The Utah Review | Ballet West 63rd season augurs well as one for the history books
Twenty years ago, when Adam Sklute, former dancer and associate artistic director at The Joffrey Ballet, arrived in Salt Lake City to become Ballet West’s artistic director, the board of directors tasked him with three objectives. One was to strengthen the caliber and quality of the dancers and production. Another was to increase the national and international recognition of the company. The third was to build the Ballet West Academy in size, scope, and prominence.
Ballet West ‘s 63rd season is going to be one for the history books. In the arts as in any industry or business of historical importance and longevity, the most effective leader is a steward who tempers ego with humility in committing to the high standards that have forged the relationship with the community.
The evidence is incontrovertible that Sklute has accomplished the trio of objectives in superb form. With that, last spring, he announced that he will step down at the end of the 2026-2027 season. His 20-year tenure as artistic director is the longest in Ballet West history, even eclipsing that of Willam Christensen, the founder.