JACKSON, Wyo. — Spring in the Tetons brings longer days, blooming trails, and one of the most meaningful traditions in the local arts community: spring performances from The School at Dancers’ Workshop (DW).
This May, young dancers from across the valley will take the stage at Center for the Arts for two vibrant performances, Progress Performance and New Dances, New Choreographers. Together, these shows offer a window into the creativity, dedication, and growth happening year-round inside Dancers’ Workshop studios.
Progress Performance
Progress Performance opens the season with a heartwarming showcase featuring dancers ages 5 to 18. For many of the youngest students, it’s their first time on stage, an unforgettable moment marked by bright costumes, big smiles, and proud families in the audience.
As the program unfolds, audiences see dancers grow in both skill and artistry. Ballet, modern, and contemporary works highlight the progression that happens over months of steady practice and commitment.
“Watching students evolve over the course of a year is incredibly powerful,” says Eric Midgley, School Director. “This performance is about more than technique, it’s about confidence, perseverance, and the experience of sharing something meaningful with a live audience.”
New Dances, New Choreographers
New Dances, New Choreographers (NDNC) offers a different perspective – one shaped by student creativity. This year’s performance, themed “Déjà Vu,” explores memory, repetition, and the moments that feel both familiar and new. Performed by the Junior Repertory Company, NDNC places students in the role of choreographers as well as dancers. They create original works, collaborate with peers, and work with professionals to guide their ideas from concept to stage.
“NDNC is where students begin to see themselves as artists,” says Michaela Ellingson, Co-Director of the Junior Repertory Company. “Through choreography, they learn how to lead, collaborate, and take creative risks. The ‘Déjà Vu’ theme has inspired some really thoughtful and imaginative work this year.”
Together, these performances reflect what makes Dancers’ Workshop such a vital part of the Jackson community: a place where young people are encouraged not only to train, but to explore, create, and grow.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time audience member, these performances are a chance to celebrate the creativity and dedication of Jackson’s young artists, and to be part of a community that believes in them.
Get your tickets on the Center’s website for Progress Performance and NDNC, or visit dwjh.org.
