Summer in Park City is characterized by a cornucopia of fun activities. In addition to the natural amenities such as our hiking and biking trails, and summer ski resort operations, Park City is known to stage world-class entertainment at various venues throughout the area. As numerous as these offerings are, the fact remains that much of the major arts and culture available to Parkites requires a trip to the valley and Salt Lake City. Many local residents view this trek as unrealistically arduous. Fortunately, we will soon have an opportunity this summer to view one of Utah’s premier arts and culture offerings right here in Summit County. Starting July 15, Ballet West will be facilitating the Ballet West Summit Festival: Where Art Meets Elevation. The first event will be From Root to Relevé — A Farm to Table Experience with Ballet West and Ballerina Farm on July 15. This will be an extraordinary open-fire dinner during the golden hour, featuring seasonal produce, farm-raised meats, and artisan cheeses from the farms dairy and creamery.  Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy intimate live ballet performances and a special preview of Ballet West’s Summit Festival performance featuring principal artists Jenna Rae Herrera, David Huffmire, Katlyn Addison, and Adrian Fry, alongside highlights from four world premiere works by acclaimed choreographers Phil Chan, Ingrid Silva, Garrett Smith, and Rex Tilton. On July 16, Ballet West is partnering with Park City Film on a fun and free screening at the Jim Santy Auditorium. Two powerful documentaries will be presented: “About Face,” which spotlights Georgina Pazcoguin and Phil Chan as they challenge the dance world to rid ballet of offensive Asian stereotypes and make ballet more inclusive.  The second film is “Ten Times Better,” which tells the story of George Lee, an 88-year-old blackjack dealer who was an Asian pioneer in ballet and on Broadway. Phil Chan will join director and producer Jennifer Lin and co-producer Cory Stieg for a special QA.  The final event of Ballet West Summit Festival takes place on July 17 at The Amphitheater at Canyons Village. Once again, Ballet West principal dancers Katlyn Addison, Jenna Rae Herrera, Adrian Fry, and David Huffmire will perform three lively works: “Quattro a Verdi,” by Michael Smuin; “L’air d’Esprit,” by Gerard Arpino; and “After the Rain Pas de Deux,” by Christopher Wheeldon.  The performance will also feature the artÉmotion Choreographic Workshop with students from the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy performing world premieres by internationally renowned choreographers Phil Chan, Ingrid Silva, Garrett Smith, and Rex Tilton. Tickets to this event are only $35 (not including fees). Founded in 1963, Ballet West is recognized as one of the best and largest ballet companies in the United States. Even though Salt Lake City is the 41st largest metropolitan area in the country, Ballet West is the 10th largest American ballet company in terms of operating budget.  It is also the 11th largest in terms of size of the main company.  Ballet West’s founder, Willam Christensen, staged the first full-length version of “The Nutcracker” in America in 1944, and Ballet West and has continued to present “America’s First Nutcracker,” now recognized as a Living Historic Landmark by the state of Utah. Ballet West hopes the Summit Festival will become a summer staple. I encourage you to avail yourself of the opportunity to experience something very different from the usual Park City summer entertainment offerings.  Who knows? Exposure to the extraordinary artistry of Ballet West might even prompt you to brave a trip to Salt Lake City! Information for these events can be found at the Ballet West website. Vincent A. “Van” Novack is a Snyderville resident. The post Ballet West elevates with mountain festival appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less