Longest Artistic Tenure in Ballet West History Comes to a Close After 2026-27 Season
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Ballet West announced today that Artistic Director Adam Sklute will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, his 20th year at the helm of the company. The announcement marks the end of the longest artistic directorship in Ballet West’s history, surpassing even that of founder Willam F. Christensen.
Sklute joined Ballet West in 2007 and has since led the company through a period of sustained growth that has reshaped the company’s national profile. During his leadership, the operating budget has nearly tripled, the subscription base has grown against national trends, and the company has expanded its touring presence to major venues across the country.
“I come to this decision at a time when Ballet West is both artistically and financially strong and solid,” said Sklute. “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.”
Sklute will remain in Salt Lake City following his retirement. Over his tenure, he has expanded the repertoire and introduced Ballet West audiences to some of the world’s most significant and impactful choreographers and grown the dancer roster to reflect a broader range of backgrounds and experiences than at any point in the company’s history.
“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,” said Ballet West Board Chair Jennifer Huntsman.
“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, who has partnered with Sklute for nearly nine years, added, “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,” said Executive Director Michael Scolamiero. “In Adam, I found a colleague and passionate advocate who worked tirelessly to advance Ballet West’s position nationally and internationally.”
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 an outstanding successor to Adam in the coming season.
The 2026-27 season will serve as a celebration of Sklute’s two decades with Ballet West.
Read Adam’s full farewell letter at balletwest.org: Adam Sklute Announces Retirement After 20 Years | Ballet West
ABOUT BALLET WEST
Ballet West, led by Artistic Director Adam Sklute, has been celebrated for innovation and excellence since 1963. Based in Salt Lake City, it presents classical masterpieces, historic works like America’s First Nutcracker™, and bold new creations that push the art form forward. Through the Frederick Q. Lawson Ballet West Academy, Ballet West trains the next generation of ballet artists and audiences in classical technique. The company also extends its reach into the broader community through one of the largest outreach and education programs in the country.
