Premiering May 7, 2021 is In the Balance: Ballet for a Lost Year, a nine-part documentary series – episodes are released weekly – about Ballet West in collaboration with Skyscape Studios.
Directed by award-winning filmmakers Diana Whitten and Tyler Measom, the latter who most recently co-directed the acclaimed documentary, Murder Among the Mormons on Netflix, In the Balance: Ballet for a Lost Year examines the company as it emerges from one of the most trying moments of its history.
“We followed the dancers, the choreographers, the crew, and the staff as they navigate colossal logistical and emotional challenges in anticipation of opening night, wondering if the curtain will rise,” said Measom and Whitten. “Gently set against the backdrop of a volatile world, the series explores how art can be essential in a time of crisis, how passion can displace fear, and how collective grief can be alchemized into beauty.”
In The Balance gathers and shares the intimate experiences of Principal Artists Katlyn Addison, Beckanne Sisk, Chase O’Connell, and Corps Artist Vinicius Lima during the one month leading up to the company’s return to live, public performances after an entire season away.
The dancers also examine the ballet art form in itself along with ancillary issues of race, masculinity, and gender.
IN THE BALANCE: Ballet for a Lost Year Trailer
Executive producers are Skyscape Studio’s Steven Labrum and Ballet West’s Executive Director Michael Scolamiero, Artistic Director Adam Sklute, and Chief Development Officer Sarah West. The series is produced by Cristin Carlin, JJ Neward, and Joshua Jones. The series is made possible, in part, by the Utah Office of Tourism, Create in Utah, and BMW of Murray.
Featured Photo for IN THE BALANCE: Ballet for a Lost Year of Katlyn Addison © Ballet West