2025 Prize Winner:
Dance
A Brief Collection of Moments
by Vanessa Cook
The 2025 Ariel Bybee Endowment Prize Winner in dance was England-born, Switzerland-based choreographer Vanessa Cook. Her resulting work, A Brief Collection of Moments explored the power of a single voice to inspire collective movement and creation.
With artistic collaboration from other composers, visual artists, and poets, the contemporary ballet was a poignant reflection on the possibilities and potential of the human spirit.
In partnership with
The new original dance work was produced in partnership with the Utah Metropolitan Ballet and premiered at its dynamic repertory performance Tribute on April 23-24, 2026.
About her experience working with UMB, Vanessa said, “Jacqueline Colledge has been incredibly supportive in this project. I really value [her] presence and her discussion with me to really find out my vision.”
“Partnering with the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts has given UMB unprecedented international exposure,” said Jacqueline Colledge, Artistic Director of the ballet company. “Working with Cook has been a wonderful opportunity for our dancers to experience a type of movement vocabulary that is different from classical ballet.”
Latter-day Saint Artists
in Collaboration
What makes this dance creation especially notable is the breadth of Latter-day Saint artists involved in its creation.
The score, composed by Dylan Findley with lyrics by poet Darlene Young, brings a layered musical and textual dimension to the work. Visual artists Michelle Nixon and Justin Wheatley contribute original artwork to the set design. Writer Isaac Richards adds further depth through an original program essay, offering audiences a thoughtful entry point into the piece.
Together, these collaborators were part of the 2024 cohort of the Artists Residency at the Center—a program designed to foster artistic excellence, interdisciplinary exchange, and lasting creative partnerships.
“A stunning testament to the thrills of interdisciplinary art. Few performances feature as much genuine novelty in such a short amount of time.”
News, Reviews, & Features
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How Do You Choreograph a Life?
The Center’s Studio Podcast S9 E4: Vanessa Cook and Her Ballet Premiere
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KSL.Com
“'The power of one': Utah Metropolitan Ballet debuts new contemporary ballet,” by Cassidy Wixom
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Review
“How to Watch A Brief Collection of Moments” by Isaac Richards
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Lehi Free Press
“Utah Metropolitan Ballet Brings Tribute to Covey Center Stage”
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The Salt Lake Tribune
"Dance troupe joins forces with four LDS artists, exploring where faith meets creativity,” by Dylan Eubank
Acknowledgements
Ariel Bybee Endowment Committee
Neylan McBaine
Patrick Perkins
Jamie Peterson
Donors to the Ariel Bybee Endowment
Utah Metropolitan Ballet
Jacqueline Colledge
For the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts
Glen Nelson, Director of Special Projects
Mykal Urbina, Executive Director
Veronica Harvey, Director of Marketing and Communications
2025 Ariel Bybee Endowment Prize Jury
Devon Tesucher – Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre
Jan Dijkwel – Artistic Director, Joffrey Ballet School; Founder and Artistic Director, Civic Ballet
Katie Daines Lindsay – Governing Board member, Ballet West
Lisa Hess Jones – Former Soloist, New York City Ballet
Neylan McBaine - Director of Brand and Corporate Marketing, Jump
Rick Robinson – Director for American Leadership Academy
Jacqueline Colledge — Founder and Artistic Director, Utah Metropolitan Ballet