Ballet West finds total congruence in sisterhood of dance and music in Stravinsky triple bill, including The Rite of Spring

If there was an overarching theme to the astonishing triple bill in Ballet West’s production that culminated in the riveting performance of The Rite of Spring, it would be contemplation, continuity and connection for humans living in a largely symbolic world. The opening night performance of works by three choreographers featuring the music of Stravinsky … Read more

A must-see Stravinsky triple bill: Ballet West set for The Rite of Spring production opening April 4

The facts about the revolutionary character of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring are well known. Capitalizing upon the triumphs of The Firebird (1910) and Petrushka (1911), Sergei Diaghilev commissioned The Rite for The Ballets Russes. A dream team had been assembled for its premiere and rehearsals had proceeded without incident: Vaslav Nijinsky developed the … Read more

Ballet West is staying in its blockbuster groove, as it prepares for its 61st season

Ballet West is staying in the blockbuster groove for its upcoming 2024-2025 season. After a 60th anniversary edition that brought record attendance not only for the season but also for three major productions, Ballet West is poised to continue the momentum with four Utah premieres, the return of Cinderella, and the 80th anniversary of The … Read more

Backstage at the Utah Arts Festival 2022: Jamal Jackson Dance Company to present Utah premiere of 846, contemporary restaging of The Rite of Spring

Next to The Nutcracker,The Rite of Spring, with Igor Stravinsky’s music, likely is the most choreographed piece of music in Europe and the U.S. Since its 1913 premiere, on average, at least one choreographer per year has set a work based on a work that caused a riot following its debut in Paris. Many of … Read more

Ballet West’s The Nijinsky Revolution

Afternoon of a Faun, courtesy Ballet West

Baslav Nijinsky, a legendary male dancer for the Ballets Russes, choreographed a body of work that shocked, intrigued and inspired audiences in the early 20th century. This spring, Ballet West brings three of his pieces to life with modern day takes on his revolutionary work in The Nijinsky Revolution. “In putting together this program, I … Read more

Ballet West’s The Rite of Spring

“We act as a conduit for the observers’ unexpressed desires, the silent appreciation they may contain for anything; a lover, a river, a building even.” ― Author Guy Mankowski on the ballet dancer Ballet West’s spring 2014 program includes three pieces: Jirí Kylián’s “Forgotten Land,” set to Benjamin Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem; George Balanchine’s “Divertimento … Read more