Each semester, the U ballet department presents its Ballet Ensemble, an extraordinary demonstration of skill and artistic vision, and this spring is no exception.
Performances begin tomorrow and run through Saturday.
This semester’s ensemble offers a slew of balletic styles-from classical partnering (pas de deux) and a classical ballet to a piece set to live opera, a contemporary ballet performance and a seductive jazz piece. This variety is testament to the ballet department’s versatility.
The choreographers-most of whom are U ballet alumni-have pushed the dancers with difficult material. One such piece is “Vignettes,” a classical ballet set to poetic opera lyrics. The choreographer, Jennifer Creer-King, used old German poems, and her longtime friend Serena Kanig-Benish sings the lyrics during the dance.
“(The piece) is a wonderful combination of the arts,” Kanig-Benish said.
Jennifer Hill-Barlow, a U ballet alumna, demanded even more from her performers in her contemporary ballet piece, “Golden Ratio.”
“The hardest thing for (the performers) was taking a risk,” Hill-Barlow said. She said she is pleased with the students’ efforts and hopes “to create a ‘wow’ effect.”
The Spring Ballet Ensemble will perform in the Marriott Center for Dance tomorrow through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for the general public. Visit www.kingsburyhall.org or call 801-581-7100 for more information. Tickets are also available at the door one hour before the curtains go up.
Tyler Cobb
Tyler Cobb