ALEX & ADRIANA
DANCING FOR ARTS +
ALEX FUNDERBURG
Community Leader
Alex Funderburg spent most of his career with Bank of America, where he was a Managing Director in the company’s leasing and equipment finance business. He retired in 2018 after 29 years with the bank.
He holds a BA degree in economics from Amherst College and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. Originally from the Chicago area, Alex has lived in Charlotte for over 35 years, where he and his wife Patty have raised their three now-adult children.
Alex and Patty have been active volunteers and supporters of many educational, health and human services, and cultural organizations in the Charlotte community. Alex joined the Charlotte Ballet board in 2013, serving primarily on the Finance and Campus committees. He will begin a two-year term as board chair of the Ballet in June.
“One of the aspects of the Charlotte Ballet I really value is its educational outreach initiatives. The Ballet’s dance academy reaches over 500 students of all ages every year, including a pre-professional program that prepares dancers for performance at the highest level. The Ballet’s Reach program focuses on bringing quality ballet and dance instruction to elementary school children throughout our city with a full scholarship program that presently serves over 100 students at five community sites.”
“I am dancing for Arts+, a local organization whose mission is to provide music and visual arts classes to students regardless of their ability to pay. As with the Ballet’s Reach and Academy programs, Arts+ focuses on affordability and accessibility. Growing up around music and the arts, I have seen the joy and sense of connection the arts bring to students, their families, and communities. A robust dance, music and arts community enriches us all, and a vibrant cultural scene attracts employers and new jobs to our region.”
GET TO KNOW ALEX
- Fun Fact: I took a modern dance class in college, which is not unusual except for the fact that I took it with several of my football teammates to improve our flexibility and balance. Despite our sometimes-comic efforts, we were well-received by our teacher and the other dance students because of our enthusiasm, but it was clear early that my career path would not involve dance!
- Dancing Experience? None since college!
- Why did you choose to support Charlotte Ballet? I was exposed to many art forms growing up, most notably a wide variety of music and the fine arts. Since attending my first Charlotte Ballet about 15 years ago, I have developed a great love and appreciation for the beauty, positivity and athleticism the dancers possess. Having served on the Ballet board for over a decade, I can say that it’s an amazing organization and I am proud to be part of it.
ADRIANA WAGENVELD
Seasons with Charlotte Ballet: 1
Adriana is originally from Puerto Rico, and started her training at the age of 3. She studied many styles of dance before joining the Grand Rapids Ballet Company as a Trainee in 2015. Soon, she was promoted to Apprentice and has been a Company Member since 2019. Adriana has worked with many renowned choreographers such as Danielle Rowe, Penny Saunders, Robyn Mineko Williams, Alejandro Cerrudo and Andy Blankenbuehler. She has performed soloist and principal roles in multiple classical ballets, including Dark Angel in Balanchine’s Serenade, Winter Fairy in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, Jumping Girl in Balanchine’s Who Cares? and Lilac Fairy in Devon Carney’s Sleeping Beauty.
When she isn’t dancing, Adriana enjoys teaching and choreographing, and coaches many students for regional and national competitions. She has made 4 pieces for the Grand Rapids Ballet Company in their Jumpstart series. Adriana has had the privilege of being a Top 25 To Watch in Dance Magazine and most recently, helped Pointe Magazine with an article on working and dancing with hypermobility.
About Arts +
Arts+ (formerly Community School for the Arts) is a local organization founded in 1969 at First Presbyterian Church. Its mission is to bring outstanding and accessible music and visual art education to Charlotte area students.
Arts+ provides its programs to students of all socio-economic backgrounds, teaching extensively in low-income communities and providing significant student financial assistance. More than 60% of all Arts+ students receive scholarships.
Arts+ has a new home and campus in Plaza Midwood which will allow new and expanded programming with additional opportunities to reach students of all ages. Funds raised will enable more classes, lessons, workshops, and camps.
LEADERS AT A GLANCE
Check out the fundraising competition live via the Star Dancer leaderboard. Support your favorite Star Pair and cast your vote by purchasing tickets or making a donation. All ticket sales and donations received are split 50/50 with Charlotte Ballet and the Star Dancer’s chosen charity. $1=1 Vote! Thank you to all of our sponsors, both corporate and individual, for underwriting the expenses of this event. On March 1, the People’s Choice Award will be presented to the Star Pair with the most funds raised. The Judges’ Choice Award will be presented to the Star Pair the judges determine had the best performance.
Total: $242,136
Thank you to our sponsors
- Prima
- Relevé
- Plié
- Pirouette
- Arabesque
