I thought it would be interesting for you to hear from Ballet West Artist, Christopher Anderson, about working with Susan Shields on the creation of her new piece GRAND SYNTHESIS for Ballet West’s INNOVATIONS program. Susan Shields told the company that Christopher looked exactly like her young son Theo. She called Christopher Theo throughout the whole process and many of us are still doing it to this day! -Mark

From Theo, a.k.a. Christopher Anderson:

“It had been a very long time since Ballet West had a choreographer come and set a World Premiere on our company. We had this great opportunity at the close of our season when Susan Shields came to create Grand Synthesis. This was a whirlwind experience for all of Ballet West. Susan came out in the winter to spend some time with the company and to try out a few ideas and then did not return until three weeks before our first ever Innovations series. In those three weeks, Susan created Grand Synthesis. For those who did not see Grand Synthesis at The Rose Wagner, it is a twenty minute ballet with one of the most complicated scores {Graham Fitkin} I have ever danced to. The piece showcases a counter point between two groups of people. One group stoic and picturesque, the other feverishly energetic and bright. This piece is truly a physical and mental challenge to perform. It was a pleasure to work on the this piece, and from the response we received from the audience it seems everyone enjoyed and appreciated the hard work. I especially enjoyed having this opportunity to meet and work with Susan. She is an amazing artist and inspirational person. I look forward to the next time our paths cross. It was a special way to end our Season in Salt Lake before traveling to D.C. for Ballet Across America at The Kennedy Center. Ballet West will be performing Grand Synthesis in this Season’s Gala on November 1st.
Theo:)”

Silver Barkes

Aaron Orlowski & Josey Silva / Kate Crews & Beau Pearson

Hua Zhuang & Christiana Bennett

Christiana Bennett & Hua Zhuang / Josey Silva & Beau Pearson

Katherine Lawrence

Susan Sheilds in a Dress Rehearsal Bow

Performance Photos by Ryan Galbraith, Chrisopther Anderson Headshot by Quinn Farley

Costumes by David Heuvel

- Mark