Michael Pink

Michael Pink, an internationally-celebrated ballet Artistic Director and Choreographer, was born in the city of York, England. When he auditioned for the Royal Ballet School, he was accepted on a scholarship. Michael was the recipient of a Royal Society of Arts Choreographic award, which he used for travel to the United States to study with the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Early on, he worked as répétiteur for Rudolf Nureyev at the Paris Opera and La Scala Milan. 

Michael is perhaps best known for his creation of the narrative dance works, Dracula, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Cinderella and Peter Pan. Michael's theatrical productions have been described as, "Classical ballet for the 21st century". 

Michael told me that audiences attending performances of Dracula dress in character, similar to attending The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 

He recently celebrated his 10th anniversary with Milwaukee Ballet. 

Photograph copyright 2013 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Zildjian Cymbals

In the early seventeenth century, Avedis Zildjian was an Armenian alchemist striving to make what every good alchemist at the time was attempting to make - gold. He made a spectacular discovery; an alloy of copper, tin, and silver yielding sensational sound qualities. In 1618, Mr. Zildjian used this alloy to create cymbals.

The acclaimed company continues to make Zildjian Cymbals, and the business has been passed down through the family for hundreds of years. It is now located in Norwell, Massachusetts, and owned by two Zildjian sisters (14th generation), Craigie and Debbie. It is recognized as the oldest family-owned business in the United States, and one of the oldest in the world.

Photograph copyright 2013 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Steve Schmidt

Steve Schmidt holds a degree in Engineering. While working on that degree, he and a friend started a computer business, which thrived until a fire left it in ashes.

Not one to be discouraged, Steve set out on his own in 1991, and founded Tekniq Data Corporation. Today, Tekniq is a successful Information Technology firm with very talented programmers, developers, network engineers and designers.

Tekniq creatively assists clients with computer and telephone systems, document management, software development and website design.

Photograph copyright 2012 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.