Dawn Patrol
Music
Alfonso Peduto
Choreography
Price Suddarth
Choreographic Assistant
Emma Love Suddarth
Costume Design
Mark Zappone
Lighting Design
Reed Nakayama
Scenic Design
Chrisoula Kapelonis
Premiere
March 14, 2025; Pacific Northwest Ballet
The world premiere of Price Suddarth’s Dawn Patrol is supported by Peter & Peggy Horvitz, Deidra Wager, T.R. Ko, Connie & Tom Walsh, and Maria Mackey & Joe Breskin.
Program Notes
Dawn Patrol examines the theme of heroism through multiple lenses—first in the harrowing experiences of the dawn patrol pilots during World War II, and then in the tangible parallels of the personal sacrifices made in everyday life. The dancers embody the contrast of courage and inner turmoil within these young aviators. As a symbol of hope and resilience, they soar above the clouds at sunrise. Yet, beneath them lies the ominous shadow of enemy territory—the relentless reminder of the danger they face. This juxtaposition mirrors the quiet heroism that can be found in the mundane: the parent who sets aside their own personal aspirations for those of their child’s future, the caregiver who offers up their own time and energy for the well-being of another, the individual who forgoes personal desires for the advancement of a greater cause. The choreography captures the tension between the ethereal beauty of these moments of selflessness and the heavy burdens they carry, reflecting the universal truth that true heroism is defined through its immense sacrifice.
Notes by Emma Love Suddarth.
Alfonso Peduto
Composer
Classically trained in composition and piano performance, Alfonso’s post-genre approach to music-making aims to defy categorical classification. His catalogue includes works for solo piano, piano and electronics, multiple pianos, orchestral, chamber, and choral. Notable performances, collaborations, and commissions include Warner Chapell Music, William Jewell Choir, New England Conservatory Chamber Singers, piano duo Fortin-Poirier, Kansas City Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and companies such as Yamaha, Salomon, and Google.
Emma Love Suddarth
Choreographic Assistant
Emma Love Suddarth is a writer and former dancer based in Seattle, Washington. Suddarth joined PNB in 2008, retiring from stage performance in 2021. At PNB she performed featured roles in works by George Balanchine, Crystal Pite, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, and Price Suddarth, among others. A regular writer for PNB, Suddarth began writing for Pointe Magazine in 2017, taking over the Reverence column in 2022. She serves as choreographic assistant and repetiteur for Price Suddarth.
Chrisoula Kapelonis
Scenic Designer
Chrisoula Kapelonis is a designer with a background in architecture exploring the dynamic interplay between technology, architectural tectonics, and physical space. She explores spatial computing and dynamic materials to create immersive environments that enhance human interaction. Her work includes research in architectural robotics, ambient computing, and wearable technology at MIT, Harvard, and Google. She’s focused on creating human-centered spaces that amplify movement and augment experience.