DANCER HIGHLIGHT: AMELIA DENCKER
Photo: Corps Artist Amelia Dencker | By Beau Pearson
Corps Artist, Amelia Dencker was involved in the performing arts from a young age. “Many of my family members are musicians or performers, but no one studied ballet until me,” she said. “I grew up learning piano from my grandmother, singing in choruses, and performing in plays at my French immersion school. Ballet was actually the last thing I tried because as soon as I did, I didn't want to be anywhere else.”
At age 16, Amelia was offered to join Ballet West Academy’s Professional Training Division on scholarship. She moved from Maryland to Utah for the opportunity and worked her way up as a Trainee, then Ballet West II, and into the main Company in 2021.
In her spare time, Amelia loves traveling, camping, hiking, collecting antiques, and being creative through things like writing and decorating her home. She especially loves spending time outside and finding new places to explore.
“I started trail running in the mountains this year, which has been a fun way to cross-train while visiting some of my favorite areas. Being outdoors is my favorite thing to do when I have free time. Sometimes I will go on a camping trip, and sometimes there is only time for a day hike, but I just really love spending time outside. I’m lucky; I live so close to some very breathtaking nature in Utah,” she said.
When asked what she likes about performing, she said, “Something I find so special is the artistic collaboration that brings our shows together. With a ballet like Swan Lake, it’s important we dive into the rehearsal process to learn and solidify the dancing and storytelling. Then when the day comes, we are in our beautiful historic theater, and all the pieces of the full production come together. Our dancing joins with our live orchestra, and the full picture and story evolves within the scenery and sets, lights, costumes, props, etc. Everything truly comes to life. It is a beautiful blending of art forms, and it takes place every night at the ballet.”
Follow Amelia on Instagram @ameliadencker.