Press Release

Artist and Farmers Transform Hay Harvest into a Six-Act Production at Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Presented by Wormfarm Institute, Make Hay While the Sun Shines features "Hay Rake Ballet," a performance that transforms a hay harvest into a six-act production featuring farm machinery and live chamber orchestra.

Created by choreographer Sarah Gordon Butler in collaboration with 18 local farmers, Hay Rake Ballet frames mowing, tedding, raking, and baling within a classical dance aesthetic, honoring the craft, coordination, knowledge, and beauty embedded in family farm-scale agricultural practices.

“The local farmers are the stars of the show,” said Sarah Butler. “Farmers approach their work with care, nuance, and artistry. They are skilled operators and quiet masters of their craft – their craft being something that all of us rely on, whether or not we recognize it. Hay Rake Ballet gives audiences an opportunity to witness that mastery and celebrate them for it. And arguably in the most fun and least conventional way: with tractor choreography and live orchestra accompaniment.”

The event begins with an opening performance by Milwaukee-based Wild Space Dance Company—and also includes site-responsive by Brian Sobaski. During Hay Rake Ballet, in the living stage of an active hayfield, choreographed farm machinery, harvest rhythms, and live music converge in an unforgettable outdoor performance.

“Even if you have seen a hay harvest, you may not have had the opportunity to pay close attention to the skill, timing, and coordination involved,” said Wormfarm Executive Director Donna Neuwirth. “Underscored by live classical music, it’s a powerful example of the culture embedded in agriculture.”

Event Details

What: Make Hay While the Sun Shines, featuring Sarah Gordon Butler’s Hay Rake Ballet
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, 2 to 4 p.m.
Rain Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Where: Rural Sauk County, Wisconsin; specific location provided with ticket

About Wormfarm Institute

Based in Sauk County since 2000, Wormfarm Institute is an evolving laboratory of the arts and ecology, and fertile ground for creative work. Through farm-based artist residencies and public programs, we cultivate long-term collaborations among artists, farmers, scientists, conservationists in rural and urban communities, exploring how creative practice can deepen our relationships with the land and one another. Learn more at wormfarminstitute.org.

Sarah Gordon Butler Bio

Sarah Gordon Butler is interested in exploring how the weaving of seemingly separate mediums can result in something surprising and honest. With a foundation in classical ballet, Sarah has been working professionally in contemporary dance for 16 years throughout Europe and North America. She has worked with Ate9 Dance Company (USA), Bayerisches Staatsballett (DE), and GöteborgsOperans DansKompani (SE), among others. Wormfarm Institute has been integral to her creative life since she first joined as an artist-in-residence in 2020.