University of Utah's Utah Ballet director Attila Ficzere said he isn't afraid to push his company members to the limit.
"I want the dancers to reach their full potential," Ficzere said during an interview before rehearsal. "If I don't push them, they won't get better."
The new Utah Ballet fall program is helping Ficzere accomplish that idea. "There are works we will perform that are extremely difficult with technique and presentation. And they are all different. I try to make sure each production we do shows different sides of ballet."
The four works on the program are "Suite Jazz 1930," a premiere from Ballet West ballet master Bruce Caldwell, Ficzere's own "Vivaldi" and "Lone Again," and Jenny Creer King's "Bach, Street, Prelude: Contemporary Experiments."
"We do different styles so the audience can see that ballet is more than they think it is," said Ficzere. "It also shows off the dancers in different ways. That's the beauty of mixing the program."
Caldwell's work is more on the light side, said Ficzere. "It is an enjoyable work. It's got classical ballet with touches and hints of swing and jazz. I knew when I talked with him that it would be the one to open the show."
As for Creer King's work, Ficzere said it is a technically difficult work and it will close the show. "This one went through some changes. And it is one that the dancers will remember because of the difficult technique. And it is one that audiences will remember because it will be the last piece they see before the program is over."
As for his own two works, Ficzere said it is a pleasure to revive one and premiere another. "The 'Vivaldi' was done a few years ago. I am happy to bring it back."
"Lone Again" was inspired by an experience that happened to Ficzere near the Four Corners area. "I don't like to talk too much about what happened. The experience, that happened in 1991 was scary to me. But it got me thinking about life and the area. So I used the Native American group Burning Sky as my music. And the music is beautiful and violent, which sums up my feelings. I had been thinking about making a work like this for 14 years. And now it's finally here."
Ficzere, now in his 18th year as a ballet professor at the University of Utah, said being the Utah Ballet's artistic director this year has been a rewarding experience. "I love to see the hard work and dedication the students develop while in the company. They all have their trials — whether it's physical, personal or emotional. And we work together. That's what is most impressive to me. I love seeing the dancers work together. I like seeing their different reactions to the same piece of music. I like seeing their growth as a company. Each dancer grows individually, but to see how they grow as a company is my payday.
"This program is designed to help a company grow. I'm proud of how it is turning out."
If you go . . .
What: Utah Ballet
Where: Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance, University of Utah
When: Friday-Saturday and Nov. 17-19, 7:30 p.m.; also Saturdays, 2 p.m.
How much: $12.50
Phone: 581-7100
E-mail: scott@desnews.com