I’m sure you already know, ballet dancers work hard and play hard!

Ballet West Academy Summer Intensive students & staff, Ballet West & Ballet West 2 members and friends of all gathered at Memory Grove Park today for fun times!

Strike a pose!

Ryan, Matthew, Drake and Sara getting silly.

Cuties – Whitney (BW2) Chris (BW) and Jenna (BW2)

Drake, a born teacher gives a frisbee lesson.

“And this is how you catch it.”

Dancers just seem to love wide open spaces!

But before long it all comes back to ballet.  Matthew and Sara in a ‘presage’.

OMG!  They are turning into Swans!!

Many commented on Benvolio’s turn-out.

The dancers start turning their minds towards tomorrow’s classes.

-Mark

In 07 – 08 Ballet West brought George Balanchine’s SERENADE back in to the repertoire after a twenty years absence.

Victoria Simon who danced for Balanchine is one of the top Balanchine Trust repetiteurs.  All of us at Ballet West were thrilled that Adam Sklute requested her to stage Balanchine’s SERENADE for us.

Vicky Simon with Kate Crews just before Ballet West’s 2008 premiere of SERENADE.

Vicky Simon backstage with Michael Bearden.

Vicky Simon with Maestro Terence Kern.

Gorgeous Victoria Simon.

-Mark

A few pictures of Jane Wood’s wonderful pointe class.

-Mark

Week one of the summer intensive was fabulous!  There were lots of classes, many new friends were made and ballet technique improved vastly. In less than twenty four hours we will begin week two of the Ballet West Academy’s Summer Intensive.  Sadly we had to say good-bye to Calvin on Friday.  He has Joffrey rehearsals next week and could not stay any longer.  We sure hope he can return soon!

But fear not!  A new guest teacher will arrive today and teach for a week. She is Jane Wood who was a principal artist with Ballet West!  Welcome Jane!

Ballerina Jane Wood as Odile.

Ballerina Jane Wood as Odile.

-Mark

Day 3:  The Ballet West Academy Summer Intensive is going like gang busters!  Look in any of the three studios and you’ll find sweaty, hard working dancers and teachers!

I watched Calvin Kitten’s male variations class today.  He gave the men a short barre because this was not their first class of the day and then he launched into James’ Act I variation from ‘La Sylphide’.

-Mark

Join me in welcoming Calvin Kitten – Joffrey Ballet star and Dance Magazine cover of January 2001!

It’s only for the first week of the intensive because he needs to get back to Chicago for Joffrey rehearsals but boy are we lucky to have him!

In the title role of Balanchine’s THE PRODIGAL SON.  (Photo Credit: Herb Migdoll)

In Balanchine’s APOLLO.  (Photo Credit: Michael Levine)

-Mark

Did you see today’s Washington Post?

Sarah Kaufman, dance critic for The Washington Post liked Ballet West and our interpretation of SERENADE!  Be sure to check out our review.

Now more pictures for you!

Notice which company is on top?

Heather, Steven and Christopher Anderson.

Silver, Josie and Peggy warm up for class.

Three birds with one stone – Steven works on balance, Beau gets extra stretch and Allison gets a chuckle.

Glamorous Christiana and Christopher Ruud.

Pretty Ladies Stephanie and Jenny.

Our incredible company manager Nick with incredible guest class accompanist Linda Kipps.  We wanted to bring her back to SLC!

Peggy and Liz on stage. Beautiful house behind the beautiful ladies!

Sassy Ladies  Jacqueline, Jenny and Annie.  While you were at rehearsal he called!

Annie, Beau and Christiana being beauteous!

-Mark

      Hello Everyone,

         This is Michael Bearden reporting from our nation’s capital. The atmosphere is electric at the Kennedy Center here in Washington D.C.! Some of the best ballet companies in the world are all sharing the same stage this week. I have seen many hugs and hand shakes between old friends and acquaintances in the backstage area. In many ways it is like one big reunion.

          Ballet West opened the week long festival last night, with a heart felt performance of  ”Serenade”  The audience responded very well to the company’s performance with great depth in their applause. Some audience members were even moved to shout out loud during our bows. Adam Sklute also bowed with his dancers for the first time as an Artistic Director on the Kennedy Center stage. After the curtain went down I saw tears in the eyes of some of my fellow dancers, many of whom had just performed for the first time on this magical stage. They were obviously moved by the aura created by the audience, the architecture, and their dancing from their hearts.

         The company is performing tonight, and I am sure they will dance even more beautifully! I am off to a pre-show party hosted by Senators Hatch and Bennett. I will try to get some photos for the blog.     

Take care,

       Michael Bearden

Four Ballet West Bombshells

Michael and Victoria in front of the Kennedy Center

Group shot in the Eisenhower studio 

Well, we made it!

It’s 95 hot degrees and the company is very excited to be here anyway!

Our dear friend Keiko saw us off.

Airport Antics.

Washington Monument photo caught from inside the bus to the hotel.

Tomorrow is almost here!

-Mark

We’ll leave early tomorrow morning for D.C. and our two performances of SERENADE for the “Ballet Across America” festival!  Watch for reports from some of the dancers once we get there.

Wish us Merde!

-Mark