Rena Butler joined Trae Holiday on "The Day with Trae" to discuss her journey as an internationally acclaimed choreographer. She shared stories of her early influences, from watching MTV's "Making the Video" to Soul Train. Butler emphasized the importance of the choreographer-dancer relationship and fostering a diverse and collaborative studio environment. She also spoke passionately about Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB), praising its progressive and supportive culture.

Butler delved into her upcoming work, "Cracks," which explores themes of obsession, transcendence, and the tension between obedience and disobedience. Drawing from her personal experience in a Catholic school setting, the ballet delves into questions of conformity and individual expression. She hopes the audience will be prompted to feel or think, viewing the work as a mirror reflective of the human experience.

Butler emphasized her desire for viewers to approach the performance like a museum, allowing the experience to wash over them. She designed the piece to be relative and accessible, reflecting on universal themes of death, rebirth, and personal growth. The ballet has an element of lightness while still exploring profound questions about self and societal expectations.

"Cracks" premieres at PNB's McCall Hall on May 30th. This new work promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of identity and the search for meaning, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences with conformity and individual agency.

Learn More and Grab Tickets: www.PNB.org