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Nov 05
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mike-and-tobi

Ask the Experts: “Mortgage Mike” and Tobi Roberts

By From Our Partners

Buying a home is a big deal, and who you choose to help you through the process makes all of the difference. The right mortgage company will save you time, money, and heartache. City Creek Mortgage has been helping Utah families save thousands of dollars when buying and refinancing their homes for over 24 years while earning thousands of 5-Star Google reviews.

What many people don’t know is that you can (and should) shop around for a mortgage. When shopping for a car or household appliances, you research the product, check out the various retailers, compare prices, and read reviews– all in an effort to save money. So why wouldn’t you do the same with a home loan? 

City Creek Mortgage’s goal is to make it easier than ever to shop for your mortgage and has developed an online suite of free and easy-to-use tools that allow you to compare other lenders’ rates and fees with City Creek’s.

“With our tools, you can get a real-time rate quote in less than 30 seconds, without giving us your contact information. We are confident in our rates, and believe if you like what you see, you’ll choose City Creek.”

After 24 years, the City Creek Mortgage belief is the same: hardworking people have more important things to spend their money on than an overpriced mortgage. Experience the luxury of a seamless, thoroughly communicated mortgage experience, and expect to save money with City Creek Mortgage.

Q&A

What does using a salary-based loan officer mean to me? 

“Choosing a salary-based loan officer ensures that you are not being overcharged by a loan officer whose paycheck is dependent on how much they can charge you. You are working with someone who is paid to give you the best advice and save you money.”

What sets City Creek Mortgage apart from other lenders?

“We are locally and family-owned so we proudly stand behind every transaction. We check in with you throughout the process and if for any reason you are dissatisfied with your experience, you will hear from one of us to find out how we can make it right before you close. We believe that if you provide a fair price and an excellent experience, people will come back for their future needs and they will bring their family & friends with them. This is how we’ve built City Creek Mortgage.”

Why do other mortgage companies hide their rates? 

“The sad reality is that it’s because many in the industry make more money when they keep you in the dark. They will ‘It’s Complicated’ their way out of questions regarding loan costs, requiring you to fill out an application and pull credit. We believe this approach is wrong. Before you give any information, visit City Creek’s website to get a 30-second rate quote for a fully transparent cost assessment.” 

City Creek Mortgage

11910 S. State St., Draper
citycreekmortgage.com 
801-501-7950

Equal Housing Lender
NMLS #85855, #79053, #137701

Find more local experts here.

Nov 05
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form-spa-

Ask the Experts: Dr. Daniel Ward

By From Our Partners

For the past 13 years, Dr. Daniel Ward, MD has been “Improving Lives by Inspiring Confidence” in his facial surgery practice and at Form Derm Spas, which just celebrated its sixth anniversary.

While Dr. Ward has cultivated an impressive reputation as a surgeon, the mission of Form Derm Spa is to extend that surgical-quality service into the non-surgical realm, where Dr. Ward is considered one of the worlds’ experts. The Ward MD team is committed to improving lives, both of their clients and their team members.

For customer relationships, quality looks like excellence in the craft, and integrity that shows in consultations. 

“If we do not think that we can provide that service then we do not agree to perform the procedure,” says Dr. Ward. “The treatments that we perform are all medical grade and we believe that the medical aesthetics industry is marred by those who make promises of incredible results with treatments that do not deliver. We are trying to change that practice. We believe we can do better!”

Dr. Ward also believes in building confidence and positivity in the lives of team members. “This commitment to each other translates into an amazing experience for our clients.” Each team member is required to spend 10% of their week on personal education, training, and professional development. This company is committed to developing the skills of each team member, from new techniques, to time management, to something as simple as meditation.”

For a self-improvement experience rooted in expertise and integrity, there is no higher quality experience than that which can be obtained with Ward MD or Form Derm Spas.

“Our goal is to improve lives. We do that by helping people look and subsequently feel their very best” explains Dr. Ward. “Our most common procedures include rhinoplasty, facelift and eyelid rejuvenation, hair restoration, laser treatments for wrinkles and pigmentation, and more. I am also proud that my team is considered a leading expert in procedures such as filler and Botox. It is fun to be the standard that others in the community and across the country look to for expertise and advice.”

Q&A

How regulated are these treatments?

“Aesthetics treatments are not tightly regulated by the state. These do qualify as medical treatments, but they can be administered by a wide variety of personnel in the healthcare industry. They aren’t all physicians—even if they call themselves ‘doctor.’”

What should I look for when selecting a surgery team?

“First and foremost, make sure you like the surgeon and the team. You want to find providers who’ll help you achieve your goal and navigate any potential complications down the road. Second, when looking for a facial plastic surgeon, verify that the provider is board certified either in 

general plastic surgery, or specifically in facial plastic surgery. There are no other board certifications in the plastics field. Finally, find a practice or med spa that frequently performs the treatments you are interested in. Keep in mind the phrase, ‘jack of all trades, master of none,’ You do not want to receive treatment from someone who isn’t well-practiced.”

What are the latest trends in surgery?

“Surgical procedures are making a  comeback. While our non-surgical options are fantastic, many patients find that surgery gives a more impressive and long-lasting result, as well as that non-surgical procedures can have a longer recovery time than surgical procedures. Many patients would rather go under the knife if it means a better result—especially if there is less recovery.”

Form Derm Spa

CITY CREEK
50 South Main St. #130C, Salt Lake City

COTTONWOOD
6322 South 3000 East, Salt Lake City

MOUNTAIN VIEW VILLAGE
4531 West Partridge Hill Ln., Riverton

801-513-3223 | Formdermspa.com

Formrxskincare.com | Wardmd.com

Find more local experts here.

Nov 04
Love0
Holiday-Bingo-728-90

Survive the Holidays with Salt Lake Magazine’s Bingo

By Community

Holiday Bingo

Download Your Own Bingo Card to Join in the Holiday Fun! Download

Not enough holiday cheer for you? Try a little alternative version of the game to help you survive (read: drink and stumble through) the holiday family drama…

Family Holiday Party: The Drinking Game

Drink once…

  • Every time someone passes you the old Santa hat that’s making the rounds (drink again if it has any odor or stains)
  • Every time a sibling complains about their Secret Santa Gift
  • Every time you’re asked a probing personal question—when are you going to get married, have kids, etc.
  • Every time you remind yourself that it’s O.K. to set personal boundaries with family
  • Every time someone says “Happy Holidays”
  • Every time someone takes offense to saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”

Drink twice…

  • If there’s an overpowering “Holiday Spice” scented candle
  • If someone arrives late because they were at their Ward Christmas Party 
  • If they bring sparkling apple cider
  • If someone pulls out a family photo album or scrapbook
  • If you forgot to set personal boundaries with family
  • If children are coerced into performing the Nativity 
  • If Mom gets very sensitive about the dryness of the ham and/or turkey 

Finish your drink…

  • When someone makes Mom cry

 Bonus Round: ‘Do You Hear what I Hear?’

Take a drink whenever anyone says any of the following…

  • “I thought we agreed on a $20-limit for gifts?”
  • “You’ll shoot your eye out!” or another overused A Christmas Story quote
  • “I shouldn’t have another, but I’m on vacation…”
  • “I thought we weren’t doing gifts this year?”
  • “Jesus is the reason for the season” 
  • “Son of a nutcracker!” and other Elf quotes
  • “The War on Christmas” 

(PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.)

Nov 03
Love0
bbq1

Lush’s BBQ is Park City’s Pit Master

By Eat & Drink

Free of context, Tennessee barbecue on the Wasatch Back sounds like a surefire tourist trap in the making, but the moment you start talking to Richie Lush, any worry about authenticity will quickly dissipate. Even after nearly a decade living in Utah, he speaks with a drawl straight from Lincoln County, Tennessee where he and his barbecue both hail from. Those roots are on full display at his recently opened restaurant in Silver Creek, Lush’s BBQ.

Photo by Adam Finkle

“I’ve had interior decorators come in and ask me who put all this stuff up. I just say, ‘Me. This is my life and what I do.’ I got pictures of my kids and fishing trips and hunting. I got elk and mule deer on the walls. Some people don’t like hunting, well, sorry for your luck,” Lush says.

Lush has that familiar charisma common in confident chefs, but when I asked him what makes his Tennessee barbecue stand out, he was understated, at least at first. “I don’t sauce mine down. That’s pretty much all that separates it,” he says before pausing and unfurling a far more detailed and poignant tale of his recipe’s origins than one would bargain for.  

 “I guess I get that question a lot, and I don’t know how to answer it. See, I learned from a couple old dudes who just believed in me. Charlie Woodley, who was the first black man to open a barbecue restaurant in Fayetteville, walked up to me one day and said, ‘Your dad always helped me out, and you know what? I think this recipe might help you out.’ Charlie put nothing on the pulled pork, he’d cook whole shoulders and sauce it afterwards with straight vinegar, no tomatoes. But I also learned from this other guy, Cheese, and he had a little tomato in his. So, I kind of mixed it up to somewhere in between a Carolina and Memphis style, like a mix of what I learned from these guys who are now passed. I call it the ‘in between.’”  

There are thousands of takes on barbecue and exponentially more opinions on what constitutes perfection. I’m hardly a critic and certainly no pitmaster, but take it from me, the “in between” is awfully good. Think sharp vinegar with a hint of citrus and just a touch of sweetness. When the meat’s just coming off the smoker, you’d be hard pressed to find better ribs, brisket or pulled pork anywhere. Not in Kansas City. Not in Carolina. Not even Texas.

 7182 Silver Creek Rd., Park City, 435-333-2831,

Photo by Adam Finkle

Lush’s has a Food Truck, Too

Lush’s BBQ is only open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7 p.m. on Sundays). Such is the price of meticulously smoked meats. But Lush also runs a food truck that periodically sells in Kamas as people come and go from the Uintas, and it is available for catering events. Get in touch through Lush’s BBQ’s website for more details on food truck availability and locations.

Nov 02
Love0
Tree-of-Light

Upcoming Holiday Events: Halloween Is Over, Christmas Is Here

By Community

Any amount of time on social media will show, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, it’s spooky season. But as soon as the calendar turns over to Nov. 1, the Halloween decorations, parties and content disappear, gobbled up by Christmas cheer, winter holiday events and Mariah Carey. The pop singer shows off her famous range (in more ways than one) with a video on Twitter, transforming from a catsuit-clad witch to a Santa Claus-inspired holiday reveler, looking like she walked straight out of her “All I Want For Christmas Is You” music video. And who are we mere mortals to disagree with Mariah Carey? “All I Want For Christmas Is You” tops the charts every year around the holidays and it’s one of the best selling singles of all time. 

“But what about Thanksgiving?!” Come the cries from a small contingent in the back. To which we say, “What about it?” There’s a reason radio stations start playing Christmas music as soon as the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 1 and not Thanksgiving music. What is Thanksgiving music, anyway? Aside from listening to Taylor Swift’s Red or Folklore albums on loop? Most people seem fine dedicating Thanksgiving to just one day—Thanksgiving Day—and these holiday events throughout the month of November, all over the state of Utah, reflect that sentiment. Happy Holidays! 

Upcoming Holiday Events

Holiday Lights

Lighting of Riverwoods 2022
Nov. 18, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., The Shops At Riverwoods, Provo 
This is the annual Lighting of Riverwoods event featuring over one million lights, live entertainment, ice sculptures and a firework show.

Lights On! at the Eccles
Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City
An event to light up the annual Eccles Theater holiday art installation by local artist Lenka Konopasek. The evening includes a performance from One Voice Children’s Choir and tasty holiday treats. This is a free festive event. Eccles Theater has partnered with Volunteers of America, Utah to collect coats and other warm winter items for families in need. Attendees are encouraged to bring clean, gently-used donations to this event.

Kanab Christmas Light Parade & Festival 2022
Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m., Kanab Center, Kanab 
The event starts with a tree lighting ceremony and then shuts down the highway to begin the Christmas Light Parade. After the parade entries float down Center Street comes the launch of the Wishing Lanterns.  

Ogden’s Holiday Electric Light Parade 2022
Nov. 26, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Ogden, Ogden 
Ogden’s holiday season begins with the Electric Light Parade that fills Washington Boulevard from 22nd Street to 26th Street. The parade is full of elaborate floats, sensational themes and fantastic performers.

2022 Midway Tree Lighting Celebration
Nov. 26, 6 p.m., Midway Town Hall, Midway 
Festivities include holiday entertainment, hot cocoa and cookies, live reindeer, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, old fashioned candy and peanut bags, tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. Bring a canned food item for discounted ice skating at the Midway Ice Skating rink.

Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony 2022
Nov. 28, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Draper City Park, Draper
Draper City’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will include appearances by Santa and special guests, with more than three million lights placed on trees throughout the park. The biggest attraction is the large Globe Willow tree in the center of the park which alone boasts over 75,000 lights.

Sandy’s Light up the Cairns 2022
Nov. 28, 6 p.m., Sandy City Hall and Promenade, Sandy 
Sandy City turns on the Holiday lights at City Hall with holiday music and hot chocolate. This year will also include a drone show.

Herriman Night of Lights 2022
Nov. 28, 6 p.m., J. Lynn Crane Park, Herriman 
Ring in the season with the annual Night of Lights, featuring musical performances, games, crafts and ice skating.

Mapleton City Christmas Tree Lighting, Wreath & Christmas Festival 2022
Nov. 28, 5 p.m., Mapleton City Park, Mapleton 
This yearly event includes the annual lighting of Mapleton City Park, children’s choir, carolers, a visit from Santa, face painting, s’mores by the fire and food trucks. There will also be a display and silent auction of wreaths to benefit the Sub for Santa program.

2022 Saratoga Springs City Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov. 28, 6 p.m., Neptune Park, Saratoga Springs 
This is the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa, featuring crafts for the kids and musical entertainment, food truck and a fireworks show. 

Performing Arts & Entertainment Holiday Events

The Nightmare Before Christmas
Nov, 2, 7:00 p.m., Peery’s Egyptian Theater at Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden
Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion. Rated PG. Run time: 1h 16m

‘Fright-mare Before Christmas’
Nov. 4-26, The Off Broadway Theatre Company, Draper
Playwright Eric Jensen’s newest parody for the ‘tween season (between Halloween and Christmas)—a horror/comedy/musical/holiday extravaganza! Skully, a lonely skeleton, and the icons of other holidays around the calendar battle Dracula, ruler of the underworld, in Christmasland. 

‘The Nutcracker’
Nov. 11-12, Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, Taylorsville
Utah Dance Institute presents The Nutcracker.

The Utah Baroque Ensemble 2022 Christmas Concert
Nov. 13, 1081 W. 1060 North, Provo; Nov. 20, 481 E. Center Street, Orem
A concert of Christmas-themed baroque music. The 2022 concert includes works by Bach, Byr and Sweelinck, as well as music in the Baroque style by a variety of composers including Rutter, Mathias and Sargent. This is a free event.

Ballet West Academy’s ‘A Merry Little Christmas Show’
Nov. 14-15, 7 p.m., Covey Center for the Arts at Covey Center for the Arts, Provo 
This ballet student performance includes holiday music and entertaining choreography.

Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular!
Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., The Maverik Center, West Valley City
Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Pentatonix brings their Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular! 2022 Tour to West Valley City on November 19th. In tandem with the tour, Pentatonix will unveil their 11th overall full-length and sixth holiday album,  Holidays Around The World (RCA Records).

As Long as There’s Christmas
Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, Taylorsville 
Join Santa’s elves as they try to raise enough Christmas Spirit to save the holiday season. All of their efforts are in vain until one little girl reminds everyone of the reason for the season.

David Archuleta: The More the Merrier Christmas Tour
Nov. 18-19, 7:30 p.m., Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts, Ivins 
David Archuleta brings his The More the Merrier Christmas Tour to Utah. 

Bells at Temple Square Concert 2022
Nov. 18-19, 7:30 p.m., Tabernacle on Temple Square, Salt Lake City UT
The Bells at Temple Square will present its annual holiday season concert, led by LeAnna Willmore, conductor of the Bells at Temple Square, and featuring the handbell choir playing on two sets of English handbells. 

The Forgotten Carols 2022 Tour
Nov. 21, 7 p.m., Wasatch High School, Heber City 
Touring since 1991, The Forgotten Carols brings to life the story of Constance Louise Chamberlain, a nurse who hasn’t laughed or cried in over 30 years. But that all changes when she meets and cares for a homeless man with dementia who insists he’s been alive for over two thousand years and recounts the story of Christmas. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve
Nov. 22, 3 p.m., Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City
The holidays rock a whole lot harder with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. By infusing seasonal classics with rock flamboyance, a symphonic sense of scope and an eye-popping visual presentation, complete with lasers and pyrotechnics.

Ballet West’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Nov. 25-26, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts, Ogden 
For nearly 70 years, The Nutcracker by Ballet West has been one of Utah’s most beloved traditions. The longest-running Nutcracker in the country, Ballet West’s production features fantastical sets, gorgeous costumes and spell-binding special effects.

GENTRI Christmas
Nov. 25-26, The Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City 
Live at the Eccles presents GENTRI: The Gentlemen Trio. GENTRI: The Gentlemen Trio brings their holiday spectacular show, CHRISTMAS, to the Eccles stage. 

‘The Polar Express’
Nov. 26, 10:30 a.m., Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden 
The Polar Express Event is back for the 8th year, and this year it’s a holiday pajama party. We encourage everyone to wear your most festive fuzzy pants and slippers. This is also a fundraiser to benefit the Egyptian Theater Foundation. Rated G. Run time: 1h 40m.

2022 Messiah Sing-in
Nov. 26-27, 7:30 p.m., Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City
This cherished tradition invites all to share in the joy of singing Handel’s masterpiece with the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera Chorus. Ranked as one of the “Top 100 Things to do in Salt Lake Before You Die” by Salt Lake editor Jeremy Pugh.

Holiday Fairs And Shows

Salt Lake’s Family Christmas Gift Show
Nov. 10-12, Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy
Start your holiday shopping at the 23rd annual Salt Lake’s Family Christmas Gift Show with 485 booths of gifts amid holidays light displays, decorations, music and, of course, Santa. Children 13 years of age and under enter free. 

Highland Holiday Craft Fair
Nov. 11-12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Highland Community Center, Highland
The Highland City Arts Council is sponsoring the Highland Holiday Craft Fair. The two-day event will feature local crafters and artisans, live music, food and door prizes. This is a free event.

Logan Holiday Gift Show 2022
Nov. 11-12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Riverwoods Conference Center, Logan 
This is Cache Valley’s place to find the most unique gifts and holiday décor made by local artisans. 

2022 Helper Christmas Craft Fair
Nov. 18-19, Helper Civic Auditorium, Helper 
The small town of Helper, Utah comes alive during the Christmas season, starting with the Annual Christmas Craft Fair, featuring booths, food and entertainment.

5th Annual Gingerbread Competition Display
Nov. 21-28, University Place Orem, Orem
The 5th annual University Place Gingerbread House Competition houses will be on display in the west wing of the shopping center, near Tradehome Shoes.

2022 Jubilee of Trees
Nov. 22-23, Dixie Convention Center, Saint George 
Jubilee of Trees is a holiday celebration to raise funds for the advancement of medical services at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital. It is open to the public and showcases decorated Christmas trees and wreaths created by local designers, businesses and community groups that are available for auction.

19th Annual Vernal Holly Days Festival
Nov. 25, 11 a.m., Various locations in Vernal, Vernal UT
The Vernal Holly Days Festival is back with zipline, bounce houses, swings, pony rides, cotton candy and prizes. The Annual Vernal Holly Days Festival is a free event.

Parowan: Christmas in the Country
Nov. 25-26, 10 a.m., Various venues in Parowan, Parowan 
This holiday event features the Holiday Bazaar, Santa’s Parade and Candlelight Walking Parade.

2022 Spanish Fork Christmas Gift and Craft Show
Nov. 25-26, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, Spanish Fork UT
This is Spanish Fork’s 43rd Annual Christmas Gift and Craft Show.

2022 Novemberfest Arts and Crafts Fair
Nov. 25-26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cache County Event Center, Logan 
The Novemberfest Holiday Fair has become an annual tradition, featuring nearly 100 vendors and artisans.

Holiday Market 2022 at Legacy Park
Nov. 25–26, 10 a.m., Washington County Legacy Park, Hurricane 
Get your holiday shopping done all at once while supporting local businesses, crafters and artisans. This is a free event. 

2022 Wheeler Holiday Market
Nov. 25-27, Wheeler Historic Farm, Murray 
Shop locally made treats for those on your holiday list at the Wheeler Holiday Market.

Santa Claus Comes To Town

Santa’s Grand Arrival at University Place
Nov. 25, 9:30 a.m., University Place Orem, Orem 
A long-standing tradition at University Place, Santa makes an unforgettable entrance to University Place. Santa’s Grand Arrival will take place in the parking lot in front of Tucano’s Brazilian Grill. There will be live entertainment and refreshments, while supplies last, as attendees wait for the big guy to land in his helicopter.

Santa’s Arrival in Riverton 2022
Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m., Riverton City Park, Riverton
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the park on a bright red fire engine. Children can greet Santa to make their Christmas requests and also write their letter to Santa. There will be free scones, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating and crafts.

Nov 01
Love0
WT0C0063

Ballet West Dancers Bring Romance to the Stage

By Arts & Culture

Never mix business with pleasure? That can be a tough sell to artists, even the highly regimented Ballet West dancers. Let’s face it, dancers work closely together—very closely—and among all the choreographed caresses, something more than a professional commitment to creating onstage chemistry happens. Dancers will admit, sparks do fly.

“It’s an insular world,” says Beau Pearson, a former company member who met and married his wife, Emily Adams, while dancing at Ballet West. During the holiday season, for instance, these Sugarplums, Nutcracker Princes, Mechanical Dolls and Mice Kings may spend up to 12 hours a day, six days a week together performing the company’s iconic Nutcracker. We asked four of Ballet West’s devoted couples how they have handled workplace romance during the height of the ballet season.

THE COUPLE—LILLIAN CASSCELLS & BEAU CHESIVOIR

Lillian is a corps artist who joined Ballet West in 2017. She’s from Washington, D.C. Beau is also from D.C. and joined the company in 2018 as a corps artist. 

Ballet West dancers
BEAU: Jacket, Vintage YSL Blazer; Shirt, Slim Stretch Cotton Dress Shirt, Express; Pants, Tuxedo Pant, Nordstrom; Shoes, Calvin Klein Brodie Oxford, Nordstrom; Watch, Breitling Navitimer, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. LILLIAN: Dress, Heather Dress, Heggy Gonzalez @heggygonzalez; Jacket, Linda Richards Feather Jacket, Farasha; Bag, Chanel Coco Crossbody, The Lady Bag; Shoes, BP Lula Block Heel Sandal, Nordstrom; Earrings, Jade Trau Poppy Hoops with Diamond in 18K gold; Ring, Omi Privé with Green Tourmaline and Diamond in 18K gold, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. Photography by Adam Finkle, styled by Farasha Vanessa Di Palma Wright & Harly Richards, makeup by Nikki Breedlove, hair by Tricia Snow,
art direction by Jeanine Miller.

THEIR STORY

Like the plot of any good romcom, Lillian Casscells and Beau Chesivoir often sparred during their early careers at Ballet West. But after COVID-19 sent them back to their hometowns, they lived just 10 minutes apart in the Washington, D.C. area. 

“If nobody makes me do something, I might just sit in bed all day,” laughs Lillian, describing how, with a career that demands so much of her body, she saw the time away as a respite. But, she says, Beau had different ideas. “He would call me to do some daily activity, like bike riding or painting in the park. It was just friends finding a way to get out,” she says. “But it made me so happy…and then I realized he made me happy.” (Read their full story)

THE COUPLE—DOMINIC BALLARD & VINICIUS LIMA

Dominic is a demi-soloist who joined Ballet West in 2017 and is originally from Albury, New South Wales, Australia. Vinicius is a corps artist who joined the company in 2018 and is from Vitória, Brazil.

Ballet West dancers
Dominic: Jacket, Rachel Gilbert Black Trench, Name Droppers; Shirt, Crochet Textured Shirt, Zara; Pants, Jacquard Suit Pants, Zara; Bracelet, John Hardy Bracelet in Sterling Silver, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. Vinnie: Shirt, Saiid Kobeisy Bodysuit, Name Droppers; Pants, Topman Velvet Suit Pants, Nordstrom; Necklace, John Hardy Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver; Bracelet, John Hardy in Sterling Silver; Rings, John Hardy Link Ring and Pearl Ring in Sterling Silver, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. Photography by Adam Finkle, styled by Farasha Vanessa Di Palma Wright & Harly Richards, makeup by Nikki Breedlove, hair by Tricia Snow, art direction by Jeanine Miller.

THEIR STORY

Cooking for friends. It’s what Vinicius “Vinni” Lima and Dominic Ballard say they like best when they leave the Ballet West studios each day. Both agree their background comes out in their cooking. “Dominic loves to make gourmet recipes and I like to make my Latin ones,” says Vinni, with a teasing eye roll. “He’ll buy 20 ingredients to make one meal, and I’ll make 20 meals out of one ingredient.”

When Vinni joined Ballet West in 2018, he says he and Dominic bonded over shared culture shock and recent heartbreaks. (Read their full story)

THE COUPLE — VICTORIA VASSOS & HADRIEL DINIZ

Victoria joined Ballet West in 2017 and is a corps artist who originally comes from Ticino, Switzerland and Seres, Greece. Hadriel is a principal artist who joined the company in 2015. He is originally from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

VICTORIA: Shrug, Asos Luxe, Name Droppers; Skinny Maxi Skirt, Rachel Gilbert, Name Droppers; Bodysuit, Target; Headband, Amazon; Bag, Chanel Vintage Satchel, The Lady Bag; Shoes, Black Suede Studio Kris Sandal, Nordstrom; Necklace, Roberto Coin Double Medallion in 18K gold; Ring, Julez Bryant Gold Block with Diamond in 14K gold, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. HADRIEL: Suit, Slim Solid Brown Cotton Suit, Express; Shirt, Slim Geo Print Stretch Dress Shirt, Express; Shoes, Cole Haan Chelsea Boot, Nordstrom; Watch, Tudor Black Bay, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. Photography by Adam Finkle, styled by Farasha Vanessa Di Palma Wright & Harly Richards, makeup by Nikki Breedlove, hair by Tricia, art direction by Jeanine Miller.

THEIR STORY

At her first Ballet West fundraising gala, Victoria Vassos asked her coworker, Hadriel Diniz to join her on the dance floor. But the Brazilian, who was quickly rising within the company ranks, bashfully declined. 

“He actually said, ‘I don’t dance,’” she says, laughing in dismay. 

“I was too busy sampling the bar,” he counters, giggling with boyish mirth. 

“I told him, if you really want to be with me, text me tomorrow,” says Victoria, who’s half Greek and half Italian. 

The next day, Hadriel says he poured over each word of a possible text editing and re-editing of a response to her challenge but, ever shy, was too afraid to hit send. (Read their full story)

THE COUPLE — OLIVIA GUSTI & TYLER GUM

Olivia is a demi-soloist who joined Ballet West in 2015 and is originally from Tampa, Florida. Tyler is a first soloist who joined the company in 2009 and is from Calhan, Colorado. 

Ballet West dancers
Tyler: Suit, Madison Fit Two-Button Suit, Brooks Brothers; Tie, Louis Vuitton; Watch, Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. OLIVIA: Vintage Corset and Tulle Skirt, Driftwood Collection; Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings, Ippolita in 18k gold, O.C. Tanner Jewelers. Photography by Adam Finkle, styled by Farasha Vanessa Di Palma Wright & Harly Richards, makeup by Nikki Breedlove, hair by Tricia, art direction by Jeanine Miller.

THEIR STORY

“She’s a romantic,” says Tyler Gum of his wife, Olivia Gusti. 

“A hopeless one,” she adds with gusto. 

Olivia has a commanding, queenly air about her. With her regal shoulders, long neck and wide eyes, she is every bit a ballerina. This imperious poise, however, dissolves the moment she bounces into a chair and bubbles out the couple’s love story—from their first meeting to an engagement ring scavenger hunt.

“Isn’t it beyond perfect?” she gushes as she shows off the olive-green sapphire ring glistening atop her finger. “Isn’t HE?” (Read their full story)

See them on stage

Every year, Ballet West presents a season that includes classical story ballets as well as mixed-bills that highlight contemporary works. What type of ballet speaks to you? Single tickets range from $25–$119 at balletwest.org

Ballet West’s 2022-23 Season

Rodeo (Choreography by Agnes de Mille; Music by Aaron Copland) Also featuring Concerto Barocco and Return to a Strange Land. Nov. 4 – Nov. 12

The Nutcracker (Choreography by Willam Christensen; Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky) Dec. 2 – Dec. 24

The Sleeping Beauty (Choreography by Adam Sklute and Ballet West Artistic Staff; Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky) Feb. 10 – Feb. 18

Snow White Family Classic Series performed by Ballet West II and Academy. April 7 – April 8

The Wedding (Three Ballet West Premieres)Les Noces; In the Night; A Light Rain. April 14 – April 22

This story was originally featured in our 2022 Nov/Dec issue, look for it out on newsstands now.