'Fusion' to benefit Ballet West

Ballet West artistic director Adam Sklute believes there is a lot of talent in Salt Lake City.

"There are dancers, visual artists, musicians — the list goes on."

In an effort to meld those arts, Sklute came up with the idea of having a "Shoe-In."

"Dancers donated pointe shoes to 18 artists," he said. "The artists then went all out and used these shoes to create some magnificent pieces of art. Some decorated the shoes, while others utilized the shoes on bigger art displays. It was amazing to see what these shoes eventually became.

"We are all artists and we inspire each other. And we need to work together, especially with our economy today."

In fact, Sklute said some of the pieces of shoe artwork have been displayed in the Capitol Theatre during various Ballet West performances.

"We've gotten quite a few comments on them," he said. "And we have gotten a few offers to buy them."

"Shoe-In" is part of a bigger artistic collaboration involving Ballet West and area artists called "Fusion."

"Fusion" is an all-out fashion show that features the designs from Utah clothier Loya's. Designer Sylvia Heisel has designed fall clothing that will be modeled by Ballet West artists during the show May 30.

"This was a concept that came out of an idea that we have done before," Sklute said. "We have done fashion shows before as fundraisers during the last part of the season, and this is basically what we're doing this time."

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-show party that will include complementary drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The $75 admission price will admit ticketholders to the pre-show party and a reserved seat at the fashion show, which will begin at 8 p.m.

For $35, ticketholders may attend the show in a standing-room-only admission.

Those wanting to buy the shoes artwork may do so at the conclusion of the fashion show, Sklute said. Proceeds will benefit Ballet West's educational and artistic programs.

"This is an exciting project for us," Sklute said. "I want Ballet West to work with local artists more, because there is the chance of working together in a full-dance production in the future.

E-mail: scott@desnews.com

If you go...

What: "Fusion" fashion show, Ballet West

Where: Pierpont Place, 163 Pierpont Ave.

When: May 30, 6:30 p.m.

How much: $35-$75

Phone: 801-323-6917

Web: www.balletwest.org