Westward

Anchoring the program is George Balanchine’s masterwork Square Dance, a brilliant fusion of classical ballet and the rhythmic energy of American folk tradition. Set to music by Vivaldi and Corelli, the ballet transforms the structure and spirit of a western square dance through Balanchine’s signature neoclassical style. James Kudelka’s The Man In Black returns to the Ballet Idaho stage, channeling the unmistakable grit, poetry, and soul of Johnny Cash through powerful contemporary choreography.

Created in partnership with the Hemingway House artist residency in Ketchum, Idaho, Dana Genshaft’s Undertow draws inspiration from the life and work of Ernest Hemingway, capturing both the beauty and loneliness of the western landscape. Closing the evening is Garrett Anderson and Anne Mueller’s Appalachian Spring, Ballet Idaho’s celebrated tribute to resilience, optimism, and the enduring promise of new beginnings, set to Aaron Copland’s iconic score.

Rich with Americana, artistry, and sweeping movement, Westward invites audiences on a journey through the spirit of the American frontier.

Please note: ‘The Man in Black’ contains movement that depicts self-harm and physical violence.