By Debbie Hall
A special evening of ballet arrives in downtown Las Vegas, highlighting Nevada Ballet Theatre’s role in enriching the local arts scene with Legends & Luminaries, performed March 14–15 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. This event celebrates the vibrant cultural community and invites residents to experience world-class dance.
The evening begins with Company B, the celebrated work by legendary choreographer Paul Taylor, set to the unforgettable swing-era sounds of The Andrews Sisters. Rooted in the spirit of 1940s America, the ballet moves between carefree moments of joy and quieter reflections, capturing the emotional complexity of a nation living through wartime. This diverse program offers a mix of nostalgic, energetic, and contemporary dance that appeals to all arts enthusiasts.
With lively social dances and poignant character moments, Company B reveals the human stories behind the era’s bright music. The choreography balances humor, romance and the uncertainty of a world at war, making the work both uplifting and deeply affecting.
Amy Kleinendorst, a répétiteur responsible for staging Taylor’s work, reflected on how the choreographer’s legacy continues to influence the dancers today.
“Every time I’m in the room, I have moments where I hear his voice,” Kleinendorst said during a recent Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Behind the Scenes YouTube Interview. “I always want to share those stories. I’ll stop rehearsal and say, ‘This is what Paul [Taylor] said one time.’ And they live on through our oral history of us passing it on.”
She also noted the impact of Taylor’s passing in 2018. “When we lost him, it changed everything because he was always the last word. Now we don’t have that.”
The program then shifts dramatically with Red Angels, a high-energy work by Ulysses Dove, featuring explosive movement and dramatic red lighting. The electrifying live electric violin heightens the visceral experience, promising an exhilarating night of dance that will captivate audiences.
“It’s just a real tour to force. It’s high energy. You will see the four dancers, two men, two women. Each of them has a unique approach to the movement. The score, an electric violin solo, and the violinist who performed the premiere will be with us to play it on the Smith Center stage as well. You hold your breath throughout the whole thing. It’s great,” explained Artistic Director Roy Kaiser during a recent Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Behind the Scenes YouTube Interview.
The evening concludes with ZigZag, a stylish contemporary work by Jessica Lang set to the music of legendary vocalist Tony Bennett, including his celebrated duet with Lady Gaga. Lang’s choreography pairs sleek movement with the timeless charm of Bennett’s voice, creating a vibrant and sophisticated finale.
Together, the three works highlight the extraordinary range of Nevada Ballet Theatre’s dancers while celebrating choreographers who have shaped the landscape of modern ballet.
Located in Symphony Park in downtown Las Vegas, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has become the city’s premier cultural hub since opening in 2012. The world-class performing arts campus hosts resident companies, touring productions and internationally acclaimed performers across theater, music and dance. Mark your calendar for March 14-15 and join us for this exceptional ballet experience at The Smith Center.
Celebrating International Women’s Month, performances will be at The Smith Center at 7:30 p.m. on March 14 at 7:30 pm and 2 p.m. on March 15. For more information, visit thesmithcenter.com and nevadaballet.org. Follow The Smith Center on Facebook and Instagram at @SmithCenterLV and YouTube and follow Nevada Ballet Theater on Facebook @NevadaBalletTheatre, Instagram @NVBallet, and YouTube.
