Ballet West dancers sound off on their new home

Tribune dance writer Kathy Adams asked a handful of Ballet West dancers their thoughts on the new Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre:

Elizabeth Weldon • When I first came to Ballet West five years ago, former dancer Heather Thackeray told me about the concept of a new building that had been in the works for many years. At the time, the idea of my career and future with Ballet West also felt elusive and intangible. Now, five years later, to be a part of the generation to witness this great advancement for Ballet West feels monumental. I think it is also significant that this new building came to fruition under the tenure of Adam [Sklute]. His vision for this company has paved the way for Ballet West's future. It is also a reflection of our wonderful community and generous supporters that recognize the importance of our work. I especially enjoy seeing Utah's majestic mountains from our workspace. It's quite invigorating.

Katlyn Addison • The large studios allows the dancers to dance big, move more expressively, and hopefully grow as individuals, while inspiring us to become even better performers. I hope in the administration side of the space in our new facility they'll feel the same way, inspired and encouraged. This collaboration of both artists and administration will only allow our company to continue growing and increase our opportunities.

Gabrielle Salvatto • The studio is a dancer's home, and being able to call The Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre my new home is an incredible feeling. The gorgeous view, the size, the sunlight, the ability to map out choreography in a space larger than our own stage is an amazing privilege for dancers. The space is a testament to the special relationship between Ballet West and the community, and that is a rare gift in field of performing arts.

Sayaka Ohtaki • I honestly think the Ballet West new studio is the biggest studio I've ever been. And I'm already in love with it: the view, natural lights, huge windows. I love jumping, leaping in the air. I don't have to care about the space that I'm using, and I won't kick anybody by accident. The hard part is if you don't pay attention, you could miss the important corrections, just because the space is huge!

Adrian Fry • Dancing in the new Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre is like breathing again. It is a massive sigh of relief to have space to move in and a joy to finally be in our home. To finally be in the light-filled studios looking out onto downtown and the mountains feels like settling in where we belong. In a way, it has been 51 years of waiting for this building to come to fruition. I hope all former dancers of Ballet West feel the weight of this homecoming with us. This building is a massive statement as to what this city values: Salt Lake City is a city where we value our artists.