2021 Promotions and Roster Changes

[Helene]

Ballet West just sent out the following press release (emphasis mine):

 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT—Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute announced two significant promotions, three returning artists, and eight notable retirements for next year’s 58^th Season. Katlyn Addison and Hadriel Diniz, both currently First Soloists will be promoted to the rank of Principal Artist. It has been four years since Sklute last promoted a dancer to a Principal role.

Addison grew up in Campton, Ontario, Canada and started her training with The National Ballet School of Canada. She joined Ballet West in 2011 and has earned many acclaimed roles including the Siren in George Balanchine’s Prodigal Son and Sugar Plum Fairy in Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker. In 2019, Addison took part in an exchange between Ballet West and The Scottish Ballet, where she appeared in the world premiere, The Snow Queen as the title character, for which she received accolades from international press. Addison has also complemented her dance career with soulful and dramatic choreographic works that have been staged at the Ballet West Choreographic Festival and Unorthodox Dance at the University of Utah.

“Katlyn Addison is a remarkable artist. She has a depth and passion for her art that every Artistic Director craves in a dancer,“ said Artistic Director Adam Sklute. “She has dedicated her whole life to this art form, and methodically worked hard to get to this point and she deserves this promotion. I am excited to work with her at this new level of her career. I know she will continue to soar.”

First Soloist Hadriel Diniz from Minas Gerais, Brazil started training in ballet at 11 years old. He competed at Youth America Grand Prix several times before being offered a full scholarship with the San Francisco Ballet School. He was hired at Ballet West in 2015 and has steadily risen through the ranks. Resident and guest choreographers have consistently offered principal roles to Diniz, most recently the prominent and prized title role in George Balanchine’s Prodigal Son.

“In any role, Hadriel will delight the audience with his stage presence and bravura technique. He is also a consummate partner. His love for his art form is palpable and his kindness and generosity of spirit make him a joy to work with,” said Sklute. “Both Katlyn and Hadriel have shown repeatedly their dedication to their artistry and demonstrated their commitment to the Company. They are clear leaders in the Company.”

Principal Artists Katherine Lawrence and Arolyn Williams will retire this season after dancing with Ballet West since 2004. “Katherine and Arolyn are beloved to Ballet West’s patrons and artists alike. They are incredibly gifted and shared their talents with our audience for 17 years. They will be missed and I wish them the very best for their future,” said Sklute.

Other notable longtime dancers who will be retiring this season include First Soloist Alexander MacFarlan, Soloists Katie Critchlow and Emily Neale, Demi-Soloist Lindsay Bond, and Corps Artists Jordan Richardson and Lucas Horns.

Returning to the Company are former Corps Artist Amy Potter, who joins as a Soloist, and Corps Artists Kazlyn Nielsen and Anisa Sinteral.

 

Promoted to rank of Company Corps Artists from Ballet West II are Jazz Khai Bynum, Isabella Martinez Corridon, Robert Fowler, Connor Hammond, and Claire Wilson.