Ballet West News

SALT LAKE CITY -  Ballet West’s second annual Innovations program takes the stage, May 14-16 and 21-23 at the Rose Wagner Theatre, 138 West Broadway with a fresh and exciting showcase for new and cutting edge choreography including three original works created by Ballet West dancers, for Ballet West dancers.

This year, Ulysses Dove’s fierce and fiery Red Angels and a world premiere by award-winning choreographer Nicolo Fonte will be presented, along with brand new creations by Ballet West Soloist Jason Linsley and Artist Thomas Mattingly, and an expanded version of Soloist Peggy Dolkas’ hit 2008 creation “Yes, but how did you get there?”

“Our 2009 Innovations program builds on what we began last year,” said Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute, “For this production we incorporate more elements of live-music such as an electric violin and a Salt Lake City local band, and we are honored to present a new work by Nicolo Fonte, a choreographer of such international renown.  This is exciting and inspiring for our artists and I know it will be for our audiences, as well.”

After the success of “Yes, but how did you get there?,” which was shown at Ballet West’s inaugural Innovations program last year, Sklute asked Dolkas to expand on her work to create a more complete ballet.  Dolkas, one of Dance Magazine’s 2007 “25 Women to Watch,” describes this piece’s choreography as her “progression of dance from step one. It starts with learning the basic steps, linking them together to create movement that compliments the music, and then pairing actions and reactions with another body, and finally breaking away into unfamiliar territory on the journey to becoming an artist.”

The choreography for Mattingly’s Above a Grey Expectation is dedicated to spotlighting the male dancer. “The men of Ballet West are strong, masculine, talented dancers that I wanted to show off to the public,” said Mattingly. “They are strong but not stiff. They are fluid but not weak. The expectations for the male dancer can be dull and grey. With this piece, I hope to create something that rises above that grey expectation.”

Linsley’s world premiere is set to music by local band “I Hear Sirens.” “I have just begun fully exploring my choreography with the company,” said Linsley. “As of now it is untitled. It’s based around two couples with very different relationship personalities, lovers and fighters. One of the couples goes through a massive tragedy and the other takes another look at their lives together. The process is very personal and driven from experience from myself and my dancers.”

“I am inspired by the creativity of our artists and fascinated by the uniqueness of their individual visions,” said Sklute. “All the choreographers we have presented both last year and this year have a distinctive voice and it has been a wonderful exploration for me to present and help develop their talents as choreographers.”

“Ulysses Dove was a major choreographic voice before his untimely death in 1996,” said Sklute. “He combined his own Alvin Ailey training with classical ballet to explosive effect.  I loved this work the moment I saw it and I am thrilled that violinist Mary Rowe – the only musician in the world to play this dynamic score – has agreed to join us for this program.”

Rounding out the program will be a world premiere by Nicolo Fonte.  Fonte, who began as a dancer with Les Grande Ballets Canadians, moved to Nacho Duato’s Compania Nacional de Danza in Madrid, Spain where he began choreographing. To date, he has created numerous works for major American and international ballet companies. Jack Anderson, writing in The New York Times, called Fonte “a choreographer worth knowing” and R.M. Campbell of the Seattle Post- Intelligencer wrote, “Fonte is a thinker, an architect who creates the new rather than reinvent the old. He is a master of manipulating space and creating relationships.”

“Nicolo’s work is poetic, organic and powerful,” said Sklute. “His world premiere, along with the other new and innovative works on this program, further Ballet West’s mission to develop and promote the future of ballet and present audiences in Utah and world-wide with the very best.” 

Ballet West’s Innovations is an exceptional way to experience brand-new creations by the next generation of choreographers. Tickets to Innovations are $50 and are on sale now through ArtTix by calling 355-ARTS or online at www.arttix.org.

SALT LAKE CITY – Ballet West will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the famed Ballets Russes with Treasures of the Ballets Russes, March 27, 28 and April 1-4 at the Capitol Theatre. Performances will also take place on April 7 and 8 at the Val A. Browning Center on the Weber State University Campus in Ogden, Utah.

Established in 1909, Ballets Russes created a sensation in Western Europe, encompassing an amazing collection of some of history’s greatest choreographers, composers, artists, and dancers. This landmark artistic collaboration set in motion an influence that, in one form or another, has lasted to this day.

“The Ballets Russes redefined the art of ballet,” said Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute. “Through Serge Diaghilev’s vision of dance, some of the greatest composers, artists, choreographers and librettists of all time were assembled, creating a new form of ballet that was complete theater. From that point on, ballets were no longer looked upon purely as vehicles for dance but as works of art.”

For Treasures of The Ballets Russes, Ballet West will showcase the glamour, drama and dynamism of the Diaghilev vision with a program that features three unique works by a sampling of larger-than-life choreographers, designers and composers. In the September 7th edition of The New York Times, Dance Critic Alastair Macaulay called Ballet West’s Treasures of the Ballets Russes ‘an adventurous triple bill.’

This must-see program opens with the Ballet West premiere of Les Biches, Bronislava Nijinska’s chic and funny (and slightly scandalous) look at the 1920’s flapper scene. Set to a commissioned score by Francis Poulenc, with costumes and sets by Marie Laurencin, it is an early collaboration between women artists and considered by many to be the first feminist ballet.

“‘Les Biches’ is a miracle of early 20th Century choreography,” said Sklute. “It poses huge technical demands on the artists, but the real challenge is to present it with absolute nonchalance and a sense of humor and chic.”

Next is the Ballet West premiere of George Balanchine’s The Prodigal Son, a startling early work by one of the world’s greatest choreographers. In 1929, this exciting and moving tale danced to the music of Sergei Prokofiev, and with sets and costumes by the expressionist artist Georges Roualt, opened what was to be the last Paris season of Diaghilev’s Les Ballets Russes. The piece is a narrative ballet telling the Biblical parable of the prodigal son who snubs his father, is exploited and abandoned by his insincere friends, and then, left destitute, must return to his father in shame only to be embraced and welcomed home.

“It is remarkable to think that Balanchine was only 24 when he created ‘The Prodigal Son,’” Sklute noted. “And already the choreographic invention just pours from him. The last scene is perhaps one of the most moving in all of ballet.”

Finally, the revival of the ballet that “set Paris on fire” in 1909 – the fabulous Polovetsian Dances from Alexandre Borodin’s opera “Prince Igor” will end this spectacular program. Michel Fokine, one of Ballets Russes’ most innovative choreographers, incorporated the vigorous and athletic style of the Russian folk dance tradition into this work. With an emphasis on powerful male dancing and dramatic expression, Polovetsian Dances features highly recognizable music, including the tune that was later used in the musical “Kismet” for the song “Stranger in Paradise.”

“It’s no wonder that ‘Polovetsian Dances’ excited the cool Parisian audiences as it did in 1909,” said Sklute. “The build of the score is tremendous and there is almost animalistic abandon that builds to the finale of this dance.”

Treasures of the Ballets Russes will be accompanied by the Utah Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Terence Kern. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. March 27, 28 and April 1-4, with a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on April 4.

In conjunction with the performances of Treasures of the Ballets Russes, Ballet West offers Warm Ups. These fun and informative discussions are free of charge to ticket holders and will begin promptly one hour prior to each presentation of The Tempest. Get the inside scoop on the evening’s program including background on the ballet, information on the choreographer and other interesting behind-the-scenes facts. At Warm Ups, members of the Ballet West artistic staff are available to answer any questions that the audience may have.

Tickets range from $18 – $72 and are available through ArtTix by calling 355-ARTS (2787 or 1-888-451-2787, at www.arttix.org, or at the Capitol Theatre ticket office.

Tickets to the Ogden performances of Treasures of the Ballets Russes are available through the Ogden Symphony Ballet Association by calling (801) 399-9214.

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http://www.saltlakemagazine.com/Blogs/Pick-of-the-Day/February-2009/Check-out-cool-shoes-at-Ballet-West/

Stanton Welch’s MADAME BUTTERFLY and Mark Morris’ GONG
take to the ballet stage just in time for Valentine’s Day

SALT LAKE CITY – Ballet West presents the perfect Valentine’s date with a double Utah premiere – Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly and Mark Morris’ Gong, February 13, 14 and 18-21 at the Capitol Theatre. Performances of Madame Butterfly and Gong will also be held at the Val A. Browning Center on the Weber State University Campus in Ogden on February 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Set to Puccini’s memorable score, in an arrangement by John Lanchbery, Madame Butterfly unfolds dramatically on Peter Farmer’s picturesque sets, which beautifully evoke the mystery and languor of nineteenth century Japan.  Mark Morris’ exotic and pulsating Gong features vibrant costumes by fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi and an energetic score by Colin McPhee. Ballet West becomes the third company in the world to perform this fascinating piece.

Stanton Welch’s romantic and tragic Madame Butterfly is a two-act work that tells the story of the beautiful geisha Cio-Cio-San who renounces her faith and her family to wed Lieutenant Pinkerton, the handsome but cynical American naval officer who is betrothed to another.  The centerpiece of the work is a ravishing wedding night pas de deux for Pinkerton and Cio-Cio-San, which closes the first act.

In the October 24, 2002 edition of The Times, Allen Robertson praised Mark Morris’ Gong, calling it “a playful romp steeped in Orientalist posturings sparked off by a fabulous, energetic, gamelan-inspired score by Colin McPhee…With golden bands round their ankles and sheathed from head to toe in the designer Isaac Mizrahi’s vibrant colours, the 15 dancers are a neon rainbow splintering into shards of sharp, scampering movement that is both tongue-in-cheek and grandly serious.”  

Performances of Madame Butterfly will be accompanied by the Utah Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Terence Kern. Guest Conductor Adam Flatt of Colorado Ballet will direct the Orchestra during the performances of Gong. Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m., February 13, 14 and 18-21, with matinees on February 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m.

In conjunction with the performances of Madame Butterfly and Gong, Ballet West is offering Warm Ups. These fun and informative discussions are free of charge to ticket holders and will begin promptly one hour prior to each performance. Get the inside scoop on the evening’s program including background on the ballet, information on the choreographer and other interesting behind-the-scenes facts. At Warm Ups, members of the Ballet West artistic staff are available to answer any questions that the audience might have.

Single tickets can be purchased through the ArtTix Box Office, 50 West 200 South, or at any ArtTix outlet by calling 355-ARTS or online at www.arttix.org.  Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Ballet West’s Groups Sales line at (801) 323-6966.

SALT LAKE CITY – Ballet West rings in the holidays in grand style with its annual holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. Choreographed by Ballet West Founder Willam Christensen, The Nutcracker will run for 23 matinee and evening performances from December 5 through December 27 at the Capitol Theatre. Evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m., with matinees at 2:00 p.m.  There is a special holiday matinee on Christmas Eve at Noon. 

Based on the fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann and set to the favorite score by Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker is a classic ballet in two acts.   The story tells of a Christmas party at which little Clara, daughter of the house, receives the gift of a nutcracker from her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer.  After the party, she falls asleep and dreams of snow castles, sugarplums, and her nutcracker, which has turned into a handsome prince.

Ticket prices range from $18 to $66 and are available at all ArtTix outlets, or at the Capitol Theatre Box Office, 50 West 200 South.  Tickets may also be charged by calling 355-ARTS or at www.arttix.org.  

Immediately following each matinee (except December 24), Ballet West will host on-stage Sugar Plum Parties for children.  During the parties, young members of the audience can join the Sugar Plum Fairy and other favorite characters from the ballet for refreshments and a special treat.  Tickets are $5 per person and are available at the Capitol Theatre Box Office, or by calling ArtTix at 355-ARTS. 

The Tempest Bids You, “Come Unto These Yellow Sands”

Ballet West opens 2008-09 season with the Utah premiere of Michael Smuin’s Emmy-nominated ballet of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, November 7-15 at the Capitol Theatre, 50 West 200 South in downtown Salt Lake City.  With choreography by one of Utah’s favorite sons, the late, great Michael Smuin, and a commissioned score based on the music of Henry Purcell, The Tempest is a tale of magical beings and all-too-human humans entwined in a net of love, humor, conflict and reconciliation.The Tempest will be accompanied by the Utah Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Terence Kern. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. November 7, 8 and 12-15, with a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on November 15.In conjunction with the performances of The Tempest, Ballet West offers Warm Ups. These fun and informative discussions are free of charge to ticket holders and will begin promptly one hour prior to each presentation of The Tempest. Get the inside scoop on the evening’s program including background on the ballet, information on the choreographer and other interesting behind-the-scenes facts. At Warm Ups, members of the Ballet West artistic staff are available to answer any questions that the audience may have.Tickets range from $18 – $72 and are available through ArtTix by calling 355-ARTS (2787 or 1-888-451-2787, at www.arttix.org, or at the Capitol Theatre ticket office.

BALLET WEST EMBARKS ON 2008-09 SEASON WITH
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE GALA, NOVEMBER 1
Exclusive Evening is Sneak Preview for Future Seasons

Ballet West kicks off its 2008-09 performance year with an explosive season opener – the Company’s annual Gala on Saturday, November 1 at 6:30 p.m.  This fast-paced, hour-long performance highlights every aspect of Ballet West, from its Academy to the youthful up-and-comers of Ballet West II, as well as Ballet West’s glamorous and versatile Artists. Designed as an evening of previews for future seasons, the program is followed by an elegant evening of dinner and dancing at The Grand America Hotel, 535 South Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City.

The Program
Ballet West’s annual gala opens with a Defile performance by The Ballet West Academy, celebrating all levels of the official ballet school. The line-up also features the grand finale from George Balanchine’s elegant, classic and exciting Chaconne, set to music by Christoph Willibald Gluck, followed by an excerpt from Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling, a chic, high-energy, classically based contemporary ballet. The evening continues with Ben Stevenson’s achingly beautiful Three Preludes, an intimate pas de deux to solo piano music by Serge Rachmaninoff, followed by an ensemble work for Ballet West II choreographed by Heather Gray. Also on the program is a delicate solo from Gerald Arpino’s Kettentanz with music by Johann Meyer. Closing the sumptuous show, Ballet West will perform an excerpt from Michael Smuin’s The Tempest with music by Paul Chihara, based on the music of Henry Purcell.

Ticket Information
Tickets for the performance and dessert reception are $75; VIP tickets that include the performance, dessert reception, cast party, and dinner and dancing are $175.  VIP tables are also available. All proceeds from this event benefit Ballet West’s educational and artistic programs. For more information on Ballet West’s annual gala, contact Ashlee Christofferson at (801) 323-6917.

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To follow is a link to a review in the June 12th issue of “The Washington Post” regarding Ballet West’s performance of George Balanchine’s “Serenade” at The Kennedy Center.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/11/AR2008061103909.html

Company Joins With Other Renowned Ballet Organizations for “Ballet Across America”

On Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, Ballet West will join eight additional renowned ballet companies in Washington, D.C. as part of “Ballet Across America,” a celebration of the remarkable breadth and depth of American ballet. 

The Company will perform George Balanchine’s Serenade, the first ballet Balanchine created in the United States. Performed to the music of Tchaikovsky, this sweeping work us much loved for its exhilarating movement, lush musicality and the moving drama it displays without telling an actual story. 

“I am thrilled that we are returning to The Kennedy Center after sixteen years,” said Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute.  “It is an honor to be asked to open the whole festival and with such a masterpiece as George Balanchine’s Serenade. Our artists are stunning in the work and we are proud to be cultural ambassadors for our great state of Utah.”

A part of The Kennedy Center Ballet Series, the entire “Dance Across America” program runs from June 10 to 15 and features three mixed repertory programs – each highlighting an envoy of dance from the eastern, middle, and western U.S.  East coast companies include Pennsylvania Ballet, The Washington Ballet and Boston Ballet. From America’s heartland comes Kansas City Ballet , Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet and Houston Ballet.  In addition to Ballet West, Rocky Mountain companies that will perform are Pacific Northwest Ballet and Oregon Ballet Theatre.

The program is as follows:

June 10 & 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Ballet West–Serenade (Balanchine/Tchaikovsky)
Pennsylvania Ballet–In the Night (Robbins/Chopin)
Houston Ballet–Velocity (Welch/Torke)

June 12 at 7:30 p.m. & June 14 at 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Pacific Northwest Ballet–Jardí Tancat (Duato/del Mar Bonet)
Kansas City Ballet–The Still Point (Bolender/Debussy)
The Washington Ballet–Nine Sinatra Songs (Tharp/various)

June 13 at 7:30 p.m. & June 15 at 1:30 p.m.
Boston Ballet–Brake the Eyes (Elo/Mozart)
The Joffrey Ballet–Lilac Garden (Tudor/Chausson)
Oregon Ballet Theatre–RUSH (Wheeldon/Martinu)

Tickets prices range from $29 to $85 and are available at www.kennedy-center.org or by calling (800) 444-1324 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time. 

SALT LAKE CITY – May 1, 2008 -  The individual personalities of Ballet West artists will shine during Innovations, May 28-31 at the Rose Wagner Theatre, 138 West Broadway. This inaugural event will showcase three original works created by Ballet West dancers, for Ballet West dancers.

Principal Artist Christopher Ruud, Soloist Peggy Dolkas and Artist Megan Furse will premiere their works alongside the return of James Canfield’s mesmerizing Equinoxe, set to the music of Jean Michel Jarre, and the world premiere of up-and-coming choreographer Susan Shields’ Grand Synthesis.  Set to music by Graham Fitkin, Shield’s new work is a piece commissioned especially for Ballet West.  

“Susan is an emerging and unique voice in the world of dance,” said Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute.  “Her work is energetic, dynamic, extremely musical and creative while maintaining classical purity.  By opening the ‘Innovations’ program with a newly created work on our Ballet West artists we are introducing Susan’s distinctive style to Utah.”

Since its inception in 1963, Ballet West has taken great pride in performing new works by not only world-renowned choreographers, but by the Company’s celebrated artistic leaders. From Ballet West Founder Willam Christensen on, the Company has created new works on its dancers, premiering them to both local and national audiences.

“Innovations is an exciting new endeavor for Ballet West,” said Artistic Director Adam Sklute. ”Our dancers are fantastically creative artists, and this program gives them a platform to experiment with choreography. In doing so, we also further the art-form of ballet by presenting an evening of new creations.  This is a must see.”

Ballet West’s Innovations is an exceptional way to experience brand-new creations by the next generation of choreographers. Tickets to Innovations are $30 and are on sale now through ArtTix by calling 355-ARTS or visiting www.arttix.org.

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