F&MAD Film Fest to Include Dance Students and Alumni

Whether you are new to the world of classical ballet, or a passionate aficionado, the University of Utah’s fall concert will have you coming back for more. The performance will showcase four different pieces ranging from classical to contemporary ballet. The program offers something for everyone: Michel Folkine’s 1909 Les Sylphides, guest choreographer Ilya Kozadayev’s abstract work Harmonic Inspirations, the whimsical This Seat is Taken by Melonie Buchanan Murray, and the fusion of Asian martial arts and classical ballet in Jay Kim’s Reciprocity.

Michel Fokine’s 1909 masterpiece Les Sylphides is restaged by Maggie Wright-Tesch. This ballet blanc renowned as the first “abstract” classical ballet without narrative structure or defined characters. Yet we find ourselves in a woodland glade, where a young poet encounters a group of ethereal, beautiful sylphs dancing in the moonlight. The dreamy dancing of the spirits could be seen as the poet’s thoughts and inspirations as he composes his works.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, world-renowned guest choreographer Ilya Kozadayev will present his original work Harmonic Inspirations. Mr. Kozadayev’s piece is a vibrant abstract work choreographed in a neoclassical style with nuances of early Baroque dance to Antonio Vivaldi’s music. Expect a captivating piece that is both bold and thrilling.

Melonie Buchanan Murray's new work, This Seat is Taken, is a comedic take on envy and greed to the tune of Mozart’s music. The piece utilizes seven dancers, three chairs, levity, and a sense of whimsy. This fresh and imaginative piece will entertain all ages. The show will conclude with yet another contemproary work by faculty member Jay Kim titled Reciprocity. Jay Kim fuses classical ballet with Asian martial arts movement and philosophies to create a contemporary piece about relationships.

Utah Ballet Fall Concert offers a versatile program that includes classical and contemporary works. We hope you join us in this experience.

Where: Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance (MCD)
FREE with University of Utah Student ID, $12 Adults, $8 Students, Faculty and Seniors

Thursday, October 6 @ 5:30 pm
Friday, October 7 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 8 @ 2:00 and 7:30 pm
Thursday, October 20 @ 5:30pm
Friday, October 21@ 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 22 @ 7:30 pm