Ballet West
From the Executive Director
From the Executive Director
Michael Scolamiero
Executive Director
How wonderful it feels to be back live in the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre! Though Ballet West has continuously performed and educated using every digital avenue during this pandemic, never have we felt more appreciative of the visceral, renewing experience that only live performances offer. I’m proud to be part of the Ballet West family, which has a deeply rooted commitment to this community through good times and difficult ones. Guided by the legacy of our founder, Willam Christensen, the Company has worked tirelessly to grow this art form by capturing new audiences but also by nurturing new talent and a lifelong appreciation for ballet. Our thriving Frederick Quinney Lawson Academy has expanded and grown exponentially over the years, attracting students from nearly every state in the country and many international students. Trainees are attracted to our highly reputable summer intensive programs and our year-round training in Salt Lake, Lehi, and Park City. We are thrilled to announce a new and improved location for our Summit County campus, just two miles north from the former Park City facility in a serene mountain environment that draws from its inspiring surroundings. Along with a new location, new leadership at the Peggy Bergmann Park City Campus has recently been announced with the appointment of Ballet West First Soloist Allison DeBona as Principal–continuing the highest level of comprehensive dance training in the region.
Summit County is a hub for the arts, and we’re honored to help it grow by bringing Ballet West training to children and adults alike. Students of the Academy have access to unparalleled instruction from in-house and guest teachers, the opportunity to train alongside professional dancers from the main Company while also having the unique opportunity to perform with a dance organization that is recognized around the globe.
Throughout these difficult months spurred by the pandemic Ballet West’s family of donors, volunteers, board, staff, Academy families and patrons have remained steadfast in their commitment to our remarkable Company. Their outpouring of support reinforces Ballet West’s integral role into Utah’s quality of life, into its fabric and in to its future. To that end, we roll out this exciting ballet filled with gorgeous dance, brilliant music and dazzling sets, costumes and stage effects.
Welcome back to another exciting season with Ballet West!!
Sincerely,
Michael Scolamiero
Executive Director
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.