At the end of the Ballet West 2026-2027 season, current Artistic Director Adam Sklute will part ways with the company after 20 years at the helm. The recently announced programming for the Salt Lake City ballet company‘s upcoming year will celebrate Sklute’s two decades of leadership.
Adam Sklute’s Impact on Ballet West
Sklute, the longest-ever Artistic Director of Ballet West (surpassing even founder Willam F. Christensen), joined the company in 2007 and has since spearheaded its growth into one of the most recognized in the United States.
In a statement, Ballet West Board Chair Jennifer Huntsman expresses:
“Since first joining the Board ten years ago – and as a devoted audience member long before that – I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary transformation of Ballet West under Adam’s leadership.
Over the past two decades, I have watched the company evolve into the sophisticated, artistically ambitious, and nationally respected institution it is today. Adam has elevated every aspect of the organization, from the caliber and diversity of its dancers and repertoire to its national profile and the deep loyalty of its patrons, while remaining profoundly connected to this community.
His vision, creativity, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence have shaped Ballet West’s identity for a generation, and his impact will be felt for decades to come.”
Executive Director Michael Scolamiero adds, “Leading Ballet West in partnership with Adam for nearly nine years has been one of the most gratifying and fulfilling experiences during my 29-year tenure as an executive director of major ballet companies. In Adam, I found a colleague and passionate advocate who worked tirelessly to advance Ballet West’s position nationally and internationally.”
“I come to this decision at a time when Ballet West is both artistically and financially strong and solid. The company is now renowned around the world as one of America’s top ten ballet companies, with an Academy ranked as one of the largest destination schools in the United States.
I love Ballet West with my heart and soul and cherish my time as its Artistic Director but feel that the time is right for me to move on and for Ballet West and me to begin our next chapters.“
Adam Sklute, Artistic Director of Ballet WEst
An international search will be conducted by Michael M. Kaiser, Chairman of the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management and President Emeritus of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts, who will work with the Board of Directors in identifying a successor to Sklute.
Featured Photo of Ballet West‘s Artistic Director Adam Sklute. Photo by Beau Pearson.
