Change is one of life’s few constants—and 'Next Step' explores the many ways we move toward it. Through solos, trios, and ensemble movement, the choreography traces different paths toward growth: some direct and confident, some collaborative, and some shaped by struggle and detours. As the full cast comes together, the piece reveals change not as a straight line, but as a cycle—one we revisit with greater experience, resilience, and understanding.

Created by Richmond-based choreographer Julia Mitchell, ‘Next Step’ reflects a deeply personal and universal journey. Rooted in a long family tradition of artists, Mitchell brings a playful, human perspective to this octet, which returns to the Charlottesville Ballet repertoire as a celebration of movement, momentum, and the evolving stories we carry forward.

Choreographer: Julia Mitchell (2017)

Music: "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck, performed by Quartet San Francisco

Costumes: Ty Cooper Grace
Dancers: Say Ayers, Jeanne Berthy, Gabriella Fedewa, Eden Heille, Yui Kaito, Isaac Lee, Catherine Sperduto, Kathryn Tokar Conley

Dave Brubeck (1920–2012) was an iconic American jazz pianist and composer whose groundbreaking work helped define the genre of cool jazz. Renowned for his bold experimentation with time signatures and fusion of jazz with classical forms, Brubeck’s 1959 album "Time Out" became the first jazz album to sell over a million copies, featuring the smash hit “Take Five.” From 1968–1972, Brubeck appeared in Virginia at the Hampton Jazz Festival, sharing the stage with legends like Duke Ellington and Ray Charles. A recipient of the National Medal of Arts and a Kennedy Center Honoree, Brubeck was also a cultural ambassador, using his music to promote dialogue and unity across the globe. The piece heard today is a tribute arrangement for string quartet by Quartet San Francisco, honoring Brubeck’s enduring legacy.