The Arts Campus at Willits: ‘In Progress’ goes behind the scenes of dance productions

The Arts Campus at Willits is joining DanceAspen in launching “In Progress” — a new two-part series that takes you behind the scenes of dance productions. 

In the upcoming second part, choreographer Garrett Smith will create a new world premiere with the artists of DanceAspen from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. June 20 at The Arts Campus at Willits, with the first part of the series, “Mother Tongue,” having been performed June 6. 

“‘In Progress’ is your exclusive prelude to Dance Aspen’s full production, ‘Shifting Forms,’ premiering at The Wheeler Opera House,” said Kendall Smith, director of Programming at The Arts Campus at Willits.

Smith adds that this insider view is intended to deepen the connection between the audience and the artist, leading to a greater appreciation of the final show. “Shifting Forms” will also include the return of the popular dance “Ever After” by Yin Yue.

Smith praises DanceAspen and the organization’s impressive commitment to showcasing high-quality dance and local artists in Roaring Fork Valley. The Arts Campus at Willits may bring in other creative disciplines for a behind-the-scenes look in the future.

“This series is about showing a day in the life of a professional artist creating a brand new work that’s going to be premiered,” Aspenite founder and director of Dance Aspen Laurel Winton said. “These open rehearsals are a rare peek at what usually only happens in the studio, revealing the dedication, artistry, and collaborative spirit behind bringing dance to life.”

The first unique performance on June 6 brought in Ching Ching Wong, a repetiteur or “stager” for choreographer Ihsan Rustem, to stage the dance, “Mother Tongue.”

In the second performance, audiences will witness the talent of choreographer Garrett Smith, who will create a world-premiere dance for June 20. Smith received a Presidential Scholar in the Arts at the White House, presented by Mikhail Baryshnikov during George W. Bush’s presidency. Smith’s currently the resident choreographer for the Vitacca Ballet in Houston. After the performance, there will be a question and answer period.

The Arts Campus at Willits is located at 400 Robinson St., Basalt. Tickets are $20 for youth (13 and under), $25 for members, and $30 in advance. Visit tacaw.org for more information or tacaw.org/calendar/in-progress-two/.