THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR APR 24 - APR 30 

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RDT: Deux
At its most literal level, the title of Repertory Dance Theatre's season-ending production Deux of course just means "two," referring to the two celebrated choreographers featured as part of the evening's program. Yet it's also possible to think about the entire idea of dance as partnership—between individual dancers on a stage, between dancer and choreographer, between performers and audience. There's a strength that comes from mixing artistic visions as well as perspectives, and as RDT's mission celebrates the rich history of modern dance, this program provides evidence of how that history is improved through diversity.

Opening the evening is pioneering Mexican-born choreographer José Limón's 1966 work The Winged, with movement inspired by the graceful flight of birds. It provides a showcase for the "Limón technique"—a focus on the gravity of the body, on weight and illusions of weightlessness—in a piece that the Washington Post referred to as "a marvelous work, both spacious and delicate—a distillation of what it means to float, to flutter, to soar." Following that are excerpts from Zvi Gotheiner's 1992 work Chairs, a dynamic interplay of choreography between dancers and chairs that conveys the themes of connection, tension and transformation.

Repertory Dance Theatre's production of Deux comes to the Rose Wagner Center's Jeanné Wagner Theatre (138 W. 300 South) Thursday, April 24 – Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. nightly. General admission tickets are at three variable tiers, with patrons able to choose between $15 (Arts Enthusiast), $30 (Arts Supporter) and $45 (Arts Champion) levels. Visit saltlakecountyarts.org to purchase tickets, and rdtutah.org for additional event and presenter information. (Scott Renshaw)

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Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival
Every season in Utah brings its own unique pleasures, from the snow sports of winter to the concerts and outdoor festivals of summer. But don't sleep on the delights of spring, as the state emerges from its wintry blanket for occasions like the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival, which for more than 20 years has been one of the Beehive State's most delightful multi-sensory celebrations of springtime renewal.

As the event's title indicates, the central appeal comes from its displays of tulips—more than 400,000 this year, and every year in a brand-new landscape design. But there are also more than 500,000 blossoms of other kinds, including hyacinths, daffodils and poppies, in a dazzling array of colors and types. The event also features a full festival experience of live music, concessions, food trucks, vendor tables, play areas, classes and unique photo opportunities. And on April 26, intrepid runners, joggers and just-plain-walkers can participate in the annual 5K through the gardens, presenting one of the most fragrant courses you'll find anywhere. It's an amazing experience for the entire family, rich with natural beauty.

The 2025 Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival continues now through May 17, Mondays – Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (opening 9:30 a.m. April 26 after the 5K). Time-ticketed reservations are required. Admission is free to Thanksgiving Point members Monday – Friday, discounted on Saturday; regular admission is $17 - $29 based on age and date of visit, and additional charge for in-person ticket purchases. Go to thanksgivingpoint.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (SR)

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Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Kids
Local cinephiles are still mourning the announcement that the Sundance Film Festival will soon be relocating to Colorado, but that doesn't mean the end of the line for exciting and innovative movie programming in Utah. In addition to the ongoing work of the Salt Lake Film Society, there are the many special events and screenings presented by the Utah Film Center. And that includes the wonderful family-friendly occasion that is the Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Kids.

For one day, young movie-lovers and would-be movie-makers can gather for a day of great stories, workshops and more. The festival program includes I Accidentally Wrote a Book, a charming fantasy about a 13-year-old girl's dreams of becoming an author; the animated adventure Puffin Rock and the New Friends (pictured); and the return of the 2013 Spanish tale Zip & Zap and the Marble Gang, about kids fighting the evil administration of their summer school. Attendees can also experience a wide range of workshops—many of them led by industry professionals—covering topics including cinematic special effects, movie camerawork and lighting, acting in movies, character design for animation, screenwriting podcasting, special-effects makeup and stop-motion animation.

The 2025 Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Kids comes to the Salt Lake County Library's Viridian Center (8030 S. 1825 West, West Jordan) on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Film screenings are free with online reservation, though donation to the Utah Film Center is suggested; workshops are $25 per person. Visit tumbleweedskids.org for full schedule of screenings and workshops, plus additional event information. (SR)