RODEO WITH CONCERTO BAROCCO AND RETURN TO A STRANGE LAND

“Return To A Strange Land immerses you in a world of supreme strength, total control, and grace.” – Daily Utah Chronicle

“Rodeo is bronco-busting, heel-cracking!” – The New York Times

80^th Anniversary of Agnes de Mille’s iconic American ballet

Ready for a hoe-down? This evening was the perfect three-course meal! After having to postpone in 2020, the Ballet West premiere of Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo finally arrived—on a triple-bill, paired with two additional powerhouse masterpieces.

The program opened with Concerto Barocco, set to Bach’s Concerto for two violins.  It is a soaring example of George Balanchine’s clean, elegant, and musical aesthetic. In 1965, Balanchine generously gave Ballet West founder, Willam Christensen, this beautiful work to help get the fledgling company off the ground. After nearly 20 years since it was last seen on the Capitol Theatre stage, one of Balanchine’s greatest creations returned this season.

Return to a Strange Land is a soulful ode to loss and longing. Using his signature style, both powerfully acrobatic and poetic, renowned Czech choreographer Jiří Kylián created this heart-stopping gem after the sudden loss of his friend and mentor, choreographer John Cranko. Return to a Strange Land is a haunting work to Janacek solo piano pieces for six dancers on a stage strewn with autumn leaves.

Agnes de Mille, the niece of cinematic legend Cecil B. DeMille, choreographed great stage productions such as Oklahoma!, Carousel, and Brigadoon. Her charming 1942 one-act story, Rodeo—set to Aaron Copland’s buoyant, well-known score—represents the very pinnacle of Americana in classical ballet. It’s the sweet, simple story of a cowgirl who longs to be one of the guys, and who loses, but then finds, her heart along the way.

Recommended ages 8 and up.

RODEO

Choreography
Agnes de Mille

Music
Aaron Copland

Scenic design
Oliver Smith

Costume design
Santo Loquasto

World Premiere
October 16, 1942 New York’s Metropolitan Opera House

CONCERTO BAROCCO

Choreography
George Balanchine

Music
Johann Sebastian Bach

Costume design
Eugene Berman

World Premiere
June 27, 1941
American Ballet Caravan, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Utah Premiere
May 7, 1965

Programs, artists, and dates subject to change.

RETURN TO A STRANGE LAND

Choreography
Jiří Kylián

Music
Leoš Janáček

Scenic design and Costume design
Jiří Kylián

World Premiere
May 17, 1975 Stuttgart Ballet

Utah Premiere
April 2018 Capitol Theatre

Ballet West Health and Safety Policy

Although masks are not required while attending Ballet West performances for the 2022-2023 season, we encourage patrons who wish to wear a mask to do so. If you are feeling unwell, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, we ask that you follow CDC quarantine and isolations guidelines and prioritize your health and the health of your fellow audience members and stay home. Ballet West reserves the right to change or amend the health policy for performances in the future.