An Evening with RJ Melman
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs
July 16, 2015 | RPM Steak, Chicago
A breathtaking ice sculpture featuring the Harvard crest, mouthwatering seafood towers, exquisite wine, and Millionaire’s chocolate cake with 24-karat gold helped set the stage for a vibrant evening with RJ Melman at RPM Steak on Thursday, July 16.
I hosted the evening with my Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Chicago chapter co-founders and co-chairs Benjamin Bornstein, president of Prospero Capital Management, and Anthony Chirchirillo, CEO of Chirch Global Manufacturing. “Making Lettuce Entertain You Hip” was our first HAE event, and we couldn’t be more pleased with its success.
The restaurant was filled with the energy of highly driven creative thinkers, from the seasoned serial entrepreneurs to many NextGen (28 and younger) young professionals. We were all inspired by Mr. Melman, co-creator of many restaurants within the family company Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE).
“RJ is a wonderful speaker and a true inspiration to the next generation of entrepreneurs, who turned out in great numbers for this event,” wrote Pierre Lasserre, club manager-sommelier at The Carlton Club in the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. “RJ is very genuine and down to earth, bringing back business entrepreneurship to its essence.”
I was impressed by the way Mr. Melman’s family works together. He’s often asked about living in the shadow of his father, Rich Melman, LEYE founder and board chairman, but he believes that each family member has the opportunity to participate in greater achievement working together than they would separately. “I was moved by RJ’s sincerity when he spoke of his father and family legacy. A true American dream and an inspiration to all of the young entrepreneurs in the room,” wrote Yana Nirshberg, managing partner at ParadigmNEXT.
His description of the family’s creative process was inspiring, with an unusually strong basis in core vision. He explained that a future restaurant could be inspired by almost anything, from a traditional pub to a person’s striking outfit. From that initial seed, the creators build the concept, including the menu and the interior design and ambiance. Only after this image development do they choose a location – one that they can tell up front will fit their vision. He contrasted this method with finding the location first and then thinking, “What can I fit into that spot?”
“I’ve heard lots about the Melman family in the past, but had no idea how intelligent, thoughtful and industrious this young man is,” wrote Lisa Adelstein, director at Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. “He shared enlightening facts about what makes a restaurant a success and why so many ultimately fail [and] answered questions about what it’s like to work with an entrepreneurial family, ideas that have been successful, and how he’s overcome concepts that initially were not successful.”
“A sincere thank you to the founders of HAE Chicago for the phenomenal job of coordinating the inaugural event at RPM Steak,” wrote Michael A. Chirchirillo of Chirch Global Manufacturing. “It surpassed all of our expectations, particularly with the superb elegance of the venue, impressive caliber of attendees and captivating Q&A with RJ Melman. I’m excited to see what is on the horizon for this unique, progressive group.”
I was honored to also receive several comments about my role in HAE and the event with Mr. Melman. “Only Aleksandra could bring together monumental figures in the City of Chicago, and a diverse audience that was so much fun to be with!” wrote Lisa Adelstein.
“Nothing less is expected when Aleksandra is the host,” Yana Nirshberg wrote. “Her multifaceted support and dedication to the Chicago entrepreneurial community is really limitless. It’s people like her who make Chicago’s startup ecosystem possible by mentoring and constantly sharing her knowledge and experiences to accelerate growth and help young businesses get over their growing pains.”
RUSSIAN POINTE RETAIL AFFILIATE SEMINAR
July 12, 2015 | Russian Pointe, Chicago
It was my very great pleasure to welcome 16 Retail Affiliates to our corporate headquarters on Sunday, July 12, for our first Russian Pointe seminar in several years. Seminars are designed to help dance storeowners increase their expertise in both business and the challenging task of pointe shoe fitting, as part of Russian Pointe's global policy of providing education and resources as well as products.
RAs traveled to Chicago from states including Louisiana, Georgia, California, Ohio and Illinois for a full day of professional development, networking and camaraderie. We received wonderful feedback on our presentations and new products, and, as always, we enjoyed meeting with the amazing people who work so hard to bring Russian Pointe products to dancers throughout North America.
When we first started offering seminars, we hosted them in our Russian Pointe Dance Boutique. The boutique was such a beautiful, immersive venue! Recently, my staff reminded me that it was time to restart our seminar program in our new headquarters, and I was delighted with the results.
The value of an event like this was reinforced to me by a storeowner who has attended several seminars and will probably continue to attend. It was a good reminder that no matter how much experience we have, there is always something new to learn, especially when we have the chance to hear different perspectives.
Highlights of the day included a presentation and Q&A with Dr. Lisa Schoene, who has lent her talents to Russian Pointe before, in valuable contributions to our Parents’ Guide and website resources. Dr. Schoene talked about common injuries and how to avoid them, using a handy model of the foot’s bone structure. One of her most interesting points was about the importance of a proper fit in ballet slippers. We all know that ill-fitting pointe shoes can cause problems, but she explained that too-tight slippers can exacerbate bunions, while too-loose slippers can cause damage from too much movement in the shoe. The RAs had many detailed questions for Dr. Shoene, which she answered brilliantly.
Working with the Russian Pointe team, RAs especially enjoyed a hands-on fitting session. While fitting themselves and each other, with the full range of Russian Pointe pointe shoes at their fingertips, these storeowners were like kids in a candy shop!
My staff also spent time with our guests showing off our new products. Most of the RAs had seen prototypes at trade shows or photos in our 2015 catalog, but this was an exciting opportunity to get a close-up look at the full range of products, including those that weren’t yet available at the winter trade shows. Everyone loved Vivante (stretch slipper), Motion (jazz shoe) and Kitri (character shoe), plus the gorgeous Stages of the World collection. They admired the Stages of the World tees worn by the Russian Pointe staff – these shirts really are irresistibly comfortable – and hoped to get luggage tags for themselves.
The day was a great learning opportunity on so many levels, and everyone who attended – RAs and staff alike – enjoyed the chance to meet, converse and network. I’m already looking forward to our next Russian Pointe seminar.
USRCC AMBASSADOR SERIES DINNER HONORING AMBASSADOR PICKERING
March 5, 2015 | Four Seasons Hotel, Houston
On March 5, I had the very great honor of hosting the U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Series dinner honoring Career Ambassador Thomas Pickering, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston.
Ambassador Pickering is a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1989-1992) and to Russia (1993-1996). His illustrious career also included ambassadorships in India, Israel, El Salvador, Nigeria and Jordan.
To an audience of about 130 members, several former U.S. ambassadors, several consul generals and many high-level executives, Ambassador Pickering spoke eloquently about Russian politics, international relations and economic concerns.
His speech addressed current economic challenges while expressing great optimism, especially about the excellent potential for U.S. companies doing business in Russia.
Regarding politics, he noted the importance of understanding the difference between facts and opinions. Very memorably, he said that he believed politicians should take an oath similar to a doctor’s, to “do no harm” in their practice.
The USRCC Ambassador Series spotlights Russian-American relations and provides a unique opportunity for us to interact with and learn from those with a hands-on understanding and experience of the past and current state of international business and politics, and a clear vision for forward movement.
We greatly enjoyed meeting Mr. Pickering, and we hope to see him at an event here in Chicago in the future.
USRCC Ambassador Series dinner honoring Ambassador Kislyak
November 11, 2014 | Union League Club of Chicago
His Excellency Sergey Kislyak, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the U.S., was the guest of honor at an Ambassador Series dinner on November 11, 2014 at the Union League Club of Chicago. I hosted the event as Vice President, Midwest, of the U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce, which presents the Ambassador Series in Houston and Chicago.
Nearly 100 people who attended the dinner had the opportunity to meet the Ambassador and hear his speech about Russia and international relations. In addition to hosting the dinner, I organized meetings between Ambassador Kislyak and leaders in Chicago's Russian-American business community.
From Chicago, the Ambassador traveled to Texas for a luncheon at the Houston headquarters of USRCC.
US and Worldwide Market Expansion of Russian Companies
October 6, 2014 | Union League Club
On Monday, Oct. 6, the USRCC Chicago Chapter held their first event in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, “U.S. and Worldwide Market Expansion of Russian Companies: Opportunities and Challenges in the Current Business and Regulatory Environment”. Aleksandra Efimova, Director of the Midwest Region, moderated conversation between Mikhail Kalugen, Head of Economic Section at the Embassy of Russia-U.S., Piotr Galitzine, Chairman of TMK IPSCO, and Bob Miller, President of NLMK-USA.
The sold-out event provided an opportunity for Russian business leaders to discuss sanctions, economic downturn, and the effects of today’s challenging political situations on Russian business. Several successful Russian-owned, U.S. operating companies also had a chance to share their global strategies and ideas for continued growth and success.
Lyric Opera's Fantasy of the Opera Gala
February 14, 2014 | Civic Opera House
One of my favorite events to attend each year is the annual Fantasy of the Opera gala, a fundraiser that supports the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
As a member of the Lyric’s Guild Board of Directors, which hosts the annual event, I am proud to do my part to raise money for the Lyric, one of the most important cultural institutions in Chicago.
From the food to the music to the décor, the Fantasy of the Opera is always a feast for the senses, and this year was no exception. Held on Jan. 31 at the Civic Opera House in Chicago, this year’s gala, themed “Petals and Pearls,” was inspired by the Lyric’s recent production of Madama Butterfly.
Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International Holiday Party
January 8, 2014 | The Drake Hotel
Russians love any opportunity to get together with friends, and luckily, those who live in Chicago have twice as many chances to celebrate. In addition to participating in the American holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, Russian-Americans also celebrate Russian Orthodox Christmas and “Old New Year,” which is the beginning of the year according to the Julian calendar.
In honor of all the Russian and American holidays, The Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, chaired by Aleksandra Efimova and Prince Piotr Galitzine, hosted its First Annual Holiday Party on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Green Buildings Delegation from Moscow
November 2013
WIN at Night - Innovation Circle
October, 18, 2013 | Furla, 106 E. Oak St. Chicago, IL 60611
Women's Innovation Network - WIN is a membership organization whose mission is to foster massive business growth for women entrepreneurs through innovation, inclusion, and inspiration, in a positive and ethical environment.
Special Guest Speaker: Aleksandra Efimova, Founder of Russian Pointe
Valery Gergiev and Mariinsky Orchestra Performance and Dinner
October 2, 2013 | Symphony Center
Last heard at Symphony Center in 2010, the Mariinsky Orchestra (formerly the Kirov Orchestra)
returns with conductor Valery Gergiev, who has been associated with the company for more than 30
years and currently serves as artistic and general director of the Mariinsky Theater. Celebrating his
60th birthday in 2013, Gergiev and the orchestra bring a program featuring Stravinsky’s three most
celebrated ballets to Orchestra Hall: The Firebird, Petrushka and the revolutionary The Rite of Spring,
which celebrates its centennial in 2013.
Reception and concert with Valentina Lisitsa in partnership with HBS Club
August 14, 2013 | Jay Pritzker Pavillion, Millenium Park
Please join us at Grant Park to hear Valentina Lisitsa perform Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto on August 14 at 6:30PM. Valentina is the international classical star with over 55 million YouTube hits and her multi-faceted playing has been described as "dazzling."
Russia Day Gala 2013
June 13, 2013 | The Drake Hotel
Chairs Aleksandra Efimova and Prince Piotr Galitzine of the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, in partnership with the US-Russia Chamber of Commerce invite you to the Third Annual Russia Day Gala at the Drake Hotel’s Gold Coast Ballroom. The black tie gala will honor His Excellency Sergey I. Kislyak, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United States.
Russian-American Business Forum
June 13, 2013 | The Hyatt Regency Chicago
Victory Day
May 2013
Moscow Committee Chair Aleksandra Efimova honored Veterans of World War II with Victory Day.
A Private Pre-Performance Reception for Boris Eifman Ballet
May 17, 2013 | Russian Pointe
The Moscow Committee of CSCI hosts a private pre-performance reception with Boris Eifman in honor of the opening night of the Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg’s production of Rodin on Friday May 17, 2013 from 5–7 p.m. The performance of Rodin will follow the reception at 7:30 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.
Mosow Committee Welcomes Russian-Austrian Opera Singer, Anna Netrebko
March 16, 2013 | The Civic Opera House
The Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, chaired by Aleksandra Efimova and Prince Piotr Galitzine, was proud to host a reception for Russian-Austrian soprano Anna Netrebko on March 15, 2013.
The VIP reception was held at The Graham Room at the Civic Opera House, following Netrebko’s debut performance at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Guests were treated to wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and they had the chance to meet Netrebko, as well as other stars of the Lyric.
As chair of the Moscow Committee, Ms. Efimova is dedicated to spotlighting Russia’s immense contributions to the arts, and she said the reception was a wonderful way for Russians and Russian-Americans to come together and honor one of their national treasures.
Ms. Netrebko is considered a rising star among sopranos around the world. Born in Krasnodar, Russia, in 1971, she studied with conductor Valery Gergiev at the Mariinsky Theatre and made her operatic debut there at the age of 22. In 1995, at the age of 24, she made her America debut at the San Francisco Opera, and since then has received rave reviews on stages throughout the world including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, The Royal Opera House in London, La Scala, and the Vienna State Opera.
Fashion of the Opera
October 5, 2012 | The InterContinental Hotel
Held at the Grand Ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel, the evening featured models walking down the runway in creations from some of Chicago’s most prominent designers as opera singers performed live. Guests enjoyed sipping on cocktails, dining on hors d’ouevres and catching a glimpse of fashion-forward gowns by designers such as Borris Powell, Fraley Le, Rachel Frank, Anastasia Chatzka and Stix & Roses.
To help support the cause, I donated a set of the Music Series books by Growing Through Arts® — which included The Peter and the Wolf Symphony by Aleksandra®, The Snow Maiden Opera by Aleksandra®, and Twist, A Musical by Aleksandra® — to the silent auction.
PianoForte Ballet Music Family Series
September 29, 2012 | PianoForte Salon
The PianoForte Family Series will kick off with the season premiere concert on September 29 featuring the theme Russian Ballet Music, with guest artist Svetlana Belsky. She will discuss the significance of music in Russian ballet and play examples from Prokofiev and Stravinsky. This concert will also feature a special visit from Aleksandra Efimova (“Miss Aleksandra”), owner of Russian Pointe® Dance Boutique and founder/author of the Growing Through Arts® series of ballet and music books and products. Inspired by the classical, world-acclaimed Russian educational system, Growing Through Arts® products are infused with the philosophy that participating in the arts can have a dynamic impact on children’s careers, educations, and social lives.
Uniting Together - A Fundraiser to Help Orphans in Nepal
August 23, 2012 | Untitled
Uniting Together To Raise Funds For Manabiya Sarokar Kendra Orphanage in Nepal
On August 23, 2012, Chicago, IL, a fundraiser benefiting Manabiya Sarokar Kendra orphanage in Nepal was held at Untitled, a swanky River North bar.
The fundraiser was attended by close to 200 esteemed guests. Those in attendance had an opportunity to peruse an exhibit by international street portrait photographer Eli Mavrick and listen to an electrifying violinist Katarina Visnevska. The event also included a raffle, professional photography and beverages.
Russian Pointe Seminar for Authorized Retailers
August 19, 2012 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
Please join us for a day of continuing education, at the elegant Russian Pointe Dance Boutique on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Saturday evening dinner; Sunday hands-on fitting seminar.
Russian Language Story Time Celebration
June 15, 2012 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
More than 30 children celebrated Russia’s national holiday with a reading of a Russian-version of Cinderella at the Russian Pointe Dance Boutique on Friday, June 15.
Russia Day Gala 2012
June 14, 2012 | The Chicago Cultural Center
More than 250 Russian nationals and Americans joined together to celebrate Russia Day at a black-tie gala at the Chicago Cultural Center on Thursday, June 14.
Hosted by the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, chaired by Aleksandra Efimova and Prince Piotr Galitzine, the event honored Russia’s national holiday, which is celebrated on June 12 and commemorates the day in 1990 when the Russian parliament formally declared sovereignty over Russia. This is only the second year that Russia Day has been celebrated in Chicago, and the first year the event included a black-tie gala.
Spivakov and Kern Reception
February 19, 2012 | Symphony Center
Thank you to those who joined us for the VIP pre-performance reception honoring Maestro Vladimir Spivakov and Pianist Olga Kern.
Cocktail Reception
February 11, 2012 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
Attendees of the Midwest Dance Retail Show are invited to join us for a cocktail reception and Growing Through Arts® book signing at the Russian Pointe® Dance Boutique. This invitation-only event will be a chance for dancewear retailers to meet Aleksandra Efimova, president of Russian Pointe® by Aleksandra®, and to learn more about her new line of children's books and toys.
Lyric Opera Fantasy Ball - "A Night Under the Czars"
January 27, 2012
This year's 28th Fantasy of the Opera, chaired by Nancy Temple and co-chaired by Courtney Rosen, featured a Russian theme, "A Night Under the Czars" and attracted more than 500 guests to this black-tie celebration dubbed the "hottest party in the coldest month."
The evening began in the Civic Opera House Grand Foyer with cocktails and gourmet tastings from some of Chicago's finest restaurants including Carnivale, Devon Seafood Grill, Il Mulino, N9NE, Prosecco, Coco Pazzo and Province among others. For the first time, Lyric Young Professionals joined in the Fantasy festivities and enjoyed an exclusive dinner in the Sarah and Peer Pederson Room catered by Jewell Events and chaired by LYP's Aleksandra Efimova (wearing a stunning Pamella Roland gown). Electronic bidding took place throughout the evening on the silent auction items which included exotic trips, behind-the-scenes theater and museum experiences, jewelry and sports packages as well as Lyric exclusives such as dinner with new General Director, Anthony Freud in the Graham Room.
50th Anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's Space Flight
October 19, 2011 | The Adler Planetarium
On Oct. 19, I had the pleasure of attending an event at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago that commemorated the 50th anniversary of Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s historic mission in 1961, when he became the first human to venture into outer space.
The event included a dedication of a statue of Gagarin, donated by the Russian government, one of 11 that were donated to cities all over the world in honor of Gagarin’s world-changing flight.
As co-chair of the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, I had the opportunity to help organize the event as well as to invite some of the speakers who attended, including Romanian cosmonaut Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, who discussed the significance of Gagarin’s pioneering flight and his personal experiences and mission accomplishments as part of the international space program.
Future Global Executives Lecture
October 12, 2011 | DePaul Center
Join Russian Pointe President Aleksandra Efimova at a lecture she will be giving to members of DePaul University’s student organization Future Global Executives. Aleksandra will speak about becoming a successful entrepreneur and conducting international business and will take questions and answers from the audience.
The free lecture will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Management Department Conference room, Room #7019, at the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Street in Chicago.
Russia Day 2011 - National Celebration
June 13, 2011 | Chicago Cultural Grand Ballroom
White Nights Russian Festival
June 5, 2011 | Bower's Museum, Santa Anna, CA
Aleksandra spoke as a Guest of Honor at the Russian Festival held at Bowers Museum, CA.
Princess Aurora's Tea Party
May 21, 2011 | Joffrey Tower
Princess Aurora and Prince Florimund invite you to a special tea party and performance of Sleeping Beauty! Special book signing with Aleksandra.
Pre-performance Reception: Boris Eifman and Scholarship Awards
April 23, 2011 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
Russian Culture Now, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Russian arts in the United States, hosted an exclusive VIP reception for choreographer Boris Eifman on Saturday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m.
More than 150 esteemed guests attended the sparkling pre-performance reception at the Russian Pointe Dance Boutique, which included cocktails, hors d’oeuvers, and a silent auction that benefited Russian Culture Now’s Scholarship Awards program.
Pointe Shoe Seminar for Authorized Retailers
April 3, 2011 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
Retailers from Illinois and Minnesota joined Company Founder & President Aleksandra Efimova and the Russian Pointe staff for a day of learning and connecting at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique. The first quarterly pointe fitting seminar began with a presentation by Aleksandra, discussing the mission & direction of Russian Pointe, as well as presenting a practical analysis of each of the eleven models. Hands-on learning progressed from a detailed demonstration fitting to interactive fittings with each other. Participants were able to observe a fitting in action from start to finish, as well as test and develop their own skills, in real-life interactions with customers.
Pre-performance Reception: Vladimir Spivakov
February 28, 2011 | Symphony Center
I had the pleasure of hosting a beautiful reception for Maestro Vladimir Spivakov and the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra before the orchestra’s performance at Symphony Center.
About 150 guests attended the reception, all of whom were true lovers of the arts, as well as representatives from several Russian newspapers and a radio station.
Maestro Spivakov spoke to about the guests about the evening’s program and the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation, which supports artistic education and provides humanitarian aid to children.
The event was held The Club at Symphony Center, which is truly an elegant space with a magnificent view.
My Kind of Town
January 25, 2011 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
On Tuesday, Jan. 25, I had the opportunity to meet with about 25 high school students to inspire them to follow their dreams.
The students had come from St. Louis to Chicago for a two-day trip to meet with several business leaders to learn more about business and marketing.
I started by giving the students a tour of the Russian Pointe offices, located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, and we also took a tour of the warehouse, where the students learned about our inventory system and how important it is to have an organized inventory in a successful business.
Nutcracker Experience with Aleksandra
December 12, 2010 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique/Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
Nutcracker Experience with Aleksandra was all that we had hoped it would be – a day filled with excitement, romance and luxury!
After traveling from as far away as Vermont and Kansas, the ten winners of the Nutcracker Experience essay and artwork contest arrived at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique at 11 AM, where they were greeted personally by Aleksandra. They received gift bags that included an issue of Pointe magazine as well as a free subscription for the upcoming year, generously provided as a gift from Pointe.
Pre-performance Reception
November 4, 2010 | Goodman Theatre
Library of Congress' Open World Leadership Russian Delegation
June 23, 2010 | Sullivan's Restaurant
On June 23, the Foundation hosted a reception at Sullivan's Steak House on North Dearborn, for a distinguished delegation of female business leaders from Russia. The delegation was invited to Chicago through the Open World Leadership Center of the Library of Congress, and hosted by the Academy of Educational Development and WorldChicago. Over 100 invited guests attended, enjoying fine food and socializing, while meeting delegation members and local leaders.
Moscow Mayor's Office and Business Leaders Reception
April 15, 2010 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
Over 130 invited guests gathered at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique on North Michigan Avenue, to welcome a delegation of parliamentary leaders from the Mayor's Office of Moscow. Distinguished guests included Prince Piotr and Princess Maria Anna Galitzine; Kohong Jung of the Korean Consulate; Chicago Association of Russian-speaking Physicians President Lev Elterman, M.D.; City of Chicago representatives; Foundation sponsors; and many prominent professionals from Chicago's vibrant Russian-speaking community.
Affinity Night - Joffrey Ballet
December 16, 2009 | Joffrey Tower
After a private performance by Joffrey dancers Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, guests will enjoy socializing, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The festive evening will take place in the Arpino Studio, where Joffrey dancers rehearse, with Joffrey Tower’s spectacular view of downtown Chicago. Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, and Academy of Dance Artistic Directors Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev, will share personal experiences and insights.
This event is by invitation only.
Russian National Exhibition
November 18, 2009 | McCormick Place
Russian Pointe President Aleksandra Efimova was present for the exhibition, which was opened by Mayor Daley, Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and a representative from the Russian Trade Ministry. Members of over 100 Russian companies traveled across the world to meet with potential clients, partners and business connections in the Chicago area. Guests were entertained by dancers in national costumes, Russian folk musicians and other artists.
This exhibition is an important demonstration of Chicago’s role in Russian-American relations. "As an active participant in Russian-American trade for the past 12 years, and founder of Russian Foundation of Chicago, it was with true pride that I witnessed this historical moment in the relationship between these two great countries," Ms. Efimova wrote in her Blog.
Pre-performance Reception: Nederlands Dans Theater I
June 17, 2009 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
Nederlands Dans Theater artistic director Anders Hellström and choreographers Paul Lightfoot and Crystal Pite joined guests for a pre-performance reception at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique. The three gave an inspirational speech, offering personal connections to the pieces in the performance that followed at Auditorium Theatre. Netherlands Consul General Willem Schiff was also an honored guest. Nederlands' performance was "beyond words, mercilessly touching," said Elizaveta Efimova of Russian Pointe. A special poignancy was added to the reception and program because the performance was Hellström's last with the company.
Chicago Sister Cities Parade
June 15, 2009 | Daley Plaza
Aleksandra Efimova representing Sister City Moscow, Russia.
Pre-performance Reception: Eifman Ballet
May 16, 2009 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
Visionary choreographer Boris Eifman joined guests at an elegant pre-performance reception at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique, before the evening's performance of "Onegin" by Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg. Mr. Eifman spoke briefly, with translation by Aleksandra Efimova, about his artistic vision and the importance of contemporary dance. Guests enjoyed beverages and hors d'oeuvres from La Mirage restaurant, and trolley-bus transportation to Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University for the 8 pm performance.
Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Reception
March 25, 2009 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
CHICAGO, IL – Over 80 distinguished guests attended a reception for Chicago 2016 hosted by Russian Foundation of Chicago (RFC) at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique on March 25, 2009. The reception brought together prominent Russian-speaking professionals and representatives from government, business and the arts, to learn about Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics, and to be introduced to Russian Foundation of Chicago and its goals.
Pre-performance Reception: State Ballet of Georgia
March 7, 2008 | Russian Pointe Dance Boutique
A pre-performance reception was held at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique on March 7, in honor of the State Ballet of Georgia, before the company's performance at Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Guests enjoyed Georgian wines and food, and speeches by Auditorium Theatre executive director Brett Batterson and Russian Pointe president Aleksandra Efimova.