Utah Ballet features Balanchine's iconic "Serenade"

February 21 2024

Beginning February 21 through March 2, the Hayes Christensen Theater in the Marriott Center for Dance will once again be home to one of the most iconic Ballets of the 20th century— as well as vibrant new pieces by U Dance Faculty, guest artist and one of the foremost scholars on George Balanchine.

“Serenade” by George Balanchine: Serenade is considered a milestone in American Dance. Balanchine first choreographed the ballet on The School of American Ballet in 1934. It’s set to the sweeping music of Tchaikovsky, and the romantic-length tutus the dancers wear are immediately recognizable.

However, the concert will open with more contemporary fare, beginning with Luc Vanier’s “Bring it on Home.” With music by Led Zeppelin, this piece explores Wendell Beaver’s quote that Dance’s most neurotic moments, historically and personally, have come when undigested technique dictates content.

Next is “In the Theater of the Air,” choreographed by Christine McMillan. In this piece, movement will stylistically draw from both ballet and contemporary techniques with an emphasis on the ability to move fluidly between these styles.

The third piece in the concert is a multi-media fantasy space opera inspired by miHoYo’s “Genshin Impact” video game, choreographed by guest artist and U Dance alumna Ashley Jian Thomson. Through partnered art, dance, and song, this piece will immerse the artists and audience in a scenic wonderland. In mixing traditional and contemporary styles, this choreography will be demanding in body and spirit, but generous in experience.

The concert will then close with “Serenade.”

Utah Ballet 
Marriott Center for Dance

Feb. 22 | 5:30pm
Feb. 23 | 7:30pm
Feb. 24 | 2:00pm
Feb. 24 | 7:30pm
Feb. 29 | 5:30pm
Mar. 1 | 7:30pm
Mar. 2 | 2:00pm
Mar. 2 | 7:30pm