This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Ballet West has announced that the contract of artistic director Adam Sklute will be extended through June 30, 2017. In addition, nine dancers have been promoted, four new dancers will join Ballet West, and five new dancers will join Ballet West II.
"The board is delighted with the national recognition the company is receiving for its outstanding productions and looks forward to continued success as we embark on our 50th anniversary in 2013," said Shahab Saeed, board chairman.
Sklute is "a respected leader, a visionary and a gifted artist," Saeed said. "His commitment to excellence is uncompromising and evident in all Ballet West's performances."
Sklute came to Ballet West in 2007 from Chicago's Joffrey Ballet, where he was an associate artistic director.
Artistic staff promotions
• Jane Wood-Smith, a former company principal artist, has been named ballet mistress.
• Christopher Ruud, who will continue performing as a company principal artist, has been named the director of Ballet West II.
• Nicolo Fonte, a choreographer with extensive national and international credits, has been named resident choreographer.
Company promotions
First soloists • Haley Henderson-Smith, Thomas Mattingly, Elizabeth McGrath, Ronnie Underwood and Arolyn Williams
Soloists • Adrian Fry and Sayaka Ohtaki
Demi-soloists • Katie Critchlow and Beckanne Sisk
New artist • Amy Potter, from Ballet West II; Sarah Hochman, from Pennsylvania Ballet II
Apprentices • Ronald Tilton and Joshua Whitehead, from Ballet West II
Ballet West II additions • Mary Ann Schaefer, Chase O'Connell, Logan Martin, Jordan Veit and Kazlyn Nielsen
Departures • Aidan DeYoung, Kuei-Hsien Chu and Kathryn Meeusen, from Ballet West; and Kathleen Martin and Ryan Sargent, from Ballet West II.
Beyond 'Breaking Pointe'
Ballet West will open its season by performing its annual Gala on Oct. 27. The opening dance concert, running Nov. 2-3 and 7-10, will feature the world premiere of Val Caniparoli's "The Lottery," based on the famous short story by Shirley Jackson; "Bolero," choreographed by Nicolo Fonte to the music of Maurice Ravel; and Helen Pickett's "But Never Doubt I Love," set to music by Felix Mendelssohn and Franz Liszt.
Tickets • Season tickets are available at http://www.arttix.org, 801-355-2787, or 801-869-6920.