Now playing: plan ahead for a vibrant arts scene in 2011.

• Author: Kinder, Peri
• Position: Executive Living

American artist Robert Henri once said, "Art appreciation, like love, cannot be done by proxy." Leaders in the arts scene couldn't agree more. One of the biggest challenges facing the Utah arts industry today is convincing people to get off their couches, open their wallets and pay money to attend live events.

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Many arts companies in Utah are becoming more financially prudent by performing fewer shows, partnering with other groups and doing creative marketing so the quality of performances can stay at the high level arts patrons in Utah have come to expect.

Artistry and Athleticism

Even though companies are cutting back, some fantastic productions are being staged for the upcoming year. Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company's Artistic Director, Charlotte Boye-Christensen, says a "can't miss" of 2011 is Alwin Nikolais Centennial, being performed April 21-23. The production will include Salt Lake premieres of "Kaleidoscope" and "Temple."

"We have a lot of his work in our repertoire," says Boye-Christensen. "We're celebrating his centennial by doing a show with his most well-known pieces."

At the time "Kaleidoscope" debuted in 1956, it was considered to be "relatively radical" at the forefront of multimedia interaction, using inventive costuming, props, stage make-up and lighting. Nikolais even created his own music for the production.

The choreographer has been labeled a "genius" and is considered the inspiration for troupes such as Cirque du Soleil and the Blue Man Group.

"'Kaleidoscope' is still incredibly fun today because he had such contemporary ideas and philosophies," Boye-Christensen says. "That's what made him groundbreaking as a choreographer."

Boye-Christensen understands many people feel intimidated by the arts, whether it's dance, theater, opera or symphony productions. She says people shouldn't try to comprehend everything, just allow themselves to experience the music, movement and artistry. Because of the abstraction of dance as an art form, it's open to endless interpretations.

She also believes that dance crosses cultural, social and economic lines, allowing people of any income or education level to enjoy the experience of theater production.

"[Dance] is one of the most democratic art forms there is," Boye-Christensen says. "It's allowing yourself to be in the moment. People sort of intellectually want to put it together, but there's so much emotional information. Dance is so abstract that you have to come to...