DANCER HIGHLIGHT: Kai Casperson
Photo: Kai Casperson in Beauty and the Beast | By Beau Pearson
Ballet West II Artist Kai Casperson began dancing when he was nine years old. Now, he is being promoted into the Ballet West main company as a Corps Artist for the 2024-25 season. Growing up in Logan, Utah, he recalls always being familiar with the ballet world, thanks to his mom, and his performances in the local Nutcracker.
“My mom had asked me time and time again if I wanted to take class but I refused because I didn't want to be the only boy in class,” said Casperson. “I finally decided that because I loved performing so much, why not try out ballet class? I took class for a year and when my mom came to watch, she decided I needed more one-on-one attention, so she taught me herself. I really didn't get serious about it until I joined the Ballet West Professional Training Division when I moved away from home at a young age.”
It was a gradual process delving into the art of ballet. He remembers watching his first Ballet West performance of Madame Butterfly with Arolyn Williams and Rex Tilton as the leads. “Their performance made me very emotional, and that was something I wasn't aware ballet was capable of,” said Casperson. “I used to think of class as a chore, but as I developed an understanding of the art form, I would look forward to class. When I performed with the Academy, being with all my friends and dancing challenging steps, I thought if I could make this my job, it would be a dream.”
Now that he is a part of Ballet West’s main company, Casperson is ready for the challenge. “I live for moments when, after hours of frustration, I finally figure out a new step. Ballet is a perfectionist art form, and it can be brutal, but I love it. If you're not constantly trying your best to improve, make each step better than the last, you've actually lost sight of what ballet is about.”
“I've been looking up to the company my whole dancing life and I am honored to be dancing with them,” he continues. “I feel so at home at the studios and the dancers bring that feeling to me.”