Speaking on Business: Ballet West

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1963, Ballet West has been an important part of Utah’s arts community, bringing world-class performances, timeless productions and opportunities for dancers and audiences to connect through ballet. Senior Director of External Affairs, Erika Stone, joins us with more. Erika Stone: At Ballet West, we believe the arts do more than entertain — they inspire creativity, bring people together and strengthen communities. As one of the nation’s leading ballet companies, we’ve seen firsthand how live performance can create lasting connections and meaningful experiences for people of all ages. Productions like Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker, America’s first and longest-running version of the ballet, continue to draw audiences from across the region each year, supporting downtown businesses and welcoming thousands of patrons through our doors. Beyond performances, Ballet West reaches communities across Utah through school programs, scholarship opportunities and access initiatives for underserved families. For many children, it’s their first experience seeing live performance, opening the door to creativity, curiosity and confidence. By investing in the arts, Ballet West is helping create a more connected, vibrant future for Utah — one that supports culture, community and economic growth for generations to come. Derek Miller: By bringing people together through the arts, Ballet West helps make Utah a more creative, connected and culturally vibrant place to live. To learn more about performances and programs, visit BalletWest.org. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 6/11/26