Ballet West mourns loss of beloved costume designer days before 'Nutcracker' opening

SALT LAKE CITY — Just two days before the curtain rises on Ballet West's iconic "Nutcracker" performance in downtown Salt Lake City, the company is facing heartbreaking news at the sudden loss of a cherished faculty member who impacted everyone.

Cindy Farrimond, 66, served as the costume shop manager and was the creative force behind thousands of costumes that graced Ballet West's stage. Known for her vision, talent and problem-solving skills, Farrimond was a leader in the costume department and a beloved colleague.

Farrimond dedicated more than four decades to the art of costume design, before she died unexpectedly this week.

"Her artistry and dedication have touched countless productions. Cindy's passing is a huge loss for Ballet West and is felt deeply by her colleagues who knew and loved her," said Jason Hadley, director of costume production.

Hadley worked closely with Farrimond, who he said was a valued member of the department and always ensured the costumes met the highest standards to represent the company well.

"She was such a big part of the Ballet West family," said Peter Christie, the company's director of education and outreach. "It's going to leave a big hole in the company for a long time. She's going to be missed, and her influence will also last forever."

Adam Sklute, Ballet West's artistic director, said he worked with Farrimond for 18 years, and "she was deeply committed to her craft, her art, and to Ballet West."

He called her work "irreplaceable" and said she will be "deeply missed, but her art and artistry live on in the beautiful costumes she made for Ballet West and countless dancers and dance organizations."

"I am grateful for all that she brought to this world," Sklute said.

Christie said Farrimond began feeling ill last week and was hospitalized, but her sudden passing came as a shock to everyone.

"I think it's a surprise, you know. It happened very quickly," Christie said. "She was a leader in the costume shop. Was very talented at creating and building costumes. Had a great eye for problem-solving when it came to costumes and different body types."

Beyond her artistry, she was remembered as diplomatic, generous and deeply committed to her work. Living in Spring City, in central Utah, Farrimond made a nearly two-hour commute each day — a testament to her dedication.

Katherine Lawrence, former principal dancer and now principal for two Ballet West Academy campuses, said Farrimond was not only skilled in making dancers look their best on stage, but she did so with "such generosity and care for the individuals wearing her beautifully crafted costumes."

"Cindy brought warmth, care and thoughtfulness to the Ballet West costume shop and leaves a tremendous hole in our organization. I will truly miss her," she said.

Lawrence said despite how much work she had to get done, Farrimond would always ask her about her family and check in on her as a friend.

"Cindy also took extra care to make sure I was comfortable in every costume I wore during my pregnancies and postpartum, offering several extra fittings to ensure everything was just right for my changing physique and never making me feel like I was inconveniencing her despite how busy I know she really was," Lawrence said.

Rehearsal director and company archivist Bruce Caldwell said he can't think of anyone else who did more behind the scenes with less public recognition than Farrimond.

"She would always greet you with kindness, never complaining, but turn out work that was exquisite. For over 40 years, she was a very important person in the Ballet West family. We will truly miss her," Caldwell said.

Ballet West soloist artist Victoria Vassos said she fondly remembers how Farrimond would bring in "the best" zucchini and tomatoes from her garden.

"One time after a fitting, she gave me a full bag of spiralized zucchini because she knew I loved them. It's hard to imagine having a costume fitting without her. She was always very sweet," Vassos said.

Opening night for "The Nutcracker" is set for Friday at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Salt Lake City and will run through Dec. 27.

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Christmastime is here — and so are "The Nutcracker," "A Christmas Carol," the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and many more performances to get you in the holiday spirit.

Ballet West celebrated its 80th anniversary of the classic holiday production last year, when the show was also officially designated as a Living Historic Landmark.

"The Nutcracker" is one of the most well-known and well-loved ballets and is an iconic Christmas tradition for many. Ballet West's production boasts being "America's First Nutcracker" as it debuted in 1944 with choreography from Ballet West founder Willam Christensen.

Christensen created his version of "The Nutcracker" for the San Francisco Ballet in 1944 in an attempt to provide family entertainment during the difficult times of World War II. Christensen then brought the ballet to Utah, where it has been performed annually since 1955 — first, at Kingsbury Hall with the University of Utah, and then at the Capitol Theatre once Ballet West was founded in 1963.

Ballet West is the only company to still present that original version of the ballet, despite dozens of companies putting on their own versions every holiday season.

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