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The Arts Intel Report

Raffaella

Raffaella Stroik

June 29–30, 2024
211 N Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601

For many young women, the commitment to classical dance is not unlike a religious calling. Both require daily discipline, are devoted to form, and allow the self to be absorbed into a higher plane. Raffaella Stroik was such a dancer. A member of the Saint Louis Ballet, she brought a special radiance to her life and work. Stroik died suddenly in 2018 and those who knew her still grieve. In her memory, a new ballet titled Raffaella has its world premiere this June. A fairy tale inspired by the classic full-length ballets, it is choreographed by Claire Kretzschmar, formerly of the New York City Ballet and now the artistic director at Ballet Hartford. The acclaimed N.Y.C.B. principal Isabella LaFreniere will dance the lead role in a cast that includes professional dancers from around the country. And Gabrielle Stroik Johnson, Raffaella’s sister, is designing the sets. —Laura Jacobs