From the Executive Director

Dear Ballet West Family, Welcome to the Choreographic Festival. I am proud of this program as it represents the innovative spirit of Ballet West. Some may not consider ballet companies particularly inventive or entrepreneurial--after all, our art form is well over 400 years old! However, as one of our most loyal patrons, I want to give you an update of the ways Ballet West has adapted to the extraordinary circumstances of the past year. Just two weeks ago, Ballet West presented the virtual Spring Soirée, featuring recently filmed ballets from the stage alongside poignant interviews with all of our retiring dancers. While I would have loved to be gathered in the theater, I believe viewers enjoyed the creativity of the hour-long presentation. I am happy to report we achieved our financial goal, some of which will support needs and merit-based scholarships at the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy. Before March of last year, most people had never heard of Zoom, now it is an intrinsic part of our day. Our education and community outreach program, I CAN DO, which teaches choreography and dance to fifth graders has adapted to this new technology to reach thousands of students along the Wasatch front. Usually in May, these kids are dancing their hearts out in school auditoriums for their parents. We did not want to deprive them of that experience, so our friends at SpyHop, a nonprofit that teaches about film and technology to youth, will be filming these performances for a digital showcase. Finally, just last week we premiered the first in a nine-part documentary series, In The Balance: Ballet for a Lost Year. The filmmakers had unfettered access to the Ballet West studios and stage as the Company carefully went about presenting the fall program. The resulting film is exciting and dramatic. It is an intimate,

Michael Scolamiero joined Ballet West in 2017 after an extensive international search led by Michael Kaiser, President Emeritus of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mr. Scolamiero previously served as Executive Director of Miami City Ballet for three years, during which time the organization achieved a significant reduction in debt, as well as robust growth in ticket revenue, contributions, and touring income. Prior to Miami City Ballet, Mr. Scolamiero was Pennsylvania Ballet’s Executive Director for 17 years, the longest tenure in the Company’s history and among the longest of any leader of a major ballet company. During his tenure, Mr. Scolamiero led the organization’s first capital campaign that raised $11.9 million (against a $10 million goal) to build an endowment and fund repertoire expansion. At Ballet West, Mr. Scolamiero is set to implement a newly completed strategic plan and excited to guide a growing and robust Company.

behind-the-scenes look at how Ballet West thoughtfully staged new works as well as Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs.

It has been a difficult year, but the resilience of this company is truly inspiring. It is a testament to the innovative nature of Ballet West, the need for an artist to create, and the yearning our patrons have for ballet. Thank you for being with us every step of the way and for your continued support. Sincerely,

Michael Scolamiero Executive Director