05.07
With the Emeralds program behind us, the company has only one week of rehearsals left before we go into the theater. This year’s Innovations will open with the extended version of Michael Bearden’s Decent. Two years ago, Michael choreographed the ten minute section of Decent, for Innovations, that will now conclude the forty five minute version of the ballet we will be dancing this year. Mikey has added a back story to his ballet that is based on true events from 1917, Russia.
Michael Bearden and Aidan DeYoung
The next piece in the program is a new work choreographed by Aidan DeYoung. This is Aidan’s second year choreographing for Innovations. I feel like Aidan has grown tremendously as a dancer these last two years. He’s found his own style which is evident in his choreography. Aidan’s ballet brings a lot of diversity to the program as his movement is very contemporary.
Easton Smith
Easton Smith’s new ballet will follow Aidan’s on the bill. I think we’re all excited to see what Easton has to offer as this is his first year choreographing for Innovations. Emily Adams is the last in-house choreographer in the program. Emily created a voice for herself the first year she choreographed for Innovations and has only made her voice louder this year with her new work. This year Emily is using a recent graduate of the University of Utah’s music program to play the piano for her ballet.
Emily Adams
The last ballet of the program will be Grand Synthesis choreographed by Susan Shields. Grand Synthesis is a a contrasting ballet, full of energy and serenity. We performed Grand Synthesis first for Innovations 2008, then this last summer in Wolf Trap, VA. For more information on Susan Shields, click here.
-Beau
Having just come from opening night of Innovations, I have two things to say. First, the Black Prince was, quite frankly, several different levels of awesome. And second, Eenvoudig and Grand Synthesis were simply mesmerizing.
Thanks so much, Beth. I really appreciate your support of the company and the blog. I’ll make sure Mikey, Aidan and Susan read your comment.
Thanks Beth! It was a really fantastic and fulfilling project to work on. It means a lot to hear such positive feedback for the piece and for new art in general
Well, thank you, both of you! I’m something of a devoted Ballet West groupie, and it means a lot to me to hear that my commentary is appreciated.
Glad you liked the show Beth! You are right! Beau was born to do a role like The Black Prince!
What a fantastic finish to the season! This was our third year coming and is easily our favorite. Each piece was so diffrent from the last and yet they all tied together; I loved all of the works, I had to come twice it was so stunning.
Descent was the perfect balance of gut wrenching emotion, dark suduction and whimsical humor. My husband and I hope to see preformed again sometime very soon.
With You reminded me of some half forgotten dream you don’t want to leave, and the depth of love that exsists between two people.
Eenvoudig challanges preconviced notions, making movement art; drawing you in and keeping hold, while Forces At Play made me think of how beauty is in everything and if one looks for it, embraces it, it will transform them.
And Grand Synthesis…speaks for itself.
Thank you to everyone at Ballet West for an amazing season, can’t wait to see you again in the fall!
Saw Innovations Wednesday night. Always so fresh and unencombered. Love the energy that goes into it! Always up at the top of my favorites for the year!