Learn about Kim Pritchett!
A former member of the JMBT company, Kim is currently an Executive Administrator in the Zions Wealth division of Zions Bancorporation.
Journey to JMBT
Kim’s first association with the José Mateo Ballet Theatre (JMBT) began in the Summer of 1996. Following a successful audition for the company, she was hired to perform in their production of The Nutcracker for that holiday season.
Experience at JMBT
Of the many cherished memories from her time dancing with JMBT, the most meaningful for Kim was the community of dancers who quickly became her close-knit friends and family. They inspired her to push past her limits, dive deeper into her artistry, and served as an invaluable support system as they all worked together to achieve greatness. Equally impactful was the time she spent in the studio collaborating with José Mateo, whose extraordinary talent for translating music into perfectly matched movement was nothing short of incredible. Working with him on powerful ballets like Schubert Adagio, Isle of the Dead, and her final performance in Bruch Violin Concerto allowed her to grow far beyond the physical technique of ballet, teaching her how to use movement to tell a story and deeply connect with the audience.
Post-JMBT journey & Transition
Following her time with the José Mateo Ballet Theatre, Kim continued her professional dance journey in Europe and at Brigham Young University (BYU) before officially retiring from the stage in 2004. Upon retirement, she successfully transitioned into the financial services industry, building a rewarding corporate career at leading institutions such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, which eventually led to her current role at Zions Wealth under Zions Bancorporation. However, because the inherent need for movement never left her, she became certified in Pilates through the prestigious Romana’s Pilates program in 2008 and taught clients in Charlotte, NC until the birth of her twins in 2010, which prompted her family’s relocation to Salt Lake City, UT. Today, she happily resides in Lehi, UT, balancing her banking career with her lifelong love of dance by volunteering, coaching, and teaching at the Utah Festival Ballet.
Kim as Marzipan in The Nutcracker by Sheryl Bono
Training as Preparation for a Professional Career
Kim’s training and experience with JMBT extended far beyond the walls of the dance studio; it fundamentally shaped her approach to both community service and corporate professionalism. José Mateo was deeply committed to community involvement, prioritizing bringing ballet and the arts to underserved communities. A defining memory of this ethos occurred during a Nutcracker season when, on their only day off—Thanksgiving Day—several dancers gathered at the studio to serve in a local soup kitchen. Going from the stage’s whimsical land of sugarplums to ensuring someone had a warm meal was a profound juxtaposition that impacts her to this day, constantly driving her to find meaningful ways to engage with and support her local community.
This deep-seated value of service translates directly into her current role in wealth management, where serving the client base is always top of mind. She is privileged to work with a highly talented group of professionals who genuinely care about their clients, guiding them through everything from basic estate planning to complex, long-term financial needs. Whether performing on a stage or partnering with wealth management clients, she believes the core principle remains identical: the audience and the clients always come first, and one must consistently put their best foot forward to deliver excellence.
Advice for Aspiring Dancers
For current ballet students aiming to pursue a career in dance and navigate the transitions that follow, Kim’s primary advice is to recognize that talent is only one piece of the puzzle. While natural ability is essential, it represents only about a third of the equation; the rest relies entirely on relentless hard work and a little bit of luck along the way.
Additionally, she strongly encourages dancers not to limit their expectations based on rigid ideas of what a career “should” look like or how it “ought” to go. The process of finding a path forward is rarely a straight line—it is a windy, unpredictable journey. She advises students to embrace the twists and turns, buckle up, and make sure to enjoy the ride.