It’s time to give a nod to Kevin Semans our physical therapist and trainer. Kevin does a stellar job keeping our dancers from getting injured by tailoring specific workout programs for them.
Back stage with Thomas Mattinly
For Kevin’s bio, check out the link below.
-Mark
As you read in the link/article below, Ballet West soloist Thomas Mattingly headed a small dance ensemble for the Utah Arts Festival. The dancers – Ballet West principal Michael Bearden, soloists Kate Crews and Jaqueline Straughan, demi soloist Sayaka Ohtaki and Ririe Woodbury’s Caine Keenan. Thomas created a solo for Caine Keenan to Debussy. Then Thomas danced Le Corsaire Pas de Deux with Sayaka Ohtaki. The program closed with PRONE, by Thomas Mattingly. PRONE was commissioned by the Utah Arts Festival.
Sayaka Ohtaki and Thomas Mattingly in Le Corsaire Pas de Deux
Kate Crews, Michael Bearden, Jacqueline Straughan and Caine Keenan in PRONE
-Mark
On Saturday, May 8th Ballet West and Farasha boutique hosted Couture in Motion which was a fundraising fashion show event to benefit Ballet West. A select group of stunning Ballet West dancers strutted the runway modeling gorgeous clothing by designers from around the world from bathing suits to couture gowns. The event was held at the new St. Regis property located in Park City, Utah. This was the 2nd annual Fashion Show for the ballet and the evening included the Shoe In Art Auction, Fantasy Tutu and an opportunity drawing with six fantastic prizes. Thank you to Vanessa Di Palma Wright and Eddie Collins of Farasha, the fashion show committee, our event sponsors and attendees for making this another stunning event.
Photos by Ryan Galbraith
Ballet West Trainees Kathleen Martin, Lauren Duval and McKenna Gadzia
Whitney Huell
Silver Barkes
Allison DeBona
Katie Chritchlow
Kira Smith
For Ashlee Christofferson
-Mark
Week two of the Ballet West/University of Utah summer dance intensive begins today. The young dancers are eating it up! The students start the day at 8am with yoga or pilates, they go right in to a two hour technique class and then they have pointe/men’s technique/pas de deux/repertoire/hip hop/jazz/modern/Irish and ballet history lectures. There are over two hundred in attendance this year and the quality is better than ever!
Pas de Deux Class
-Mark
A review by Scott Iwasaki of the Deseret News.
Dance review: Spring Performance by Ballet West proves initiative, potential | Deseret News
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Ballet West Academy will open tonight with number one of four Spring Concert performances!
Ballet West Academy to present spring concert | Deseret News
-Mark
