Ballet West - Works From Within

Ballet West brings Works From Within to the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center from Wednesday, May 12, through Saturday, May 15, 2027. It's a four-night run of world premieres, and the whole thing is built around a pretty specific premise: the dancers are the ones calling the shots. The company bills it as "Where Dancers Become Creators!"

Usually, the people on stage are interpreting someone else's choreography. Here, they step into the role of choreographer themselves. Each piece is original work, and the dancers have to serve as both creator and performer. It's a bit of a double-duty that pushes them to find their own artistic voice rather than just executing a set of steps. The bill is made up of creations by Ballet West artists, for Ballet West artists, so it's a production that stays within the company from start to finish.

Not every dancer who wants to choreograph gets a spot, though. The pieces are selected through a competitive proposal and workshop process, and the final program is presented by emerging artists bringing fresh perspectives to the stage. It's a good way to see where the company's newer voices are headed.

There are four performances in total: Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM, with a 2:00 PM matinee added on Saturday, May 15. Doors open one hour before each show. Tickets start at $50, and the company recommends the performances for ages 8 and up.