– Ballet West’s first Ballet Mistress passes away at 88 years old
– Ballet West’s inaugural Ballet Mistress dies at the age of 88.
Ballet West’s First Ballet Mistress, Bené Arnold, Passes Away at Age 88
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Ballet West is mourning the loss of its first Ballet Mistress, Bené Arnold, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 88.
Arnold, a pioneer in the world of dance in Utah, leaves behind a legacy of influence and inspiration. She played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of numerous dancers through her work at Ballet West and the University of Utah’s dance program, according to Ballet West.
Bené Arnold began her career in 1948 at the San Francisco Ballet School, where she quickly rose to the rank of soloist. In 1964, she joined Ballet West as its first Ballet Mistress, working closely with William Christensen, the company’s founder.
In 1975, Arnold became a member of the Department of Ballet faculty at the University of Utah. Despite this new role, she remained actively involved with Ballet West, serving as a rehearsal director for young dancers in their production of The Nutcracker and overseeing the operations of the Ballet West Academy.
Arnold’s contributions to the arts community in Utah were widely recognized. In 1984, she received a citation from the Utah State Senate for her outstanding service to the state. In 1997, she was honored with the Chamber of Commerce and the Governor’s Award for the Arts.
In addition to these accolades, Arnold was presented with the College of Fine Arts Excellence Award in 2001. Upon her retirement, she was named Distinguished Professor Emerita, solidifying her status as a respected and influential figure in the dance world.
Throughout her career, Arnold collaborated closely with William Christensen, staging his works for both Ballet West and the Cincinnati Ballet. She also showcased her own choreographic talents, creating pieces for the Utah and Arizona operas.
One notable achievement in Arnold’s career was her recreation of the role of Fatme in Ballet West’s reconstruction of Abdallah in 1985. This performance marked the beginning of her journey as a guest artist, where she took on various roles with the company.
The news of Bené Arnold’s passing has deeply saddened the dance community. Peter Christie, Ballet West’s Director of Education and Outreach, described her as instrumental in shaping the lives of countless dancers throughout Ballet West’s history and the University of Utah Dance Department.
Christie emphasized Arnold’s unparalleled passion for the art form and her dedication to nurturing and developing young dancers. Her impact on her students extended far beyond the dance studio, inspiring a lifelong love of learning and growth.
Retired Dance Educator Sharee Lane shared her own personal experience with Arnold, highlighting her willingness to take risks and innovate in her teaching methods. Lane praised Arnold’s ability to foster growth in students from diverse backgrounds and challenges.
Bené Arnold’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless dancers whose lives she touched. Her contributions to the world of dance in Utah and beyond will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
.
– Ballet West’s first Ballet Mistress
– dies at 88 years old.
