Ballet Memphis gave a captivating performance of three contemporary original works Tuesday [March 23] in historic Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium as part of Mississippi State's 2015-16 Lyceum Series. Nationally acclaimed for producing more original work than any other company its size, the 32-member Tennessee dance ensemble has been recognized by the Ford Foundation as a "national treasure." Led by founder and director Dorothy Gunther Pugh, Ballet Memphis began a quarter-century ago with a mission to “provide culturally significant art to all who are willing to nourish it.” From studios in the Cordova community at Memphis’ eastern edge, the group annually shares its art and energy with audiences throughout the United States. For additional photos of their "Confluence" piece, click here.