"When we worked on 'Romeo & Juliet,' all the stuff that happened during the past year was left outside the studio door," Kage said. "In the studio, the dancers and I worked together well. Everyone was so supportive and constructive. I felt everyone was working with me, and I was so impressed with their performances."

Kage's accomplishments include bringing 34 new ballets to Utah; seeing eight principal dancers rise out of the ranks of Ballet West's corps de ballet; taking the company to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the prestigious Edinburgh Festival; taking the company to China and starting up Ballet West II.

And he choreographed some of the best-received ballets in the company's repertoire, including "Romeo & Juliet," "Giselle" and "Swan Lake."

So it was a shock to the community when Ballet West announced Kage's departure at the end of the season.

But the community's shock was nothing compared to the shock Kage felt when the board asked him to resign.

"I still had one more year in my contract," Kage said. "And I felt I was just starting my work with the company."

Carter said there were still some things that need to be addressed before the separation.

"We haven't been able to meet to finalize the separation agreements," she said.

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com