at a recent MDT performance. She joined the company last season and has embraced and grown through the vast range of the MDT company repertoire, from a delicate slyph in "Chopiniana" to a fierce force of nature in more contemporary works. Learn about Vanessa here and about her process recreating the iconic role of the Sugarplum Fairy for Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy , coming to the State Theatre, December 13-23.
Give to the Max Day is just a few days away, and again this year we are taking this opportunity to shine a light on CAN Dance , a vital program of Minnesota Dance Theatre that makes dance experiences available to more children in the Minneapolis area. Our initial goal for the campaign was to raise $2,500 for CAN Dance by Thursday, November 14, which is Give to the Max Day. In addition, Friends of MDT offered a $2,500 challenge grant to match the funds. We’re delighted to share that we’ve just surpassed that goal, and now have a stretch goal to raise an additional $1,000. We’re well on our way to reaching that goal and feeling very grateful to everyone who has given so far. Thank you! Please consider making a gift for CAN Dance and know that your donations of any amount do make a difference. Here's how: CAN Dance was launched in 2015, and since that time has reached thousands of second and third grade children, mostly from Title I schools, offering them a chance to see a matinee showing of Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy followed by training opportunities at the MDT school, all free of cost to their families and to their schools.
