Talia DeLeo

Violet (2025) honors the memories, connections, and love passed from generation to generation and expresses deep gratitude to the loved ones that have shaped us to be who we are today. 

Dancers: Erin Aslami, Elisabeth Bullock, Katherine Byunn-Rieder, Talia DeLeo, Isabela Haskell, Caterina Terrizzi, Catalina Wong

Music: “In Dreams” by Abøn and Jessica Gallo, “acceptances (orchestral expansion)” by Lara Somogyi and Cyrus Reynolds, and “self.seed” by Lara Somogyi

Message from Talia:

Violet was the last piece I made for Harvard Ballet Company, and when I was thinking of what I wanted to create I wanted to connect with the dancers in a way I hadn’t before, and focus on gratitude as I entered this series of “lasts” during graduation season. at this point in time I didn’t know what to expect post-graduation, and I was really unsure of when I would be able to choreograph in this capacity again with full lighting, costume, and staging. because of those thoughts I knew I wanted to create something larger than myself, something that would reflect my love for the people behind why I am able to do what I love most. my mom has always been incredibly supportive and encouraging in not only my pursuit of dance and choreography, but of my growth and development as a person. she’s truly taught me everything I know, and I feel so lucky to call her both my best friend and biggest inspiration. we all have people in our lives, whether that be a family member, a friend, a mentor, or a loved one, that have had a great impact on us, and the lessons we learn from them become intertwined into the fabric of who we are. these special and indefinable connections are what inspired this piece for me. Violet is titled after my great grandma’s oldest sister, someone who my mom has always felt a connection to and told me stories about throughout my life. Violet sadly passed when she was only 21, and although they did not meet, my mom has always said that she has felt a connection to Violet’s presence from hearing my great grandma’s stories about her and looking at family photos.

this piece at its heart is a gift to my mom who has guided and inspired me endlessly, as it pays homage to someone who has guided and inspired her, reflecting this cycle of compassion and care. creating this piece with my beautiful dancers is one of my favorite memories, as we were able to celebrate the individuals who mean so incredibly much to us and share the impact they have had on our lives with each other. I remember talking with the girls in rehearsals and hearing their stories about the people that they loved and cared for so much, and it was so memorable and impactful to exchange these memories that carried so much gravity for each of us. the dancers generously shared pictures of the people who they wanted to dedicate the piece to, which we turned into a collage that was projected on the cyc at the end of the piece. each dancer had a vital part in the making of Violet and it remains one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had as both choreographer and person. at the end of the process, I no longer looked at this piece as mine anymore but rather as the dancers’, the audiences’, and of course my mom’s.

P.S. another special shoutout to my mom and grandma for making the gorgeous flower sashes and headpieces for all seven of us!