Ballet West Announces 3 Promotions, 3 Retirements and 3 New Hires for the 20-21 Season
At Ballet West, news seems to come in threes. Artistic director Adam Sklute just announced the roster for the 2020-21 season, and it includes three prominent company promotions, three retirements and three new hires.
This news comes fast on the heels of Boston Ballet’s promotions, announced in late March. At a time when it can be hard to visualize what a post-quarantine world will look like for ballet companies, it’s heartening to hear that troupes are moving ahead with plans, and celebrating their hardworking dancers.
Read on for the changes coming to Ballet West.
Promotions
Hadriel Diniz in Prodigal Son
Beau Pearson, Courtesy Ballet West
Soloists Jenna Rae Herrera and Hadriel Diniz will be promoted to first soloist. Originally from Ontario, California, Herrera first joined Ballet West II in 2007, and the main company in 2010. Diniz hails from Minas Gerais, Brazil. He started with the company in 2015, and has swiftly climbed the ranks; he was promoted to soloist just last season.
Emily Neale in Giselle
Beau Pearson, Courtesy Ballet West
Demi-soloist Emily Neale is being promoted to soloist. You might recognize the Acton, Massachusetts native from our Summer 2019 cover. Neale joined Ballet West as a trainee in 2015. She was promoted from the corps to demi-soloist in 2018.
“These three dancers are elegant and dedicated artists,” said Sklute in a statement. “All three have so much potential for the future.”
Retirements
Sayaka Ohtaki in Apollo
Beau Pearson, Courtesy Ballet West
After dancing with the company for 10 years, first soloist Sayaka Ohtaki is ending her career to move back to her native Japan. Ohkati’s most celebrated roles include Juliet in John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, Cio Cio San in Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly, the titular character in Sklute’s Giselle and George Balanchine’s “Emeralds.” “Sayaka is a rare and gifted artist whose unique combination of delicacy and strength made her infinitely fascinating as a performer,” said Sklute.
Trevor Naumann in The Nutcracker
Beau Pearson, Courtesy Ballet West
Demi-soloist Trevor Naumann will also take his final bow this season. Naumann joined Ballet West in 2009, and is also a burgeoning choreographer. “Trevor is a beautiful dancer and deeply committed member of the company,” said Sklute.
Christopher Sellars, formerly a first soloist, retired in the midst of last season after 15 years with the company. He has already joined Ballet West Academy as a principal faculty member. “I am thrilled to be able to keep Christopher in the family,” said Sklute.
New Hires
Three Ballet West II dancers, all of whom started as members of the Ballet West Academy Professional Training Division, will ascend to the corps de ballet: Nicole Fannéy hails from Cary, North Carolina; Noel Jensen is originally from Carlsbad, California; and Vinicius Lima is from Vitoria, Brazil.
Ballet West II
“Ballet West II is also welcoming six new dancers. The list includes Ballet West Academy graduates Amelia Dencker, Jacob Hancock, Roland Jones and Ella Schultze, as well as Austin Dabney and Rylee Rogers.
