Principal Dancer Adrian Fry & Former Principal Dancer Katherine Lawrence | Photo by Luke Isley

First Look targets Jr. High and High school students, and educators, offering them a unique sneak peek into Ballet West's ongoing productions. Prior to the public opening, students attend dress rehearsals, gaining insights into ballet's inner workings. 

The program aims to familiarize students with ballet's evolution by showcasing complete ballets and repertory programs. Ballet West grants students an exclusive view of a performance's final dress rehearsal. A member of the Ballet West education staff lead pre-presentation discussions and intermission chats which enable students to recognize audience attributes, evaluate authenticity, substance and excellence, and engage in aesthetic activities.

Digital study guides align with the content of shorter school-hour performances, enriching students' experience. Overall, First Look enhances students' understanding of ballet, fostering aesthetic appreciation and personal growth through intimate exposure to the art form's intricacies.

We have the ability to accept groups as small as one or two students, teachers attending on their own, or large groups attending together. Parent chaperones are welcome as well. We’re very flexible. This must be arranged through the teacher of any particular group. Please share this opportunity with other faculty members who may be interested in taking advantage of this unique event for their students and themselves.

  • All Performances are at the Jesse Quinney Eccles Capitol Theater, 50 West 200 South, SLC, Utah
  • Reserve early – seating is limited. To reserve seats or for questions, please contact us at 801-869-6911 or at  education@balletwest.org
  • Groups of 40 or more may request a student/teacher workshop to supplement their attendance at a Ballet West First Look presentation. Availability is limited.

We would love to hear from you with any questions or comments regarding our programs, or for information, you can reach us at education@balletwest.org or by calling us at 801-869-6911.

The opportunity to contribute amplifies the community's role in nurturing positive change and sustaining our transformative experiences. Ballet West's community programming not only celebrates the art of ballet but also resonates with its commitment to creating meaningful connections and inspiring progress in all participants. To make a tax-deductible contribution in support of First Look and other Ballet West education and outreach programs, visit our donation page!

Upcoming First Look Performances

dracula thumb (1).jpgDRACULA

Take a bite out of ballet! Enter a world of gothic grandeur in this lavish production. Ben Stevenson’s Dracula is an immersive melodrama that unfolds with awe-inspiring theatrics, vampire brides, stunning sets, and exploding chandeliers. The iconic take is told with drama and sweeping choreography that adds layers of artistry and entertainment to every element of the production.

Oct 19, 2023, Thur. 6:30 pm

“Ben Stevenson’s Dracula is spectacle of an order ballet audiences seldom see today.” – New York Times

“Dracula is sinister and formidable as he flies across the stage and through the air.” – Deseret News


Firebird Crop.jpgTHE FIREBIRD WITH STARS & STRIPES AND WORLD PREMIERE OF FEVER DREAM

The tale of a powerful, mystical bird, a wistful dream for humanity, and a joyful expression of American pride. These three works celebrate the 60th anniversary of Ballet West’s artistry with magic, creativity, plus pomp and circumstance.

An original piece choregraphed by Ballet West’s founder, Willam Christensen, The Firebird, is based on the folktale of a magical, flaming bird set to the sweeping and colorful score by Igor Stravinsky. Fever Dream by newly-retired and long-term company artist Joshua Whitehead immerses the audience into a dream-like world. The quintessential Balanchine Stars and Stripes shows off pure showmanship and creative genius. You’ll be tapping your toes to the music of John Phillip Sousa, often referred to as “The American March King.”

Nov 2, 2023, Thur. 6:30 pm.

“Ballet West’s staging of The Firebird is beautiful and exciting … classical ballet at its best.” – Broadway World

“George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes has all the pomp and circumstance of inaugural parades and Fourth of July fireworks.” – The Washington Post


swan lake event.jpgSWAN LAKE

A must-see priority for every theatre-goer! The story of a forlorn prince, an evil wizard, and an enchanted maiden who can only become human by the light of the moon. Swan Lake is the epitome of ballet with elegant ballerinas, chivalrous princes, and the heart-wrenching music by Tchaikovsky. The fantasy portrays a deep humanity behind the melodrama, the yearning for an illusion that leads to a higher truth, and how love is the only triumph of good over evil. Experience Adam Sklute’s breathtaking version of this renowned classic.

Feb 8, 2024, Thur. 6:30 pm.

“Visually and Artistically Stunning!” – The Utah Review

“Ballet West’s Swan Lake Soars!” – Salt Lake Magazine


beauty beast thumb.jpgBEAUTY AND THE BEAST

An enchanted ballet designed for children of all ages! The Ballet West Family Series presents Beauty and the Beast with full sets, costumes, and a story that runs just over an hour. With the help of narration during the performance, this classic fairy tale gives children and their families an opportunity to appreciate the unique combination of art, music, movement and storytelling.

Join the Ballet West II dancers and students from the Ballet West Academy for the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast as it follows Beauty and her tragic Beast in a tale of promise, friendship, and love.

Join us as we bring beloved fairy tales to life through the magic of ballet. This lively and entertaining performance will provide proof that there’s more than one way to help our children understand how and why a classic fairy tale becomes a “classic.”

Mar 28, 2024, Thur. 6:00 pm.

“A family-friendly, unique experience.” – Front Row Reviewers

“Stunning stage sets and elegant costumes.” – Salt Lake Magazine


love and war event.jpgLOVE AND WAR WITH BLAKE WORKS I, RED ANGELS, AND THE GREEN TABLE

Passion, love, and death! From the moody love songs of singer/songwriter James Blake, to the sizzling strains of the electric violin, to one of the most profound pieces of dancer theater ever created, these dances will take you on an unforgettable journey through love and war.

Ballet West shows its strength and versatility to tackle bold new work and important revivals with the Utah Premiere of Blake Works I by one of the world’s most renown contemporary choreographers, William Forsythe. Red Angels is a passionately-charged work that highlights dancers’ athleticism, urged on by an electric violin soloist. Kurt Jooss’ 1932 antiwar masterpiece, The Green Table, shows us that ultimately, the only victor in war is Death.

Apr 11, 2024, Thur. 6:30 pm.

The Green Table is a cautionary tale whose stylistic integrity earns it the high praise of a masterpiece.” – Salt Lake Tribune

“In Red Angels, Mr. Dove takes the audience into a different world, alienated but hot with sublimated passion.” – New York Times

 

**All performances are subject to change