Described as “one of the most diverse and compelling programs” in the history of Ballet West, “Journeys and Reflections,” a triple-bill program, will open at Capitol Theater this weekend.
The program travels through a wide spectrum of elegant and moving themes, such as rich neo-classism and powerful German expressionism. The wide range highlights Ballet West’s glamor, dramatics and enormous artistic versatility.
“With ‘Journeys and Reflections,’ we travel through three unique works of art that take us from the ethereal realms of heaven to the ravages of war,” said Ballet West CEO and Artistic Director, Adam Sklute. “…Together, they also highlight the remarkable versatility of our Ballet West dancers.”
The program begins with George Balanchine’s ethereal “Chaconne,” which premiered in 1976 and is known for its technically demanding series of dances for a huge cast of dancers. It is set to music from Gluck’s 18th Century masterpiece, “Orfeo ed Euridice,” and is intended to invoke both the court dances of the time and the heavenly “Elysian Fields.”
Utah native, Garrett’s Smith’s original “Facades” is the second piece of the performance and is a ballet that takes an innovative look at self-awareness. The piece first premiered at Ballet West’s “Innovations Series” two years ago. It was well received then, and Smith returns this season to expand on his work, set to a compilation of music by Phillip Glass and various Baroque composers. Smith has also enhanced the ballet with a slightly larger cast and some new sections to highlight his unique approach to music, classical ballet and contemporary dance.
“Facades” is “an intriguing study of people from the Baroque era…their mores, intrigues, and loves. It also analyzes how we see ourselves, what image it is that we put out into the world, and how the world perceives us,” Sklute said.
The program closes with the Ballet West premiere of Kurt Jooss’ “The Green Table.” First performed in Paris in 1932, just one year before Hitler’s election to Chancellor of Germany, the ballet displays the futility of war and continues to be a powerful study of failed diplomacy. Its message remains as significant and relevant today as it did when it was created in Germany between the great World Wars.
“The Green Table” is considered “one of the greatest ballets of all time, and it is a mesmerizing and almost ritualistic experience for audiences and performers alike,” Sklute said.
Sklute has a profound relationship with this particular piece as he first performed in it in 1987 and has danced in it many times since. “Dancing the ballet feels almost like a ritual, as I almost went into a trance performing it,” he said. “That is how great its impact is on dancers and audiences alike.”
“Journeys and Reflections” is slated to be a unique and innovative program featuring the best Ballet West has to offer.
“Each of the works on the program have a unique approach to ballet, music and theater—from the sacred to the profane, and from pure dance to intense theater,” said Sklute
“Journeys and Reflections” will be playing at Capitol Theatre April 7-15. Tickets are available starting at $20 online, at www.balletwest.org or by calling the Ballet West ticket offices at (801) 869-6920.