Student In-Theater Performances
Ballet West's Student In-Theater Presentations cater to all elementary and secondary school levels. These sessions offer students the chance to witness a complete ballet performance in a theater setting. Each presentation begins with an informative introduction about the ballet and theater-related aspects, often involving interactive segments to engage the audience.
This hour-long program showcases a segment of the ongoing repertoire performed for the public. Attendance coordination involves fine arts coordinators from willing districts. Prior to the presentations, teachers receive a digital study guide containing ballet insights, etiquette, glossary, illustrations, bibliography, and specific ballet details. Guides also include follow-up projects for Utah State Core Curriculum integration.
Post-presentation questionnaires capture students' responses via words and drawings. In-depth engagement continues through teacher and student workshops called "Getting the Pointé." These workshops, conducted in-person or via Zoom, aid teachers in confidently integrating the experience into their classrooms. The workshops are tailored to empower teachers and enhance their tools, fostering student growth based on this unique opportunity.
We would love to hear from you with any questions or comments regarding our programs, or for information, you can reach us at education@balletwest.org or by calling us at 801-869-6911.
The opportunity to contribute amplifies the community's role in nurturing positive change and sustaining our transformative experiences. Ballet West's community programming not only celebrates the art of ballet but also resonates with its commitment to creating meaningful connections and inspiring progress in all participants. To make a tax-deductible contribution in support of Ballet West Student In-Theatre Presentations and other Ballet West education and outreach programs, visit our donation page!
Romeo & Juliet
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 3–12
William Shakespeare’s 1594 great and timeless romantic tragedy is brought to the stage in dance with choreography by Michael Smuin and accompanied by the well-known Sergei Prokofiev music. Set against brilliant costumes and set designs, the choreography incorporates exciting period sword fighting. This presentation provides an excellent opportunity to connect to core-curriculum concepts, and cross curriculum opportunities in reading the play. This also offers a stimulus in opening conversations about community’s attitudes to others differences, and love and hate.
The Dream
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 1–12
This one act ballet is based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Considered a masterpiece of English choreographer, Frederick Ashton with the playful and romantic music of Felix Mendelssohn. Magic love potions, unusual attractions and happy endings make up the story line for this beautiful ballet. This provides a wonderful opportunity for connections in literature and music as well.
The Nutcracker
RECOMMENDED GRADES: K–12
Experience a Christmas Eve filled with enchantment as Clara’s nutcracker toy comes to life in an explosion of adventure and magic. Act 1 celebrates the holiday season with Clara and her family and friends and then experience her adventures with her Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King and meet the Snow Queen and her Cavalier. In Act 2, travel to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy for lively and colorful dances from around the world. Join us as we revel in the magical delights of a child’s fantasy come true.
Peter Pan
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 1–12
Soar into Neverland! This enchanting reimagining of Peter Pan features spectacular aerial choreography set to Sir Edward Elgar's sweeping score while delving into the adventurous story where shadows dance, mermaids enchant, and pirates entertain, all sprinkled with a magical layer of pixie dust. This presentation will provide excellent opportunities for cross-studies in multiple disciplines as well as stimulating discussions which can allow teachers to explore multiple life skills and core-curriculum concepts.
The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 2–12
Join us as the world-famous Ballet West dancers bring a new family classic tale to life through the magic of ballet. Witness the thrilling tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow come to life on stage in this lively and entertaining performance which will provide proof that there’s more than one way to help our children understand how and why a classic tale becomes a “classic”.
West Side Story Suite
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4–12
A modern love story based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story Suite brings audiences to the feuding streets of 1950s New York City with its crackling energy and heart-rending poignancy. With a story by Arthur Laurents, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein collaborating at the height of their powers, West Side Story remains a pinnacle of the American musical. The West Side Story Suite is a set of dances selected from the musical, the ballet distills the musical into its most essential pieces – the choreography that’s the heartbeat of the story’s narrative.
Choreographic Festival: Spotlight Utah!
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4–12
Experience the Choreographic Festival: Spotlight Utah! Featuring the best of Utah contemporary dance with a groundbreaking fusion of modern movement and classical music. Notable Utah dance companies will join with Ballet West dancers in featured repertory pieces that highlight their exciting dance styles.
All attendees may request a student/teacher Getting the Pointe workshop to supplement and enhance their attendance at a Ballet West Student In-Theater presentation. This offering is available through in-person or virtual zoom opportunities. Availability is limited.
For more information or to request to attend a student in-theater presentation, please call 801-869-6911 or email education@balletwest.org
*All performances are subject to change
**Romeo & Juliet: Principle Artists Katlyn Addison & Jordan Veit, The Dream: Artists of Ballet West, The Nutcracker: Principle Artists Emily Adams & Tyler Gum, Peter Pan: Demi Soloist Lexie McCloud & Corps Artist William Lynch, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Artist of Ballet West II, West Side Story Suite: Artists of Ballet West, Choreographic Festival: Spotlight Utah!: Principle Artists Emily Adams & Adrian Fry, Photography by Beau Pearson
Virtual Learning
Visit our Virtual Learning: Student In-Theatre Presentations page for more information.