National Hispanic Heritage Month event in Park City headlined by Mexican-American Prima Ballerina

Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, the first Mexican-American prima ballerina Photo: Chris Hardy Photography

PARK CITY, Utah – Ballet West Academy’s Peggy Bergmann Park City Campus, Youth United, and the Egyptian YouTheatre are joining forces to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a special presentation featuring Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, the first Mexican-American prima ballerina. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Egyptian Studios.

Cisneros-Legate, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, broke barriers during her tenure with the San Francisco Ballet, becoming the first Mexican-American to hold the title of prima ballerina. During the event, she will share her personal experiences of navigating the ballet world as one of the few dancers of color and discuss how her cultural heritage influenced her professional and personal life.

Currently the director of the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, Cisneros-Legate continues to inspire future generations, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in ballet. She was recently honored as one of Utah Business’s Women of the Year for her contributions to the arts and the community.

Jamie Wilcox, artistic director of the Egyptian YouTheatre, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, underscoring the significance of inspiring young people. “We have a joint mission to inspire young people in our community to explore their interests and become active participants in their futures by following their dreams with determination and passion,” Wilcox said. “As arts educators and stewards of the arts, it’s crucial that we offer opportunities for all members of our community to see themselves reflected in those spaces.”

Ballet West Academy, under the leadership of Allison DeBona, Park City Campus Principal, provides education in ballet and other dance forms. “Park City students are being taught by world-class teachers in each of the genres,” DeBona said. “We understand families have many activities to choose from, and we can guarantee that joining Ballet West Academy is a valuable investment for their children. My mission is to shape dancers to be successful in whatever path they choose.”

For Park City’s Latinx community, the event carries particular significance. Latinx students make up 30% of Ballet West Academy’s enrollment in the area. DeBona highlighted the importance of representation, noting, “Showing representation at such a distinguished level as Mrs. Legate is paramount to aspiring dancers in the community.”

The National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration aims to inspire attendees by spotlighting a pioneering figure in ballet and recognizing the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals to the arts.

For more information, visit the Ballet West Academy or Egyptian YouTheatre.