'Legend' ballet set in Provo

PROVO — Almost a Native American "Romeo and Juliet," the story of the young maiden who falls in love with a handsome brave from another tribe has become Utah Regional Ballet's most popular ballet.

"It's the work that everyone wants to see," said Jackie Colledge, founder of the regional ballet company. "This ballet is requested more than 'Nutcracker."'

Inspired by a legend based loosely on the reclining Indian maiden figure people can see in the outline of Mount Timpanogos, "Legend of Timpanogos" follows the couple's ill-fated romance and tragic fate. Colledge choreographed the dances and Michael Babbit, a Utah County musician, wrote the original score.

Utah Regional Ballet principals Christopher Young and Lindsay Duerfeldt and Joni Tuttle will dance the roles of Timpanac and Ucanogos.

A visiting guest artist from State Street Ballet Company in Santa Barbara, Calif., Ryan Camou, will dance the role of Red Feather.

Julies Chavez, trained by a Navajo Indian medicine man, will dance the part of the Chieftain.

Chavez is also the ballet's cultural consultant. Using his extensive background and understanding of the traditional Native American culture, Chavez has incorporated authentic American Indian sign language and various other elements.

Chavez lives in Many Farms, Ariz., where he studies the Native American culture and way of living.

URB has toured to Austria and , China and performed "Legend of Timpanogos" at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. It was awarded the "Best of State" award in 2003.

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If you go . . .

What: Legend of Timpanogos ballet

Where: Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W. Center, Provo

When: 7:30 p.m., March 28 and 29, April 4-5; 2 p.m. matinee March 29

Cost: $16-$20

Phone: 852-7007

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E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com