Welcome to Cedar City Junior Ballet and our newest production, Danse Macabre.
We are excited to invite you into a world that is haunting, mysterious, and at times unexpectedly humorous. Danse Macabre, the “Dance of Death”, draws inspiration from a centuries-old European artistic tradition that reminds us that, in the end, death comes for everyone, regardless of age, wealth, or status. Through movement, music, and imagination, this contemporary ballet brings that idea to life in a way that is both eerie and entertaining.
Danse Macabre is an original contemporary ballet created and choreographed by Cedar City Junior Ballet Artistic Director Lynnette Imlay. Drawing inspiration from the traditional European Danse Macabre, Lynnette has created a work that blends classical ballet foundations with contemporary movement, theatricality, and a touch of dark humor. Her choreography invites our dancers to explore not only the technical demands of ballet, but also character, emotion, and storytelling.
While Danse Macabre is a new work for Cedar City Junior Ballet, it reflects something at the heart of our organization: the belief that ballet can tell powerful stories and create transformative experiences that extend far beyond the studio. Thank you for joining us tonight and for supporting the dancers, artists, families, and volunteers who make Cedar City Junior Ballet possible. We hope Danse Macabre entertains you, surprises you, and perhaps leaves you seeing the art of ballet and the fleeting nature of life in a new way.
Tauna Brandt
CCJB Executive Director
“There is a first leaf to turn, there is a last to fall, and in the space between the two, the grandest show of all.” - Laura Jaworski
As autumn gives way to winter and the veil between worlds grows thin, a curious little girl wanders into a mysterious curiosity shop, where every oddity holds a story and every shadow hides a secret. Guided by an enigmatic shopkeeper, her imagination brings forgotten legends, ghostly sailors, mischievous spirits, and classic monsters to life. What begins as a whimsical exploration of spooky season wonders soon spirals into a strange and haunting adventure. But as the boundaries between imagination and reality begin to blur, the girl discovers that some doors are easier to open than to close. Lured into the shopkeeper’s sinister scheme, she finds herself swept into the dark spectacle of the Cirque du Spook, where the line between observer and performer disappears and escape may no longer be possible. Or is it?
SAMHAIN
An ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Traditionally celebrated October 31 through November 1, it is a time when the veil between the living and spirit worlds is believed to grow thin, allowing spirits and ancestors to cross over. Still observed by some Irish, Scottish, Manx, and Pagan communities, Samhain honors the changing seasons and the cycle of life, death, and renewal. Central to Celtic mythology is the Cailleach, whose name means “veiled one” or “hag” in Gaelic. This ancient goddess embodies winter and the primal forces of the earth, representing the mystery, power, and transformation of the season.
Autumn Duilleoga: Kasey Acegedo, Delainey Bordreau, Ada Buckner-Bury, Cora Buckner-Bury, June Burt, Evy Dodds, Isla Dodds, Sophie Fawson, Brinley Hatch, Karter Hill, Joseph Jaylee, Adalyn Randall, Amelia Randall, Elowen Randall, Maddy Singer, Eleanor Sjogren, Selena Vazquez, Elllie White, Charlotte Wood
Forest Cailleach: Evy Dodds, Sophie Fawson
Delainey Bordreau, Brinley Hatch, Karter Hill, Jaylee Joseph, Amelia Randall, Maddy Singer, Eleanor Sjogren, Charlotte Wood
SHOPPE OF CURIOSITIES
The Liminal Space, from Latin limen, meaning “threshold”. It describes a place between states of being, where one world ends and another begins. Is the shopkeeper the guardian of this threshold, and the little girl’s journey could begin when she unknowingly crosses from the ordinary world into the extraordinary?
Shopkeeper: Marlene Sleight
Curious Girl: Brecken Greene
THE SIRENS WATCH
While admiring a toy ship, the Sirens’ Watch captures the sailors’ endless waiting, the passage of time, and the haunting allure of mythical creatures who may be his temptation or his doom. As the crew of The Wellerman battles relentless waves and exhausting labor, they cling to the promise of a supply ship and the hope of returning home. But as the horizon remains empty, time stretches, familiar sounds fade, and the sirens emerge from the depths, luring the sailors into a mysterious world between reality and the unknown.
Time: Nicky Wangsgard, Sidney Wangsgard
SIRENS LAMENT
Kasey Acevedo, Delainey Bordreau, Ada Buckner-Bury, Cora Buckner-Bury, Evy Dodds, Sophie Fawson, Brinley Hatch, Karter Hill, Jaylee Joseph, Amelia Randall, Maddy Singer, Eleanor Sjogren, Selena Vazquez, Charlotte Wood
INTERMISSION (15 minutes)
SUGAR PLUM’S DEMISE
The Sugar Plum Fairy, enchanted by the mysteries of Halloween, dares to cross into its shadowy realm before her appointed time. But sweetness has no place among the spirits who rule the night, and her premature intrusion awakens forces far darker than she imagined. As her delicate magic falters and her sugary dreams dissolve into darkness, the Sugar Plum meets a most unfortunate demise, a haunting reminder that every season has its time, and Halloween will not surrender its reign so easily.
Sugar Plum Fairy: Evy Dodds
Witches: Sophie Fawson, Lynnette Imlay, Jaylee Joseph Amelia Randall, Maddy Singer, Charlotte Wood
MUSIC BOX
Delainey Bordreau, Brinley Hatch, Eleanor Sjogren
GHOST OF JOHN
Isley and Maddy Singer
FLYING LESSONS
Instructors: Jaylee Joseph, Charlotte Wood
Student Witches: June Burt, Isla Dodds, Adalyn Randall, Elowen Randall, Eve Rhodes, Selena Vazquez, Ellie White
Curious Girl: Brecken Greene
BOO-GIE SHOES
Dracula: Evy Dodds
Mummy: Lynnette Imlay
Frankenstein: Maddy Singer
Ghost: Charlotte Wood
DOOREOGRAPHY
Kasey Acevedo, Ada Buckner-Bury, Cora Buckner-Bury, June Burt, Evy Dodds, Isla Dodds, Sophie Fawson, Brecken Greene, Karter Hill, Lynnette Imlay, Jaylee Joseph, Adalyn Randall, Amelia Randall, Elowen Randall, Eve Rhodes, Maddy Singer, Marlene Sleight, Selena Vazquez, Ellie White, Charlotte Wood
CIRQUE DU SPOOK
Kasey Acevedo, Delainey Boudreau, Ada Buckner-Bury, Cora Buckner-Bury, June Burt, Evy Dodds, Isla Dodds, Sophie Fawson, Brecken Greene, Brinley Hatch, Karter Hill, Jaylee Joseph, Adalyn Randall, Amelia Randall, Elowen Randall, Eve Rhodes, Maddy Singer, Eleanor Sjogren, Marlene Sleight, Selena Vazquez, Ellie White, Charlotte Wood
Kasey Acevedo (24) Kasey has over twenty years of dance experience. After her performance in Danse Macabre, Kasey looks forward to delicious Albanese Gummy Bears (particularly the berry bears) and enjoying the cool Autumn temperatures that warrant sweaters and comfy clothes. One of Kasey’s fondest Halloween memories is visiting her friend’s grandmother’s award-winning Halloween house.
June Burt (10) June, in her fifth year of dance, loves performing in CCJB’s productions and spending time with friends. When Danse Macabre wraps, June looks forward to trick-or-treating as an alien for Tootsie Rolls (full-sized, not the minis) and gummy bears. June’s favorite autumn activities include carving pumpkins and having a picnic in the mountains, complete with popcorn, apple cider, and caramel apples.
Brecken Greene (8) Brecken is in her fifth year of dance and loves having fun at the ballet studio, meeting new friends, and learning the principles of ballet. After CCJB’s production, Brecken plans to dress as a spooky dancer for Halloween and collect Charms Blowpop suckers while trick-or-treating. Each Fall, Brecken enjoys picking acorns and hiking in Brian Head filled with yellow, orange, and red leaves.
Jaylee Joseph (16) Jaylee has danced for thirteen years and continues to love the music and costumes that accompany classical ballet. After her performance in Danse Macabre, Jaylee looks forward to dressing as Astrid Hofferson (How to Train Your Dragon) for Halloween and eating candy corn. Each Autumn, Jaylee looks forward to watching Halloween movies–spooky and all!
Eve Rhodes (5) Eve, CCJB’s youngest Danse Macabre ballerina, loves dancing, especially in circles. After her performance with the company, Eve looks forward to dressing as Rumi of KPop Demon Hunters for Halloween, eating Reeses, and raking the colorful Autumn leaves.
Marlene Sleight (29) With one year of dance experience, Marlene is hooked and loves that ballet helps her try new things and allows her the opportunity to dance with her friends. When CCJB’s production of Danse Macabre wraps, Marlene looks forward to dressing as Jessie (Toystory), eating pumpkin Reeses, and exploring corn mazes and pumpkin patches.
Sidney Wangsgard (13) has been dancing since she was six and doing aerial pole art for three years. She loves to spin—in the air and preferably upside down—and is working on learning to navigate aerial silks and hoops. After the ballet, Sidney is looking forward to hanging out with her friends and planning a Halloween party, where she hopes to eat a lot of Jolly Ranchers and will be dressed as Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls (along with her twin brother who will be dressed up as Dipper Pines).
Delainey Boudreau (13) Delainey began dancing at the age of three. Ten years later, she loves ballet because she gets to meet new people, learn new skills, and is able to express herself through dance. After Danse Macabre wraps, Delainey looks forward to a group Halloween costume with her friends, Twizzlers, carving pumpkins, and performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Evelyn Dodds (17) Evy stepped into the ballet studio for the first time when she was two years old. Fifteen years later, she enjoys mastering difficult ballet techniques and strengthening her skills. After Danse Macabre wraps, Evy looks forward to watching spooky Halloween movies, eating Reeses, seeing the changing foliage, and baking Autumn treats.
Brinley Hatch (12) Brinley began dancing at the age of seven. Five years later, she loves ballet because it teaches her how to be a better dancer across all genres of dance. After performing in CCJB’s Danse Macabre, Brinley looks forward to dressing as a vampire for Halloween, collecting Nerd Cluster candies, and carving pumpkins.
Adalyn Randall (10) Adalyn first stepped into the ballet studio at age three. Seven years later, she continues to love dancing and the beautiful costumes. After her performance in Danse Macabre, Adalyn looks forward to trick-or-treating as Tinkerbell, gathering Twix cookie bars, and the crunching fallen leaves.
Maddy Singer (21) Maddy is in her nineteenth year of dance and continues to love performing and all that it encompasses. After CCJB’s production, Maddy looks forward to dressing in a couples costume (as Grace and Rocky from Project Hail Mary) with her husband, eating pumpkin Reeses, and enjoying the changing colored leaves (maybe jumping in a pile or two).
Selena Vazquez (14) Selena is in her fifth year of dance and enjoys creating experiences, friendships, and memories. Once Danse Macabre wraps, Selena looks forward to hanging out with her family and watching her favorite Halloween movies: the Scream series. This time of year, Selena loves eating a Twix cookie bar (or two) while enjoying the changing leaves.
Charlotte Wood (15) Charlotte is in her twelfth year of ballet where she continues to love expressing herself through music and movement. After her performance in Danse Macabre, Charlotte looks forward to spending time outside in the cool, crisp Autumn air, eating Halloween Snickers bars, and dressing as a matching clown with a friend for Halloween.
Ada Buckner-Bury (16) Ada, in her fourth year of dance, loves ballet for its form of self-expression and it is fun! When Danse Macabre wraps, she looks forward to celebrating Halloween with horror movies (complete with popcorn, candy, soda, and friends), a Snickers bar (or two), and the fun activities Autumn brings including pumpkin head photo shoots, building forts, and pumpkin spice.
Isla Dodds (6) Isla began dancing at the age of two. Four years later, she loves performing various ballet roles in front of an audience. Isla is looking forward to Halloween so she can dress as Wednesday Addams and eat candy corn and chocolate bars. Each Autumn, Isla enjoys celebrating her birthday, the leaves changing colors, and trick-or-treating with her cousins.
Karter Hill (13) Karter is in her fifth year of dance where she has fun and enjoys spending time with other dancers and her friends. When CCJB’s production of Danse Macabre wraps, Karter looks forward to celebrating Halloween by dressing with her friends as characters from Cars, eating Milkyway candy bars, and enjoying the seasonal changes while reading a good book.
Amelia Randall (13) Amelia is in her tenth year of dance and loves dancing en pointe. After Danse Macabre, Amelia looks forward to dressing as Padme Amidala for Halloween and trick-or-treating for Reeses. Her favorite Fall activity is walking through the mountains to see the changing leaves.
Isley Singer (21) This is Isley’s first performance with CCJB, but he has been a supportive fan watching his wife dance with the company, which happens to be what he loves most about ballet: Maddy. After Danse Macabre, Isley looks forward to celebrating Halloween with Mini Chewy Sweetarts, a drive up the mountain to admire the changing colored leavbes, watching Halloween movies, and carving pumpkins.
Ellie White (10) Ellie began dancing five years ago and continues her love of ballet as well as the accompanying music. When Danse Macabre wraps, Ellie looks forward to Halloween (where she may dress as a dead ballerina), hunting for her favorite candy (Cowtails), and enjoying everything encompassing Fall.
Cora Buckner-Bury (13) Cora is in her third year of dance and loves that ballet gets her body moving throughout the week in a fun way. After the production, Cora looks forward to baking Halloween sweets including macaroons and cupcakes decorated in Halloween themes. When it comes to Halloween candy, Cora isn’t picky–She loves all sweets! Cora enjoys Autumn because she gets a bit of relief from her allergies and can spend more time outside. It also means cold weather is approaching, including snow.
Sophie Fawson (17) Sophie stepped onto the dance floor at the age of nine. Eight years later, she continues to love the feeling of grace and control that ballet offers. This Autumn, Sophie looks forward to carving pumpkins, eating pumpkin Reeses, and sporting a Barbie costume for Halloween.
Lynnette Imlay Lynnette, the creative mastermind behind CCJB’s production of Danse Macabre, has over thirty years of dance experience. She loves the discipline ballet teaches and embraces requiring dancers to learn demanding mental and physical standards to hold information and progress. After Danse Macabre, Lynnette looks forward to celebrating Halloween by passing out candy to trick-or-treaters in her bustling neighborhood (her door never closes), gathering firewood, and Fall fishing. She may sneak in some tasty chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel, or a vanilla Tootsie Roll too.
Elowen Randall (10) Elowen is in her seventh year of ballet. She loves dancing with her friends and learning from her exceptional dance teachers. When Danse Macabre wraps, Elowen looks forward to dressing as Odile (from Swan Lake) for Halloween and collecting Milkyway candy bars. Her favorite activity each Fall is playing outside with her dad in the colorful leaves.
Eleanor Sjogren (11) Eleanor began dancing at the age of two. Nine years later, she continues to love ballet where she can be with her friends. When CCJB’s Danse Macabre production wraps, Eleanor looks forward to Halloween and Snickers bars. Her favorite Autumn activity is dancing–her passion knows no seasons.
Nicky Wangsgard Nicky began training as an aerial pole artist at Cirque Du Kairos in 2021 (after trying it out as a new covid hobby), but she has been a competitive athlete since she was young and, in 2023, was inducted into the Wildcats Hall of Fame at Weber State University in basketball and tennis. Nicky is drawn to the strength challenge of aerial pole art, as well as its creative possibilities for storytelling through movement. She plans to celebrate Halloween by crashing her teenagers’ party dressed as a highway patrol officer, and sneaking all the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Choreographer: Lynnette Imlay
Stage Manager: Lisa Cox
Lighting Design: Michael Cox
Audio Engineer: Jayden Hall, Anna Olsen, Michael Westwood
Costume Design: Stephanie Wood
Costume Execution: Maddy Singer, Charlotte Wood
Videography: Southern Utah University
Photography: Kyleigh Keyes Photography
Marketing: Codi Hinkley-Greene
Behind-the-Scenes: Chuck Brandt, Abigail Brandt, Karson Meredith
Lobby Music: Grace Note Jazz Band
THANK YOU
PROGRAM SPONSORS
SUPPORT THE ARTS
Cedar City Junior Ballet is a nonprofit, 501c3 organization.
Your support provides a home for community talent and success that allows the company to expand in our studio, create new works, and broaden our communities’ access to the arts. Since 2003 our sponsors and corporate partners have made invaluable contributions to the success of Cedar City Junior ballet and in return, the dancers.
Monetary, in-kind, or volunteer support is an investment in music, the scholarship of a young dancer, personal development, education and outreach. It is truly an investment in the arts and the Cedar City community.
OUR GIFT TO YOU
As a heartfelt thank-you to the Cedar City community for its continued support, Cedar City Junior Ballet is giving back by offering free tickets to our upcoming production of The Nutcracker this December.
We are grateful for the families, patrons, businesses, and community members who help us preserve the art of classical ballet and bring meaningful performing arts experiences to Southern Utah. This is our way of sharing the magic of ballet with the community that has helped us grow and thrive.
Dance Class at CCJB
At Cedar City Junior Ballet, we believe the arts are strongest when our community comes together to celebrate creativity, talent, and collaboration. We are proud to support Grace Note Jazz Band and the incredible local talent that enriches our community.
