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Carole Mikita ReportingAs Ballet West prepares to open its final production of the season, the company is also saying goodbye to a very popular dancer. Maggie Wright is changing her focus from center stage to backyard.
Ballet West captures the next generation audience during a school performance, and who knows, the professionals may inspire some young people to follow in their footsteps. That scenario is what Maggie Wright worked hard to promote. For 18 seasons, she graced the stage performing all of the major roles. Now she is retiring.
Maggie Wright: "My body was getting tired. My mind wasn't wanting to be in the studio anymore or as much. It was more of a chore to show up every day, and I've never wanted to be that kind of a dancer. I've always wanted to be there and improve."
She achieved what few dancers do, becoming an audience favorite. Ticket buyers would request seats on the nights Maggie Wright was performing.
Maggie Wright: "Certain roles touched them more than others and really opened up a wind down of communication between the audience and myself. That's a pretty special feeling, it's pretty endearing to have that kind of relationship."
The relationships calling her now are in another part of her life. Two-month-old Mary Ann and 5-year-old Arden will have her full-time attention.
Maggie Wright: "Not that I feel like I missed a lot. I want to take her to school and pick her up. I started to fall in love with that part of being a mom."
Besides inspiring two little girls at home in the arts, Maggie will return to Ballet West as part of the educational staff and teaching prospective young dancers. Her legacy lives on.
"An Evening of Ballets" opens tomorrow and runs through June 3rd at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets are available.
