Journey Back in Time with Classique
The University of Utah School of Dance is proud to present Classique, a journey back in time featuring two traditional Classical Ballet Repertory treasures from the 19th century.
The first half of the concert will be “The Kingdom of the Shades” scene from Act II “La Bayadère,” a ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1877. Professor Maggie Tesch, who is staging the work, says the piece is “one of the purest forms of ballet-blanc, or white tutu ballets, and is widely recognized as one of the summits of choreographic art.” The scene depicts the ballet’s protagonist dreaming of being reunited with deceased love in the Kingdom of Shades, an otherworldly paradise.
The second half of the concert will bring to life the “Grand Pas Classique” from “Paquita,” originally choreographed in 1846 by Joseph Mazilier and restaged by Marius Petipa in 1881. artÉmotion Artistic Directors, Allison DeBona (former Ballet West first soloist and current principal of Ballet West Academy’s Peggy Bergmann Park City Campus) and Rex Tilton (University of Utah Adjunct Instructor and former Ballet West principal) are restaging this piece, which is set in Napoleonic France and follows Paquita, a Romani girl who save the life of a French military officer and subsequently falls in love with him. “For this re-envisioned staging, my inspiration came from the celebratory nature of the ‘Grand Pas Classique’—a moment that feels like a joyful culmination of skill, artistry, and tradition,” said Tilton. “I wanted to emphasize the dancers’ talent, individuality, and passion for the art form, allowing them to shine through this historic choreography in a way that feels both respectful and alive.”
The School of Dance invites you to come to Classique and experience this 19th century splendor brought to life by U Dance students.
Classique runs April 10th through April 19th at the Marriott Center for Dance. Tickets can be purchased in advance at artstickets.utah.edu or at the door. University of Utah students get free access with their student ID thanks to the Arts Pass program, which makes hundreds of arts experiences accessible to U students each year.
Performance Dates:
Apr. 10 | 5:30pm*
Apr. 11 | 7:30pm*
Apr. 12 | 2:00pm* & 7:30pm*
Apr. 17 | 5:30pm
Apr. 18 | 7:30pm
Apr. 19 | 2:00pm & 7:30pm
*these performances will be live-streamed