Nutcracker 2004

Fiona is the mother of NHB students Amanda, Kristin & Isabelle Firine

as well as son Nicholas, who does not dance but has often volunteered

along with Fiona's husband Joe with various jobs during production

weeks. When Fiona's daughters joined NHB in 1998, it came naturally

to her to help out as needed at NHB. As a child Fiona studied several

different forms of dance and along with her two younger siblings, took

classes at different times at Ct. Ballet. Fiona took several adult classes

at NHB before she had her family. She was pleased to be asked to be

the parent liaison, as she feels very lucky that she and her daughters

can spend time in such a positive environment. She enjoys meeting

and interacting with the many NHB families. She remembers her time

spent dancing as a child as the best part of her childhood. You will be

sure to find Fiona somewhere working back stage during The

Nutcracker or any Saturday on Audubon St. should you need her!

Jim Clark holds an Associate’s Degree in Arts and General Studies from Charter Oak State

College. As Education Coordinator for the Long Wharf Theatre, he is actively involved

with all aspects of educational programming, from assisting in the implementation of

programs to the creation of study materials for teachers and students. Jim has been

associated with the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Fairfield University, The Foote School

Summer Theatre, Chancel Opera Company and the New Haven Ballet, taking on

numerous roles including teaching artist, actor, director and stage manager.

Johanna Gruenhut theatrical experience includes assisting such directors as Gordon

Edelstein, James Lapine, Oskar Eustis, Carolyn Cantor, Jean-Michele Gregory, Kate

Whoriskey, and Kim Rubinstein, as well as writers Julia Cho, Mike Daisey, Noah Haidle,

directed five short films and is a member of the screening committee for the Independent

Film Festival of Boston and Boston University’s Redstone Film Festival. As an actress, she

Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival, The Donmar Warehouse Theatre in London,

England, The Cape Cod Theatre Project, The LAByrinth Theatre Company, and is currently

at the Long Wharf Theatre as the Arts & Education Assistant.

Sharon Jakubson is the proud mother of NHB dancer David Jakubson and his twin

Juliana who prefers working on costumes and helping in the dressing room to dancing.

Sharon joined the NHB family in 2000 when David began to dance. While she admits

that she first became a volunteer to spare others from having to keep track of her very

active ten year old, she has since loved helping the ballet in any way she can. Through

her volunteer work with the organization, Sharon has met many caring and giving people

in the NHB family who have enriched her life and enhanced the dance experience for her

son. She and her husband Woody and her daughter Juliana will be backstage during the

productions, working and looking forward to making new friends backstage.

Harriet Reilly has been active in the New Haven dance community since 1973 when she

became school administrator for Connecticut Ballet. She worked with Artistic Director

Robert Vickery, dancer Robin Welch and choreographer Bruce Wells to maintain a

school and company that trained hundreds of dance students and which became a

highlight of the New Haven arts community. She served also as CB’s Director of

Subscription Services and organized numerous fundraising events.

In 1985, New Haven Ballet became the successor to Connecticut Ballet and Harriet was

appointed Managing Director. With Artistic Director Noble Barker, Harriet oversaw the

daily operation of the school, ran the box office, coordinated fundraisers and special

events, such as the Children’s Tea Party and Fashion Show, and recruited backstage

volunteers for school performances and The Nutcracker.

Harriet continues her role as School Administrator under Artistic Director John C.

Carney. She is very happy to be part of bringing the best dance instruction to students in

the greater New Haven area, carrying on the tradition of her own dance teachers, the late

Constance L. Guetens of West haven and Thalia Mara of New York City, author of First

Steps in Ballet and other classic books on ballet technique.