Melissa Hurst

Ballet West closes its' 50th anniversary season with their annual production of Innovations, a program thought up by Artistic Director Adam Sklute 7 years ago. Innovations is a concept that allows choreographers to try out new material and give all the artists of Ballet West an opportunity to create and experiment with new works.

I recently had the honor and privilege of taking my six-year-old niece to her first ballet. It was Ballet West's The Nutcracker, a perfect choice for any child excited about the holiday season, ballet, and performing. The story of The Nutcracker dates back to 1816 and was written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Tchaikovsky wrote the score and The Nutcracker first premiered on Sunday, December 18, 1892. Since then, it has grown wildly in popularity and is considered a holiday tradition for many people.

Salt Lake City's Ballet West is 50 years old. And to celebrate this grand occasion, Ballet West opened its 50th season with three very fitting ballets: The Firebird, Petite Mort, and Who Cares?

I recently had the honor and privilege to sit down and chat with Allison DeBona of Ballet West and the CW's Breaking Pointe. I found Allison very easy to talk with and I learned a lot about her life, dancing and yes, her relationship with Rex Tilton. And Rex eventually opened up a bit too.

The Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company opens its season with The Start of Something Big.

As with any show with a large cast, it can be difficult for a choreographer to know what to do with all those bodies. And Cottonwood Heights production of MEREDITH WILLSON'S THE MUSIC MAN is no exception. Working with a cast of at least 75 that included small children, Choreographer Teresa Draper and Assistant Choreographer Heather Francis used the stage effectively and kept the choreography simple and fun. According to her biography, this is Ms. Draper's third production of THE MUSIC MAN, and her love of the story comes out in her choreography.