24th and 25th October 2025
On Stage at JOH
Featuring Garrett Smith’s
FOOTSTEPS
& Tess Voelker’s
SAND AND
THEIR CASTLES
Preparing to dance on the stage of the Jersey Opera House for the first time, I cannot help but feel the weight—and the privilege—of legacy. This theatre has witnessed generations of artists, audiences, and ideas take flight. To step into that continuum, representing the new frontier of being the building’s first resident performing company, is both an honour and a responsibility.
Our company was built on the belief that dance can belong to everyone. Thanks to you—our audiences, patrons, and supporters—that belief is no longer a theory; it’s becoming a reality. Your commitment has allowed us to take bold steps forward, in the repertoire we choose, in introducing Pay-What-You-Can ticketing, and in opening our studio and these theatre doors to thousands of schoolchildren.
These things matter. They put us in a place of great privilege not only on this stage here in Jersey, but also at the forefront of progress in our industry. Even in these early days, your support has put us in the unique position of being able to set a global example of the values and priorities a dance company can hold. You are giving us an opportunity to create a legacy of our own.
With growth comes expectation, and we welcome that. Our challenge now is to keep earning the trust you’ve placed in us—to prove that excellence and kindness can be symbiotic ideals. To hold ourselves accountable not only to the efforts of those who have fought for this building (and the arts in Jersey) to survive to this point, but also to the standard of what we want to be able to hand over to the young dancers and dance audiences to carry forward and pass down.
This evening’s programme, Footsteps and Sand and Their Castles, reflects that spirit; rooted in the traditions of our craft; looking to the future; made in Jersey in the hopes that the work would one day be presented on this stage. Thank you for walking this path with us, and growing with us. Your belief makes it possible to imagine not only what it is—but what it can become.
Carolyn Rose Ramsay
Artistic Director, Ballet d’Jèrri
We would like to extend our special thanks to:
Emerson D’Abbott Doyle
Amber Neumann
The Jersey Opera House Team
For their contributions to re-staging and presenting this programme.
The Programme
Footsteps
Choreography Garrett Smith
Music Tracks New Beginning — Phoria; Red in Tooth and Claw — Imogen Heap; Alien Invasion — Imogen Heap; A Final Call? — Imogen Heap; Loss — Phoria
Restaging Amber Neumann
Lighting Chris Wink
Sand And Their Castles
Choregraphy Tess Voelker
Music Tracks Movement 1 — Floating Points; The Love Me Or Die — C W Stoneking; Mysteries of Love — Angelo Badalamenti; Transmission For Jehn — Tierney Malone; Capricho Arabe — David Russel; The Pink Room — Angelo Badalamenti
Restaging Amber Neumann
Lighting Chris Wink
There will be a 20 minute interval in between the two pieces. The programme should last approximately 1.5 hours in total.
Stage Manager
Estelle Le Brun
Technical
Jersey Opera House
Photos
Rebecca Le Brun
A New Generation of Dance At JOH
“Last week, after years of refurbishment, we had the total delight to be able to invite pupils from two Primary schools into our magnificent opera house to perform onstage in front of their parents, teachers and the professional dancers at the conclusion of their BDJ dance course. Their excitement and awe-struck gasps at the impressive new facilities, filled the venue with a vibrant energy that had been sorely missed. For many of these children, it was their very first visit to the Opera House, an opportunity that we hope will ignite a lifelong passion for the arts. Their enthusiastic response and wonder reaffirmed the vital importance of making these experiences accessible to all children, and was a powerful testament to the value of the restoration and the enduring power of theatre to engage and inspire the next generation.”
— Helen Noble
Director of children’s and youth programmes, Ballet d’Jèrri
Ballet d'Jèrri
Jersey’s National Ballet
Ballet d’Jèrri is the Channel Islands’ first professional dance company, founded in 2022 by Artistic Director Carolyn Rose Ramsay. The company started rehearsals in the Albert Bartlett potato shed, and despite humble beginnings has always set its sights on achieving greatness. The goal is to create work that both resonates with our island identity and represents us on global dance stages.
With a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary dance, Ballet d’Jèrri develops new works that explore compelling narratives, often drawing inspiration from Jersey’s unique heritage. The company collaborates with internationally renowned choreographers while also nurturing emerging voices, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving repertoire.
Beyond performance, Ballet d’Jèrri is deeply invested in outreach and education, bringing dance into schools, care homes, and community spaces. Through workshops, residencies, and collaborative projects, the company strives to make dance an accessible and inspiring art form for all.
As a registered charity, Ballet d’Jèrri relies on the generous support of donors, sponsors, and funding bodies to continue its artistic and community-driven mission. Since its inception, the company has rapidly gained recognition, performing at prestigious venues and festivals across Europe. Whether on stage or in the community, Ballet d’Jèrri remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary ballet while forging meaningful connections with audiences at home and abroad.