Student In-Theatre 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!
DRACULA (ACT I)
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 5–12
Take a bite out of ballet! Enter a world of gothic grandeur in this lavish production. Ben Stevenson’s Dracula is an immersive melodrama that unfolds with awe-inspiring theatrics, vampire brides, stunning sets, and exploding chandeliers. The iconic tale is told with drama and sweeping choreography that adds layers of artistry and entertainment to every element of the production.
A unique opportunity to take a classic gothic tale and view it through the eyes of dance!
Location: Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theater, Salt Lake City
Oct 24, Tues. 11:00 am–12:00 noon
Oct 25, Wed. 11:00 am-12:00 noon
Oct 26, Thur. 12:00 noon-1:00 pm.
THE FIREBIRD
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 1–12
An original piece choregraphed by Ballet West’s founder, Willam Christensen, The Firebird, is based on the folktale of a magical, flaming bird set to the sweeping and colorful score by Igor Stravinsky. The ballet weaves together the strands of three traditional Russian tales. In search of the Firebird, the story takes you on a fantastical adventure that includes a jealous sister, a friendly wolf, an imprisoned princess and the terrifying Baba Yaga, together with her pet raven.
Location: Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theater, Salt Lake City
Nov 7, Tues. 10:45 am-11:45 am.
Nov 8, Wed. 10:45 am-11:45 am.
Nov 9, Thur. 12:00 noon-1:00 pm.
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.
Location: Val Browning Center, Weber State University, Ogden
Nov 30, Thurs. 7:00 pm-9:00 pm (Full ballet) Disabled and special needs audience priority
Location: Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theater, Salt Lake City
Dec. 7, Thur. 12:00 noon-1:00 pm. (Act 1) Disabled and special needs audience priority
Dec 12, Tues. 10:45 am-11:45 am. (Act 2) Disabled and special needs audience priority
Dec 13, Wed. 10:45 am-11:45 am. (Act 1) Disabled and special needs audience priority
Dec 14, Thur. 10:45 am-11:45 am. (Act 2) Disabled and special needs audience priority
SWAN LAKE ACT I/II OR ACT III/ACT IV
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 1–12
The classic fairy tale come to life, often referred to as the quintessential ballet. This romantic story of Prince Siegfried, the beautiful woman turned swan, Odette and the evil sorcerer, Von Rothbardt, will mesmerize students with its drama, grace and beauty. Choreographed to the classic Tchaikovsky score. Teachers will have multiple connections to make to core curriculum concepts.
Location: Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theater, Salt Lake City
Feb 8, Thur. 12:00 noon-1:00 pm (Act TBD)
Feb 13, Tues. 10:45 am-11:45 am. (Act TBD)
Feb 14, Wed. 12:00 noon-1:00 pm (Act TBD)
FAIRY TALE THEATER
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 1–12
Join us as we bring beloved fairy tales to life through the magic of ballet. This lively and entertaining performance will provide proof that there’s more than one way to help our children understand how and why a classic fairy tale becomes a “classic.” Performed with narration, we’ll view the story of Beauty and the Beast through dance as it follows Beauty and her tragic Beast in a tale of promise, friendship, and love.
Beauty and the Beast
Location: Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theater, Salt Lake City
Mar 28, Thur. 10:00 am-11:00 am.
Mar 28, Thur. 12:30 pm-1:30 pm.
Mar 29, Fri. 10:30 am-11:30 am.
Location: Eccles Center for the Performing Arts, Park City
Apr 5, Fri. 10:00 am-11:00 am.
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
Virtual Learning
Visit our Virtual Learning: Student In-Theatre Presentations page for more information.