Ballet West's 'Rite' is mind-blowing

BALLET WEST, "40 YEARS OF JUBILATION," Capitol Theatre, Friday, additional performance tonight, Wednesday though April 17, 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinee April 17, 355-2787.

A ritualistic sacrifice on Good Friday? This is not your parents' Ballet West.

This is a dance company with its eye dead set on the future.

The dance company takes on Glen Tetley's demanding "Rite of Spring" and rises to the occasion for the season finale. The work, which made its world premiere in 1974, still stands as a testament of technique, strength and stamina.

With chaotic determination, Elye E. Olson, who danced the role of the Chosen One on Friday night, was in top form as he lunged, leaped and reached for the sky. The kinetic anticipation of his upcoming stage death had the audience all abuzz just before the curtain rose. Then, as the friction-hungry opening notes of the Stravinsky score unfolded, Olson took the role and literally ran with it.

Earth Mother and Earth Father, danced seductively by Viktorija Jansone and Seth Olson, held the audience captive throughout their variations, as hedonistic panting and provocative lifts and poses set the tone for Chosen One's rebirth.

The stage was filled with animalistic frenzy as the dancers literally threw themselves into the steps. The result was nothing short of mind-blowing.

Fittingly, "Rite of Spring" wraps up the evening of artistic repertoire.

George Balanchine's "Concerto Barocco," danced to Bach's Concerto in D Minor for Two Violins, kicks off the evening with elegance. The dancers appear comfortable throughout the classically inspired movements. The work is executed in ways that allows the audience see every muscle expand in the dancers' bodies.

Former artistic director Bruce Marks' "Lark Ascending" takes your breath away. This contemporary ballet, which premiered in 1979, stands the test of time.

Friday's performance featured Kristin Hakala in the expressive Lark role. Danced to the inspirational score by Ralph Vaughan Williams, "Lark Ascending" finds beauty and hope in the delicately strong images of a bird in flight.

Giving the audience a bit of a classical flair, the program also includes Balanchine's "Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux," which preceded the contrasting "Rite of Spring."

Friday night's couple was Christopher Ruud and Tonia Stefiuk, who were originally scheduled to make their debut on Wednesday. The change of schedule didn't unnerve the dancers, who interacted well with each other and the audience. Each hit his or her spot with confidence and precision.

By the look of Ballet West in these four works, it is ready to take the next step forward.

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com