From the Artistic Director

Welcome to our spring 2021 program, Precious Gems. It is with great joy that we return to the stage live for the first time since November. For this program, we follow many of the same health and safety guidelines from last fall, but thanks to rapid testing for all the dancers, we are able to perform for you without masks and expand some of the partnering between company members. We do not take this gift lightly. In November, when we presented Nine Sinatra Songs program, much of the show was constructed specifically for this challenging time; with two of the modern creations addressing the complicated world around us during the pandemic. For this program, I wanted to present an almost Gala-like affair that showcased and challenged our brilliant artists. After so many months off, and with everything in flux, dancers needed the push that pure classical technique offers. I also felt I owed it to our audience to experience the glittering beauty and athleticism of classical ballet, as we had to cancel The Nutcracker and postpone Romeo & Juliet. Moreover, we are so thrilled to be able to have our orchestra back, working in a small ensemble for two of our offerings. The result is a program that I am calling a glittering jewel-box of solos duets and small ensembles. The program opens with the final pas de deux and variations from Aladdin. Originally created as part of the full story for our Family Classics Series by Ballet West Principal Rehearsal Director Pamela Robinson Harris, to music of Edvard Grieg and Kouchyar Shahroudiit, it makes a lovely and vibrant opening to the program. Next, we present the Ballet West premiere of Aria, Val Caniparoli’s elegant and sensual solo for a man. To the music of George Frederick Handel, the work is at once mysterious and regal. This ballet will be accompanied by a soprano and members of the Ballet West Orchestra. Immediately following is George Balanchine’s high flying, romp Tarantella a non-stop display of energy for a woman and a man to the music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk. This will be the first time Ballet West presents this at the Capitol Theater and the work is pure fun-filled joy. The woman’s solo from one of Val Caniparoli’s most popular and often requested works--Lambarena, comes next with its unique blend of classical and

African movement mirroring the music. With its dynamic power, it is clear why it is such an audience favorite. We follow with the Ballet West premiere of Anton Dolin’s 1957 pyrotechnical showcase for men--Variations for Four an exciting set of dances that highlight the athletic strength and clarity of our male dancers. I have chosen next to offer two alternating works, for some performances we will be presenting the female solo from Gerald Arpino’s Kettentanz, a delicate invocation of old Vienna to the music of Johann Mayer that we presented only once as part of a Gala many years ago. Alternatively, will present the lovely Sicilienne solo from George Balanchine’s and Gabrielle Faure’s Emeralds as a special tribute to our Principal Artist Katherine Lawrence who will be retiring from the stage after this season to join the faculty of the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy. We will miss Katherine’s beautiful performances but I am so happy she will be staying in the Ballet West family passing on her great knowledge to our students. We continue with the Ballet West premiere of the male duet from Lar Lubovitch’s Concerto 622, his moving and evocative creation to the music of Mozart. Members of the Ballet West Orchestra will also accompany this work. Finally, we close the program with Petipa’s rousing variations from Paquita as staged by Elena Kunikova. This delightful suite of dances is being presented this year with a slightly smaller corps to give more space on stage but it remains a bright, glittering, and spectacular way to end the program. This year has placed so many demands on all of us, and I am grateful for the sacrifices our Staff, Crew, Musicians, and Dancers have all made as we persevered and moved forward despite the immense difficulties. I could not be more proud of the great spirit of this company and I am so grateful as well, for you, our beloved audience. I hope this program brings you as much joy as it brings us. The future looks bright and we look forward to being together in full as we move forward into next year. Enjoy Precious Gems,

Adam Sklute Artistic Director Ballet West

Since 2007, Adam Sklute has expanded Ballet West’s outlook, repertoire, and visibility with exciting Company and world premieres, increased touring, heightened public exposure, and greater focus on the Ballet West Academy. He began his career with The Joffrey Ballet, rising through the ranks from dancer to Associate Director. His stewardship of Ballet West has been marked by both financial growth and elevated artistry, and was the subject of The CW Network’s docu-drama, Breaking Pointe, which aired for two seasons. From September 2016 to October 2017, Sklute took on the dual position of CEO and Artistic Director overseeing both administrative and artistic operations of Ballet West. An internationally sought after teacher and adjudicator, Sklute has received numerous awards, including Utah’s Enlightened 50 (2014), The Bronze Minuteman Award for Outstanding Service to Utah and The Nation (2015), and most recently Utah Diversity Connection’s Business Award for outstanding commitment to diversity initiatives.