This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
You've watched them in person, you've seen them on TV — now you can experience Ballet West as part of your Christmas shopping.
Salt Lake City's acclaimed ballet troupe, featured in the CW reality program "Breaking Pointe," is opening the Ballet West Boutique, Saturday in Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City.
The boutique will feature apparel, holiday decorations, jewelry and other items, according to Lisa Jensen, the troupe's retail sales coordinator.
"Normally, patrons can only buy Ballet West merchandise when they come to a performance, but now our items are available through a physical location, adding a level of convenience that wasn't available before," Jensen said in a statement.
The boutique is adjacent to the Ballet West Academy's administrative offices. Both the troupe and the academy recently moved their offices and rehearsal studios into Trolley Square.
The grand opening is Saturday, from 11 to 3 p.m. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., principal artist Christiana Bennett (one of the stars of "Breaking Pointe") will appear for autographs and photos. Also appearing will be a ballerina in costume and The Bear from "The Nutcracker." From 1 to 3 p.m., dancer Tyler Gum will sign copies of "Butterfly, Fly and I," a children's book he illustrated.
The first 50 visitors will receive a door prize, and all shoppers have a chance to win tickets to "The Nutcracker," backstage tour, autographed pointe shoes or youth Ballet West apparel.
The boutique's regular hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.