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SALT LAKE CITY — The drama is on again as Ballet West returns for a second season on the CW's "Breaking Pointe." The drama has been good to Utah's premiere dance company
Last year, it was an unknown risk to allow producers and cameras into the studio, behind the scenes and at home with the dancers. But the dancers and directors all say it paid off, and they are ready for round two.
"I'd like to think that we're entering into a new dance boom with ‘So You Think You Can Dance' and 'Dancing with the Stars' and movies like 'Black Swan' — and us, ‘Breaking Pointe,' " said Adam Sklute, artistic director at Ballet West.
But that doesn't mean that the reality show experience doesn't have its cons. It's nerve-racking to try to please the producers, who have cameras everywhere and are constantly listening to every word you say.
"What did I say? How can they edit that," said Ballet West dancer Zachary Prentice. "Is it going to be good for me? Is it going to be bad for me? It was an extremely stressful situation for me, but I don't think that I would ever change that, because this opportunity was so amazing."
The pros outweigh the cons, and the popularity of "Breaking Pointe" has opened doors for Ballet West," which marks its 50th anneversary this year. The company performed both at New York's City Center and Washington's John F. Kennedy Center last year.
It's great to show people you can be what you want to be with a lot of hard work and dedication.
–Zachary Prentice
Skulte said the dancers also benefited from advanced casting lists, procured by the producers of "Breaking Pointe" because they wanted to know where the show's featured dancers would be performing.
However, the featured dancers don't get the benefit of previewing the show. They have to watch the drama unfold along with everyone else, which they did with fans on Monday night.
Despite all the nerves and drama, the dancers hope they send another message — one of living your dream.
"It's great to show people you can be what you want to be with a lot of hard work and dedication," Prentice said.
"Breaking Pointe" airs Monday nights on the CW network.
