From Principal Dancer to Principal Rehearsal Director

Jane Wood's Four-Decade Journey with Ballet West

During her 20-year tenure with Ballet West as a dancer, Wood performed the title roles in Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Coppelia, Giselle, and Lady of the Camelias.

As Principal Rehearsal Director, Wood oversees instruction for the main company, second company, and Trainee division. She also restages and rehearses current repertoire, performs character roles, conducts auditions, and teaches classes for the Ballet West Academy Summer Intensives.

"I've been so fortunate in my career to work with Ballet West, first as a dancer from 1979-2001, going from a scholarship student, rising through the ranks, to Principal Dancer for the last 12 years of my career, then as a Rehearsal Director from 2011-now," said Wood. "I worked as a dancer with so many choreographers and repetiteurs over the years, who I now get to work with at the front of the studio. I feel so blessed to be able to work with the people and the company that I love so dearly."

Reflecting on her new role, the highlight of her job as Principal Rehearsal Director she says is working with the incredibly talented dancers of Ballet West on a daily basis, watching them grow and perfect their craft. "From the first day of learning new and exciting choreography, to the thrill of watching them wow the audience on opening night, there is nothing that makes me prouder than seeing their successes," said Wood.

Looking ahead, "My goal moving forward is to be a good mentor and their biggest fan, to create a positive and productive work environment, where I support and encourage them to give it their all, have fun, and enjoy every moment. It goes by so fast," she comments.

Wood considers herself fortunate to continue working in an industry where opportunities for former dancers are limited. "It's very common for former dancers to walk away after a long career because there are few rehearsal director jobs available, and here I am, watching the future of Ballet West unfold in front of my eyes every day! What a joy."