Works from Within

Every great ballet begins with a first performance. Experience it for yourself at Works from Within. Featuring world-premiere ballets choreographed by Ballet West Artists for Company Dancers, highlighting their artistry and innovation. Be among the first to experience the elegance, passion, and creativity that define Ballet West

ANDROMEDA

Choreography: Katlyn Addison
Music: Jonathan Sanford

Andromeda is a dramatic new ballet inspired by the Greek myth of royal pride, divine wrath, and enduring love.

Aethiopia celebrates the birth of Princess Andromeda. Years later, her beauty and kindness shine in the city square. However, Queen Cassiopeia’s boast that Andromeda surpasses the gods in beauty incurs the wrath of Poseidon, who demands the princess as a sacrifice.

In the throne room, as the King and Queen despair and the city pleads, Andromeda bravely offers to save her people. Perseus, the Greek hero, arrives as she prepares for her fate, instantly falling in love. Learning of the monstrous Cetus that demands her sacrifice, Perseus confronts and defeats the sea monster using Medusa’s head. Freed, Andromeda, and Perseus find love amidst the danger they have overcome.

LINGERING ECHOES

Choreography: Nicole Fannéy
Music: Nisi Dominus; Erkki Salmenhaara, arranged by Seppo Murto; Johann Sebastian Bach

This work explores the themes of togetherness and loss. It grapples with the bittersweet realities of life, where joy and sorrow intertwine. It is also a reflection of shared memories, the enduring power of love in the face of separation, and the ways in which grief can be a path to understanding and growth.

WITH FEELING

Choreography: Jazz Khai Bynum
Music: Derek Bermel, Duke Ellington
Dancers: Utah Valley University’s Repertory Ballet Ensemble

Jazz Khai Bynum is named after Jazz music, born of African American origin and characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and a forceful rhythm, along enthusiastic and lively talk. The inspiration for this piece comes from the music, playing with the idea of when we are lost in the rhythm. You know when your favorite song comes on and the beat catches your soul and you must turn the sound all the way up? That is where “With Feeling” exists. A place of peace, freedom, and joy.

Performed by Utah Valley University Repertory Ballet Ensemble, students pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet, offered within the Ballet Program housed in the Department of Dance at Utah Valley University. This collaboration was made possible by Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute, Director of Company Management and Touring Misha Eady-Harbold; Utah Valley University School of the Arts Assistant Dean Danielle Shipley, Department of Dance Chair Jamie A. Johnson, and UVU Repertory Ballet Ensemble Director Christa St. John.

ELIS

Choreography: Vinicius Lima
Music: TBD

Elis, explores human emotional states surrounding feelings of love, play, grief and togetherness. What do those look like through Lima's work? How are they being expressed through the dancer’s bodies? Can you feel it from the edge of your seat?

MASS HYSTERICAL

Choreography: Emily Adams
Music: Katy Jarzebowski

A collaboration between choreographer Emily Adams and composer Katy Jarzebowski, Mass Hysterical explores the comedy and horror of group social behaviors and the challenge of being brave when fear and distrust abound.