Have you ever imagined the dedication it takes to build a dance haven? Right here stands the Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance a testament to that unwavering commitment. This magnificent building isn’t just a collection of studios and a theater. It’s a legacy woven into the very bricks and mortar. It’s a story of ambition and generosity spanning decades.
The Marriott Center for Dance opened its doors in 1989. Before that dance programs resided in a repurposed physical education building from 1905. It was far from ideal. The building lacked safety and functionality. It couldn’t meet the growing needs of the Ballet and Modern Dance departments. For over twenty-five years proposals for a new building stalled. Finally in 1984 the State Fire Marshall condemned the old structure. The Utah State Legislature acted swiftly. They appropriated $3.04 million for a new facility. The J Willard Marriott family generously contributed the remaining $2 million. This pivotal donation cemented the Marriott Center for Dance’s existence.
The design was a collaboration between M Ray Kingston and Kip Harris of FFKR Architects. Kingston a former University of Utah modern dance student ensured the design prioritized dancers’ comfort convenience and aesthetic needs. Red brick and Utah sandstone blend the building seamlessly with the historic campus. Six spacious studios form the heart of this three-story structure. A 333-seat professional theater the Hayes Christensen Theatre showcases student talent. Classrooms faculty studios locker rooms a box office and even an outdoor sky deck offer complete functionality.
The theater’s naming honors Elizabeth R Hayes and William F Christensen. Their profound contributions to dance and the University of Utah are immortalized within its walls. The building itself is more than just a structure. It represents the culmination of years of hard work unwavering belief and the incredible generosity of the Marriott family. The center opened its doors in September 1989 ushering in a new era for the dance department.
This isn’t just a building. It’s a living embodiment of artistic passion dedication and the legacy of those who shaped its history. It’s a place where countless dancers have honed their skills. It’s a place where countless stories of artistic triumph have been created. As you stand before the Marriott Center for Dance let this place inspire you. Let it remind you of the power of dreams and the significance of unwavering support in shaping the future of art.