The Faulkner Performing Arts Center will present the world premiere of Exposed: A Ballet on the Trails, Saturday May 3, at 7:30 p.m. This commissioned original ballet will feature dance choreographed by Stephen Wynne of the NWA Ballet Theatre and music written by multiple Emmy Award-winning composer Lendell Black, and inspired by the photographs of local photographer Brent Umphlett's journey from Canada to New Mexico.

For Umphlett to take these fantastic photographs on his journey, he first had to leave comfort and safety, expose any doubts and expose himself to his own ardent passion. In essence, he exposed himself to nature, to the elements to be unprotected. Subsequently, he exposed himself to adventure and beauty. Nothing risked, nothing gained. Secondly, the camera exposed these adventurous scenes in its memory, romantically thinking; the film was exposed to this beauty, and all the associated stories and emotions were visually documented. Lastly, the audience will be exposed to a creative and meaningful collaboration that will move and inspire them. Generally, life is richer when we expose ourselves to new experiences, situations and relationships; this is where curiosity is cultivated, and peace is rooted.

Tickets are: $25 general admission, $15 faculty and staff, $5 students.

For more information and tickets visit faulkner.uark.edu, email tickets@uark.edu or call the Box Office at 479-575-5387. 

About the NWA Ballet Theatre: The mission of NWA Ballet Theatre is to inspire a lasting love and appreciation for the art of classical and contemporary ballet throughout the Northwest Arkansas region by combining artistic excellence in dance with innovative choreography and distinctive costuming into exhilarating performances accenting and respecting the dignity and grace of the individual dancers. 

About the Faulkner Performing Arts Center: The Jim & Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center is a 500+ seat state of the art venue dedicated to providing a community-centered approach to the performing arts. In addition to hosting acclaimed artists and performers, the Faulkner Center is also home to the University of Arkansas music department's large ensembles. With an impressive offering of renowned performers and culturally relevant events, the Faulkner Center excels in its mission of contributing to education and excellence, helping build a new generation of artists and patrons. 

About the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit at the University of Arkansas with three schools, 16 departments and numerous academic programs and research centers. The college provides the majority of the core curriculum for all U of A students. Get the inside scoop on all things Fulbright College by subscribing to the digital Fulbright REVIEW publication.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.