Ballet West’s Principal Artists Beckanne Sisk and Chase O’Connell have accepted contracts as Principal Dancers with Houston Ballet where they will begin in July of this year.
The real life couple have spent twelve and ten seasons, respectively, with the Salt Lake City ballet company where they have danced every major role and often cast together.
Beckanne Sisk was first discovered by Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute when she was 16, joined Ballet West II at age 17, and rose to Principal Artist in 2015. Sklute remembers their introductions fondly:
“The minute I saw her dance I knew Beckanne was a star. At age 18, I nominated her for The Princess Grace Award, and the day she won, I said to her: ‘One day, you’ll be able to dance anywhere in the world. Let me help you get there.’”
Sklute adds:
“Chase is an elegant dancer who I found out of 300 dancers at a ‘cattle call’ audition for BW. In his ten years with Ballet West he has grown to become a true Danseur Noble. I am proud of their artistry, and of the careers they have built here through their hard work and dedication. We will miss them dearly but they are world class artists who deserve to be experienced by audiences around the globe.”
IN THE BALANCE featuring Beckanne Sisk and Chase O’Connell
O’Connell and Sisk are playing Romeo and Juliet, respectively, in Ballet West’s upcoming run of Michael Smuin’s Romeo and Juliet at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre. They will also appear in the April program, Carmina Burana with Glass Pieces. Their final performances with Ballet West will be in The Choreographic Festival in May.
Featured Photo of Beckanne Sisk and Chase O’Connell from Ballet West’s website. Photo by Beau Pearson.
