Alas, the time has come for Ballet West’s prima ballerina, Christiana Bennett, to hang up her pointes. She’s danced with the esteemed company for 16 seasons, but her upcoming performances in “Almost Tango” and “Innovation 2015” will be the famed figurante’s swan song. To honor Christiana and send her on her way, Ballet West is hosting a few special Closing Night Events. True, the two affairs will mark the end of Ballet West’s official season, but you can look back on the pirouettes and plies with fondness, recalling the gravity-defying grace of such shows as Giselle, Swan Lake, Aladdin, and Almost Tango with a misty-eyed reverence. No doubt the undeniable twinkle in many of the aforementioned performances–and countless others over her 16-year stint with Ballet West–the season’s festivities will come to a pause with a round of well-deserved applause for the remarkable talent that is Christiana.
To that bittersweet end, the evening of May 23rd will be bookended with good times. Starting at 5:30pm, a pre-perfomance Season Salute will enable ticket holders to gather in a private room at Squatters for some bevies and hors d’oeurves (in our COLLECTIVE minds, a swell way to start any evening). From there, ballet ticket holders can sauté, sissonne, or soubresaut across the street to Rose Wagner Theater to see Christiana in her final BW performance of Innovations at 7:30pm. From there the party moves upstairs to Rock the Rooftop–this fete marks the first on the lofty, new terrace space above Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre, and attendees will be the first to officially enjoy this splendid, mid-city, outdoor spot (and we can’t stress enough our love of SLC from above). Let’s raise a glass to Christiana and send her off right! All funds raised go directly to Ballet West and their continued efforts in supporting the arts, so get your tickets now for an evening of good food, flawless form, and a sturdy salute to our prima ballerina. Brava!
Season Salute | Saturday, May 23rd, 5:30pm to 7:00pm | 147 W Broadway, 84101
Rock the Rooftop | Saturday, May 23rd, 9:00 pm to midnight | 52 W 200 S, 84101
Purchase tickets to both events here
