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Show T Under the competent direction of Dr. Willam F. Christensen, Ballet West's thirty-seven members have consistently taken curtain calls to standing ovations. In two years of existence, it has developed into one of the major dance companies in the United States. Formerly the Utah Civic Ballet, the company name was changed to Ballet West because of its increased importance. Western states no longer need look to the East as the only source of outstandingclassic ballet. The troupe opened the dance season with the Salt Lake City premiers of two ballet classics, "La Bayadere" and "Til Eulenspiegel." The "Black Swan Pas de Deux" from Tchaikowsky's famous "Swan Lake" and the popular "Symphony in C" rounded outthefall program. The annual "Nutcracker Ballet" brightened the Christmas season from December 26 through 30 with brilliant performances by the ballet cast. The Popular Season (February 25-28) featured several favorites from the repertoire plus the introduction of a new ballet by Norman Thompson, former soloist with the Royal Ballet and Ballet master of the Stuttgart, Rome, Budapest and Rio de Janeiro Ballet Companies. Set to Benjamin Britten's "Instruments of the Orchestra," the ballet was one of the highlights of the season. The climax of the year was a delightful presentation of "Cinderella" in three acts, choreographed to the Prokofiey score by Director Christensen. April saw the completion of a year of hard work. Dedication and discipline brought the talented members of Ballet West's company through it with great acclaim. < All this and the Pony Express too 1 ¦ I \ Ik /1 .., ¦ \ * milk 1 /*•'¦ * *' 1 !rAf ¦ HB ¦ i If A §r ¦ 51 |