artÉmotion is under the Artistic Direction of former Ballet West First Soloist Allison DeBona and Ballet West Principal, Rex Tilton. artÉmotion’s inaugural year was 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio where they established a summer intensive for ballet students. In 2016 it grew to offer programs in both Cleveland and Detroit, Michigan.   In 2017 the artÉmotion Summer Intensive partnered with the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, official school of Ballet West. This strategic partnership between artÉmotion and Ballet West saw Allison DeBona and Rex Tilton leading a two-week Choreographic Workshop in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a two-week Summer Intensive for pre-professional students in St. George, Utah. DeBona and Tilton continue their well-established Summer Intensive for Adults in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Allison DeBona and Rex Tilton believe training is vital to honing their craft and want to share as many opportunities with fellow dance professionals and students, alike. artÉmotion is dedicated to fostering a dance environment dedicated to operating diversely, equitably, and inclusively. In 2019, they had made it artÉmotion’s goal to reach more dancers. In addition to their summer intensives for students and adults, they now offer virtual open classes, and virtual in person master classes and private lessons, with an emphasis of turning Salt Lake City, Utah into a premiere dance hub. 

In August 2021, Allison DeBona was appointed Principal of the Ballet West Academy Peggy Bergmann Park City Campus. Rex Tilton is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah.

OUR MISSION

We develop Artists, not just Dancers.

artÉmotion shapes students into multidimensional dancers by asking them to stretch beyond their physical abilities and help them find their inner voices as artists. Our mission is facilitated by our curriculum. Students of artÉmotion will explore their artistry and technique in tandem. No movement without a purpose, without a unique story.