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Sometimes things really do happen for a reason. And for Ogden's Imagine Ballet Theatre, the stars have finally aligned to make the company's one-night-only Salt Lake premiere at Kingsbury Hall an opportunity whose time has come.

Last April, when the youth ballet company debuted Raymond Van Mason's choreographic interpretation of the Japanese folktale "Urashima Taro" at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden, it fell on the same weekend as several other dance performances. A disappointing turnout made Mason, who founded the company in 2004, all the more determined to find the right time and place for a bigger potential audience.

"A lot of factors have had to come together to make this evening possible," Mason said. "But I created this work as a vehicle for a young dancer who has been studying with me since she was very young, and in addition to the many talented dancers in this performance, I wanted to give her the chance to perform the role in front of a large, appreciative audience."

That dancer is 15-year-old Catherine Aoki. Although Aoki grew up in Ogden, her parents are Japanese and her mother contributed to the authenticity of the gestures and details in the choreography.

"I've actually learned a lot about my own culture through this ballet," Aoki said. "I'm so appreciative that Raymond choreographed this to celebrate Japanese culture. I feel I've grown as a person and as a dancer."

Even in today's progressive arts world, Aoki worried that being Japanese could hinder her dream to become a classical ballerina. She said her favorite dancer is Ballet West soloist Sayaka Ohtaki, who is also Japanese.

Ohtaki said that while auditioning in New York City before joining Ballet West in 2010, she did encounter artistic directors she felt were not interested in her because she was Asian. "Here at Ballet West, if anything, it makes me feel kind of special."

She plans to attend the Imagine Ballet Theatre performance. "I would love to meet Catherine and tell her face to face to embrace her culture. In acting roles, I use my eyes, head and neck in a way that celebrates the Japanese form. My secret hope is for Ballet West to bring back 'Madame Butterfly.' "

Mason, who performed with Ballet West from 1983-98, is an advocate for local performers. In addition to two of his shorter ballets, the Sept. 19 program will include Ogden's Buddhist Taiko Drummers.

Mason is also passionate about developing the talents of regional choreographers. The annual Rocky Mountain Choreography Festival is extending the application date for this year's competition through Oct. 15. Open to amateur and professional choreographers, the grand prize includes the production costs (theater rental and crew) for a performance night at Ogden's Peery's Egyptian Theater.

"There is so much talent here in Utah," Mason said. "And it's important to connect all of us across the state to support and enjoy each other. Dance should transcend all other barriers." —

Folktale ballet

Ogden-based Imagine Ballet Theatre presents "Urashima Taro: A Japanese Folktale," about a young boy who travels under the sea. When the boy, Urashima, saves a turtle from harm, he soon discovers he has really rescued Princess Otohime, daughter of the Emperor of the Sea. More magical adventures follow. Also on the program will be Ogden's Buddhist Taiko Drummers under the direction of Stan Harai.

When • Friday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Where • Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah, 1395 E. Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $15, $18 and $25; available at the Kingsbury ticket office, online at http://www.kingsburyhall.org or by phone at 801-581-7100

More information • For more details about Imagine Ballet Theatre or the Rocky Mountain Choreography Festival, visit http://imagineballet.org.