Rachael Bede provokes the manipulated ways of the black swan in BYU Theatre Ballet's performance of 'Swan Lake.' (Photo courtesy of Jaren Wilkey.)
The BYU Department of Dance is preparing for their annual Fall showcase premiere on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. The performance will be held in the Dance Studio Theatre at the Richards Building on BYU campus.
A few pieces choreographed by several different faculty in the dance department will combine both contemporary and classical ballet styles.
'The Gathering' is an abstract contemporary piece choreographed by Duncan Cooper expressing the importance of human connections. This will be performed by BYU Theatre ballet.
The showcase production will also include other pieces such as 'Paquita Suite,' which will be restaged by Ashley Parov, the arts director of the department.
Parov said 'Paquita Suite,' originally done in 1846, is a classical piece that has been performed everywhere around the country.
Another work being performed is called 'IncreMental.'
'The inspiration for that piece 'explores the subtle nuances of small and simple acts which taken together combine to build a greater whole,'' Parov said.
'Revolving Paths' is another piece, choreographed by Karyn Willis, that will be performed at the showcase. Parov said this piece is about personal journey and evolution.
Parov explained the difference between classical and contemporary ballet. 'Classical ballet follows very fundamental technique that was built centuries ago,' Parov said. 'It just has grown from there.'
She also said while classical ballet has changed throughout history, its basic tenants have always stayed the same. She explained that contemporary is more of a modern genre of dance. It is a combination of various types of dance, including jazz. While it has also changed throughout history, the genre worries less about sticking to fundamental techniques than classical ballet does.
Tickets can be purchased from the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center, the Marriott Center, by phone 801-422-2981, or online at byuarts.com.