Bart Cook dancing with Bruce Caldwell in Ballet West's THE NUTCRACKER

Former Ballet West dancer and star of New York City Ballet, Bart Cook was honored by the University of Utah today with the “Distinguished Alumni Award”.  The ceremony was held at the University today but Mr. Cook still took the time to get over to the Capitol Theatre to watch our run though of Balanchine’s CHACONNE which was staged for Ballet West by his wife Maria Calagari, who was also a New York City Ballet star.  Mr. Cook made some helpful suggestions with CHACONNE.  He will continue to teach master classes at the University through the weekend.

U. honors its artistic alumni | The Salt Lake Tribune

Bart Cook dancing with New York City Ballet

Choreographer Helen Pickett, Bart Cook, Joy Ludlow, Bene Arnold and Conrad Ludlow at the New Yorker - a congratulations dinner party hosted by Bene Arnold.

Ballet West's Artistic Director Adam Sklute and Bart Cook.

-Mark

Our 2011 audition was held today at our studios in the Capitol Theatre.  Really nice turn out, jam packed studio and lots of talent!

- Mark

Maria Calagari is here this week staging Balanchine’s beautiful Gluck ballet CHACONNE.

In Gershwin Concerto, choreographed by Jerome Robbins

Maria's recent Gaynor Minden add

- Mark

Dear Mr. Sklute,
Sorry for writing you out of the blue, but I did want to compliment you on the focus you brought to artistry in the Guggenheim YAGP program. I watched the video yesterday, and I do think it’s people like you who will preserve and grow the fragile art form that is ballet. I am not a dancer – I am just an audience member – but it troubles me how often I am bored at the ballet. I keep going to performances for those rare moments when a dancer connects with the music and is really speaking through his/her movement. All the technique in the world means nothing if there’s not that artistry. Thank you for drawing attention to that in your comments to the young people dancing in the Guggenheim program. Your artistic sensibility makes me long to see Ballet West perform.
Best regards,
Katie Willard

-Mark

Ballet West II presented Peter Christie’s PETER AND THE WOLF and seven repertoire pieces this past Saturday in Amarillo, Texas.  We were presented by Ballet West and the Lone Star Ballet.

Ryan Sargent as Peter, Beckanne Sisk as the Bird and Trevor Naumann as the Wolf

Kathryn Hein, Trevor Naumann and Kathleen Martin in Tomm Ruud's MOBILE

Jamie Lynn Schultz and Trevor Naumann in TARANTELLA FROM NAPOLI

-Mark